Tangled traffic? Forget it. The real hero of your Beijing adventure is underground, the super-efficient, surprisingly modern, and delightfully affordable Beijing Subway.

With dozens of lines weaving through the city and trains arriving faster than your nasi lemak order, the metro is hands-down the smartest way to zip around China’s capital.

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Either you’re museum-hopping, palace-exploring, or just on the hunt for the best street snacks, this guide will help you master the subway like a pro.

Let’s get one thing straight, the Beijing Subway is a traveller’s dream. With 25+ lines and more than 400 stations, it covers almost every corner of the city, including all the big-name attractions. Want to visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, or Wangfujing’s shopping strip? There’s a train for that, and it’s likely just a few minutes away.

Trains arrive every 2–5 minutes, fares start from as low as CNY 3 (around RM 2), and the whole network is air-conditioned, clean, and extremely punctual. It’s ideal for solo explorers, families with strollers, and even those lugging shopping bags filled with Forbidden City fridge magnets.

So if you’re all about saving time, cash, and your sanity, Beijing’s metro has your back.

First time riding the Beijing subway? Don’t worry, it’s way less intimidating than it looks (especially with a few clever tricks up your sleeve).

1. Download a Metro App

Apps like Explore Beijing Subway or MetroMan are total lifesavers. They work offline, are available in English, and help you plan your route like a local, no guesswork, no stress.

2. Get a Yikatong Smart Card

Skip the queues and tap your way around the city! The Yikatong card is a reusable transport pass valid for subways, buses, and even the Airport Express. Just top it up and go.

Get a Yikatong Smart Card to travel easily on Beijing’s subway, buses, and Airport Express. Buy it at subway station counters, the airport, or select stores (like Jingkelong, 7‑Eleven, Watson’s, Walmart, and even in‑station stores from JD, Lawson, or newer in‑station shops like Deligogo offer them).

It costs CNY 20 deposit (refundable) plus a top-up. Bring your passport, and return the card at the end for a refund.

3. Avoid Peak Hours

Unless you love being packed like sardines, steer clear of rush hours: 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM. Trains are frequent all day, so travel off-peak when you can for a breezier ride.

4. Expect Security Checks

Every station has mandatory bag scanners and guards. It’s all very routine, but do give yourself a few extra minutes before your train. Bonus points for being ready with your bag unzipped!

5. English is Everywhere

No need to panic if your Mandarin’s limited—maps, signs, and announcements are all bilingual. So whether you’re headed to Tiananmen or Temple of Heaven, you’ll find your way just fine.

Stick to these and you’ll be gliding through the city like a seasoned Beijinger in no time.

With so many lines criss-crossing Beijing, you don’t need to know them all—just these key ones to explore the best bits:

Bonus tip: Save your favourite stops in your metro app. Makes hopping around a whole lot smoother.

Before you roll your suitcase onto the train, here’s the lowdown on subway security:

Not allowed:

Allowed:

Important: Every station has mandatory bag scanners. It’s routine, and the guards are usually friendly, but having your items ready makes things faster.

Once you’ve mastered the metro, the whole of Beijing is yours to explore, from ancient palaces to neon-lit shopping districts. But before you even hit the underground, make things even easier by planning your trip with Traveloka.

From flights and airport transfers to hotel stays and attraction tickets, it’s your all-in-one travel app for a stress-free Beijing holiday.

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Whether you’re here for history, halal food, or a bit of both, Traveloka makes getting around simple, smart, and actually kind of fun.