How to Take the Beijing Metro? Route Maps and Tickets Guide
The Beijing metro is a public transit favorite for both travelers and locals. For Beijing residents, it's an indispensable part of daily life. At the moment, the network has 29 lines and over 522 stations, and it's still expanding!
In this guide, you'll get info about the Beijing metro system, including route maps, how to buy tickets, and nearby attractions. Ready to explore Beijing with us? Let's go!
See all flights
Beijing Metro Overview
Visiting Beijing for the first time and finding this big city a bit unfamiliar? Don’t worry—let me give you a quick intro! The Beijing metro is the urban rail transit system of China’s capital.
It opened in 1971, making Beijing the first city in China to have a metro—eight years earlier than Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong Line, which began service in 1979!
Photo Source: Baidu
Beijing Metro Route Map
As of 2025, it has 29 operating lines, 879 kilometers of track, and 522 stations, with plans to grow to 30 lines totaling 1,177 kilometers.
Credit: from Travel China Guide, Beijing Metro Route Map
How to Buy Beijing Metro Tickets?
Taking the subway in Beijing? Let the Trip.com team help you easily knock out your ticket-buying hassles!
Buy tickets with a physical card
- Beijing Transit Card: Looking for a tap-and-go Beijing “Octopus” card? Head to the subway station ticket window / self-service ticket machine to buy a Beijing Transit Card! Reload it and you can tap in and out like a Beijing local—and you can also pick one up at supermarkets and convenience stores!
- One-way ticket: Only planning one ride? Head to a ticket vending machine or the ticket window to buy a one-way ticket—choose your destination, pay, and it’s that simple! Pro tip: the vending machines accept cash and QR code payments, super convenient!
Buy Tickets on Your Phone
QR code rides: With your phone in hand, you’re pretty much set for Beijing. Open Alipay, WeChat, or the Yitongxing app to get your subway QR code, then scan it at the turnstile as you enter—beep! Easy entry!
Buy Tickets with Cash
If cash is your thing, no problem—you can also buy tickets with cash at the ticket vending machines or the ticket window.
Photo Source: Beijing News Radio
How much are Beijing metro fares?
The Beijing Subway (excluding the Airport Express) uses a distance-based fare system, starting at 3 yuan and increasing with distance, divided into several fare tiers. For trips over 32 km, each additional 1 yuan covers another 20 km, and there’s no upper limit to the fare. You can stay within the paid area for up to 4 hours per trip.
- Starting fare: 3 yuan, good for trips up to 6 kilometers.
- Between 6 km and 12 km, the fare is HK$4.
- Between 12 and 22 kilometers, the fare is 5 dollars.
- For distances between 22 km and 32 km, the fare is 6 yuan.
- For any portion beyond 32 kilometers, the fare increases by 1 yuan for every additional 20 kilometers.
See all attractions
756271 booked
How to Make the Most of Beijing Metro Lines?
Beijing Metro Line 1
The sights along the route are truly spectacular! Tiananmen Square, the Palace Museum (the Forbidden City), Wangfujing, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts—what a dazzling, dreamlike travel route!
Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world; standing there, you feel as tiny as a little ant! And the Forbidden City is the pinnacle of ancient Chinese imperial architecture—step inside and it’s like time travel, as if a palace drama is about to begin!
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 1
Tiananmen Square
4.8/5
757 reviewsIf you come to Beijing and don't visit Tiananmen Square, you're missing out big time! It's like the heart of Beijing, bringing together major landmarks from all four directions. It's a vast, expansive square. Getting into the square is incredibly difficult, requiring passing through many security checkpoints. But once you're inside, you'll realize just how massive it is—everything seems twice the scale! And you absolutely can't miss the entrance gate to the Forbidden City, adorned with statues of important Chinese leaders. You have to stop and take a picture there! 😘
Beijing Metro Line 2
Passing by Yonghe Temple, the Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Beihai Park, this route is a quintessential tour of Beijing’s culture!
Yonghe Temple is the city’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, steeped in solemnity and mystery. The Drum Tower and Shichahai are windows into old Beijing’s hutong life—want to soak up some authentic, everyday street vibes? This is the place to be!
Photo Source: Baidu
Reviews of Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 2
Drum Tower
4.7/5
123 reviewsWow, wow! It's a very atmospheric place, so many people there, but it's worth a visit. The smell is also very memorable.
