How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing: Bus, Shuttle & Private Car

Wondering how to get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing? You’re in the right place. Mutianyu feels calmer than Badaling, and the views are stunning. However, it sits in the mountains, so you’ll want a simple plan before you go.

Below, you’ll find the clearest transport options—bus, shuttle, or private car—with step-by-step guidance and quick comparisons. First, check the quick-pick box to choose what fits your time and travel style. Then, follow the details and head out with confidence.

At a Glance: Best Options by Travel Style

• Best overall (first-timers): Direct shuttle / group tour (no transfers)
• Cheapest: Public bus (916 Express + local transfer)
• Most flexible: Private car (hotel pickup)

1. Direct Tourist Bus to Mutianyu Great Wall by Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub

Looking for a smooth ride to Mutianyu Great Wall? This easy shuttle from Dongzhimen has you covered.

Meeting Point: Gather at the counter of Beijing Tourist Information ( 北京旅游咨询）in the hall of the Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (东直门交通枢纽).

You can easily reach the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub by taking Beijing Subway Line 2, Line 13, or the Capital Airport Express. Simply exit at Exit B, E or F at Dongzhimen Subway Station to arrive at the hub.

📍 Start Point:
Meet at Dongzhimen Transport Hub (first-floor main hall). Be there by 8:50 AM.
Note: You’ll need to book your ticket in advance!

Departure:
The bus leaves at 9:10 AM. It stops briefly at Shaoyaoju Subway Exit E, where you can also board.
The ride to the Wall takes about 90 minutes.

Arrival & Free Time:
Around 11:00 AM, you’ll arrive at Mutianyu Great Wall, where you’ll have 5 hours to explore at your own pace.

Return Trip:
Return buses run between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hop on any that works for you—just check with the staff on-site.
Drop-offs include:

• ~4:10 PM: Bird’s Nest / Water Cube area (Minzu Yuan Road stop)
• ~4:40 PM: Final stop at Qianmen, where your journey ends

Note: Return times are flexible and may adjust slightly. Please follow guidance from staff.

Bus Fare: 80 Yuan / per person ( Only Bus fare )
Booking Methods: WeChat App or through its official website: https://83531111.com/ ( in Chinese ) or call 010-83531111 ( 24 hours ) for ticket booking.

Service Feature: The one-stop ticket service on the bus allows you to buy tickets for the scenic spots, cable cars, and slides. Enjoy exclusive VIP access, skip the transfer to the shuttle bus, and save time and energy to explore the Great Wall.
The above content is for reference only, the specific information is subject to Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch.

2. Direct Tourist Buses to Mutianyu Great Wall by Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Qianmen

If you’re staying near central Beijing, this Qianmen-to-Mutianyu shuttle is one of the easiest ways to visit the Great Wall.

📍 Departure Point:
Head to Qianmen Station between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Shuttles depart in waves, so once you’re checked in, you’ll board the next available bus.
Important: Book your ticket in advance!

 You can easily get to the departure point by taking the Subway Line 2, get off at Qianmen Station. Exit from Exit C and walk about 200 meters to reach the Qianmen Tourist Distribution Center (Roadside Shuttle Bus Parking Area).

Travel Time:
It takes around 90 minutes to reach Mutianyu Great Wall. Sit back and enjoy the scenic ride.

Arrival & Free Time:
You’ll arrive between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, depending on your departure.
Once there, enjoy up to 4–5 hours exploring the wall, taking photos, or riding the cable car.

Return Options:
Meet at the P4 parking lot between 1:00 and 4:00 PM for your return to the city.
You’ll be dropped off at:

• 2:00–5:00 PM: Near Bird’s Nest / Water Cube (Minzu Yuan Road stop)
• 2:30–5:30 PM: Final stop back at Qianmen

Note: Return times may shift slightly. Please follow staff guidance on-site.

Bus Fare: 80 Yuan / per person ( Only Bus fare )
Booking Methods: WeChat App or through its official website: https://83531111.com/ ( in Chinese ) or call 010-83531111 ( 24 hours ) for ticket booking.

