Beijing Subway

Beijing Subway Information

The Beijing Subway is the oldest metro service operating in mainland China, since the 1st of October 1969. Second only to the Shanghai Metro system, it is the second longest metro network with 18 lines, covering 334 stations and spanning over a length of 554 km. Despite this, it is unable to meet the needs of the Chinese population and expansion plans are already underway. By the year 2020, the line is planned to span around 1050 km. What’s surprising, is that it is still the world’s busiest metro system in terms of  its annual ridership which is  a staggering 3.25 billion (2015). Out of the 18 lines, 15 lines of the network are operated and owned by the Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. The remaining 3 lines are operated by Beijing MTR Corp.

Beijing Subway Line

Beijing Subway operates through 18 lines serving 315 stations total. All the metro lines are recognized by its color.

• Line1 – line 1 was opened in 1969 serving 23 stations. Line 1 operates between Pingguoyuan and Sihui East.
• Line 2 – line 2 was opened in 1971 serving 18 stations. The line runs between Xizhimen and Beijing railway station.
• Line 4 – Line 4 was opened in 2009 serving 24 stations. The metro line operates between Anheqiao North and Gongyixiqiao.
• Line 5 – Line 5 was opened in 2007 serving 23 stations. The metro line operates between Tiantongyuan North and Songjiazhuang.
• Line 6 – Line 6 was opened in 2012, serving 26 stations. The metro line operates between Haidian Wuluju and Lucheng.
• Line 7 – Line 7 was opened in 2014, serving 19. The metro line operates between Beijing West Railway Station and Jiaohuachang.
• Line 8 – Line 8 was opened in 2008, serving 17 stations. The metro line operates between Zhuxinzhuang and Nanluoguxiang.
• Line 9 – Line 9 was opened in 2012, serving 13 stations. The metro line operates between National Library and Guogongzhuang.
• Line 10 – Line 10 was opened in 2008 serving 45 stations. Line 10 operates between Xiju and Shoujingmao.
• Line 13– line 13 was opened in 2002 serving 16 stations. Line 13 operates between Xizhimen and Dongzhimen.
• Line 14 (west)- Line 14(west) was opened in 2013, serving 7 stations. The metro line operates between Zhangguozhuang and Xiju.
• Line 14 (east)- Line 14 (east) was opened in 2014, serving 19 stations. The metro line operates between Beijing South Railway Station and Shan’gezhuang.
• Line 15 – Line 15 was opened in 2010, serving 18 stations. The metro line operates between Qinghuadongluxikou and Fengbo.
• Batong Line – Batong line was opened in 2003 serving 13 stations. The line operates between Sihui and Tuqiao.
• Changping Line – The line was opened in 2010, serving 12 stations. The metro line operates between Changping Xishankou and Xi’erqi.
• Daxing Line – the line was opened in 2010 serving 12 stations. The line serves between Gongyixiqiao and Tiangongyuan.
• Fangshan Line – The line was opened in 2010 serving 11 stations. The line serves between Guogongzhuang and Suzhuang.
• Yizhuang Line – The line was opened in 2010 serving 13 stations. The line serves between Songjiazhuang and Ciqu.
• Airport Express – the line was opened in 2008 serving 4 stations. The line operates between Dongzhimen and terminal 2 &3.

Beijing Subway Map

Map of Beijing Subway showing various lines and stations. Click on the Map to enlarge it or refer to this map.

Beijing Subway Hours

The metro services start around 5.00 am on all lines. The last train leaves the last station around 11.00 pm and the subway is closed after midnight. The services for Airport Express start at 6 am.

Beijing Subway Fares

Effective 28, December 2014, Beijing Subway has ended the flat fare system and has adopted a distance based fare on all lines except the Airport Express.  The minimum fare of Beijing Subway is now 3 yuan, that covers the first 6 kms, the fares rises based on the length of the distance to be travelled.  If the Airport Express riders need to travel on other Subway lines, they are required to pay the standard fares. Initially, the fares were charged based on the number of transfers and line and ranged between 3-10 CNY. All subway lines have Automatic Fare Collection systems in place. Riders can also use One Card Through Card or Yikatong that stores credit and can be used for multiple rides. This card can also be used on all buses. Children having a height of less than 1.2m can travel free.

Beijing Subway Parking

Some metro stations offer park and ride facilities to the passengers.

Beijing Subway Rules and Tips

To ensure safety of passengers, the metro stations are equipped with X- Ray and sniffer dogs and security personnel also have metal detectors. Generally bags are only X-rayed and passengers are checked occasionally. Carrying of flammable material, guns, knives and explosives is prohibited. The stations also have elevators, lifts and ramps to provide easy access for wheelchairs. All lines also have automated announcement for incoming trains and station names are announced in English, Chinese and Mandarin. All lines, except the tunnels between stations on Line 1 and Line 2 provide cell phone coverage.