Beijing Taxi
Travelling by taxi in Beijing is a breeze because there are plenty of cabs in operation. But it can be pretty hard in rush hour periods 07:00 – 09:00 & 17:00 – 20:00 due to heavy demand and the traffic jam. Beijing taxis are available day and night, and each car holds normally four adult passengers.
Notes:
1. The price is usually rounded up/down to a whole number of Chinese Yuan. For example, CNY16 will be charged if the taximeter shows CNY15.7.
2. The toll fee should be paid by passengers if driving on the highway is needed.
Drivers use mileage meters for downtown travels, but negotiate a flat rate for long-distance trips. The taxi fare from Beijing Capital Airport to Tian'anmen is CNY100-140, and it costs CNY600-800 for a round trip by cab from the airport to Badaling Great Wall. Generally, an 8-hour day taxi rental with a dedicated driver costs CNY500-800 in downtown Beijing.
Stand by the roadside or at a designated taxi stand in Beijing and wave down a cab. Avoid intersections, otherwise, the driver won't stop. Do not do it on the ring roads, urban expressways, and highways.
Dial the number to call an official taxi. The service fee is CNY6 when calling over 4h in advance, and CNY5 within 4h in advance.
Didi, Shouyue Limousine & Chauffeur ...
Payment: cash, Wechat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay
Passengers can call a taxi or a private car using these apps. During rush hours, the price may be much higher or even doubled particularly in bustling areas like Wangfujing, Xidan and Sanlitun Bar Street.
The payment may be by cash, Beijing Transportation Smart Card, Wechat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay, but international debit cards like Visa Card and MasterCard cannot work.
Cabs with the light behind the windscreen on are available. If the light is off, the taxi is occupied. An exception to the rule is the passenger in the car is willing to share the ride. The driver may pull over to carry additional passengers going in the same direction. When sharing, each passenger pays 60% of the total fare.
A number of passengers may hail a taxi simultaneously near subway stations, bus stops, shopping malls or attractions. The person gets the door first wins. So be fast! However, this doesn't apply in airports and railway stations, where there are designated waiting zones and long queues for cabs.
Rush hours traffic jam in Beijing is normal, and walking or cycling to the destination outweighs waiting for a cab. In addition, many drivers are picky on short rides. At places like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, it can be very hard. Just walk further to hail one, or choose city buses or subways.
Since most Beijing taxi drivers speak little English, do make some preparations to overcome the language barrier. A note with Chinese characters showing your destination and detailed address would help a lot. Or show the driver a map with your destination clearly marked. Experienced drivers know the city well. From a hotel, ask the concierge to call a taxi for you.
Beijing Taxi Price
Flag-down Rate | CNY13 for the first 3km (2mi) |
---|---|
Unit Fare | 1. CNY2.3/km over 3km in the daytime 2. CNY2.76/km from 23:00 to 05:00 the next day |
Low-Speed Drive and Waiting Fare | Extra CNY4.6 for each 5mins' waiting or driving with a speed of lower than 12km/h during rush hours. CNY2.3 during other time. |
Empty-run Fee | CNY3.45/km for the extra distance beyond 15km (9mi) |
1. The price is usually rounded up/down to a whole number of Chinese Yuan. For example, CNY16 will be charged if the taximeter shows CNY15.7.
2. The toll fee should be paid by passengers if driving on the highway is needed.
Taxi Fare for Reference
Destination | Distance | Fare from Tian'anmen |
---|---|---|
Capital Airport | 30km (19mi) | CNY100-140 |
Daxing Airport | 50km (31mi) | CNY180-250 |
Summer Palace | 20km (12mi) | CNY70-90 |
Fragrant Hills Park | 31km (19mi) | CNY90-120 |
Badaling Great Wall | 65km (40mi) | CNY500 - 700 for a round trip |
Mutianyu Great Wall | 73km (45mi) | CNY600 - 900 for a round trip |
How to Hail a Taxi in Beijing
1. Hail a Taxi by Hand Signal
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2. Taxi Despatch Number: +86 010 – 96103
3. Online Car-Hailing Apps:
Payment: cash, Wechat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay
Passengers can call a taxi or a private car using these apps. During rush hours, the price may be much higher or even doubled particularly in bustling areas like Wangfujing, Xidan and Sanlitun Bar Street.
How to Pay the Taxi Fare
Tips on How to Take a Taxi in Beijing
1. How to spot available cars & share a taxi
2. First come, first served & on queue in airport and railway stations
3. Walking or cycling rather than waiting
4. Drivers speak little English
- Last updated on Jan. 18, 2024 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on Beijing Taxi
Asked by Antonia u from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 05, 2024 09:32Reply
Is it possible to hire a taxi to visit Juyongguan greatwall and Mitianyu Greatwall same day
Answers (1)
Answered by Harry | Mar. 06, 2024 00:24
00Reply
It is okay to hire a car with a driver and generally it costs CNY 600-800 per day. But I'm not sure if it is okay for a taxi. You can hire a car at eHi website.
Asked by Desmond from SINGAPORE | Feb. 29, 2024 04:59Reply
We are 5 of us . Please advice which type of taxi available at Capital Airport ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Helen | Feb. 29, 2024 19:56
00Reply
I'm afraid you need to take two taxis.
Asked by Silvia from SLOVAKIA | Feb. 06, 2024 04:39Reply
Airport from Forbidden city
Hello, what is the best way to get from the Forbidden city (Gate of Divine Prowes) to Beijing International airport please?
Do we have take a bus to get to the nearest metro station or is it in walk distance? From which station it is best to go to the airport?
Thank you
Do we have take a bus to get to the nearest metro station or is it in walk distance? From which station it is best to go to the airport?
Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Feb. 06, 2024 19:24
00Reply
The nearest metro station is not very close and you'd better take a taxi to Beixinqiao Station and then take Airport Express Line directly to the airport. The Beixinqiao Station is about 4 km away from the Forbidden City.
Asked by Silvia from SLOVAKIA | Jan. 25, 2024 04:47Reply
Beijing Capital Airport to Frobidden city
Hello, what is the best way to go from Beijing international airport (PEK) to Forbidden city?
We have 8:25h layover (from 5:30am do 1:55pm).
Public transport or Didi?
Many thanks.
We have 8:25h layover (from 5:30am do 1:55pm).
Public transport or Didi?
Many thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Eric | Jan. 25, 2024 21:50
00Reply
I prefer public transport, subway specifically. Although it needs 2 transfers, I don't have to worry about the possible traffic jams.
Asked by Constance from FRANCE | Nov. 05, 2023 13:06Reply
Airport to hotel at midnight
What is the best way to get from the international airport to the novotel beijing peace hotel ?
My plane lands at 11:35pm, so is it better to take a taxi or use public transport ?
Should I book the taxi in advance or can I find one at the airport ?
My plane lands at 11:35pm, so is it better to take a taxi or use public transport ?
Should I book the taxi in advance or can I find one at the airport ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Helen | Nov. 06, 2023 00:49
00Reply
It is more recommended to travel by taxi at that time as you need to transfer by public bus. You can easily find a taxi at the airport.