Service Feature: The one-stop ticket service on the bus allows you to buy tickets for the scenic spots, cable cars, and slides. Enjoy exclusive VIP access, skip the transfer to the shuttle bus, and save time and energy to explore the Great Wall.

The above content is for reference only, the specific information is subject to Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch.

3. Direct Tourist Buses to Mutianyu Great Wall by Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Beijing Chaoyang Station

Traveling from Beijing by train? You can hop straight from Chaoyang Railway Station to the Mutianyu Great Wall—no transfers needed.

📍 Departure:
At 9:00 AM, head to the shuttle stop beside Bus 194 platform at Chaoyang Station.
Advance ticket booking is required.

On the Way:
The bus makes a quick stop at Shaoyaoju Subway Station, then continues toward the Wall.
Expect a 2-hour ride, with scenic views along the way.

Explore Mutianyu:
Arrive around 11:00 AM. You’ll have several hours to hike, take photos, or ride the cable car at your own pace.

Return Options:
From 1:00 to 4:00 PM, return buses leave from the P4 parking lot.
These buses depart once full, so there’s no long wait.

Drop-Off Points:

• 2:00–5:00 PM: Near Bird’s Nest / Water Cube (Minzu Yuan Road stop)
• 2:30–5:30 PM: Final drop-off at Qianmen Station

Reminder: Actual times may vary slightly. Please follow on-site staff instructions.

Bus Fare: 80 Yuan / per person ( Only Bus fare )
Booking Methods: WeChat App or through its official website: https://83531111.com/ ( in Chinese ) or call 010-83531111 ( 24 hours ) for ticket booking.

Service Feature: The one-stop ticket service on the bus allows you to buy tickets for the scenic spots, cable cars, and slides. Enjoy exclusive VIP access, skip the transfer to the shuttle bus, and save time and energy to explore the Great Wall.

The above content is for reference only, the specific information is subject to Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch.

4. Direct Shuttle Buses to Mutianyu Great Wall by Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Xiushui Street Market (Silk Street)

Staying near the city center? This shuttle from Yong’anli Subway Station takes you straight to Mutianyu Great Wall—easy, direct, and scenic.

📍 Meeting Point:
Arrive by 9:00 AM at Exit A1 of Yong’anli Station (Line 1). The bus departs from the parking lot next to Xiushui Street Building (Silk Street Market).
Tip: Get there 10 minutes early to avoid last-minute rush.

On the Road:
Sit back and relax—it’s about a 90-minute drive to Mutianyu.

Time at the Wall:
You’ll reach the P4 parking lot around 10:30 AM. Spend up to 4 hours exploring the Great Wall, taking photos, and soaking in the views.

Return Trip:
At 2:30 PM, meet back at the parking lot. You’ll be back at Yong’anli by 4:00 PM.

Travel Tip:
After the trip, you can hop on Subway Line 1 or explore the Silk Street Market next door for souvenirs and snacks.

Note:
Traffic can vary, so return time is an estimate. Please follow staff guidance.

Bus Fare: 80 Yuan / per person ( Only Bus fare )
Booking Methods: WeChat App or through its official website: https://83531111.com/ ( in Chinese ) or call 010-83531111 ( 24 hours ) for ticket booking.

Service Feature: The one-stop ticket service on the bus allows you to buy tickets for the scenic spots, cable cars, and slides. Enjoy exclusive VIP access, skip the transfer to the shuttle bus, and save time and energy to explore the Great Wall.

The above content is for reference only, the specific information is subject to Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch.

5. Mutianyu Organized Group Tours

If it’s your first time in Beijing, a guided group tour is a great way to visit Mutianyu Great Wall with ease. Many tours include pickup from central Beijing, round-trip transport, a knowledgeable guide, and even lunch. You won’t need to worry about planning the details—just enjoy the day.

