Transport in Beijing - By Bus

Buses in Beijing are OK, but traffic jams make them ridiculously slow. They are also often crowded. Generally, try to avoid the rush hours of 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM. Take the subway or ride the bike at these times, and preferably at other times too.

Ticket prices vary according to the line. Most buses numbered below 500 cost 1 yuan. Buses 700-900 are newer ones, some have air conditioning, and prices depend on the distance covered. Tickets range from 1 to 6 yuan depending on the specific bus and the number of stops you travel. Tell the conductor where you are going, and he will tell you how much it is. Tickets are purchased on the bus. Some buses have no conductors; in this case passengers get on through the front door and throw 1 yuan into the box next to the driver.

You can now get a prepaid card for a deposit of 20 RMB at most subway stations which will get you discounts on bus tickets of up to 60%.