Beijing Subway Guide: How to Get Around in 2026

The truth is, If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time, the subway system is going to be your best friend. It’s clean, it’s cheap, and it covers pretty much everywhere you’d want to go as a tourist. Honestly incredible.

Here’s what you really need to know. It’s honestly amazing.

The Basics

Beijing’s subway has 27 lines and over 400 stations. The good news: signs are in both Chinese and English, announcements are bilingual, and the system uses the same card/tap system you’ve seen in other major cities. You can use Alipay’s transport feature, buy a single-use token from the machines (they take cash and card), or get a Yikatong stored-value card from any station window.

I’ve visited myself and can confirm.

Pro tip: Get the Yikatong card. It works on buses too, and you can refund the deposit when you leave. Saves you from queuing at the machines every time.

Worth knowing, isn’t it?

Lines You’ll Actually Use

Line 1 (East-West): Runs right through the center — Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Wangfujing shopping street. You’ll use this one a lot.

Line 2 (Loop): Circles the old city. Connects to Beijing Railway Station, Dongzhimen (for airport express), and Xizhimen.

Line 4 (North-South): Gets you to the Summer Palace, Peking University, and Zhongguancun (Beijing’s tech district).

Line 5: Useful for the Temple of Heaven and the southern parts of the city.

Take “Beijing” for instance.

Airport Express: Separate line from Dongzhimen to Beijing Capital Airport. Costs 25 yuan (about $3.50) — more than the regular subway but still way cheaper than a taxi.

Practical Tips

Peak hours (7:30-9:00am, 5:30-7:30pm): Lines 1, 2, and 10 get brutally crowded. If you can avoid traveling during these times, do. If you can’t, expect to stand and be pressed against strangers. It’s normal here.

Security check: Every station has bag scanners at the entrance. Factor in 2-5 extra minutes. They’re quick but there’s always a line.

Last train: Most lines stop around 10:30-11:00pm. The last train times are posted at each station entrance. Miss it and you’re looking at a very expensive taxi ride.

Toilets: Free and relatively clean at every station. Carry your own toilet paper though — it’s not always provided.

Mobile signal: Full 5G coverage underground. You won’t lose connection between stations.

Apps That Help

Apple Maps works fine for subway routing in Beijing — it includes real-time exits and transfer info. Google Maps works but is less reliable. For a dedicated transit app, download Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图) — both have English versions and are more accurate for bus and walking connections.

One thing I wish I’d known earlier: when the app says “take Exit A,” trust it. Beijing subway stations are huge, and the wrong exit can add a 15-minute walk to your journey.

To be honest, I was skeptical at first.