Beijing, the historic and modern capital of China, is a destination that should not be missed by any traveler exploring this vast country. It is commonly the initial or final stop on many itineraries due to its convenient connections with both domestic and international cities. This comprehensive guide offers vital information on the primary transportation options to and from Beijing, such as international flights, domestic flights, high-speed trains, and suggested routes from popular connecting cities. Furthermore, we provide valuable tips on navigating the city’s transportation network to access top attractions, including the main sections of the Great Wall.
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| Transportation Options to Get to Beijing | How to Travel to Beijing from Popular Cities |
| Transportation Options for Getting Around Beijing | How to Get to Beijing’s Major Attractions |
Transportation Options to Get to Beijing – Flights & High-Speed Trains
Flights to Beijing
As the capital of China, Beijing is a bustling hub for international flights to major cities across the globe, with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. Additionally, the city offers a comprehensive network of domestic flights to all provincial capitals and major cities within China. Beijing Capital Airport and Beijing Daxing Airport collectively operate more than 160 domestic and international routes, connecting a total of 136 cities worldwide.>> Learn More about Flights to Beijing
✈International Flights to Beijing
Passengers can easily reach Beijing within one day by taking nonstop or connecting flights from major international and regional cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Moscow, Amsterdam, Auckland, Paris, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Frankfurt, Prague, Zurich, Vienna, Munich, Berlin, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Jeju, Bangkok, Bali, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, New Delhi, Doha, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taipei.Beijing Capital International Airport offers convenient 144-Hour Visa-free counters in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 for passengers arriving on international or regional flights. >> Learn More about International Flights to Beijing
✈Domestic Flights to Beijing
In addition to international flights connecting travelers from around the globe, Beijing also offers a variety of domestic flights to visitors heading to or coming from other major cities in mainland China. These cities include Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Guilin, Guiyang, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Lhasa, and more. Most direct flights have a travel time of approximately 2 to 4 hours, providing convenient access to all provincial cities throughout China.
Beijing Airports
There are currently two major airports in Beijing that cater to passengers: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. The latter was inaugurated at the end of September 2019. It is important to note that Beijing Capital International Airport is situated much closer to the downtown area. Therefore, we recommend booking a flight to Beijing Capital Airport whenever possible.
✈ Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场 IATA: PEK)
• Address: Jichang West Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京朝阳区机场西路
Located in the northeast of Beijing, Beijing Capital Airport is approximately 25 km away from Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. It costs at least 100 CNY to travel to downtown Beijing by taxi. As one of the largest and busiest international airports in the world, Beijing Capital Airport facilitates numerous international and regional flights that connect China with every continent. Additionally, the airport offers a wide range of domestic flights to and from every provincial capital city and major city in China.The airport consists of three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 exclusively serves domestic flights operated by China Southern Airlines Company. Terminal 2 accommodates flights from China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Hainan Airlines (international flights), and foreign airlines that are part of the SkyTeam alliance. Terminal 3 is primarily used by China Air, Sichuan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and foreign airlines that are part of the Star Alliance and One World Alliance.
☛ Beijing Capital Airport Layover and Transit Visa Guide
☛ How to Transfer from Beijing Airports to Beijing Downtown
☛ Beijing Capital International Airport Express (Subway)
☛ Beijing Capital International Airport Shuttle Bus Lines & Timetables
✈ Beijing Daxing International Airport (北京大兴国际机场 IATA: PKX)
• Address: Daxing District, Beijing & Guangyang District, Langfang City, Hebei北京市大兴区礼贤镇、榆垡镇及廊坊 市广阳区交汇处
Beijing Daxing International Airport stands as Beijing’s second international airport, boasting a grand scale and cutting-edge technology. This airport is seamlessly connected to various modes of transportation in northern China, including high-speed rail, highways, and subways.The airport features a single terminal, Terminal 1, spanning four floors. The first floor caters to international arrivals, the second floor to domestic arrivals, the third floor to domestic departures, and the fourth floor to international departures. With 82 boarding gates, passengers can easily reach their gates from the departure hall in less than 8 minutes on foot.Beijing Daxing International Airport serves as a hub for international and regional flights, connecting China to nearly every corner of the globe. Additionally, it accommodates domestic flights from major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Chongqing.>>Learn More about Beijing Daxing International Airport
High Speed Trains to Beijing
Beijing City boasts four major railway stations, each providing access to a vast network of rail lines connecting to cities across China. These stations include Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station, and Beijing North Railway Station. From these hubs, travelers can embark on high-speed trains to popular China destinations such as Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Harbin, and Guangzhou. Explore the wonders of China with ease and efficiency through the extensive rail system in Beijing.
