If you’re planning to visit Beijing and explore its famous destinations like the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, and other beautiful suburban areas, you’ll likely find yourself passing through the Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub 东直门交通枢纽 (also known as Dongzhimen Traffic Hub by goolge map). This updated guide for 2025 will help foreign tourists navigate the hub and make the most out of their travel experience.
1.What is Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub?
The Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub is located at 39 Dongzhimenwai Street (东直门外大街39号), in the northeast corner of the Dongzhimen Overpass in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. It officially opened in August 2008.
Covering an area of 15.44 hectares, the transport hub’s passenger terminal spans 78,000 square meters and is designed to meet a variety of transportation needs. The hub is divided into three levels: the ground floor is dedicated to bus services, while the underground level is a subway transfer area. The Dongzhimen Transport Hub Beijing is an integrated transportation center, offering a mix of subway, bus, taxi, bike, and pedestrian options. It is one of the most important city transit hubs in Beijing, connecting locals and travelers alike.
The history of Dongzhimen ( Dongzhi Gate) dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, where it was originally named Chongrenmen (崇仁门). In 1368, during the Ming Dynasty, the gate was renamed to Dongzhimen. In 1950, an opening was made to the north of the city gate to improve traffic flow. In 1969, the city gate tower was dismantled, and in 1979, an overpass was built at the site to further improve the area’s transportation network.
2. How to Reach Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub
The Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub is located near Exit E of the Dongzhimen Subway Station. Three subway lines intersect here: Line 2, Line 13, and the Airport Express Line. This makes it easy for passengers to transfer between the city and international flights seamlessly.
Getting to Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub is easy, no matter where you’re coming from. If you’re staying in central Beijing, the Dongzhimen Beijing transportation guide makes it clear that the hub is accessible by subway and bus.
By Subway:
One of the most convenient ways to get to Dongzhimen is by taking the Beijing Subway. Dongzhimen station is an interchange station on Lines 2 (the loop line) and Line 13. If you’re coming from the city center, simply hop onto Line 2 or Line 13, and it will take you directly to Dongzhimen (东直门站). The subway is affordable, efficient, and avoids Beijing’s notorious traffic.
By Bus:
You can also reach Dongzhimen by bus. The Dongzhimen bus station Beijing is well connected to various parts of the city. Depending on where you are in Beijing, buses can be a more direct way to get to the hub. If you’re coming from Beijing South Railway Station (Bus 103), for example, you can take buses that directly connect to Dongzhimen.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing:
If you prefer a more direct route, taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are widely available in Beijing. A taxi ride to Dongzhimen Transport Hub will take you around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
3. Direct Shuttle Buses from Dongzhimen to Mutianyu and Jinshanling
For foreign travelers, one of the main reasons to visit Dongzhimen Transport Hub is to catch a direct shuttle bus to the Great Wall. In 2025, there are two popular bus routes connecting Dongzhimen Transit Hub with key Great Wall destinations: Mutianyu and Jinshanling.
Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub
1) Direct Shuttle Bus to Mutianyu Great Wall
- Meeting Point: Go to the Beijing Tourist Information Counter (北京旅游咨询) in the hall of Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (东直门交通枢纽).
- Departure Time: 9:10 AM (Arrive early to secure your spot)
- Bus Fare: 80 Yuan per person
- Booking Methods: You can book through the WeChat App or visit the official website: www.83531111 (in Chinese).
- Service Features: This shuttle offers a one-stop ticket service on the bus. You can buy tickets for the scenic spots, cable cars, and slides. Plus, enjoy exclusive VIP access and skip the transfer to the shuttle bus. This saves you time and energy while exploring the Great Wall.
2) Direct Shuttle Bus to Jinshanling Great Wall
- Meeting Point: Go to the Beijing Tourist Information Counter (北京旅游咨询) in the hall of Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (东直门交通枢纽).
