Beijing Metro Tickets 2025 – Complete Guide for Travelers

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel in the Chinese capital is the Beijing metro. For foreign visitors, the ticket purchasing process can be confusing at first. This guide will cover it all: the different types of Beijing metro tickets, cost, where to buy them, and whether you can use your foreign credit card.

What types of Beijing metro tickets are there?

When travelers are taking the Beijing subway, they have a variety of options:

• Single-journey tickets – Disposable paper tickets purchased at machines or ticket counters.
• Tourist passes – Some stations offer day passes for unlimited rides.
• Yikatong transport card – A rechargeable smart card, popular among locals, that saves time at the gates.
• Mobile and contactless payment – Local residents often use Alipay or WeChat Pay, but foreigners can now also try “tap-and-go” with international cards.

Beijing Subway Ticket Price

The Beijing subway ticket price is based on the distance traveled by metro:

• ¥3 RMB (≈$0.40 USD) for the first 6 km
• Increasing gradually with distance, capped around ¥9 RMB (≈$1.20 USD) for longer rides
• Airport express lines have separate pricing (e.g., ¥25 RMB from the airport to downtown)

This is what makes the metro one of the cheapest methods to traverse the city.

How to Buy Beijing Metro Ticket

Foreign travelers can buy Beijing metro ticket options in two main methods:

Ticket Vending Machines

• These are located at every subway station entrance.
• The Beijing metro ticket machine has an English interface.
• You can use cash (either RMB notes or RMB coins).
• Then get a paper Beijing metro ticket + receipt.

Ticket Counters

• Ticket counters have staffed booths where they accept cash.
• This may be useful if you require assistance or if you are purchasing a lot of tickets as you may need change.

Beijing Metro Ticket Machine – Step-By-Step

1. Select your language (English option available).
2. Choose your destination station or number of tickets.
3. Insert your cash.
4. Get your single journey paper metro ticket.
5. Tap your ticket at the entrance gate or insert it at the exit gate.

Can You Pay for Your Beijing Metro Ticket with a Credit Card?

This is one of the most common questions that tourists ask.

• At machines and counters: Currently, most single ticket machines only accept RMB cash.
• New developments: Since mid-2025, Beijing metro started supporting “tap-and-go” payments with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB at certain gates.
• Practical note: Many visitors specifically search for Beijing metro pay with credit card, but this option is still limited in practice.

Important tip: Always carry some small cash as a plan B in case your foreign card does not get accepted.

So while there is some progress, you cannot yet rely completely on paying by credit card in the Beijing metro.

Beijing Subway Tickets for Tourists

For short term visitors, the best options are:

• Day Passes: A good option for heavy metro use in a single day.
• Yikatong smart card: Great if you are staying for several days.
• Single tickets: Fine for sporadic or casual use.

For maximum flexibility and minimal hassle, just pick up a Yikatong at any station counter with a refundable deposit.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM), enjoy the metro experience.
• Keep some small RMB notes available for the machines.
• If you are traveling with kids or seniors, plan your route before using the Beijing subway map.
• Download an English metro app, or have a paper map of Beijing subway just in case.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the price of a Beijing metro ticket?
A: The price of a Beijing metro ticket ranges from ¥3–¥9 RMB, depending on the distance, with an airport express fare costing more.

Q2: Can tourists purchase a Beijing metro ticket using a foreign credit card?
A: In 2025, some gates accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and JCB; however, it is best to always have cash as a backup option.

Q3: What’s the best way a tourist should use the subway?
A: Tourists should buy a rechargeable Yikatong smart card or use the single-journey ticket machine.

Q4: Are there English instructions on the ticket machines at the Beijing metro?
A: Yes, all machines have an English interface and are easy to use.