How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing: Bus, Train & Car

Planning How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing: Bus, Train & Car? Great choice. Jinshanling feels quieter, wilder, and more “real” than the busiest Wall sections. You’ll get long ridge views, fewer crowds, and some of my favorite photo light near sunrise and sunset.

Getting there takes a bit more planning, though. So in this guide, I’ll keep it simple. First, choose the option that fits your time and comfort level. Next, follow the steps and enjoy the ride. Then you can save your energy for the Wall itself.

At a Glance: Best Options by Travel Style (Ruqin’s Quick Pick)

If it’s your first time, I usually recommend a direct bus/shuttle or a small group tour. It’s the easiest way to avoid transfers.

Best overall (first-timers): Direct bus / shuttle or small group tour (simple, low stress)
Most flexible: Private car (best for early start, sunset, or tight schedules)
Most scenic / “local”: Train + transfer (fun, but needs planning)
Best budget (but slow): Public transport + transfers (doable, just takes patience)

Quick note: Schedules can change by season. I always double-check the latest info before I go.

1. How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing City Centre

The Jinshanling Great Wall is located about 150 kilometers northeast of Beijing, between Miyun County and Luanping County. This section of the wall is known for its impressive architectural features and relatively untouched sections, giving visitors a more authentic experience of the Great Wall.

Stretching for 10.5 kilometers, the Jinshanling section boasts 67 towers and has a mixture of restored and original segments, making it perfect for hiking enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Unlike the more touristy sections like Badaling, Jinshanling offers a more serene and immersive experience. The rolling hills, expansive views, and fewer crowds make it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter visit. But getting to Jinshanling from Beijing is a bit challenging.

You can hop on the direct shuttle bus, or catch a tourist coach from Dongzhimen, or take the S5 suburban train and connect with a local car. If you’re feeling adventurous, try public bus transfers for a more local experience. Prefer full control? Driving yourself is also a fantastic option.

No matter your travel style or budget, there’s a route that fits. Let’s break down all your options—step by step—so you can choose the one that’s just right for your Jinshanling adventure.

1) Jinshanling Great Wall Direct Shuttle Bus

The direct bus runs on weekends and public holidays during tourist peak seaspn only, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend trip.

Departure Time: 8:00 AM from Beijing
Return Time: 4:00 PM from Jinshanling
Pickup Location: Inside the 942 Express Bus Terminal, located at No. 45 Dongwai Xiejie, Dongzhimen, Beijing (乘车地点‌：北京东直门东外斜街45号942快车公交场站院内)

Arrive at the station at least 15–20 minutes early to ensure a seat, especially during busy seasons.

Ticket Price and Travel Time

One-way ticket: ¥50 per person
(Note: This price does not include entrance fees, shuttle buses, or cable cars)
Travel Time: About 2 hours one-way, depending on traffic

This is one of the best ways to enjoy a smooth ride and avoid the complexity of multiple transfers. Plus, you’ll travel alongside other Great Wall explorers!

👉 Pro tip:
1) Bring snacks and water. There are limited options near the bus station and en route.
2) The shuttle bus operates only on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. To confirm departure times, please call 8402 4628 in advance.

2) Direct Tourist Bus by Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub 北京旅游集散中心金山岭直通车（东直门交通枢纽）

Beijing Dongzhimen to Jinshanling Direct BUs

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.

Looking for a stress-free way to visit Jinshanling Great Wall? Hop on the direct shuttle bus from central Beijing—convenient, comfortable, and perfect for independent travelers!

Where to Meet:
Head to the Beijing Tourist Information Desk (北京旅游咨询) located inside the Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (东直门交通枢纽). Get there early to find your seat!

Departure Time:
The bus leaves promptly at 8:00 AM, so aim to arrive at least 15–20 minutes in advance.

How to Book:
Reserve your spot easily via the WeChat App or the official Chinese website: https://83531111.com/
Prefer a call? Just dial the 24-hour hotline: 010-83531111.

Trip Schedule:

10:00 AM: Arrive at Jinshanling Great Wall
10:00 AM–4:00 PM: Enjoy four hours of scenic hiking and photo ops
4:00 PM: Bus departs back to Beijing
6:10 PM: Arrive at Dongzhimen

Tickets & Inclusions:
Adult ticket: 160 RMB
This covers your round-trip bus fare, park entry, and the cable car ride.

Important to Know:
This is a shared group tour, and advance booking is required.
If the group doesn’t meet the minimum size, staff will call you by 6:30 PM the day before to update you.

The round-trip cable car is complimentary, but in case of suspension due to weather or maintenance, there’s no refund.

3) Guided Tours to Jinshanling Great Wall

If it’s your first time in Beijing, a guided tour is a great way to visit Jinshanling 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.

👉 Book your Small Group-Jinshanling Great Wall 1-day tour (via Viator )

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.

