Beijing Taxis Information - Taxi Fares And Useful Tips

Beijing Taxis From Taxi Fares to General Guidelines about Taxis in Beijing ;

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Taxis in Beijing: An Overview

Undoubtedly, the more than 70.000 Beijing taxis are by far the most convenient means for your transit. The air-conditioned, spacious vehicles will drive you to your destination in comfort, no matter the day or time. Moreover, you will be able to take a quick glimpse of the city during your ride while Beijing taxis are fairly affordable.

On the other hand, Beijing taxi services have a major disadvantage called…the notorious traffic jams of Beijing. The road congestion in the Chinese capital is heavy and constant. During rush hours (approximately from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm), finding an available taxi in Beijing is a challenging task. What’s more, traffic conditions are often so difficult that a simple ride can take three times longer than usual. You should, also, keep in mind that taxis can be hard to find in busy areas such as the Forbidden City and Wangfujing Street.

To sum up, Beijing taxis are an excellent choice if you travel during non-rush hours or if you don’t mind the traffic delays. Otherwise, you should use the available public transit options, such as the subway. In any case, it is advised to avoid taking a cab if the weather is rainy or snowy, as catching one can be extremely difficult under such conditions, as well as to pre-book a taxi ride if you have to catch a flight.

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Beijing Taxi Fares

Chinese taxi services are, overall, safe and affordable as prices are governmentally implemented. Thus, taxis in Beijing charge according to their taximeters (they are metered), based on set fares and prices.

In detail, the starting price of a taxi ride is 13RMB (1.68€ / 1.82$) for the first three kilometers (1.9 miles). As soon as your taxi traverses this distance, the charge changes to 2.30RMB (0.30€ / 0.32$) per kilometer during the day, whereas during the night shift (11:00 pm to 05:00 am), the fee for each kilometer is 2.76RMB (0.36€ / 0.39$). For long-distance routes (more than 15km/9.3 miles), the charge per kilometer is 3.45RMB/km (0.44€ / 0.48$). Additionally, an extra 1RMB (0.13€ / 0.14$) is added to the fare due to the oil price. This fee can be automatically added to the taximeter’s indication, but there is also a chance that your driver will add it to the final cost at the end of your ride. Expectantly, the fee doesn’t apply if the taxi vehicle is electric.

As traffic jams are an everyday fact in Beijing, waiting time or driving at a very low speed (less than 12 km/h or 7.4 mph) is charged extra. In fact, the waiting time (or the time spent in road congestion) is calculated as follows: every 5 minutes of waiting costs 4.6RMB (0.60€ / 0.65$) during rush hours (07:00 am to 09:00 am and 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm). During non-peak hours, the charge per kilometer is the usual daytime charge (2.30RMB (0.30€ / 0.32$) per kilometer). Furthermore, tolls are paid by passengers.

Taxis in Beijing: Payment Methods

As for the accepted payment methods, you can pay for your Chinese taxi ride either in cash or via Beijing Transportation Smart Card,  Wechat, Alipay, and UnionPay. The rechargeable Beijing Pass (Yikatong Card) is valid for rides with public means of transit and taxis. It costs 20RMB (2.60€ / 2.81$), yet the fee is refundable, meaning that travelers receive their money back as soon as they return the card.

International credit cards are not accepted.

Finally, you should be aware of the fact that shared rides are not only accepted but also encouraged in Beijing. In an effort to decongest the city roads and adopt an environmentally friendly policy, Beijing taxi companies allow taxi-sharing. The charge for each passenger, in that case, is 40% off the normal fare.

How to Hire a Taxi in Beijing

Unless you want to pre-book your ride or call for a taxi, the most common method to get a cab in the streets of Beijing is to wave while standing at the side of the road. The first person who opens the taxi door is the one who will finally use it. Therefore, if you wish to take a taxi during the peak hours, you should be speedy! Nevertheless, if you pick up your cab from the official taxi stands, you will simply have to wait in line until your turn.

It’s important to remember that Chinese taxis aren’t allowed to stop picking up passengers close to intersections.

On the other hand, if you opt for a pre-booked Beijing taxi ride (by phone or via a taxi app), you should bear in mind that if you make your reservation 4 hours before the scheduled pick-up time, you’ll pay a surcharge of 6 RMB (0.78€ / 0.84$). However, if you book your ride less than 4 hours in advance, you’ll be charged an extra fee of 5RMB (0.65€ / 0.70$).

Our Tip: Ride-hailing services (Didi, Meituan, etc.) are also provided in Beijing.