- Departure Time: 7:00 AM (Arrive early)
- Booking Methods: You can book through the WeChat App or visit the official website: www.83531111 (in Chinese).
- Schedule:
- 10:00 AM: Arrival at Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area
- Four-Hour Stay: Explore the scenic area at your leisure
- 2:30 PM: Departure from Jinshanling to return to Beijing
- 4:40 PM: Arrival back at Dongzhimen, concluding your trip.
- Ticket Prices:
- Adult Ticket: 228 RMB per person
- Senior Ticket (60+ years): 198 RMB per person
- Student Ticket (Minors over 1.2m and university students): 198 RMB per person
- Child Ticket (under 1.2m with a seat): 120 RMB per person
- Service Features: Similar to the Mutianyu bus, this route also offers a one-stop ticket service. Buy tickets for scenic spots, cable cars, and slides. Enjoy VIP access and avoid the hassle of transfers, giving you more time to enjoy the Great Wall.
For more information, you can call 010-83531111 (24 hours).
4. 916 Express Bus at Dongzhimen Traffic Hub + H23 & H33 Local Bus to Mutianyu Great Wall
At Dongzhimen Traffic Hub, tourists can catch the 916 Express Bus (918快). The bus departs from Dongzhimen and heads towards Huairou District. After about two hours, get off at North Street Station (北大街) in Huairou. The one-way fare is 12 yuan.
Next, walk across the street to the opposite station and wait for the H23 bus. The H23 is a local bus that connects to various points in Huairou District. Buses run approximately every 30-40 minutes. The ride to Mutianyu Ring Island takes around 40 minutes and costs 5 yuan. Afterward, it’s just a short walk to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
In total, the bus journey will take around 3 hours. While this is a bit long, it’s an affordable and convenient way to reach the Great Wall.
5. Other Suburban Destinations:
The Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub also serves several suburban bus routes, including the 918 and 980. These routes are designed to meet the transportation needs between central Beijing and suburban districts like Shunyi, Huairou, Pinggu, and Miyun.
Beijing Bus Route 918
The 918 Bus is a key suburban route operated by the Beijing Bus Group’s Seventh Passenger Division. It mainly serves the districts of Pinggu, Shunyi, Chaoyang, and Dongcheng in Beijing. This route connects the Pinggu Bus Station with the Dongzhimen Transport Hub.
- Starting Point: Pinggu Bus Station
- End Point: Dongzhimen Transport Hub
- Operating Hours:
- From Pinggu Bus Station: 04:20 AM – 07:30 PM
- From Dongzhimen Transport Hub: 05:40 AM – 09:00 PM
This route offers a reliable and affordable connection between suburban districts and central Beijing, making it convenient for travelers heading to or from the outskirts of the city.
Beijing Bus Route 980
The 980 bus is another important route, serving Miyun, Huairou, Shunyi, Chaoyang, and Dongcheng districts. Operated by the Beijing Bus Group’s Seventh Passenger Division, this route spans 75 kilometers and has 54 stops along the way. It connects Dongzhimen Transport Hub with Miyun Bus Station.
- Starting Point: Dongzhimen Transport Hub
- End Point: Miyun Bus Station
- Operating Hours:
- From Miyun Bus Station: First bus at 05:50 AM, last bus at 09:00 PM
- From Dongzhimen Transport Hub: First bus at 04:40 AM, last bus at 07:00 PM
Both the 918 and 980 buses provide convenient and accessible travel options for commuters and tourists traveling to Beijing’s suburban areas. Whether you’re heading to the scenic Mutianyu District or Pinggu District or other destinations, these buses are a great way to explore the outskirts of Beijing.
5. How to Pay for Buses in Beijing
When traveling by bus in Beijing, it’s important to know how to pay for your ticket. Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub offers several ways to pay for your bus fare, making it easier for foreign tourists to use public transport.
