By Public Transit

The evolving Beijing Subway has four lines (two above ground, two underground), with several more being built in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There were 599 bus and trolleybus routes in Beijing as of 2004.

Beijing has simplified its bus fare system from Jan 1, 2007 as follows:

Pay by cash -

Lines 1-199 (Mainly operated in inner city) 1 Yuan per single journey.

Lines 200-299 (Night services): 2 Yuan per journey.

Lines 300-899 (Mainly operated in outer city / suburb): 1 Yuan for the first 12km and another 0.5 yuan for each additional 5km.

Lines 900-999 (Mainly operated from city center to rural area): 1 Yuan per 10km.

Pay by prepaid Yikatong smartcard -

Lines 1-499: 0.4 Yuan per single journey.

Lines 500-899: 0.4 Yuan for the first 12km and another 0.2 Yuan for each additional 5km.

Lines 900-999: 0.8 Yuan per 10km.

3-day, 7-day and 14-day bus passes are available for travelers.

Surcharges of air-conditioned buses have been canceled.

Subway tickets cost 3 Yuan for the 1, 2, 13, and 8T lines; 5 RMB for tickets allowing a transfer from Line 1/2 to 13, and 4 RMB for tickets allowing a transfer from Line 1/2 to 8T. There is no discount for smartcard users.