☛ Read More About Trains to / from Beijing
Beijing High Speed Bullet Train
Beijing, the capital of China, is well-connected to various cities across the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Xian, Shanghai, Luoyang, Qingdao, and Harbin. Traveling between these cities and Beijing is made convenient with the availability of fast and comfortable high-speed trains. Whether you are looking to explore the historical wonders of Xian or experience the vibrant culture of Shanghai, Beijing serves as a central hub for seamless travel experiences.>> More details about High Speed Trains to/from Beijing.
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Beijing Railway Stations
Beijing, the magnificent capital of China, boasts five prominent railway stations catering to passengers. Among them are the Beijing South Railway Station, the largest and most advanced high-speed train station, operating an impressive 383 G & C trains. Following closely is the Beijing West Railway Station, the second high-speed train station, facilitating 191 G & D trains. Additionally, the Beijing Railway Station manages 48 D trains, while the Changping North Railway Station departs 10 normal trains. Lastly, the Beijing East Railway Station serves as a freight train station with a few subsidiary normal trains.Presently, the first three stations located in downtown Beijing are popular choices for high-speed train travel, offering efficient and convenient transportation options. In contrast, the latter two stations primarily cater to slow trains and specialized short-distance tourist trains.>> More details about Beijing Railway Stations.
Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站 Pinyin: běi jīng nán zhàn)
• Location: No.12, Yongwai Avenue, Fengtai District, South Beijing 北京市丰台区永外大街12号
Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站 Pinyin: běi jīng xī zhàn)
• Location: No.118, East Lianhuachi Road, Fengtai District, Western Beijing 北京市丰台区莲花池东路118号
Beijing Railway Station (北京站 Pinyin: běi jīng zhàn）
• Location: No.13, Maojiawan Hutong Jia, Dongcheng District, Southeast Beijing 北京市东城区毛家湾胡同甲13号
Beijing East Railway Station (北京东站 Pinyin: běi jīng dōng zhàn)
• Location: No. 27, Baiziwan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区百子湾路7号
Changping North Railway Station (昌平北站 Pinyin: chāng píng běi zhàn)
• Location: North Ring Road, Changping District, North Suburb of Beijing 北京市昌平区北环路
How to Travel to Beijing from Popular Cities
Many travelers do not limit their trips to China to just visiting Beijing, as there are numerous other stunning destinations waiting to be explored. Luckily, connecting Beijing with other major cities is a breeze. Whether Beijing is your final destination or just one stop on your itinerary, reaching the city after visiting popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, and more is simple and convenient.
How to Get to Beijing from Hong Kong
Hong Kong serves as a gateway to China, boasting a vast network of connections to international cities. It is an ideal launchpad for exploring the wonders of China. Traveling from Hong Kong to Beijing is a breeze, with the option of either a nonstop flight or a high-speed train ride.For those looking to reach Beijing swiftly, there are over 20 daily nonstop flights available from Hong Kong International Airport to both Beijing Capital Airport and Beijing Daxing Airport. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours, ensuring a quick and convenient journey.Alternatively, travelers seeking a more scenic route can opt for one of the two daily high-speed trains departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus to Beijing West Railway Station. The train ride offers a leisurely 8-hour journey, allowing passengers to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful landscapes along the way. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, your adventure from Hong Kong to Beijing is sure to be a memorable one.Check detailed Hong Kong to Beijing travel information >>.
