Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to get around a metropolis such as Beijing. Thousands of taxis run to and from every corner of Beijing to meet the demands of passengers.
Hailing Cabs
Calling for a cab: You can dial 96103 or 010-6873 3399 to call a cab, and an additional surcharge of 3 yuan is incurred for this service.
Written address: Have your destination and address written in Chinese characters in case there are communication problems.
Fares
Daytime (from 05:00 to 22:59)
A taxi fare in Beijing depends on the vehicle. On average, they start about 13 yuan for up to 3 kilometers during the daytime, and then the fare increases at 2.3 yuan increments for each kilometer. Five minutes of waiting time adds 2.3 yuan. After 15 kilometers (9 miles), the price per kilometer rises to 3.5 yuan. At the end, it is a good idea to ask for a receipt (发票 fā piào).
Nighttime Fare (from 23:00 to 04:49)
The per kilometer rates rise 20% above those above.
Additional Charges
Taxis are a popular way to see the sights of Beijing.- Passengers may need to pay 1 yuan as an extra fuel surcharge.
- Road tolls that are usually 5 or 10 yuan are paid by passengers.
For more information about taxis in China, see China's Taxis.
- 5-Day Beijing Family Tour
- 6-Day Beijing Chinese New Year Tour
- Half-Day Beijing Walking Tour in a Neighborhood
Safety and Scams
Be aware that some drivers or people in fake taxis might scam you by overcharging or giving counterfeit money. Make sure that they turn on the meter, or they may charge much higher. Carry small bills and change to avoid fake money. Be sure that the taxi is official. There should be a taxi sign on the roof, and the driver's registration card should be displayed on the dashboard.
If there is a problem, write down the driver's ID number, the license plate number or other information and keep the invoice. Tell the driver that you'll call the Taxi Management Bureau or the police. This will usually change their behavior. Complaint hotlines are 6835 1150 and 6835 1570.
Our Private Transport Alternative to Beijing Taxis
You can avoid any hassles, have a more pleasant trip, and enjoy extended use by utilizing our private transport services with a guide for all your questions and translation needs. Contact us to make arrangements.
Our Beijing Tours Come with Private Transport
Trips to the Great Wall etc. with our drivers are more convenient and maybe even less expensive than taking taxis.- Our 2-day Beijing Boutique Tour takes you to major attractions such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and hutongs.
- Our 11-day CLASSIC WONDERS private tour will take you to major attractions in Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai.