1. Find the station
Look for the Beijing Subway entrance symbol, then check the line number and station name before entering. Large interchanges can have many street exits, so note your exit letter.
Start here
How to use the Beijing Subway
China Tracking is primarily a practical resource for following parcels and deliveries connected with China. This metro guide extends that same logistics-first approach to travel on the ground: the system is extensive but straightforward once you know your line number, terminal direction, interchange station and payment method. Station signs commonly include English alongside Chinese, especially on the urban network.
2. Check direction
Platforms are signed by the terminal or next stations. On loop lines, pay attention to the direction shown on platform signs rather than assuming eastbound or westbound.
3. Tap or buy
Use an eligible contactless bank card, a supported mobile wallet, a transit card such as BEIJING PASS, or purchase a single-journey ticket at a machine or staffed counter.
First and last trains vary by station. “Around 05:00–23:00” is a useful rule of thumb, not a timetable. Airport lines and special-event extensions can differ, so verify the exact station schedule before a time-critical journey.
Tickets & payment
Beijing Subway fares
Most urban rail journeys use a distance-based fare. Airport express services are priced separately. The table below reflects the official regular-network fare structure.
| Journey distance | Regular fare |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 km | CNY ¥3 |
| Over 6 km to 12 km | CNY ¥4 |
| Over 12 km to 22 km | CNY ¥5 |
| Over 22 km to 32 km | CNY ¥6 |
| Over 32 km | + ¥1 per additional 20 km |
| Capital Airport Express | CNY ¥25 |
Quick fare estimate
Enter the rail distance in kilometres. This estimates the regular urban-rail fare only; airport express lines use separate pricing.
Estimated regular fare¥—
Budgeting in euros? Subway fares are charged in Chinese yuan (CNY/RMB). Before travelling, you can translate these ticket prices into euros using the current yuan/euro exchange rate and keep a more realistic daily transport budget.
Visitors
The easiest ways to pay
Beijing has made subway payment substantially easier for international visitors. In 2026 the city announced full-network tap-to-ride support across China UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB and American Express.
⌁
Contactless bank card
For eligible cards, tap directly at a supported fare gate. This can remove the need to buy a ticket or download a transport app.
▣
BEIJING PASS
A rechargeable physical card designed for overseas visitors. It can be purchased at designated locations and used for public transport plus selected tourism and retail services.
票
Single-journey ticket
Still a dependable option. Buy from a station machine or staffed counter, then use the ticket at both entry and exit gates.
Network guide
Key Beijing Subway lines
This traveller-focused navigator highlights the lines most useful for central Beijing, major rail stations, airports and popular visitor districts. It is intentionally more practical than a 500-station directory.
Showing all key lines
1
Line 1 / BatongCentral east–west · Tian'anmen · Wangfujing · Universal Resort
visitor core2
Line 2Inner-city loop · Beijing Railway Station · Dongzhimen · Qianmen
central loop3
Line 3New east-side corridor · Dongsi Shitiao · Chaoyang Railway Station area
east Beijing4
Line 4 / DaxingSummer Palace area · Xidan · Beijing South Railway Station
north–south5
Line 5Temple of Heaven · Dongdan · Beixinqiao
sightseeing6
Line 6Nanluoguxiang area · Beihai North · Dongsi · Tongzhou
east–west7
Line 7Beijing West Railway Station · southeast Beijing · Universal Resort
rail + resort8
Line 8Olympic Green · Shichahai · Qianmen · Wangfujing area
sightseeing9
Line 9Beijing West Railway Station · National Library
rail hub10
Line 10Large loop · Sanyuanqiao · Guomao/CBD · multiple interchanges
outer core12
Line 12Northern cross-city corridor · Haidian to Chaoyang
cross-city13
Line 13North Beijing · Xizhimen · Wudaokou · major residential/tech areas
north Beijing14
Line 14Beijing South Railway Station · Chaoyang Park area · east/south arc
rail + east15
Line 15Olympic Green · Wangjing · Shunyi
northeast16
Line 16Western north–south corridor · National Library · Lize area
west Beijing17
Line 17Workers' Stadium area · central/eastern north–south express corridor
fast corridor18
Line 18North Beijing · Malianwa · Shangdi · Huilongguan/Tiantongyuan areas
new in 202519
Line 19Fast north–south link · Jishuitan · Ping'anli · south Beijing
express-styleCP
Changping LineNorthwest suburban corridor toward Changping District
suburbanFS
Fangshan LineSouthwest suburban service with links into the main network
suburbanS1
Line S1Western suburban maglev corridor connecting at Jin'anqiao
westPEK
Capital Airport ExpressBeixinqiao · Dongzhimen · Sanyuanqiao · Capital Airport T3/T2
airportPKX
Daxing Airport ExpressCaoqiao · Daxing International Airport
airportPopular destinations
Useful stations for first-time visitors
Beijing attractions often cover large areas, and the “best” station can depend on the entrance you have booked. These are practical starting points rather than a substitute for checking your exact gate or venue entrance.
