Beijing Transportation Smart Card

Smart Card
Smart Card
Beijing Transportation Smart Card is valid for nearly all means of transportation in the city, including city buses, subway, the Airport Express Train, S2 trains, taxis, and public bicycles. There are two types of Beijing Transportation Smart Card, Beijing Yikatong Card and Beijing Hutong Card (former Jingjinji Interconnection Card) marked with "China T-Union". 
 

Yikatong Card

Yikatong Card can not only be used to take buses, taxis, subways and express lines in Beijing, but also widely used for payments at over 40 P+R parking lots, gas stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, municipal bill payment, welfare lottery, vending machines and many other fields. 
 

Hutong Card

Hutong Card can be used to take public transportation in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei and other over 300 cities in the country. You can travel in popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Guilin, Chongqing, Kunming, Sanya, Chengdu and so on with just one card. 

 

List of Supported Cities

 
Provinces, Autonomous Region, municipalities Supported Cities
Beijing Beijing buses & subways
Tianjin Tianjin buses & subways
Hebei Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Qinhuangdao, Handan, Xingtai, Baoding, Zhangjiakou, Chengde, Cangzhou, Langfang, Hengshui
Shanxi Taiyuan, Datong, Yangquan, Changzhi, Jincheng, Shuozhou, Jinzhong, Yuncheng, Xinzhou, Linfen, Lvliang
Inner Mongolia Hohhot, Baotou, Wuhai, Erdos, Xilin Gol Meng
Liaoning Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, Fushun, Benxi, Dandong, Jinzhou, Yingkou, Fengxin, Liaoyang, Panjin, Tieling, Chaoyang, Huludao
Jilin Changchun, Jilin, Siping, Liaoyuan, Tonghua, Baihsan, Songyuan, Baicheng, Yanbian Chaoxianzu (Korean) Autonomous Prefecture
Heilongjiang Harbin, Qiqihar, Jixi, Hegang, Shuangyashan, Daqing, Yichun, Jiamusi, Qitaihe, Mudanjiang, Heihe, Suihua
Shanghai Shanghai buses, metros & ferries
Jiangsu Nanjing, Wuxi, Xuzhou, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, Lianyungang, Huai’an, Yancheng, Yanghzou, Zhenjiang, Taizhou, Suqian
Zhejiang Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Ningbo, Jiaxing, Huzhou, Shaoxing, Jinhua, Quzhou, Taizhou
Anhui Hefei, Wuhu, Bengbu, Huainan, Ma’anshan, Huaibei, Tongling, Anqing, Huangshan, Chuzhou, Fuyang, Suzhou, Liu’an, Haozhou, Chizhou. Xuancheng
Fujian Fuzhou, Xiamen, Putian, Sanming, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Nanping, Longyan, Ningde, Pingtan
Jiangxi Nanchang, Jingdezhen, Pingxiang,Jiujiang, Xinyu, Yingtan, Ganzhou, Jian, Yichun, Fuzhou, Shangrao
Shandong Jinan, Qingdao, Zaozhuang, Dongying, Yantai, Weifang, Jining, Taian, Weihai, Rizhao, Linyi, Dezhou, Liaocheng, Binzhou, Heze
Henan Zhengzhou, Xuchang, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Pingdingshan, Anyang, Hebi, Xinxiang, Jiaozuo, Puyang, Luohe, Sanmenxia, Nanyang, Shangqiu, Xinyang, Zhoukou, Zhumadian, Jiyuan
Hubei Wuhan, Huangshi, Shiyan, Yichang, Xiangyang, Ezhou, Jinmen, Xiaogan, Jinzhou, Huanggang, Xianning, Suizhou, Enshi
Hunan Changsha, Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, Hengyang, Shaoyang, Yueyang, Changde, Zhangjiajie, Yiyang, Bangzhou, Yongzou, Huaihua, Loudi, Xiangxi
Guangdong Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Shaoguan, Zhuhai, Shantou, Jiangmen, Zhanjiang, Maoming, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, Meizhou, Shanwei, Heyuan, Yangjiang, Qingyuan, Zhongshan, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Yunfu
Guangxi Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Baise, Hehzou, Hechi, Laibin, Chongzuo
Hainan Haikou, Sanya, Danzhou
Chongqing Chongqing buses and rail transit
Sichuan Chengdu, Zigong, Panzhihua, Luzhou, Deyang, Minayang, Guangyuan, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Nanchong, Meishan, Yibin, Guang’an, Dazhou, Ya’an, Bazhong, Ziyang, Aba, Ganzi, Liangshan
Yunnan Kunming, Qujing, Yuxi, Baoshan, Shaotong, Lijiang, Puer, Lincang, Xhuxiong, Hehong, Wenshan, Dehong, Nvjiang, Deqing
Shaanxi Xi'an, Tongchuan, Baoji, Xianyang, Weinan, Yan’an, Hanzhong, Yulin, Ankang, Shangluo, Yangling, Xixian New Area
Gansu Lanzhou, Jinchang, Baiyin, Weiwu, Zhangye, Pingliang, Jiuquan, Qingyang, Longnan
Qinghai Xining, Haidong, Huangnan, Yushu, Haixi
Ningxia Yinchuan, Shizuishan, Wuzhong, Guyuan
Xinjiang Urumqi, Hami, Altay Prefecture
 

