Last updated: May 2026. Subway lines and schedules change. Check official Beijing Metro website for current information.
Beijing's subway is one of the world's busiest systems—27 lines, hundreds of stations, over 10 million daily passengers. For foreign tourists, it's both a blessing and a challenge: blessing because it's cheap, punctual, and comprehensive; challenge because of rush hour crowds. The good news: since September 2024, Beijing subway supports "tap-and-go" payment with foreign credit cards.
At a Glance
| Difficulty | Easy—full English signage, simple once payment is set up |
| What you need | Smartphone with Alipay, or BEIJING PASS card, or Apple Pay |
| Main app | Alipay (works nationwide) or Yitongxing (Beijing only) |
| Backup option | Single-journey tickets at station machines |
| English support | Excellent—full signage and announcements |
| Cost range | ¥3–10 per ride (~$0.40–1.40), Airport Express ¥25–35 |
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Payment Method
Option A: Alipay (Recommended)
- Works in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, etc.
- Open Alipay → "Transport" (出行) → "Metro" (地铁)
- Generate QR code, scan at gate
- One app for all China subways
Option B: Yitongxing App (Beijing only)
- Official Beijing subway app
- 2024 update: International version supports foreign phone numbers
- Good for route planning even if using Alipay for payment
Option C: BEIJING PASS Physical Card
- Purchase at airports (Capital T2/T3, Daxing) or major stations
- Card fee: ¥20 (refundable), top-up any amount
- Works on subway and bus
Option D: Apple Pay / Mobile NFC
- Supports Apple Pay with Visa/Mastercard
- Some Android phones also supported
Step 2: Plan Your Route
Recommended apps:
- Yitongxing (built-in route planning)
- Baidu Maps / Amap
- Google Maps (requires VPN)
Check: Start station, end station, number of transfers, estimated time
Step 3: Enter and Ride
- Find entrance — Look for subway logo
- Scan to enter — Use Alipay QR code, Yitongxing, or tap card
- Find platform — Check line map, confirm direction
- Board — Let passengers off first, queue to board
- Listen — Bilingual announcements (Chinese + English)
⚠️ Rush Hour Note: 7:30–9:00, 17:30–19:00 is extremely crowded. Avoid if possible. If you must ride, move toward center of car.
Step 4: Transfer (if needed)
Major transfer stations:
- Xizhimen (Lines 2/4/13)
- Dongzhimen (Lines 2/13/Airport Express)
- Guomao (Lines 1/10)
Tips:
- Follow "Transfer" signs
- Some transfers require 5–10 minute walk
- Allow sufficient transfer time
Step 5: Exit
- Scan to exit — Same method as entry
- Choose exit — Large stations have 10+ exits (A/B/C/D)
- Check in advance — Which exit is closest to your destination
Foreign Visitor Specifics
Payment setup is key:
- Since September 2024, foreign credit cards work with Apple Pay
- Alipay international version works nationwide—best long-term solution
- BEIJING PASS is foolproof backup if apps fail
Rush hour reality:
- 7:30–9:00 and 17:30–19:00: Extremely crowded
- 9:00–16:00: Comfortable
- Weekends: Moderate all day
- With large luggage: Very difficult during rush hour, consider taxi
Navigation:
- Station names in pinyin (e.g., "Tiananmen East" = Tiananmen Dong)
- Full English signage at all stations
- Bilingual announcements on all trains
When Things Go Wrong
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Alipay won't generate QR code | Check account setup. Ensure balance or linked card. Try BEIJING PASS as backup. |
| Can't find the right exit | Large stations have 10+ exits. Check Baidu/Amap in advance, or ask station staff "[Destination] 哪个出口?" |
| Missed the last train | Take taxi (DiDi). Some lines extend hours Friday-Saturday. Last trains usually 22:30–23:00. |
| Entered wrong direction | Exit immediately (within 10 minutes, usually no charge) and re-enter correct side. |
Cost Reference
Regular subway:
- Within 6 km: ¥3 (~$0.40)
- 6–12 km: ¥4 (~$0.55)
- 12–22 km: ¥5 (~$0.70)
- 22–32 km: ¥6 (~$0.85)
- Over 32 km: ¥7–10 (~$1–1.40)
Airport Express:
- Capital Airport (Dongzhimen-T3): ¥25 (~$3.50), ~20-30 min
- Daxing Airport (Caoqiao-Airport): ¥35 (~$5), ~19 min
Children: Under 1.3m free (must be accompanied by adult)
FAQ
Q: Can I use the subway without speaking Chinese? Yes. Full English signage, bilingual announcements, English app interface. Just need destination station name.
Q: Which payment method is best? Alipay if you plan to visit multiple cities. BEIJING PASS if you want simplicity and backup. Apple Pay if you prefer not to use Chinese apps.
Q: How do I avoid crowds? Travel 9:00–16:00 or weekends. Avoid 7:30–9:00 and 17:30–19:00 weekdays.
Q: Can I bring large luggage? Possible but difficult. Some stations have elevators, most require stairs. Airport Express has dedicated luggage racks. Consider taxi during rush hour.
Summary
Beijing subway is the most efficient way to explore this city. Set up payment in advance, avoid rush hour, and Beijing is at your feet.
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