Where can you Find a Taxi in Beijing

You will find official taxi stands at the airports and train stations while there are plenty of them scattered around Beijing. If there are no available vehicles at the taxi ranks, you can just call and request one. For your convenience, there is a unique number at each stand. The first two numbers refer to the location (for example 01 stands for Dongcheng District, 02 for Xicheng District, 03 for Chaoyang District, etc.) while the last 4 are the numbers of that particular rank. Thus, you can just call the taxi company, give this number and the taxi driver can locate you right away.

Moreover, if you are staying at a hotel, you can ask for a taxi or a taxi card. These cards, available at most hotels in Beijing, display the most popular routes. Show them to your taxi driver and let him know which one is your destination.

Official Beijing Taxis: How to Distinguish Them

A common reality in Beijing is the alleged “black taxis”. Black taxis are fake taxis that circulate in Beijing and aim to scam the passengers (especially the tourists who are not familiar with the taxi system of Beijing) or overcharge them. So, how can you tell if a taxi is official or not?

• To start with, you should always try to hire your cab from the official ranks.
• Beijing taxis can be of any color (dark blue, yellow, green, with purple roofs, etc.). They are typically two-colored vehicles.
• Official Beijing taxis have the distinctive “TAXI” sign on their roof.
• Beijing Taxi license plates always start with the letter “B”.
• Official Beijing taxis have taximeters.
• The taxi company brand and the driver’s name should be clearly displayed on the dashboard.
• The taxi company’s logo should be displayed at the vehicle’s doors.
• The taxi’s price table should also be available on its windows.
• Original taxis will always give you a receipt at the end of the ride. If the receipt is handwritten, the taxi is most probably a “black” one.
• You should avoid rides with Beijing taxi drivers who try to negotiate a so-called favorable set price for your ride. Set prices are an option only for long journeys.
• Last but not least, you should always keep in mind that in any case, whether the taxi is official or fake, if the taximeter isn’t working, you have the right to refuse to pay the fee.

Beijing Taxis from PKX Daxing Airport

If you prefer a private, comfortable transfer instead of carrying around your luggage and squeezing in the public means of transit, then Beijing airport taxis are the perfect option for you. The luxurious, air-conditioned taxi vehicles will drive you to your exact destination while the taxi fares are fairly cheap. However, you should always be prepared for traffic jams which are one of the most notorious problems in Beijing.

In any case, the route connection from Daxing Airport to the city of Beijing and its suburbs is satisfactory: one Expressway (S3501) and 4 highways (Beijing-Kaifeng G45 – Beijing-Taipei G3 – Beijing-Kunming G5 and Langzhuo Expressway S24) connect the new mega airport with the capital of China. Therefore,  car journeys (and taxi rides) are typically fast enough and relaxing.

Useful Information about Beijing Taxis

• Unfortunately, the majority of the taxi drivers don’t speak English.
• You should always have your hotel’s address written down in Chinese. In that way, you will be certain that the driver will drop you off at the right place.
• If the driver’s name and his license are not on display inside the taxi vehicle, you should take another cab.
• Always make sure that the taximeter is zeroed as soon as you enter the taxi and that it works properly.
• If you travel with many pieces of luggage, it is advisable to pre-book your ride.
• You can negotiate a set price with your taxi driver if your desired destination is very far. Hence, fixed rides are possible for long-distance journeys.
• There are taxis especially designed for people with disabilities. However, in that case, you have to book your taxi and ask for the specific services.
• Beijing taxi drivers can’t deny rides. Thus, as long as you enter the taxi, the driver is obligated to drive you to your destination within Beijing city limits.
• Smoking inside Beijing taxis is prohibited.
• The Beijing taxi prices round up and down the closest yuan.

FAQs

Are taxis in Beijing expensive?

In general terms, taxis in Beijing are considered affordable. The Beijing taxi starting tariff is 13RMB (1.68€ / 1.82$) for the first 3km. From 4-15km, the charge is 2.30RMB (0.30€ / 0.32$) during the daytime. During the night shift, there is a 20% extra charge. Thus, the fee per kilometer is 2.76RMB (0.36€ / 0.39$) from 11:00 pm to 05:00 am. However, as Beijing traffic jams are legendary, taxi rides may end up being expensive and time-consuming.

Is it safe to take a taxi in Beijing?

Beijing taxis are considered safe enough. Nevertheless, you should always take your cab from the official taxi rank to avoid getting scammed by the illegal “Beijing black taxis” and check if the taxi company name and the driver’s data are on display.

Do taxis in Beijing take cash?

Taxis in Beijing accept cash payments, as well as payments with WeChat, Alipay, and UnionPay. Travelers can also pay with Beijing Passes (Yikatong Cards). That being said, international debit cards are typically not accepted.

How to get a taxi in Beijing?

You can hail your taxi from the street or head to one of the numerous taxi ranks scattered around Beijing. Alternatively, you can pre-book your taxi ride by using a taxi app or calling a Beijing taxi company.

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