Ticket Discount for Card Holders

 Buses: 50% off in downtown area, 20% off outside downtown area
 Subways: 
20% off for the rides when the total expenditure is CNY100-150;
50% off for the rides when the total expenditure is CNY150-400;
No discount for rides when the total expenditure is over CNY400.
 Note: The cumulative record of the expenditures is cleared at the end of each natural month and will be re-cumulated in the next natural month.
 

Where to get one and top up

The way to get and top up the two kinds of cards is mostly the same. It will be pretty convenient to use an e-card when you have a phone number of China’s mainland and a WeChat, Alipay or Apple Pay account, if you don’t, it is advised to apply for a physical one at the service centers by following the guide below.
 

Get a physical card 

Foreign users can take their passports and go to the customer service center in Dongzhimen (address listed in the below chart) to apply for a deposit card. A refundable deposit of CNY20 is needed and no less than CNY20 for the first top-up. 

To top up the physical card, users can go to the service centers and self-service machines at subway stations. The card balance should be less than CNY1,000. 
 

Get an e-card online 

Download “北京一卡通”(Beijing Yikatong) APP and apply for a card without any deposit or service fee. Users can top up online with Apple Pay, Alipay and WeChat Pay.
 

How to Use the Card

 Bus: Swipe the card or your phones when boarding the bus. If the door for disembarking has a card reader, it is necessary to swipe again when exiting the bus.
 Subway: Swipe when entering and exiting the subway station. 
 S2 Train to Badaling Great Wall: swipe when entering and exiting the railway station
 Taxi: swipe on the card reader near the taximeter. 
 
Check-in Counter
Subway Check-in Counter
Exit
Exit of Subway
 

How to Return the Card

 Return an e-card
Users can refund their cards online through the app. The card balance will be refunded to the accounts within 5 weekdays.

 Return a physical card
Card holders can go to the service centers to return the card. 
 Note: The card balance should not be more than CNY200 when returning the card.

The following are some picked service centers where passengers can apply for, top up and return a card there.
 

Service Centers

Location Service Hours

Yikatong Dongzhimen Service Center

Dongzhimen Transportation Hub, Dongcheng District 8:30-19:30

Yikatong Xidan Service Center

No.45, Inside Fuxingmen, Xicheng District 8:30-19:30

Daxing Airport Subway Station of Daxing Airport Express Line

Daxing Airport Subway Station The same as the subway line

Xinfadi Subway Station of Line 19

Xinfadi Subway Station The same as the subway line

Jishuitan Subway Station of Line 19

 Jishuitan Subway Station The same as the subway line

Washousi Subway Station of Line 16

Washousi Subway Station The same as the subway line
Jingtai Subway Station of Line 14 Jingtai Subway Station The same as the subway line
Wangjing Subway Station of Line 14  Wangjing Subway Station The same as the subway line
Haidian Hangzhuang Subway Station of Line 4 Haidian Hangzhuang Subway Station The same as the subway line
East Andingmen East Andingmen Bus Stop
(Bus No. 328)
7:00-19:00
Wuluju Wuluju Bus Station 7:00-19:00
South Liuliqiao South Liuliqiao Bus Station 7:00-19:00
- Last updated on Sep. 03, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Beijing Transportation Smart Card
Asked by Luong from VIETNAM | Sep. 02, 2024 02:19Reply
What is the best card for a 5-day tourist in Beijing?
Hello, I am a foreigner who will visit Beijing next month, please help me with my questions:
1. I heard that there is a new card called Beijing Pass. May I know if it is any different from the Yikatong or Hutong cards? What should be used by a foreign tourists who mostly need to commute/travel? Where can I get the Beijing Pass (I will arrive Daxing International Airport)
2. I do have foreign credit card: HSBC Mastercard -> Can I use this card to top up the Beijing Pass/Yikatong/Hutong cards? I can do it on-site (in the metro, service kiosk), or via app (Alipay, Wechat)
3. I can use Beijing Pass for a lot of things: grocery, souvenir, etc.?
Thank you so much!
Answers (2)
Answered by Emily | Sep. 02, 2024 23:30
00Reply


