How to use the Yikatong card on the Beijing Subway: buying, loading, fares, and Alipay/WeChat Pay alternatives for visitors in 2026.
How to Get the Yikatong Card
Buy at any Beijing Subway station service centre (人工售票窗口). ¥20 deposit (refundable) + load minimum ¥10. Machines dispense the card. Alipay and WeChat Pay QR code payment available at most turnstiles without a card.
Yikatong Card Benefits
- Works on Beijing Subway, all buses, and some intercity transport in Beijing.
- ¥20 deposit refundable at service centres when leaving.
- No need to queue for a ticket every journey, tap and go.
- Discounts available on buses when also using Yikatong.
- Can be topped up at subway machines, banks, and the Yikatong app.
Fare Reference (CNY)
Payment methods: 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.
| Journey | Off-Peak (CNY) | Peak (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (0–6 km) | ¥3 | ¥3 |
| 6–12 km | ¥4 | ¥4 |
| 12–22 km | ¥5 | ¥5 |
| 22–32 km | ¥6 | ¥6 |
| Airport Express flat fare | ¥35 | ¥35 |
| Daxing Airport Express | ¥35 | ¥35 |
Peak hours: No peak surcharge, flat distance-based fares at all times.
Yikatong Card vs Single-Journey Ticket
| Yikatong Card | Single-Journey Token / Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare benefit | Works on Beijing Subway, all buses, and some intercity transport in Beijing. | Standard full fare |
| Queue time | Tap and go, no queue | Buy at a machine each time |
| Initial cost | ¥20 | Journey cost only |
| Best for | Frequent riders | A single one-off journey |
Tips for Using the Yikatong Card
- Tap in and tap out with the same card at every gate. The fare is worked out when you exit.
- Top up before you travel, through the official Beijing Subway app or website where available, or at station machines.
- If you lose the card, contact Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. (BJMTR). Many systems can move the balance to a new card.
- Travelling to or from the airport? See the airport transfer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a refund on my Yikatong card?
Return to any Beijing Subway service centre (or authorized banks). Present the card and any ID, ¥20 deposit and remaining credit are refunded in cash. The process is straightforward and takes a few minutes.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay on the subway?
Apple Pay (linked to a UnionPay card) works at many Beijing Subway turnstiles. Google Pay has very limited acceptance in China. UnionPay contactless is the most widely supported foreign payment method. Alipay with a foreign-linked account is increasingly accepted.
Is Yikatong the same as Beijing Transit Card?
Yes, Yikatong (一卡通) is the official name for Beijing's rechargeable transit IC card, also called Beijing Transit Card. There are different versions (standard, NFC phone version) but they all work the same way on the subway.
Does Yikatong work in other Chinese cities?
Yikatong is primarily for Beijing. However, under national IC card interoperability agreements, it may work on metro systems in some other Chinese cities (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen). Check the Yikatong website for current cross-city acceptance.
See also: Beijing Subway ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Beijing Subway guide
Source: Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. (BJMTR). Fares and card terms change from time to time, so verify before travel.