4) By S5 Train (Beijing Suburban Train) + Local Private Car

One of the best ways is to take Beijing’s Suburban Train Line S5 early morning train. First, you can take the early morning train from Beijing North Railway Station to Gubeikou Railway Station ( Gubeikou Town ). The journey typically takes about 2.5 hours, providing a scenic and comfortable ride through the outskirts of Beijing and into the countryside.

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.

Trains run twice daily and do not require reservations. Simply treat it like a subway, free seating — just scan or swipe, and you’re on your way.

Here is the train timetable for the Beijing North Station to Gubeikou Station route on the Huairou-Miyun suburban railway line (S5 Line):

Route	Train	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Beijing North Station → Gubeikou Station	S501	06:55 (Get up early and don’t miss the train! The only train in the morning.	09:23
Beijing North Station → Gubeikou Station	S503	14:20	16:50
Gubeikou Station → Beijing North Station	S502	10:00	12:28
Gubeikou Station → Beijing North Station	S504	17:20 (Don’t miss the train, the only train in the afternoon)	19:52

Train times can change. For the latest S5 schedule, check China Railway’s official 12306 website/app (English available).

After exiting Gubeikou Railway Station, you’ll notice several private cars parked nearby. Local drivers, mostly from nearby villages, may approach you offering transfer services. At the time of writing, there are no official taxis available at the station, so arranging a ride with one of these private drivers is your best option.

Location of Gubeikou Town (Station), Simatai and Jinshanling ( Google) — Location Map: Gubeikou Town (Station), Jinshanling, Gubeikou and Simatai (Google Maps source)

You can negotiate with them for a transfer either to the Jinshanling Great Wall (approximately 17 km away) or the Gubeikou Great Wall (about 7 km away). Be sure to confirm the price and destination clearly before setting off to ensure a smooth journey.

The negotiated prices for your reference:
Gubeikou Railway Station – Jinshanling One-way Transfer: RMB 60 /Per Car or SUV.
Gubeikou Railway Station – Gubeikou One-way transfer: RMB 40 /Per car or SUV
Gubeikou Railway Station – Simatai One-way Transfer: RMB60 /Per car or SUV

A dedicated official shuttle bus connecting to the Simatai Great Wall (Gubei Water Town)

If you are planning to visit Simatai and Gubei Water Town, you’re in luck! There is a dedicated official shuttle bus connecting to the Simatai Great Wall. The bus waits in the parking lot for passengers arriving by train who are heading to Simatai and the water town. So, there’s no need to worry—it will be there to pick you up.

5) Travel to Jinshanling via Public Bus Transfers

If you’re up for a scenic local experience, taking public buses to Jinshanling is a budget-friendly adventure. Though it involves transfers, this route gives you a glimpse of life outside Beijing.

Route 1: Public Bus via Luanping

Start your journey by taking Bus 858 from Beijing Laiguangying Station (北京来广营站) to the Luanping Passenger Transport Hub (滦平县客运枢纽站).

Once you arrive, switch to the special tourist bus heading to Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area.

🕒 Departure times (Luanping → Jinshanling) 滦平县客运枢纽站至金山岭长城景区:

7:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM

🕒 Return trips (Jinshanling → Luanping) 金山岭长城景区至滦平县客运枢纽站 :

2:00 PM
3:00 PM
5:30 PM

💰 Bonus Tip: Buy your ticket directly at the transport hub to enjoy a discounted fare.
Beijing Bus Route 858 is a transit line connecting Beijing with Luanping County in Hebei Province. It primarily serves commuters and tourists traveling between the two areas.

The route is roughly as follows:
Endpoint: Luanping Passenger Transport Hub; Starting point: Laiguangying Lukou West (near Metro Line 14).

Route 2: Long-Distance Bus via Miyun

Another option: take a long-distance coach from Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station (北京六里桥) or Sihui East Bus Station (北京六里桥) to Miyun. From Miyun, hop on a local minibus to Jinshanling Great Wall.

This route may take a bit longer, but it’s a great way to stretch your budget and enjoy a more local-style journey.

👉 Bring a map or screenshot your route, just in case mobile signal drops during your transfer!

6) Driving Yourself to Jinshanling Great Wall

Prefer flexibility and comfort? A self-drive trip to Jinshanling might be your best choice—especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.

Recommended Route

From Beijing, take the Jingcheng Expressway (G45) and exit at Jinshanling Great Wall (Bakeshiying Exit).
The journey covers about 130 kilometers and usually takes around 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Along the way, you’ll pass scenic countryside views and quiet villages—perfect for a peaceful road trip outside the city.

Parking Made Easy

The scenic area offers several parking lots near the main entrances. Parking is usually available and well-marked, even during busy seasons.

👉 Pro Tip: Use a navigation app like Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps for real-time directions. Make sure your route is set to “avoid tolls” if you’re budget-conscious.

