The Basics of Beijing Buses

Beijing buses can be both convenient and confusing. They are really cheap (bus fare is as low as 0.30 Yuan for a short ride), but they can also be very slow and crowded depending on the time and your route. However, getting to know the bus system is definitely worth it and can help you out on your trip to Beijing. So here are some of the basics.

With the upgrade in 2008 of the Beijing subway system, the subway is a convenient way to get around central Beijing. However, to get to the more remote areas, it is still necessary to take a bus.

The standard bus design is green with red and yellow stripes and the bus line number on the front of the bus. However, some buses have different designs.

One tricky thing about the buses is you pay based on how many stops you are riding. So you have to figure out beforehand how many stops there are until your destination. Having a map would be helpful.

With the high number of cars in Beijing, traffic can be something of a nightmare, especially during rush periods. This means many times, buses are caught in traffic. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time, this could obviously be a big problem. Try to plan accordingly and leave really early if you need to travel a long distance by bus. If it is possible, get a taxi or find some other more reliable method of transportation if it is an important event or something you cannot afford to be late for.

There are three basic types of bus lines in Beijing. Those whose routes run through the center of the city are the single and double-digit numbered buses. The buses with numbers in the 300s run through the suburban areas. The buses with numbers in the 200s run at nighttime and have different hours than the other buses. Finally, the trolley buses have numbers in the 100s. There are also double decker buses that can accommodate more passengers (a good thing, seeing how crowded the buses can get at times!)

While there are definitely challenges to riding the bus in Beijing, it is a part of life for many residents of the city, and definitely something you should try out to get the full experience of the city. Remember to do your research beforehand, keep careful watch of all your belongings, and enjoy the experience!