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!
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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.
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933752 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
The Palace Museum
4.9/5
47476 reviewsThe venue itself is stunning and enormous. A must-see in Beijing. I arrived right when it opened and was surprised by how quickly I got through ticket checks and bag searches, given the crowds. Moving around is quite easy. The center is packed, but you can find yourself alone in the courtyards and pavilions if you wander a little further.
National Center for the Performing Arts
4.7/5
533 reviewsSimply wow! I'll definitely be back!
A stunning, grandiose, and incredibly beautiful building! I was absolutely delighted by the atmosphere and scale of this arts center. I was overwhelmed! As soon as I'm back in Beijing, I'll definitely be back. I highly recommend it!
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
Lama Temple
4.7/5
972 reviewsIt's a very pretty temple but there were so many people! It's quite quick to visit.
Drum Tower
4.7/5
122 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
4.8/5
1730 reviewsWe couldn't find the entrance for a long time, but when we did, we were shocked by the beauty! Everything was green! Tons of trees, places where anyone could hang out, people were running, walking—you could immediately feel the life! The temples were very beautiful, and there were cute cats on the grounds.
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
Beijing Zoo
4.5/5
2251 reviewsThe Beijing Zoo is a great zoo. The Panda enclosure is a big and amazing experience as you can see several of them. Overall a great half a day experience for anyone (adults as well).
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
5646 reviewsIt seemed difficult to figure out, so I joined a tour, but I got lost halfway through and ended up dropping out. Many tours are quite vague, so be careful if you're considering joining one. If you don't follow the same plan, you'll get separated and the tour will end.
Ditan Park
4.8/5
248 reviewsBeautiful, peaceful, totally underrated spot. The horse hall is actually a beautiful cafe with amazing drinks and gifts. There are so many quiet hidden gems throughout. Qqqq
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
299 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
127 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
4.8/5
8460 reviews王导讲解很详细，面面俱到，幽默风趣，携带图册生动形象，全程节奏舒适，内容扎实，是一次很有质感的王府游览。唯独今天太多人
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
1515 reviewsWe had a really enjoyable day at Beijing Happy Valley. There was one roller‑coaster our kid was desperate to ride that was unfortunately closed, which was a little disappointing. Apart from that, everything went really well. The crowd level was nice and low, so we didn’t have to wait long for most attractions and could get on rides quickly. Some of the rides look a little dated, but they still work perfectly fine. The park has a good mix of thrilling rides and gentle family‑friendly attractions. Food and drink inside are reasonably priced. Overall it was a solid fun day‑out for the whole family, we would recommend it.
Universal Beijing Resort
4.6/5
25613 reviewsIt was one of the best days in China I was with my friend and we had such a great time I would definitely come again
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
471 reviewsI recommend going around 4:30 pm. This gives you time to explore the stadium, and by the time you reach the roof, it will already be getting dark, and you'll see the city and the stadium lighting up. The stadium will be illuminated when you leave.
Water Cube
4.2/5
276 reviewsFishing 🎣 area was very exciting for my son 🤗🤩 It’s first time he has never been fishing before.
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
4.3/5
828 reviewsWe entered the park for free, but we didn't understand whether there was a fee or not. There were so many different pedestals, it was very interesting to see. It took about 2-3 hours.
The Geological Museum of China
4.8/5
1380 reviewsThere is no audio guide in Russian, but for those who understand English it is convenient
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
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FAQs about Beijing Metro
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