The public transportation system in Beijing is well-developed, covering subways, buses, taxis, shared bikes, etc. However, tourists are prone to problems such as congestion, getting lost or ensuring the safety of their belongings during peak hours and complex transfer scenarios. The following offer practical suggestions from four aspects: ticket purchasing and payment, security and order, efficiency and convenience, and special scenarios:

First, ticket purchase and payment: Efficient and convenient passage

Subway ticket purchasing methods

Preferred electronic payment:

Yitongxing APP: Scan the code to enter and exit the station. It supports wechat/Alipay binding and offers a 10% discount on the ticket price.

Cloud QuickPass/Alipay ride Code: Directly retrieve the QR code without the need to download additional apps.

Alternative physical cards:

Municipal transportation One-card: It can be purchased at subway stations and convenience stores (with a deposit of 20 yuan). To return the card, you need to go to the designated service outlets.

One-way ticket: It can only be used once on the same day. During peak hours, it takes a long time to queue up for tickets. It is recommended to download the APP in advance.

Data: The average daily passenger flow of Beijing’s subway exceeds 10 million people. The proportion of passengers taking the subway by scanning the code exceeds 70%, significantly reducing queuing time.

Payment method for public transportation

Scan the code to board the vehicle: Use Alipay’s “Beijing One-Card” or the Yitongxing APP. Scan the code when getting on and off the vehicle (for segmented fare routes).

Cash payment: Prepare small change (no change given). Some routes still support 1-yuan banknotes/coins.

Analogy: Scanning a code to pay for a bus is similar to unlocking a shared bike. It is necessary to ensure a smooth network to avoid duplicate charges.

Taxi/Online car-hailing

Taxis: Make sure to use the “Beijing B” license plate and ask the driver to use the meter to charge the fare. Avoid taking unlicensed taxis on the roadside.

Ride-hailing: Call a car through platforms such as Didi and Autonavi, and give priority to choosing “ride-hailing pick-up points” at airports and railway stations to avoid confusion.

The ride-hailing passage at Beijing West Railway Station is located underground in the South Square. You need to walk there according to the signs.

Second, safety and order: Ensuring the safety of people and property

Subway safety

Peak-hour protection

Avoid crowded lines such as Line 1, Line 4 and Line 10 during the morning and evening rush hours (7:30-9:00, 17:30-19:00).

When waiting for the train at the platform, keep a safe distance from the platform screen door to avoid being caught or falling onto the track.

Property custody:

Carry your backpack in front of your chest. Do not put your mobile phone or wallet in your coat pocket (pickpocketing cases occur frequently).

Data: According to statistics from the Beijing Subway police, in cases of pickpocketing inside carriages, the proportion of stolen coat pockets exceeds 50%.

Bus safety

Pick-up and drop-off order:

When queuing up for the bus, get off first and then get on to avoid falling or being trampled due to congestion.

Be cautious when taking the last bus at night and give priority to main road routes (such as Route 1 and Route 52).

Emergency braking protection

Hold the handrail tightly when standing to avoid falling when braking suddenly. Seats on the outer side should be offered to the elderly or pregnant women.

Shared bikes

Proper parking: After riding, park the vehicle in the designated area (within the white box), otherwise a dispatch fee may be charged.

Child safety: In Beijing, children under the age of 12 are prohibited from cycling alone. Parents must use parent-child bikes or accompany them while cycling.

Third, efficiency and convenience: Optimize travel planning

Subway transfer skills

Avoid high-traffic stations such as Xizhimen (transfer on Lines 2/13/4) and Guomao (transfer on Lines 1/10). During peak hours, the transfer time may exceed 10 minutes.

Same-platform transfer routes:

Line 9 and Fangshan Line (Guogongzhuang Station), as well as Line 6 and Line 8 (Nanluoguxiang Station), can be transferred on the same platform, saving time.

Tool recommendation: Use the “Beijing Subway” APP to check the real-time congestion level and the first and last train times.

Bus route inquiry

Real-time bus APP

The bus is coming: Display the real-time location of the bus and estimate the arrival time.

Gaode Map: Plan a combination of bus and walking routes to avoid congested sections.

Night buses: They operate after 23:00, with routes starting with the character “夜” (such as Night Route 1 and Night Route 2), covering major business districts.

Passage in special scenarios

Airport/Railway Station

Capital Airport: Take the airport line (25 yuan) directly to Dongzhimen, or take the airport bus (25 yuan) to the city center.

Beijing South Railway Station: It is directly accessible by Metro Line 4. At night, you can take the night bus (Night Route 17) to Wangfujing.

Direct shuttle bus to the scenic area

During holidays, “tourist special lines” are launched, such as the direct bus to Badaling Great Wall (departing from Qianmen, round trip 40 yuan).

Fourth, Special needs and emergency response

Barrier-free facilities

Subway: Some stations are equipped with barrier-free elevators and direct elevators. You can check the specific location through the “Beijing Subway” APP.

Public transportation: Low-floor buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps, and the stops have blind paths and voice announcements.

Tian ‘anmen East Railway Station (Line 1) is equipped with accessible restrooms suitable for wheelchair users.

Emergency contact

For help in the subway: Press the emergency call button in the carriage to contact the driver or look for the platform staff.

To report an emergency on a bus: Note down the license plate number and the direction of travel, and call 110 or the Beijing Public Transport Service hotline 96166.

Data: On average, each subway station in Beijing is staffed with 2 to 3 staff members. During peak hours, additional security inspectors are dispatched to guide the passenger flow.

Handling of lost items

Subway: You can check through the “Lost and Found” section of the “Beijing Subway” APP or go to the Lost and found office at the terminal station.

For public transportation: Contact the customer service of the public transportation group and provide information such as the route and boarding and alighting times.

Case: A tourist left a camera in the carriage of Line 10. After locating it through an APP, it was found within one hour.

Fifth, a Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Beijing’s Public Transportation

Blacklist during peak hours

The “dead lines” of the subway: Line 1 (Xidan – Tian ‘anmen East), Line 4 (Xuanwumen – Xidan), Line 6 (Chaoyangmen – Hujialou).

Bus “congested sections” : East Third Ring Road (Guomao Bridge), West Second Ring Road (Xizhimen Bridge), and Chang ‘an Avenue (Tian ‘anmen section).

Ticket price trap

Subway overtravel fee: If the actual journey exceeds the purchased mileage, the difference must be paid before exiting the station (the maximum fare is 10 yuan).

Bus fare by sections: If you get off the bus without scanning the code, it will be charged for the entire journey (for example, the full journey of Route 898 is 24 yuan).

Cultural taboos

Eating, drinking and playing sounds are prohibited in the subway. Violators may be fined (up to 500 yuan).

Do not occupy the special seats for the elderly, the weak, the sick, the disabled and pregnant women on the bus. Even if no one is sitting there, you should offer your seat voluntarily.

Conclusion

Public transportation in Beijing is the first choice for efficient travel, but it is necessary to pay attention to three core aspects: ticket purchasing methods, safety protection, and itinerary planning. Tourists can significantly enhance their travel experience by downloading apps in advance, avoiding peak stops and taking good care of their belongings. Only by responding flexibly to unexpected situations and making good use of technological tools can one enjoy a smooth tour of the capital.