For a smooth and stress-free experience, we highly recommend booking through trusted international platforms. Trip.com, Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator all offer reliable options. These sites are easy to use, especially for English-speaking travelers.

👉 Book Your Mutianyu Great Wall with Optional Upgradeswith local guides via Viator — an unforgettable, immersive experience

With convenient logistical support throughout the trip, the MUBUS ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. No shopping stops, so you can focus entirely on the experience.

6.916 Express Bus at Dongzhimen Traffic Hub + H23 & 24 Local Bus to Mutianyu Great Wall

Bus boarding point in Dongzhimen Traffic Hub (东直门交通枢纽) (Aka Dongzhimen Public Transportation Hub). Tourists take 916 Express Bus in Dongzhimen,  get off at the North Street Station ( 北大街）in Huairou District；it takes about two hours to get to Huairou District. Bus one-way fare is 12 yuan.

Then walk to the opposite station waiting for H23 bus, H23 is Huairou District branch line, about 30-40 minutes for one bus. Take this bus about 40 minutes for 5 yuan, you can reach the Mutianyu Ring Island from Huairou North Street, Then walk to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The total bus time is about 3 hours, which is a long time.

So totally it takes about 3 hours to get from Dongzhimen Traffic Hub to the Mutianyu Great Wall, much longer than the marked time shown on the map above.

Note: It is a breeze to get to the Dongzhimen Traffic Hub (东直门交通枢纽) by Subway Line 2, Line 13 and the Capital Airport Express. Get off at the Dongzhimen Station and exit from Exit B, E or F ( see the Map above ).

For more tips on taking public buses, check out my complete guide – How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing by Bus.

7. Beijing Suburban Train + Shuttle Bus

One of the leisure ways is to take Beijing’s Suburban Train Line S5 (北京市郊铁路） morning train. First, you can take the early morning train from Beijing North Railway Station to Huirou North Railway Station ( Huairou District).

The journey typically takes one and haf hours, providing a scenic and comfortable ride through the outskirts of Beijing and into the countryside.

Here is the major train timetable for the Beijing North Station to Huairou North Station route on the Huairou-Miyun suburban railway line S5 (怀柔-密云线）：

Route	Train	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Beijing North Station → Huairou North Station	S501	06:55	08:18
Beijing North Station → Huairou North Station	S511	10:03	11:44
Beijing North Station → Huairou North Station	S503	14:20	15:45
Beijing North Station → Huairou North Station	S513	18:15	20:02
Huairou North Station → Beijing North Station	S512	7:01	08:38
Huairou North Station → Beijing North Station	S516	11:35	12:58
Huairou North Station → Beijing North Station	S514	16:36	17:37
Huairou North Station → Beijing North Station	S518	18:46	20:12

Kind reminder: The Beijing Suburban Train operates like the subway, and its entrance is separate from the main Beijing North Railway Station. Please avoid entering Beijing North Railway Station for a security check. Instead, access the Beijing Suburban Train through the entrance located next to McDonald’s, in the underground area connected to Subway Lines 2, 4, and 13.

Shuttle Service from Huairou North Railway Station to Mutianyu Great Wall

Huairou North Station has introduced a direct shuttle bus to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Passengers can take the Huai-mi suburban railway line to Huairou North Station, where they can easily transfer to the dedicated Mutianyu shuttle bus. This convenient route offers a direct journey to the Great Wall, allowing travelers to enjoy stunning scenery along the way.

Route and Fare:
The shuttle runs a direct route: Huairou North – Yanqi Lake Scenic Area – Hongluo Temple – Mutianyu Scenic Area. The full fare is just 18 RMB per person.

Departure Times:

• From Huairou North: 8:55, 12:00, 16:00
• From Mutianyu (return): 10:00, 15:00, 17:00

Keep in mind, during public holidays and peak seasons, additional buses may be added. As schedules can change with the seasons, it’s best to check the latest timetable in advance.

How to Buy Tickets:
On-site purchase is available or through some local travel platforms. You can pay on the spot using cash or WeChat Pay. Bank cards are not accepted, so plan accordingly. To avoid disappointment, especially on weekends or holidays, purchase tickets early.