Bus Fare Payment at Dongzhimen:
You can pay for your bus fare in Beijing using cash, transport cards, or mobile payment apps. Cash is always accepted, but it’s best to have small bills or coins for easier transactions. Alternatively, the Beijing Pass and Beijing Transport Card (Yikatong) is a great way to pay for both subway and bus rides. You can purchase the card at Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub, which also serves as a transportation guide for tourists looking to load or top-up their card.
Mobile Payments:
Many foreigners are familiar with mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. These mobile apps are widely used in Beijing for paying public transport fares. To pay your bus fare with your smartphone, simply scan the QR code on the bus. The apps are convenient, fast, and easy to use, especially if you don’t want to carry cash.
6. Facilities at Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub
The Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub isn’t just a place to catch a bus or subway. It’s also equipped with several facilities that make your travel experience smoother and more comfortable.
1) Tourist Information Center (By Dongzhimen Transport Hub)
If you need help navigating the hub or finding directions to your destination, head to the Tourist Information Counter located by the southern main entrance. This tourist information Counter is different from the tourist Information Centre run by Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch.
The staff here can provide you with tourist guides, maps, and other helpful information. Whether you need advice on how to find Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub or need tips on exploring Beijing’s suburbs via Dongzhimen hub, the information center has you covered.
2) Shops and Restaurants:
When you’re passing through Dongzhimen, you’ll find several shops and stores where you can buy snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and more. There is even a McDonald’s inside the station, perfect for a quick bite before your journey.
In addition to fast food, there are also other restaurants offering Chinese and international cuisine. These options provide a comfortable stop for travelers looking to refresh themselves.
3) Rest Areas and Accessibility:
Dongzhimen Transport Hub is designed with comfort in mind. There are rest areas where you can sit and relax before your bus or subway ride. For travelers with special needs, the hub offers wheelchair access and luggage storage services, ensuring everyone can easily navigate the space. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with a group, these facilities make the hub more accessible.
4) Parking Facilities:
If you’re driving or being dropped off by a taxi, Dongzhimen Transport Hub offers parking facilities. These are available for short-term or long-term use, making it convenient for those who plan to leave their vehicle while they explore Beijing’s outskirts.
7. Important Tips for Using Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when using the Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub:
1） Inconvenient Transfers
Due to design limitations and limited entry/exit points, transfers at Dongzhimen can be inconvenient. The distance between bus stops and subway entrances is quite long. Passengers often have to walk back and forth inside and outside the hub, which can make transfers feel tiring and time-consuming.
2） Long Wait Times
Waiting in line can be a challenge, especially on Friday afternoons. During peak times, such as when many people are heading to Miyun, Huairou, or Pinggu, the lines can be quite long. Sometimes, you may have to wait for up to 40 minutes or more to board your bus.
3）Nearby Facilities
The hub itself offers some convenient amenities. There are also useful facilities such as a mother and baby room and Beijing Bank ATMs. Just across the street, you’ll find Ginza and Raffles City shopping malls, offering more options for dining and shopping. The surrounding roads are undergoing continuous upgrades to improve accessibility and comfort.
4) Safety Travel Advice
Avoid using illegal unregistered taxis (often called “black cabs”), even though they may seem faster. These vehicles can actually cause more delays and lack proper safety standards. It’s better to be patient and wait for the official buses, which, although they may have longer wait times, are safer and more reliable.
Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub in Beijing remains one of the most important transportation centers for foreign tourists heading to iconic destinations like the Great Wall. With its comprehensive facilities, easy-to-use payment systems, and connection to key bus and subway routes, it’s an essential part of your travel journey. Whether you’re visiting Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or other suburban attractions, Dongzhimen is the gateway to your adventure in Beijing.
By following this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to navigate the hub with ease and make the most of your time in Beijing. Happy travels!
Further Reading
How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing
How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing
How to Get to Simatai Great Wall from Beijing
How to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing
How to Get to Juyongguan Great Wall from Beijing
How to Get to Ming Tombs from Beijing
How to Use Beijing Subway
How to Use the Beijing Public Transport