Beihai Park
4.7/5
1762 reviewsЗамечательный парк, рекомендую прокатиться по лотосовому пруду, окруженному плакучими ивами и посмотреть на уток, цапель.
Beijing Metro Line 4
Line 4 is also a treasure hunt through history and culture! Along the route, you’ll discover two treasures—the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and the Summer Palace—as well as major academic landmarks like Peking University and Tsinghua University.
Want to feel the grandeur of imperial gardens? The Summer Palace is waiting for you to check it off your list! Ready to time-travel through history’s dramatic twists? The Old Summer Palace won’t let you down.
Credit: from ResearchGate, Beijing Metro Line 4 Route Map
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 4
Yuanmingyuan Park
4.7/5
2614 reviewsThe Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) preserves the ruins of its past, a testament to foreign invasion. It's easy to imagine its former splendor and grandeur. The tour guide explained that the reason it's no longer restored is to ensure future generations remember the painful lessons of history—a truly regrettable situation.
Summer Palace
4.7/5
7572 reviewsA great group of girls made us feel like true royalty! The summer palace was also beautiful
Beijing Zoo
4.5/5
2147 reviewsWe visited the zoo with the kids, it was fun. The scenery is beautiful. In this heat, almost all the animals are sleeping and hiding. 🙈 We didn't see everything, and the kids were tired. We'll come again next time. 😅
Beijing Metro Line 5
Strolling through Temple of Heaven Park and Temple of Earth Park feels like slipping between history and stunning scenery.
The Temple of Heaven is China’s largest complex of ancient sacrificial architecture—truly awe-inspiring. And the Temple of Earth? It’s home to Beijing’s largest shrine dedicated to civil officials, and it’s absolutely worth exploring. So next time you’re riding Line 5, why not plan a little cultural adventure?
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 5
Temple of Heaven
4.7/5
5218 reviewsVisited the Temple of Heaven Park, which I couldn't visit during my last trip to Beijing. Everything is great, but... there are too many people...
Ditan Park
4.8/5
251 reviewsThe entrance fee is very cheap, only 2 yuan. The flowers, plants, and trees in the park are all very well cared for.
If you want to visit Ditan Park, you can buy a separate ticket at the park entrance.
It will probably be even more beautiful in a few days if you want to enjoy the autumn scenery.
Beijing Subway Line 6
Along Line 6, you’ll find Nanluoguxiang and Prince Kung’s Mansion!
Nanluoguxiang is one of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods—strolling around feels like stepping into a time tunnel to old Beijing, and it’s super fun! Prince Kung’s Mansion is a Qing dynasty princely residence, impossibly grand—want to experience the lavish lifestyle of a royal from centuries past?
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 6
Nanluogu Xiang
4.6/5
322 reviewsIt's very close to the Nanluguoxiang metro exit. Pretty far if you walk from Beixinqiao (even though it looks not too far on the map LOL). The alley is not too long and has many interesting stores. Modern and old Beijing styles mixed well there. Western bakery and traditional snacks can be found there. Nice place for window shoping and buying some snacks.
Sanlitun
4.7/5
137 reviewsGuys, if you want to find yourself in a luxury, premium fashion place, then welcome to Sanlitun. It's a shame I'm such a fool and didn't make it to Gentle Monster.
Prince Kung's Palace Museum
4.7/5
8179 reviewsA beautiful palace and worth the visit, it was very crowded as it was a weekend otherwise it’s a great place!
Beijing Metro Line 7
Passing by Happy Valley Beijing and Olympic Park—two super fun places. Happy Valley is a gigantic theme park packed with adventure and thrills, while Olympic Park was the main site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, full of adrenaline-pumping sports memories. One’s a playground paradise, the other a shrine to sport—which one would you rather go to?
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 7
Beijing Happy Valley
4.7/5
1673 reviewsEasy accessible by taking metro..less crowds becoz I was visiting during weekdays..
Beijing Olympic Park
4.7/5
256 reviewsIt is an amazing place where it's better to go walking after 7pm. The lights are on, exciting activities which everyone can try for free, people are friendly. I really love this place and remember forever.
Universal Beijing Resort
4.6/5
23342 reviewsChildhood memories) the best park before traveling with a child, but you definitely need to take the fast food track
Beijing Metro Line 8
Along the way, you’ll spot the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), two “star” buildings.