2. How to Get Back to Beijing (Return Trip)

This part matters more than people expect. Jinshanling is peaceful, but it’s not a place you want to “figure out later.”

If you took a direct bus / shuttle / tour

First, confirm the pickup location for the return as soon as you arrive.
Next, set a phone alarm 30–45 minutes before departure.
Finally, walk back early. Distances feel longer after hiking.

If you hired a private car

Agree on a clear meeting point before you enter the scenic area.
Then message your driver 20–30 minutes before you finish.
Meanwhile, keep a buffer for traffic on the way back to Beijing.

If you used the train + transfer route

Check the last train time earlier in the day. Don’t wait until evening.
Then leave Jinshanling with extra time for the transfer leg.
If you miss the final connection, you may need a taxi or an overnight stay.

If you used public transport + transfers

Start heading back before it gets too late.
In addition, avoid cutting it close on weekends. Lines can form quickly.
If buses feel uncertain, use a taxi for the final transfer to a major station.

Ruqin tip: If you’re planning sunset photos, a private car makes the whole day easier.

3. Jinshanling Great Wall Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

The ticket prices for Jinshanling Great Wall are 65 yuan during peak season and 55 yuan during the off-season. The peak season runs from April 1 to October 31, and the off-season is from November 1 to March 31 of the following year.

Cable Car: During the peak season, a one-way cable car ticket costs 40 yuan, and a round-trip ticket costs 60 yuan. The upper station is located at Xiao Jinshan Tower.

Shuttle Bus: basically you need to pay RMB 30 to take the shuttle bus from the Main Gate to the ticketing office. But most of your private drivers will take you directly to the ticketing office.

Re-entry: The scenic area offers free re-entry on the same day.

Opening Hours and Entry Times

Peak Season: Open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Ticket sales close at 4:30 PM, and entry closes at 5:00 PM.

Off-Season: Open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Ticket sales close at 3:30 PM, and entry closes at 4:00 PM.

4. How to Hike Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling offers several hiking routes to suit different fitness levels, time constraints, and interests. Each route provides a unique experience of this stunning section of the Great Wall, blending restored and wild areas.

At the Zhuandaokou Gate, Jinshanling Great Wall is divided into two hiking lines: Jinshanling East Line and Jinshanling West Line. More people would choose the East Line, especially for those who only have a day trip to Jinshanling Great Wall.

The tourist map of Jinshanling Great Wall — Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Map

1) Jinshanling to Simatai West Hiking Route (East Line )

This is the most popular and scenic route, starting from the Zhuanduokou Gate ( 砖垛口）of Jinshanling Great Wall to the East Tower with Five Windows ( 5-Eye Tower 东五眼楼) ，stretching approximately 5 kilometers.

The general hiking route is: Zhuanduokou → Shalingkou → Xiaojinshan → Houchuankou → East Tower with Five Windows.

This hike typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on individual fitness and speed. The scenery along the way is stunning, making it an ideal route for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities.

The hike begins at Jinshanling’s main entrance, where you can explore its restored sections with well-preserved watchtowers and breathtaking views.

As you progress toward Simatai West( Note: Simatai West is still closed）, the Wall transitions into unrestored sections, showcasing its original structure and historical charm.

Simatai West remains closed to independent hikers, so you’ll need to stop at Simatai West. Make sure to plan your return transportation in advance.

For this hiking route, you don’t need retrace. You hike down the last 5-Eye Tower ( East Tower with Five Windows), then walk to the east entrace gate. You should ask your driver to pick you up in advance and meet you at the East Gate instead of the main entrance.

2) Jinshanling Circular Hiking Route (East or West)

For those with limited time or a preference for a less strenuous hike, the circular route is an excellent choice. This loop takes 2-3 hours and starts and ends at Jinshanling’s entrance.

The path covers several restored towers ( both east or west line ) and panoramic viewpoints, allowing you to enjoy the Wall’s grandeur without venturing into the wilder sections. It’s also a great option for families or casual hikers.

Sunset glow viewed from Jinshanling West

For the loop hiking route, you can manage your time and energy as needed. At a suitable tower, you can turn back and retrace your steps to return.

Both routes offer stunning scenery, but the choice depends on how much time you have and your comfort level with uneven terrain. For a deeper experience, consider hiking from Jinshanling to Simatai West to fully appreciate the contrast between restored and natural sections of the Wall.

Once you’ve figured out How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing: the rest of the day feels wonderfully simple. Jinshanling takes a little more effort than the closer sections, but the reward is huge—wide ridgelines, fewer crowds, and that “I can’t believe this is real” kind of view.

Pick the option that matches your mood. Take the bus if you’re patient, the train if you enjoy a slower journey, or a private car if you want maximum comfort. Most of all, plan your return before you start hiking. Then you can relax, breathe, and let Jinshanling do what it does best—quietly amaze you.