Beijing Transportation Tips by Jeeem

While in Beijing, do as..... Subway Review

If you're like me and on a budget while traveling, you don't want to be wasting money on transportation rip-offs.

After too many hours to count on three different planes, once I arrived at the airport in Beijing, I was swamped by taxi hawkers. I learned my lesson, when I grabbed the first one and let him wheel my bags to his "van."

To make a long story short, what should have taken 45 minutes, took two and a half hours. The driver of the van had to stop 3 times to ask directions. I was livid once we arrived and I found out later that the guy charged me 3 times what a regular taxi driver would have charged.

When at the airport, pick a red METERED taxi and insist on them using the meter.

Once settled, you MUST learn the subway. It's cheap (only 3 Yuan) and easy.

Once in a station, head to the booking agent to purchase a ticket (they accept larger denomination and give change but some DO NOT take coins) and then go to the ticket agent who will tear your ticket and give you a stub.

Once you descend into the subway, look up to see the direction signs and learn the names of the various stations on the loop line so you'll know what direction to go in.

The subway trains travel very often so you won't have to wait long. They are fast too. On the bottom of the blue line loop system is a long, straight 'Red line' or called line one.

You can forget picking up any english printed matter at the newspaper stands and they don't carry the China Daily which only seems to be available in Hotel lobby's. You can, however, get some cold bottled water or tea and the like at a station which will quench your thirst after the walk to the station.

There are transfer stations on the bottom west and east corners of the blue loop line where you can transfer to the red line. Just follow the signs and the crowds. It is easy, you don't pay extra and fun! I avoided the buses as they are not English friendly and don't operate as often as the subway. The subway is cooler, cleaner and more efficient by far!

Mode: AROUND

Type: Subway/Metro