Kind Reminder:
1) During the off-season, you may need to take a taxi from Huairou Railway Station to Mutianyu, as the shuttle bus may not be available.
2) Some trains only make a brief stop at Huairou North Railway Station. Be sure not to miss it—Huairou North Station is your destination,but may not the final stop of the train.

8. Taxi to Mutinayu Great Wall

Hailing a taxi in downtown Beijing is easy. You can find taxis at major hotels, tourist spots, or simply flag one down on the street. Ensure the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fare before starting the trip.

The taxi ride to Mutianyu Great Wall takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The cost ranges from 300 to 500 RMB one way. It’s a comfortable option, but make sure the driver understands your destination clearly.

Having the destination written in Chinese characters can be helpful. “Mutianyu Great Wall” in Chinese is “慕田峪长城”. Showing this to the driver ensures you’re headed to the right place.

8. Private Car to Mutianyu Great Wall

Booking a private car is another excellent option. Many companies offer car rental services with drivers who speak English. You can book online or through your hotel.

With a private car, you can customize your itinerary. You can decide the departure time, route, and even make stops along the way. This flexibility is ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience.

Private cars provide the utmost comfort and convenience. The driver picks you up from your hotel and takes you directly to Mutianyu. The journey is usually quicker and more relaxed compared to public transport.

The cost of hiring a private car ranges from 600 to 1000 RMB for a round trip. While it’s the most expensive option, the benefits often outweigh the cost, especially for families or small groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is there a direct bus from Beijing to Mutianyu?

Yes. In peak season, direct shuttles usually run straight to Mutianyu. If you want the easiest day, this is my go-to suggestion.

2) What’s the easiest way to get to Mutianyu for first-timers?

Honestly, book a direct shuttle or a small group tour. You won’t need to figure out transfers, and you can just enjoy the day.

3) What’s the cheapest way to get to Mutianyu?

Public transport wins on price. Most travelers take the 916 Express from Dongzhimen, then do a short transfer to Mutianyu.

4) How long does it take to get there from central Beijing?

Most days, it’s about 1.5–2 hours. However, weekends can surprise you. I always leave extra time, just in case.

5) Can I take the subway all the way to Mutianyu?

Not all the way. The subway gets you to Dongzhimen, and then you switch to a bus, shuttle, or car.

6) Is a private car worth it?

If you’re traveling with kids, parents, or a tight schedule, yes. A private car feels smooth and simple—especially on your first China trip.

7) Can I use DiDi to get to Mutianyu?

Yes, and it’s great for getting there. The return is the tricky part. Cars aren’t always easy to book from the mountains, so plan your way back.

8) Can I do Mutianyu as a half-day trip?

Yes, if you leave early. With a private car or direct shuttle, you can spend 2–3 hours on the Wall and still get back by mid-afternoon.

9) What time should I leave Beijing to beat the crowds?

Earlier really helps. I recommend leaving before 8:00–8:30 AM. You’ll arrive before the tour buses, and the Wall feels calmer.

10) Is it easy to get back to Beijing after visiting Mutianyu?

It’s very easy with a shuttle or tour since return transport is included. If you use public buses, check the last bus time and leave the Wall a bit earlier.

🌟Further Reading

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall Scams to Avoid: Transport, Tickets, and Traps
Best Way to Reach Mutianyu: Cable Car, Chairlift, Slide, or Hike
Mutianyu Great Wall Toilets: Map, Locations and Facilities
Best Time to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall: Seasons, Crowds & Tips
Best Mutianyu Great Wall Photo Spots: Map, Sunrise and Sunset
How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing by Bus
Best Wheelchair Travel Great Wall of China: Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall: The Best Section for Traveling with Kids
Mutianyu Great Wall vs Badaling Great Wall – Your Ultimate Guide
Mutianyu Great Wall Night Tour: A Complete Guide for Summer Evenings