1. Beijing Pass is specially designed for foreigners travelling to Beijing and can be used for metro trains, buses and even scenic spots ticketing. You can purchase the pass and get the refund at Daxing Airport.
2. The cards cannot be topped up by credit card. You can top up the Beijing Pass at service counters at all metro stations or on the self-service machines.
3. It can be used for transportation and some scenic spots ticketing, not sure about the grocery and souvenir.
Answered by Jin | Sep. 03, 2024 16:36
00Reply


Because Beijing has real name verification policy for public transportation, I recommend using a transportation card even in one day trip.


About top 30 cities in China sells transportation card with China T-Union logo that don't require registration. You buy one and pump in a lot of money in it. It's good to go, and it won't cause much trouble. You can use it in most of China T-Union member cities.

Limitation is that you can only top it up and get a refund in the city you bought your card. If you're out of balancewhe you are in far away from original city, you will need to buy a new card.

Most of Yikatongs are now with China T-Union logo, there is no need to distinguish between Yikatong and Hutong Card.

Beijing Pass is another Yikatong, that has some shopping function. You can find a list of shops that support Beijing Pass on the net. Recent article written by a English speaking Chinese travel guide has that list on it.

Capital Airport T3and Daxing Airport Terminal Building have service desk at arrival floor and also in their subway station.
Asked by Chee Kien from MALAYSIA | Sep. 01, 2024 23:08Reply
Beijing Transportation Smart Card
Hi.

Can I apply for the Beijing Transportation Smart Card from Beijing Capital International Airport? I will be arriving in November this year and would like to buy the card when I arrive at the airport then.

Thank You
Answers (2)
Answered by Lori | Sep. 02, 2024 19:45
00Reply


Foreigners need to go the the service center at Dongzhimen to get one.
You can also use the convenient online transportation QR code under the help of the staff at Payment Service Center for foreigners in 2F, T3 of the airport.
Answered by Jin | Sep. 03, 2024 20:42
00Reply


Subway stations of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 should be handling Yikatongs. Also "payment service center" at arrival floor of Terminal 3 also handles Yikatong for foreigners.
Asked by Cristina from SPAIN | Aug. 17, 2024 22:57Reply
Beijing Pass
Is the Beijing Pass already in operation? Can it be purchased at the airport? I will arrive in Beijing in September, and I am looking for a pass to be able to use public transportation. Thank you
Answers (6)
Answered by Jin | Aug. 18, 2024 23:49
00Reply


Beijing Pass is a transportation card with some shopping function. It should be available at T2 T3 and Daxing Airport subway stations. Beijing Pass is a copycat of Shanghai Pass. Shanghai Pass is another Shanghai City Tour Card, which was started be sold since May of this Year under a new name.
Answered by Jin | Aug. 22, 2024 15:52
00Reply


Xinhua News released Beijing Pass' promotion video yesterday on the net.
Answered by Jin | Aug. 23, 2024 16:16
00Reply


Beijing Pass seems to be another disappointment. Beijing City advertised that foreigner's problems are completely solved, but their efforts are not good enough again. They said that user can top up this card with Silkpass App anywhere, but it requires registration. Like many other things in China, you need Chinese phone number to do so.

In my opinion, temporary visitors shouldn't use Chinese SIM card with Chinese phone number for registration purposes. Phone number is a second ID number and it can cause troubles later visits to China. Changing phone numbers can be headache.

Overall, Beijing Pass is a sign that Beijing City is willing to sell transportation card to foreigners. They are trying to improve conditions for foreigners

I recommend buying a transportation card for traveling in China. If you buy it from a major city, you don't need registration to use it. You can use it in most of China T-Union member cities if you have enough balance. Make sure yor card has China T-Union logo. Recent editions of Beijing City's Yikatongs has China T Union logo, that includes Beijing Pass.
Answered by Tanya | Aug. 26, 2024 16:12
00Reply


I used SilkPass and paid for a digital Beijing Pass (with T-Union) using my Alipay account. Once payment goes through, Beijing Pass shows up in my Apple Wallet. I did this on 8/23. In SilkPass, I see option to top-up (Recharge)
Answered by Jin | Aug. 28, 2024 00:43
00Reply


Beijing City's attemp to solve the problem with an app is a failure. There are so many problems to solve, it is really difficult for them to continue on.

