- Updated on January 18, 2026
If you attempt to navigate Beijing by taxi during rush hour, you will spend more time looking at the bumper of a BYD electric vehicle than the Great Wall. Beijing traffic is legendary for the wrong reasons. The solution? The Beijing metro guide you actually need to survive the world’s busiest subway system.
By 2026, the network has expanded even further, burrowing deep into the suburbs and connecting every major tourist site. It is cheap, aggressively air-conditioned, and faster than any supercar on the Ring Roads. However, it can be overwhelming. From navigating security checkpoints to deciphering which of the eight exits gets you to the Forbidden City, this post covers the reality of underground travel in China’s capital.
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways for Your Trip
- Payment: Forget buying plastic tokens. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you land; use the “Transport” QR code to scan in and out.
- Navigation: Apple Maps has improved significantly for China in 2026, but Amap (Gaode Ditu) remains the gold standard if you can recognize basic characters.
- Security: Every station has airport-style security. You must put your bag through the X-ray. If you carry a water bottle, be prepared to take a sip to prove it’s not gasoline.
- Timing: Avoid Line 1 and Line 10 between 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM unless you enjoy being physically compressed by strangers.
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The Logistics: How to Pay and Ride
In 2026, cash is almost obsolete in Beijing’s transport ecosystem. While ticket machines technically still accept coins and small bills, finding a machine that isn’t “Out of Service” or rejecting your crumpled 10 RMB note is a frustration you don’t need.
The Golden Standard: Alipay and WeChat
This is how 99% of locals travel. Inside the Alipay app (which now supports international credit cards seamlessly), tap on “Transport” and select “Metro.” This generates a QR code.
You simply hold your phone screen over the turnstile scanner. It beeps, the gate opens, and you walk through. Do the same when you exit, and the fare (usually between ¥3 and ¥8 depending on distance) is automatically deducted. Insider Tip: Ensure your phone screen brightness is turned up; older scanners at historic stations like Qianmen can be finicky with dim screens.
The “Yikatong” Physical Card
If you prefer a physical souvenir or want to disconnect, you can buy a Yikatong (Beijing Transportation Smart Card). You will need a ¥20 refundable deposit. However, be warned: refunding the card before you leave requires finding a specific service center, which often have limited hours. Most travelers end up keeping the card with the leftover balance as a souvenir because the return process is too bureaucratic.
Staying Connected Underground
To use the Alipay QR code, you need a data connection. While stations have Wi-Fi, it requires SMS verification that often fails with foreign phone numbers. You need reliable mobile data to load maps and payment codes instantly.
Don’t rely on roaming, which is expensive and often throttled. For 2026, we recommend a high-speed eSIM that routes traffic effectively.
💡 Editor’s Pick: We recommend Nomad eSIM for China because it reliably bypasses the Great Firewall with stable speeds. Use code JORICAQLKF at checkout to get $5 USD off your first data plan.
Navigating the Station: What to Expect
Entering a Beijing subway station is a sensory experience. You will first look for the navy blue logo with a white “D” inside a circle (short for Dìtiě). As you descend, you will be hit with the distinct smell of machine grease and floor cleaner.
Mastering Beijing’s metro begins at the fare gates. With your transit card or payment app ready, navigating these turnstiles is the first step to a smooth journey across the city.
The Security Checkpoint
Unlike London or New York, every entry involves a security check. You must put your backpack through an X-ray machine.
What to know:
- Liquids: If you have a water bottle, the guard may ask you to drink from it (“Hē yī kǒu”).
- Aerosols: Hairspray or large deodorants are often confiscated.
- Knives: Even small Swiss Army knives will be taken. Do not bring them.
The “Exit” Trap
This is where most tourists fail. A single station like Wangfujing might have exits labeled A, B, C1, C2, and E. The distance between Exit A and Exit E underground can be a 10-minute walk, but surfacing at the wrong exit can put you on the wrong side of a massive boulevard with no crosswalk for 500 meters.
Insider Strategy: Do not just look for the station name. Look for the specific Exit Letter closest to your destination using your map app before you get off the train. Signs on the platform are excellent and bilingual, listing exactly which landmarks are near which exit.
Key Lines for Travelers
With over 27 lines, the map looks like a plate of spaghetti. However, as a visitor, you will primarily live on these three lines:
Line 1 (The Red Line)
This is the tourist backbone. It runs East-West and hits the heavyweights:
- Tiananmen East/West: The Forbidden City and the Square.
- Wangfujing: Famous snack street and shopping.
- Military Museum: Transfer here for Line 9 to Beijing West Railway Station.
Warning: This line was built in the 1960s. The carriages are lower, the stations are smaller, and it gets hotter and more crowded than newer lines.
Line 2 (The Blue Loop)
This loop line traces the old city walls. It connects you to the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) and the hip hutongs near Gulou Dajie. It is also the easiest way to transfer between other major lines.
Line 8 (The Green Line)
Often overlooked, Line 8 is fantastic for reaching the Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest) in the north and cuts straight down through the traditional central axis to the National Art Museum.
Your ultimate companion for navigating Beijing’s vast urban landscape, this comprehensive subway map empowers you to master the metro system like a local and confidently explore all the city has to offer.
Is the Subway Always the Best Choice?
While I advocate for the metro 90% of the time, there are exceptions. If you are traveling with heavy luggage during rush hour (8:00 AM or 6:00 PM), the subway is a nightmare. People will push, and there is no space for suitcases.
Additionally, the subway shuts down relatively early. Most lines stop running between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM. If you are out late enjoying the nightlife in Sanlitun, you will need to switch to a ride-hailing app like DiDi.
Beijing Subway: Frequently Asked Questions
How do foreigners pay for the Beijing Subway?
The easiest way to pay is by using the ‘Transport’ QR code within the Alipay or WeChat apps, which can link to international credit cards. You can also buy a physical ‘Yikatong’ card at stations, though cash machines are often unreliable.
What apps work best for navigating the Beijing Metro?
While Apple Maps has improved significantly for 2025, Amap (Gaode Ditu) remains the most accurate option if you can recognize basic characters. Always download an eSIM for data connectivity to ensure maps load underground.
Are there security checks at Beijing subway stations?
Yes, every station has airport-style security. You must put bags through an X-ray machine. Be prepared to take a sip of your water bottle to prove it isn’t a flammable liquid, and leave knives or aerosol sprays at your hotel.
What time does the Beijing Subway close?
The subway is not 24 hours. Most lines stop running between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM. If you are out late in areas like Sanlitun, you will need to switch to a ride-hailing app like DiDi.
Conclusion
The Beijing subway is a marvel of modern engineering—efficient, incredibly safe, and easier to use than you might expect. Once you conquer the initial hesitation of the security check and set up your Alipay code, you will find it is the key to unlocking the city. You save money, avoid the notorious ring-road gridlock, and get a genuine slice of local life. So, download your maps, grab your digital pass, and dive underground.