Tian'anmen East / West · Line 1
Tian'anmen & Forbidden City area
Useful for the central monumental axis. Entry arrangements and pedestrian controls can change, so allow extra walking and security time.
Olympic Green · Lines 8 / 15
Olympic Park
Convenient for the Bird's Nest and Water Cube precinct, with strong north–south connections through the city.
Beigongmen / Xiyuan · Line 4
Summer Palace
Line 4 is the principal subway corridor for the Summer Palace area. Choose the station according to the entrance you plan to use.
Shichahai · Line 8
Shichahai & hutong area
A useful metro access point for the lakes and surrounding historic lanes, with easy onward travel to the city centre.
Tiantandongmen · Line 5
Temple of Heaven
Direct access near the eastern side of the Temple of Heaven park, making Line 5 a simple sightseeing route.
Wangfujing · Line 1 / 8 area
Wangfujing
Central shopping and pedestrian district close to major landmarks and well connected to the wider subway grid.
Universal Resort · Lines 1 / 7
Universal Beijing Resort
The resort has direct urban-rail access at the eastern end of Lines 1/Batong and 7.
Multiple routes · not direct metro
Great Wall trips
Major Great Wall sections are outside the central subway network. Use the metro to reach a suitable bus, rail or tour departure point.
Airport rail
Beijing airports by subway
Beijing has two major international airports. Check your airport code carefully: PEK is Beijing Capital International Airport; PKX is Beijing Daxing International Airport.
✈ PEK · Capital Airport
Capital Airport Express
Connects Capital Airport with Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao. The official fixed single-journey fare is ¥25.
- Useful interchange at Dongzhimen for Line 2 and Line 13.
- Sanyuanqiao connects with Line 10.
- Official airport-line operating times differ by station and direction.
✈ PKX · Daxing Airport
Daxing Airport Express
The dedicated airport line connects Daxing International Airport with Caoqiao, where passengers can transfer to the urban subway network.
- Use Caoqiao for onward metro connections into Beijing.
- The line is subject to its own fare rules rather than the regular urban fare table.
- A northward extension toward Lize Business District is part of Beijing's 2026 rail construction program.
Ride like a local
Four tips that prevent most mistakes
Beijing's subway is highly usable for visitors, but distances, interchange corridors and station exits can be bigger than they look on a schematic map.
Save the Chinese name
Keep the station or destination name in Chinese on your phone. It is useful when asking staff or matching signs and map labels.
Allow transfer time
At major interchanges, the walk between platforms can be substantial. Do not plan a tight airport or railway connection around a one-minute transfer.
Check the exit letter
A wrong exit can place you on the opposite side of a very wide road or complex. Note the recommended exit before you pass the gates.
Keep the same payment medium
If you tap in with a bank card or device, use the same card or device to tap out so the system can correctly close the journey.
Travelling around Spring Festival? Chinese New Year can significantly change travel demand, opening hours and transport patterns across China. Because the holiday date changes each year, check the date of Chinese New Year before locking in airport transfers, railway connections or busy sightseeing days in Beijing.
FAQ
Beijing Subway questions
Quick answers for travellers planning journeys in central Beijing, from airports and between major visitor districts.
How much does the Beijing Subway cost?
Regular urban-rail fares start at ¥3 for journeys up to 6 km, then rise with distance: ¥4 up to 12 km, ¥5 up to 22 km and ¥6 up to 32 km. Beyond 32 km, the official rule adds ¥1 for each additional 20 km. Airport express services use separate fares.
Can I use Visa, Mastercard or another foreign bank card?
Yes, Beijing has expanded direct contactless gate payment for international visitors. In March 2026, the city announced support across five major networks: China UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB and American Express. Your individual card still needs to be eligible for contactless use.
Do I need a Beijing transport app?
No. A transport app can be convenient, but it is not mandatory if you use an eligible tap-to-ride bank card, a BEIJING PASS or a single-journey ticket.
What time does the subway open and close?
Around 05:00–23:00 is a broad network-wide rule of thumb, but first and last train times vary by line, station and direction. Check the station timetable for the exact trip, especially late at night.
Which line serves Beijing South Railway Station?
Beijing South Railway Station is served by Lines 4 and 14, making it one of the most useful high-speed rail connections in the subway network.
Which line serves Beijing West Railway Station?
Beijing West Railway Station is served by Lines 7 and 9. Allow time for station security, finding the correct railway waiting area and long internal walks.
Can the subway take me directly to the Great Wall?
Not to the main tourist sections in the way a central city attraction is served by metro. The subway is useful for reaching connecting buses, suburban rail or tour departure points, but the final leg requires another mode of transport.
Is the subway convenient with luggage?
It can be, especially for airport and railway connections, but large interchanges may involve long walks and elevators are not always on the most direct path. For very heavy luggage or late-night arrivals, compare the subway with a taxi or ride-hailing option.
Official reference points
This page is designed as a practical travel guide, not as an official timetable. Network, fare and payment details were cross-checked against Beijing municipal and Beijing Subway information available in 2026. For time-critical journeys, verify the latest first/last train and service notices.