Letting foreign temporary visitors to use Alipay and Wechat Pay to top up transportation card has some legal issues.

Letting people to register with foreign phone number is too complex for a small institution. With emails, many foreign email servers are blocked by the Chinese Government.

Beijing City's transportation card issuing institution is classified as government related entity, so their internet content is blocked again, it is impossible to access from outside China, also people with roaming services cannot access either.

Idea of letting people to top up transportation card with foreign card don't make sense, either. Who's going to pay for handling fees?
Answered by Jin | Sep. 01, 2024 21:46
00Reply


Another English article about Beijing Pass is posted on the net yesterday. It has a list of shops and tourist attractions that accept Beijing Pass as a payment method.

It also has a list of sales locations. Nothing new there. T2 T3 of Capital Airport, Daxing Airport, subway stations for 7 major railway stations of Beijing. Subway station for Beijing Chaoyang Station is still under construction, so nearby subway stations handle Yikatongs, but not Beijing Pass yet. It would be better to buy transportation card with China T-Union from other major cities of China if you're arriving Beijing later than other Chinese cities.
Asked by James from SINGAPORE | Aug. 03, 2024 01:40Reply
Singaporean traveling to Tianjin and Beijing
Hi all,

Planning to travel to China this upcoming season, would like to check I will arrive at Tianjin Airport and after which taking high speed rail to Beijing. What is the transport card I should get in order for me to use at both city? and can I buy the physical card at Tianjin airport or is there any specific station at Tianjin that I would need to purchase at?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jin | Aug. 04, 2024 20:44
00Reply


It is unknown that Beijing is dropping real name policy or not.

Buying Tianjin City's transportation card called City Pass is preferable. many subway stations handle this card.

Old information says, Airport Economic Zone Station has the card. Ask for the card at the airport first, if it fails you can go to this next station to get one. Konggangjingjiqu station in Chinese name.

Official service center for this card can be found by searching "chengshika" on Chinese map app.
Asked by ramana rao from INDIA | Jul. 31, 2024 00:31Reply
Beijing Transportation Smart Card
Yikatong Card and Hutong Card which is best plese guide me as i will travel to guangzhou ruian shanghai and zhanjiaji and tourest places and first i am coimng to beijing and will be there for 15 days
Answers (4)
Answered by Jin | Jul. 31, 2024 15:54
00Reply


Most of Yikatongs selling in Beijing recent months, they also have China T-Union logo in them, which are the same as Hutong Card.

Yesterday, the news says Beijing Pass will be available for foreign tourists at both airports and seven major railway stations. Thinking of recent trends, Beijing Pass should be Yikatong with China T-Union logo. Even without Beijing Pass, foreigners should be able to buy Yikatong with China T-Union logo at major locations in Beijing.
Answered by Keith | Jul. 31, 2024 18:24
00Reply


I saw a share online saying that foreigners can download the SilkPass app, sign in with Apple ID and then put in passport code. They can top it up with Alipay and WeChat Pay International Version. Although the online card has T-Union on it, I'm still not sure if it can be used in other major cities.
It is said that in the near future, tourists will be able to use foreign cards like Visa Card to buy tickets. Many stations has been equipped with POS.
Answered by VENKATA RAMANA RAO | Aug. 01, 2024 01:45
00Reply


hi dear thanks for u r reply i will soon contact u for Beijing Pass details or u can mail me when ever it is avilable with full details
Answered by Jin | Aug. 02, 2024 04:38
00Reply


As expected, Beijing Pass is another Yikatong with China T-Union logo in it. It is similar to Shanghai Tour Card.

It is all the same as local's card, exept it can be used at some tourists attraction and some shops.

Kansai One Pass and Korea Tour Card have some discount on tourists attractions, so they're worth mentioning.

One good part of this new thing, it will end confusions concerning with Beijing's public transportation. Major locations in Beijing are to handle Yikatong for foreigners.

It is worth buying Yikatong cards with China T-Union logo. If you're using transportation cards back home, it will convenient enough.
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