Beijing, the capital of China, is a must-see destination for any adventurous traveler. This bustling metropolis is steeped in rich history and culture, with attractions ranging from stunning imperial palaces to modern skyscrapers. One of the most iconic landmarks in Beijing is the Great Wall of China.

In addition to the Great Wall, the city is home to many other historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. However, to be able to explore these places, you need reliable and affordable transportation. Here are 5 cheap means of transportation in Beijing that are guaranteed to be budget-friendly!

Read more: Itinerary & Budget: 8D 7N in China

Buses are one of the most affordable means of transportation in Beijing. The city has an extensive bus network covering the entire city and its surroundings. You can buy bus tickets at the ticket office or directly from the bus driver.

Bus ticket prices range from 1-2 RMB, depending on the distance traveled. Since buses can be found throughout most of Beijing, they are the best option for exploring places outside the city center. The payment method is the bus, and you can only use the Yikatong card.

There are several popular bus routes in Beijing, including:

Apart from that, a few sightseeing buses offer tours around Beijing, such as the City Sightseeing Bus, which visits some of the city's main attractions. Tour bus fares are typically higher than regular bus fares but provide guides and audio commentary in English.

To make traveling easier, you can look up information about bus routes on the Beijing Public Transport official website or use transportation apps such as Baidu Maps or Amap.

Twenty-five subway lines in Beijing stretch for 696.9 km and cover the entire city of Beijing and some surrounding areas. All subway stations have English signs and route maps that help you navigate your journey.

Some famous subway lines in Beijing include:

You can also use transportation apps like Baidu Maps or Amap to find subway routes and schedules in Beijing. Some apps even show the train's arrival time and recommend the fastest and best route for your journey.

Subway fares in Beijing depend on the distance traveled, with a minimum fare of around 3 RMB and a maximum fare of around 10 RMB. You can buy tickets at the automatic ticket machines in subway stations using cash or a smart transportation card such as the Yikatong Card or the Beijing Transportation Smart Card.

Bicycles are a fun and healthy way to explore Beijing. There are many bicycle rental places throughout the city. There are also several bicycle routes provided by the government, which will allow you to explore the city's points of interest safely and comfortably.

Bicycle rates in Beijing vary depending on the type of bicycle and the rental duration. Usually, daily bicycle rates range from 20-50 RMB per day, and some bicycle shops provide daily and weekly or monthly bicycle rentals at more affordable prices.

Wear a helmet for safety, especially if you plan to cycle on busy roads.

Use bicycle apps like Ofo or Mobike to easily and conveniently rent a bicycle in Beijing. The app allows you to unlock the bike using a QR code on your phone and return the bike to a designated place after use.

Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Beijing, with many taxi companies operating across the city. But, take note that traffic in Beijing can be hefty, so the journey may take longer.

Taxi fares in Beijing depend on the distance traveled, with a minimum fare of around 13 RMB for the first 3 km, and after that, it is about 2.3 RMB per km. Additional fees for waiting times, freeway tolls, or night rides may apply. As a guide, a taxi from Beijing Airport to downtown is around 100-120 RMB.

Didi is a popular ride-sharing app in China that can be used to order taxis, private cars, or motorbikes. Didi's prices are quite affordable, with fees similar to those of a taxi.

Didi rideshare fares in Beijing depend on service, distance, time, and demand. Didi offers Express (10-15RMB/short trip), Premier, Luxe, Bus, and Hitch. Fares increase with distance and waiting time.

Those are 5 means of transportation in Beijing that are cheap and guaranteed to be budget-friendly, especially for travelers who are on a savings budget.

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