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Getting around by Taxi in Beijing

The Chinese public transportation system for the 2008 Olympic Games
Bikes and cars share the roads of Beijing

Getting around in Beijing by taxi is not hard, as long as you are prepared. Assume your driver will not speak English. Keep the name of your hotel written down in Chinese characters. A brochure, business card or receipt may work or have the hotel staff write it down for you. Then you can easily show it to a driver.

Some guidebooks have destinations and hotels written in Chinese. Also a little phrasebook may suffice. You can also learn to say the name of your hotel and other destinations in Chinese.

Taxis in Beijing are metered, so just get in the taxi and pay the fare when you get out. The machine will also print out receipts automatically for you if you need it.

Getting around by taxi in Beijing, China
The ring roads are Beijing's freeways

Note that taxis cannot stop anywhere they want - usually if there is a solid white line and its a busy place with police around they are likely to ignore your hailing. Try a side street or look for a taxi stand. If you know which way you want to be going, catch a taxi on the correct side of the road as it will be faster.

Beijing taxis start at ten renminbi (Chinese dollars) and don't actually tick up for a good distance. Often if you are not going too far the ride will cost you ten or twelve renminbi which is less than two US dollars. A trip from the airport is about 70 to 100 renminbi.

Roads and freeways for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China
Spotting your Taxi

Beijing taxis come in three sizes and price - 1.20, 1.60 and 2.00 - the larger cars cost more. If there are just one or two of you its worth watching for a 1.20 taxi as you will save a few renminbi. As you can see in the photo to the left prices are marked on the rear sides of the cars.

Experiences/comments from readers:

I found the taxis easy to use. I had a map with Chinese and English that I bought outside my hotel which helped a lot.
Name: Robert B.
Date: Thursday Jun 24 18:22:32 2004

This comment section has been added for you to post tips and experiences regarding the taxis in Beijing.
Name: Peter Danford
Date: Sat Jun 19 16:26:33 2004

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