How to Get to Beijing from Shanghai
If you are considering an extended tour of China, we highly recommend beginning and concluding your journey in Beijing and Shanghai. These two cities offer excellent transportation options to both domestic and international destinations, making them ideal hubs for your travels.For those with limited time, traveling between Shanghai and Beijing is still a fantastic choice. Both flights and high-speed trains are available, but we strongly suggest opting for the high-speed trains. These trains depart from centrally located railway stations and offer a quicker check-in process compared to airports.There are more than 40 daily high-speed trains departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing South Railway Station, with a travel time ranging from 4.5 to 6 hours. Additionally, there are over 30 daily flights between the two cities, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours.By choosing high-speed trains for your journey between Shanghai and Beijing, you can enjoy a convenient and efficient travel experience that allows you to make the most of your time exploring these two vibrant cities.Check detailed Shanghai to Beijing travel information >>
How to Get to Beijing from Xian
Many travelers opt for the Xian-Beijing route to visit iconic landmarks such as the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, and the Forbidden City all in one trip. If you’re considering traveling from Xian to Beijing, taking a high-speed train is the most efficient choice. With approximately 20 daily high-speed trains departing from Xian North Railway Station to Beijing West Railway Station, the journey can be completed in just 4 to 6.5 hours. While flights are also available, they are less convenient as the airports are located far from the city center. There are more than 30 nonstop flights between the two cities, with a flight duration of around 2 hours.Check detailed Xian to Beijing travel information >>
How to Get to Beijing from Guilin
Guilin is a highly sought-after tourist destination, celebrated for its breathtaking karst landscape. Traveling between Guilin and Beijing is convenient, with options for both flights and high-speed trains.Guilin Liangjiang International Airport provides over 10 nonstop flights to Beijing Daxing Airport and Beijing Capital Airport, with a flight duration of approximately 3 hours. For those who prefer train travel, high-speed services are also accessible, although they do take a bit longer.Guilin Railway Station operates 2 daily high-speed trains to Beijing West Railway Station, with a travel time of around 10 hours. Whether you choose to soar through the skies or zip along the tracks, the journey between Guilin and Beijing promises to be an unforgettable experience.Check detailed Guilin to Beijing travel information >>
How to Get to Beijing from Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes that served as the inspiration for the blockbuster movie *Avatar*, and Beijing, the bustling capital of China, stand out as two of the nation’s most sought-after tourist destinations, offering a glimpse into China’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.When it comes to traveling between these two iconic cities, flying is undoubtedly the most efficient option due to the considerable distance separating them. There are typically two direct flights available daily from Zhangjiajie to Beijing: one nonstop flight that whisks passengers to their destination in just 2.5 hours, and another flight with a brief stopover that extends the journey to approximately 4.5 hours. However, it’s worth noting that flight schedules can sometimes be subject to more variability compared to the reliable train services.For those who prefer a more leisurely mode of transportation, there is also a daily high-speed train service connecting Zhangjiajie to Beijing, offering travelers a scenic journey that spans 11 hours.Check detailed Zhangjiajie to Beijing travel information >>
Travel from Tianjin to Beijing Travel from Guangzhou to Beijing
Travel from Hangzhou to Beijing Travel from Shenzhen to Beijing
Travel from Chongqing to Beijing Travel from Chengdu to Beijing
Transportation Options for Getting Around Beijing
By Subway
Beijing boasts the largest subway network in the world, with a total of 17 lines and an airport express line. This extensive network provides convenient access to the city’s most famous attractions, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, as well as shopping malls and train stations.Taking the subway is highly recommended for travelers looking to catch trains to other destinations, as it helps avoid traffic jams. Key railway stations, including Beijing Railway Station (Line 2), Beijing South Railway Station (Line 4), Beijing West Railway Station (Line 9), and Beijing North Railway Station (Lines 2, 4, and 13), are easily accessible via the subway system.
