Transportation

by Peter Nguyen

Beijing is considered to be the central hub of transportation in China; by utilizing air, rails, and roads one can traverse throughout the mainlands just by starting out in Beijing. 

Airport

Morning View

Night View

Upon arrival in Beijing you will most likely land at Capital International Airport, which is recognized for being the largest airport within China and also known as the "First Door of China".  Even though it underwent three major expansion, it was still not enough to support its growing travelers.  As a result, the Chinese government plans to build a third airport intending to ease the burden from Capital International.

Trains

Beijing is the center of China’s railway net, which has trains to most of cities of the country. The main railway lines here include Jingjiu Railway from Beijing to Kowloon in Hong Kong, Jinghu Railway to Shanghai, Jingguang Railway to Guangzhou and Jingha Railway to Harbin, etc. In recent years, the inter-city railway to Tianjin, the high-speed rails to Shanghai and Guangzhou have also been built, by which passengers can get to Tianjin from the capital city in about half an hour, to Shanghai in about 5.5 hours and to Guangzhou in 9.5 hours. Passengers to / from the city are now served by 761 trains at four railway stations.

Long-Distance Bus

The peripheral roads of Beijing are in a circle radiating form by 11 national roads and 9 expressways, making the road transportation between the capital city and other cities convenient. There are 10 long-distance bus stations in the urban area of the city, operating thousands of buses to nearby and major cities in the country, including Qingdao, Tianjin, Datong and Shijiazhuang, etc.

Subways

Beijing contains 17 subway lines (including one airport express line) have been in operation with a total mileage of 442 kilometers (about 275 miles) in the city. To attract more passengers and relieve traffic pressure, a subway ride only costs the same regardless of distance and transfers, which is the cheapest among all the country’s urban rail transit systems. Due to the frequent traffic jams, especially during rush hours, subway is probably the most time-saving transport means in the city. Even some super stars in the city travel by subway if in a hurry. 

City-Bus

The city bus transit system in Beijing is world’s busiest and carries the most passengers. By the end of 2011, there are over 20,000 city buses servicing more than 700 routes. Compared with subways, buses cover more areas of the city, even some far suburban areas like Badaling and Mutianyu Great Wall. To make the bus traveling easier and more comfortable, local government has built bus lanes and opened express bus lines. 

Taxi

Among all the public transit tools, taxi is probably the most flexible. Currently, there are about 66,000 taxis running in Beijing, taking passengers to any places in the city.  Although you might want to avoid using one during rush hour.

Bicycle and Ricksaw

Public bicycle rental service was started in Beijing in June, 2012. By 2015, over 50,000 bicycles will be set at about 1000 sites for rental. It will be a good way for a short trip and develop into another modern and energy-saving transport means. Rickshaw is a traditional transport tool. Nowadays, it is more like an interesting sightseeing program. One can take it to tour the Hutongs and experience local culture in a leisurely way.

Transportation Smart Card

It is a good way to save time and money, which can be used by everyone on all subway lines, most city buses, some taxis, and even some supermarkets, restaurants, parks, and department stores, etc in the city. When used for paying the city bus, passengers can enjoy a 60% discount. 

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