Beijing transportation

Public transportation system in Beijing is pretty good, assuring you a comfortable and quick way of getting around the city. Tough sometimes, and not only in peak hours, it can get very crowded it is still the best way of moving around the city.

Before you hit the roads of Beijing, no matter which transportation you choose to use, take into account that it’s very important to know the place names in Chinese and to carry a map both in English and Chinese. Especially if using a taxi or a bus the driver might not understand you if you speak in English, but he will surly understand if you show where you wish to go on a map.

The fastest way to get from one corner of the city to another is by using the Subway. Operating from 5Am until midnight, the subway was clear signs in English as well. Every line has a different color , so it’s really hard to mix them( Line 1 –Red, Line2-Dark Blue, Line5-Purple, Line8-Green,( Olympic Branch),Line10-Light Blue,Line13-Orange-Yellow,and the Airport Line-Grey). Subway entrances are marked by a sign containing a large blue stylized letter G wrapped around a smaller letter B.

The best option is to purchase a pre-paid Smart Card, or a 3,7,15 Day Pass, depending on which means of transport you wish to use and how often.
One of the most pleasant ways of exploring the city is by bike, which you can rent at several points in the city. Cycling is probably the only way one can avoid rush hour traffic and reach its destination lot faster than by means of car, motor, bus or taxi.

Cheap and convenient is traveling by bus. Lines are numbered from 1-300 covering the center and 300-999 the outskirts, operating from 5Am to 11PM.For your own safety keep an eye on your belongings, as buses tend to get very crowded and pickpockets are just waiting for the perfect opportunity to steal. Other options of traveling are by privately operated minibuses or by taxi. These are convenient and not so expensive, the only draw back they have is that you might get stuck in traffic. Only use licensed taxis, with a license plate beginning with “B” and make sure the meter is always running!

Beijing get around