By Bus
As of the end of 2016, Beijing boasted a fleet of over 29,515 operational vehicles and more than 1,000 bus lines. The extensive bus network in the city spans across both urban and outskirt areas, providing convenient access to numerous scenic spots. The diverse range of buses in Beijing includes BRT buses, suburban buses, tourist buses, long-distance buses, and sightseeing buses. Furthermore, the city offers a comprehensive nighttime bus service with over 38 routes operating from 11:00 pm to 4:30 am, ensuring round-the-clock transportation for residents and visitors alike.
By Taxi
Navigating the bustling streets of Beijing is made simple with the availability of taxis. However, exploring the various sections of the Great Wall, situated further from the city, can result in costly taxi fares. The standard fare begins at CNY 13 for the initial 3 kilometers within a 15 km radius. Beyond this distance, an extra charge of CNY 3.45 per kilometer is applied. Factors such as the type of vehicle (petrol or electric) and the time of day (day or night) also influence the overall cost of the taxi ride.
How to Get to Beijing’s Main Attractions
How to Get to Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
The Forbidden City is strategically situated at the heart of Beijing, in close proximity to Tiananmen Square. Accessing this iconic landmark is convenient, with various transportation options available such as taxis, subways, buses, and bicycles. For those opting to take the subway, simply board metro line 1 and alight at Tiananmen East Stop (天安门东), then embark on a leisurely 1-kilometer stroll to reach the Forbidden City. Additionally, direct routes from the airports to both the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are also available for added convenience.
How to Get to Temple of Heaven
A visit to the Temple of Heaven typically lasts about 1-2 hours, making it ideal to combine with other attractions in Beijing such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. For independent travelers, the subway and public buses are convenient options for transportation. You can easily reach the Temple of Heaven by taking subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, which is just a short walk from the East Gate of the temple.
How to Get to Summer Palace
Situated in the northwest outskirts of Beijing, the Summer Palace was once the royal retreat where Chinese emperors spent their summers. This renowned scenic spot is conveniently surrounded by several bus stops at each of its four entrances. In addition to the buses, visitors can also take Metro Line 4 and alight at Palace Gate Station for easy access to the Summer Palace. From there, travelers can seamlessly explore other attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.>> Learn More about Getting to Summer Palace
How to Get to Beijing Hutongs
Although Beijing Olympic Park is located a bit further from downtown, the extensive transportation network in Beijing makes it easily accessible by subway or bus. You can hop on subway Line 8 or Line 15 and disembark at Olympic Green Station (奥林匹克公园站), or reach Guojia Tiyuchang Dong Station (国家体育场东站) / Guojia Tiyuguan Station (国家体育馆站) by taking buses 82, 419, 538, 81, 82, 86, 510, 607, or Special Line 13 or 15, among others.
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How to Get to Great Wall
Some of the top recommended sections of the Great Wall in the Beijing suburb include Mutianyu, Badaling, Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng, Juyongguan, Simatai, and Gubeikou. These sections are easily accessible from Beijing.
How to Get to Mutianyu How to Get to Badaling
How to Get to Jinshanling How to Get to Huanghuacheng
How to Get to Simatai
Some travelers choose to begin their journey to the Great Wall as soon as they arrive in Beijing, while others prefer to rest in a hotel in the city before embarking on their adventure. For those looking to maximize their time exploring, traveling directly to the Great Wall from Beijing airports and railway stations is a popular option. Be sure to explore the various transportation options available from Beijing airports, Beijing South Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station to the Great Wall.
Beijing City to Great Wall Beijing Airports to Great Wall
Beijing South Railway Station to Great Wall Beijing West Railway Station to Great Wall
In addition to accessing the Great Wall from Beijing city or major transportation hubs, visitors have the option to explore different sections of the wall, particularly those located in close proximity to each other. Below are some popular methods of transferring between various sections of the Great Wall.
Get from Gubeikou to Jinshanling Get from Jinshanling to Simatai
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