Getting Started on the Beijing Subway
The Beijing Subway is the fastest and most affordable way to get around Beijing. The network covers 459 stations across 27 lines and 836 km of track, connecting the city's key neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and attractions. Around ~10.0 million journeys are made every day.
The Beijing Subway is one of the world's most extensive and rapidly expanding metro systems. Opened on 1 October 1969, it now operates 459 stations across 27 lines and over 800 km of track — making it the world's largest metro network by total length and among the longest by station count.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the Yikatong Card — faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. How to use the Yikatong card on the Beijing Subway — buying, loading, fares, and Alipay/WeChat Pay alternatives for visitors in 2026.
All payment options: Yikatong card (一卡通) · Alipay · WeChat Pay · UnionPay contactless · Paper ticket (ticket machines).
💡 The Yikatong card (¥20 deposit + loaded credit) gives the same distance-based fare as paper tickets but is faster at gates. Alipay and WeChat Pay now work at most turnstiles — convenient for visitors with a Chinese payment app.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times.
Getting from the Airport to Beijing
The Airport Express from PEK to Dongzhimen takes 20 minutes for ¥35 — direct guide for arrivals at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Journey time: ~20 min to Dongzhimen / Sanyuanqiao. Estimated fare: ¥35 flat fare (Airport Express).
Full airport connection guide →
Key Stations
These are the most important and useful stations on the Beijing Subway for visitors:
Lines Overview
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Get a transit card — Yikatong Card Guide is faster and cheaper than single-use tickets.
- Always tap in and out — tap your card at both entry and exit barriers to correctly calculate the fare and avoid overpaying.
- Travel off-peak — No peak surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times are the busiest times. Fares may be lower off-peak.
- Download the official app — real-time service status, route planning, and fare information from Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp..
- Check operating hours — verify first and last train times before late-evening travel.
- Airport connection — see the airport guide for the fastest and cheapest way to/from the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yikatong card?
The Yikatong (一卡通, "one card") is Beijing's rechargeable IC transit card. ¥20 deposit (refundable) + load credit. Works on subway, all Beijing buses, and some other city transport. Buy at any subway station service centre. Top up at machines, service centres, or the Yikatong app.
Can tourists use Alipay or WeChat Pay on the subway?
Yes — most Beijing subway turnstiles accept QR code payment via Alipay and WeChat Pay. You scan the code on the reader. International Alipay (linked to a foreign card) works at many but not all gates. WeChat Pay requires a Chinese bank account. A Yikatong card is the most reliable option.
How do I get from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the city?
Take the Airport Express from Terminal 3 or T2 to Dongzhimen (Line 2) or Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) — about 20 minutes, flat fare ¥35. From Dongzhimen you can connect to all central lines. The Airport Express runs every 10 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00.
How do I get from Daxing Airport (PKX) to the city?
Take the Daxing Airport Express from the airport to Caoqiao (Line 10) — 35 minutes, flat ¥35. From Caoqiao you can reach most parts of Beijing via Line 10. The express runs every 10 minutes.
Is the Beijing Subway safe for foreigners?
Yes — the Beijing Subway is safe, well-patrolled, and has security checks with bag scanners at every station entrance. Signs are in Chinese and English (pinyin). Google Maps and Baidu Maps both work for subway navigation, though you may need a VPN for Google.
Which subway line goes to the Forbidden City?
Line 1 stops at Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West — both a short walk from the main gate of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Line 2 stops at Qianmen, south of Tiananmen Square.
What time does the Beijing Subway close?
Most lines run from approximately 05:00–23:00, with some variation by line and direction. Last trains vary by station. Check the BJMTR website or subway app for last train times on specific lines.
Does the Beijing Subway have English signage?
Yes — all station names are displayed in Chinese characters and English (pinyin) on in-station signs, platform signs, and maps. Announcements on trains are in Mandarin and English.
Fare Guide
See the full Beijing Subway ticket prices guide for all fares, the Yikatong Card Guide discount, and payment options.
Source: Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. (BJMTR) and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance — verify with the operator before travel.