How to Get from Beijing to the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Stretching thousands of miles across northern China, it attracts millions of visitors every year. If you’re staying in Beijing, visiting the Great Wall is a must—and fortunately, several sections are accessible for day trips from downtown.

This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best section to visit, how to get from Beijing downtown to the Main Sections of the Great Wall: Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, Jinshanling.
 

Which Section of the Great Wall Should You Visit from Beijing Downtown?

Major existing sections of the Great Wall include Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, Jinshanling, Shanhaiguan, Jiayuguan, Hushan, and Jiumenkou. Among them, the well-developed and open-to-tourist sections near Beijing include: Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall, Simatai, and the Jiankou Wild Great Wall. In addition, Jinshanling in Hebei Province and Huangyaguan in Tianjin are also open to visitors. 

To help you decide which part to visit, here’s a comparison table of the most popular Great Wall sections near Beijing:
 

For most first-time visitors, Mutianyu and Badaling are the most convenient and scenic choices.
 

3 Ways to the Great Wall from Beijing Downtown

A. Group or Private Tour (Recommended)
Booking a tour is the most convenient and stress-free way to visit the Great Wall, especially if it’s your first time in Beijing. Everything is arranged for you—transportation, entrance tickets, optional cable car rides, and meals etc.

Why we recommend it:

• No language barriers: No need to navigate signs, apps, or bus changes in Chinese.
• Door-to-door service: Most tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Efficient use of time: Drivers know the best routes and times to avoid crowds.
• Informative experience: Many tours include English-speaking guides who can explain the Wall’s history and architecture.

👉 You can book a reliable and well-reviewed tour with us: Top China Travel.



B. Hire a Taxi or Private Car
Hiring a private driver or taxi is a good choice for travelers who want flexibility without joining a group. It’s more expensive than public transport, but easier and more comfortable—especially for families or groups of 3–4 people. Estimated Cost: ¥500–¥900 round trip (depending on distance and waiting time)
 

C. Take Public Transportation
Public transportation is a viable option mainly for visiting Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall. Among the Great Wall sections, Badaling is the easiest to reach. It has more transport options and takes less time, so it’s the most convenient for independent travelers.
 

How to Get from Beijing Downtown to Badaling Great Wall

1. By Train (Fast & Convenient)
Beijing North Station (Xizhimen) → Badaling Station

• Departure: Take the S2 Line suburban train from Huangtudian Station (near Beijing North Station, accessible via subway Line 2/4/13 at Xizhimen Station).
• Schedule: Trains run frequently (about every 1-2 hours), with the first train around 7:00 AM.
• Duration: ~1 hour.
• Ticket: ~¥7 (cash or Yikatong card).
• Arrival: Badaling Station is a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
   

2. By Tourist Bus (Direct & Affordable)
Bus 877 (Deshengmen → Badaling)

• Departure: From Deshengmen Bus Terminal (near Jishuitan Subway Station, Line 2).
• Schedule: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM (return buses until 5:00 PM).
• Duration: ~1 hour (no traffic).
• Ticket: ¥12 (cash or Yikatong).
• Drop-off: Right at Badaling’s ticket office.
   

3. By Public Bus (Cheap but Slower)
Bus 919 Express (Deshengmen → Badaling)

• Departure: Also from Deshengmen Bus Terminal.
• Schedule: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Duration: ~1.5 hours (subject to traffic).
• Ticket: ¥12.
• Note: Make sure to take the express version (快车), as the regular 919 makes many stops.
   

How to Get from Beijing Downtown to Mutianyu Great Wall

1. By Tourist Bus (Most Convenient Public Transport)
Bus Line: "Mutianyu Great Wall Direct Bus" (Beijing Tourist Hub → Mutianyu)

• Departure Point: Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (near Dongzhimen Subway Station, Lines 2/13).
• Schedule: Departs at 8:00 AM, returns at 2:00 PM (confirm latest times in advance).
• Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
• Ticket: ~¥30–50 (round trip available).
• Drop-off: Directly at Mutianyu’s parking lot (short walk to ticket office).
   

2. By Public Bus + Taxi
Step 1: Take Bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Huairou North Avenue (Huairou Beidajie).

• Bus Schedule: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM, runs every 10–15 mins.
• Duration: ~1 hour.
• Ticket: ¥15 (cash or Yikatong).

Step 2: From Huairou, take a local taxi or minibus (H23/H36/H50) to Mutianyu (~30 mins, ¥50–80 by taxi).
 

How to Get from Beijing Downtown to Simatai Great Wall

1. By Tourist Bus (Direct & Convenient)
Dongzhimen → Simatai/Gubei Water Town Direct Bus

• Departure Point: Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (near Dongzhimen Subway Station, Lines 2/13).
• Schedule: 8:00 AM (return buses at 3:00 PM, confirm latest times).
• Duration: ~2–2.5 hours.
• Ticket: ~¥48 (one way), ¥80 (round trip).
• Drop-off: At Gubei Water Town parking lot (Simatai entrance is inside the town).

2. By Public Bus + Taxi
Step 1: Take Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Miyun Bus Station.

• Schedule: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM, every 10–15 mins.
• Duration: ~1.5 hours.
• Ticket: ¥17 (cash or Yikatong).

Step 2: From Miyun, take a taxi or private car to Simatai (~45 mins, ¥100–150).
 

How to Get from Beijing Downtown to Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall is one of the most spectacular and well-preserved sections, offering a perfect mix of restored and wild wall with fewer crowds. Here’s how to reach it from Beijing:

1. By Tourist Bus (Direct & Convenient)
Beijing → Jinshanling Direct Bus

• Departure Point: Wangjing West Subway Station (Line 13/15), Exit B.
• Schedule: 7:40 AM (return bus at 3:00 PM).
• Duration: ~2.5 hours.
• Ticket: ~¥50–60 (one way), book via WeChat/online.
• Drop-off: Directly at Jinshanling’s main entrance.
   

2. By Public Bus + Taxi (Budget Option)
Step 1: Take Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Miyun Bus Station.

• Schedule: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM, every 10–15 mins.
• Duration: ~1.5 hours.
• Ticket: ¥17.

Step 2: From Miyun, take a taxi or private car to Jinshanling (~1.5 hours, ¥200–300).
 

Best Time to Visit the Great Wall

The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is during spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). These seasons offer cool, comfortable weather and beautiful natural scenery, making hiking and sightseeing more enjoyable. You’ll also avoid the sweltering heat and massive crowds of summer, as well as the bitter cold of winter.

For the best experience, plan your visit on a weekday morning, arriving at the Wall between 7:00 and 9:00 AM. This allows you to enjoy a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere before most tour groups arrive.
 

❗When to Avoid:

• Public Holidays such as National Day (early October) and Labor Day (early May) bring overwhelming crowds.
• Summer vacation (July–August) is not only peak travel season with long queues everywhere, but also features intense heat, strong sun exposure, and a high risk of heatstroke during long walks.
• Winter (December–February) can be extremely cold and windy, with some sections closed due to snow and icy paths. Visit with caution and dress warmly.

💡 Note: Crowds can vary greatly between sections. Badaling and Mutianyu are the busiest. For a more tranquil experience, consider the less-visited sections like Jinshanling or Simatai.