They were the main venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics—the Bird’s Nest brings the swagger, while the Water Cube is fresh and adorable—truly the ultimate duo in the world of architecture. Already itching to go check them out and snap some photos?
Photo Source: China Engineering News
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 8
National Stadium-Bird's Nest
4.6/5
500 reviewsGreat place to visit if you like sports stadiums, architecture or great views. You’re able to climb right to the top and walk on the roof of the stadium, which also allowed for great views of Beijing.
Beijing Metro Line 9
Passing by Beijing World Park and Lianhuachi Park, get ready to be amazed! World Park is a massive theme park packed with famous buildings and sights from all over the world—it feels like a fast track to a round-the-world trip.
Photo Source: Subway Route Map dir126.com
Reviews of Top Things to Do around Beijing Metro Line 9
Beijing World Park
4.2/5
863 reviewsBeijing World Park is a unique park featuring miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the world all in one place. Walking through the different sections feels like a mini world tour, and the detailed replicas make it a fun and interesting place to explore for a few hours. There is even a zoo inside with animals such as goats, ponies, bunnies etc. great for children.
The Geological Museum of China
4.8/5
1371 reviewsThe child is interested in dinosaurs, he really liked the corresponding exhibition, and everything else is very interesting
How Do You Pay for a Metro in Beijing | Beijing Metro Apps
MetroMan Beijing
The updated Beijing metro (subway) mobile app is a total game-changer for getting around! Whether you need in-station navigation, route planning, or arrival alerts, everything’s clearly laid out, making it a breeze for travelers to explore.
Credit: from AppAdvice, MetroMan Beijing
Alipay
Download Alipay and use "Transport" to take public transport in Beijing or other cities of China. It's the most popular and conveninet way to navigate China.
🔥 Beijing Hotel Recommendations
See All Hotels
FAQs about Beijing Metro
-
What is the best way to pay on the Beijing Metro?
-
Is the Beijing Metro easy to navigate for tourists?
-
How much does a Beijing Metro ride cost?
-
What are the peak hours on the Beijing Metro?
-
Is there a security check for the Beijing Metro?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Popular Searches
-
Getting around
-
Popular attractions
-
Popular flight routes
-
Top-rated stays
-
eSIM/SIM card
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
- Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
- Shanghai Tower Tickets
- Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry
- Universal Studios Hollywood Early Entry
- Universal Studios Japan Tickets
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Sphere Tickets
- Great Wall of China
- Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
- Chengdu Panda
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- Beijing studio minisite
- Edge New York Tickets
- Cheap Tickets for Shanghai Disneyland
- Flights from San Francisco to Beijing
- Flights from Shenzhen to Beijing
- Cheap flights from Los Angeles to Beijing
- Return flights from Guangzhou to Beijing
- Return flights from Zhangjiajie to Beijing
- Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing
- Return flights from Chengdu to Beijing
- Return flights from Hong Kong to Beijing
- Cheap flights from Chongqing to Beijing
- Return flights from Tokyo to Beijing
- Return flights from Shanghai to Beijing
- Flights from Bangkok to Beijing
- Cheap flights from Seoul to Beijing
- Flights from Xi'an to Beijing
- Flights from New York to Beijing
- Sunworld Beijing Wangfujing Hotel (The Forbidden City)
- Le Joy Hotel
- UrCove by HYATT Beijing Forbidden City
- Livefortuna Hotel
- Radisson Hotel Beijing Daxing Airport
- Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
- ELONG R.YUN (Beijing Capital Airport Branch)
- THE YARD HOTEL BEIJING, Tian'anmen Square
- Holiday Inn Express BEIJING DONGZHIMEN by IHG
- RIGHT HOTEL Jinsong Subway Station Panjiayuan Antique City
- VOYAGE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (Capital Airport New National Exhibition Store)
- Jialong Hotel (Beijing Chaoyangmen)
- Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
- Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong
- JianGuo Hidden Hotel （Beijing Tian An Men Wangfujing store）
- Yitel (Beijing TiananmenWangfujing Subway Station)
- Sunworld Dynasty Beijing Wangfujing Hotel (The Forbidden City)
- Jingli Hotel (Beijing Heshenghui Dajiaoting Subway Station Branch)
- Beijing Zhong'an Hotel ( Near metro,Tian'anMen,Forbidden City. tourism service)
- Cordis, Beijing Capital Airport