Beijing Transportation Tips by Lemonita

Different types of taxi in Beijing Taxis Review

There are different taxis in Beijing meaning that each type charges differently. Usually, there's a sticker on the windows in the back, indicating which type it is. The minimum fee is 10 RMB.

- 1,20 : This is the cheapest taxi in town. It charges 1,20 RMB for every km. It has no A/C but when you open the windows, you don't feel particularly hot in the summer.
These 1,20 taxis cannot take passengers FROM the airport (only 1,60 and 2 are allowed) so don't be surprised if they refuse to take you there as they will be forced to go back downtown with an empty cab.

-1,60 : these taxis have A/C and are usually in a better condition than the 1,20 ones.

-2,00 : usually, these taxis are not red like the other two types, they are black and of a higher class. Generally, they only run between hotels and the airport.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Bus in Beijing Public bus Review

To take the bus in Beijing (or in China) can be an experience in itself. Indeed, they are often over-crowded but it's interesting to do as the locals and not be afraid of it.

On every bus there is a person whose main role is to sale tickets. However, a few bus lines don't have a person selling tickets and it is written on bus windows. In these cases, we need to give the exact amount.

Bus routes are pretty complexed but thanks to the "route board" at each station, we can easily find our way. Or, ask the ticket person if the bus goes to your destination, it's the safest way to make sure it's right. So when you buy your ticket, you have to tell your destination to the ticket person.

There are different prices following the distance and the type of bus (air conditionned buses are of course more expensive). Generally, it ranges from 1to 5 RMB.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Bus

Bus TO and FROM the airport Airport Review

There are buses that take passengers to and from the airport.

At the airport, on the arrival floor, walk towards the domestic arrivals. Buses will be stationned outside and you need to buy tickets before getting on them. There are different destinations downtown such as Xidan (Min Hang Da Sha) or Beijing Zhan (Beijing train station in the south east).
If you don't know where to stop, the easiest way would be to ask the person who sells the ticket.
For Xidan, it's 16 RMB and it takes around one hour to get to the aiport.

For the aiport, I've only taken the bus from Xidan and there is a bus leaving every half an hour.

Buses are air conditionned and confortable. But if you are more than one travelling, sometimes, it may be cheaper to take the taxi.

Mode: TO

Type: Bus