Getting from Beijing to Badaling Great Wall: S2 Train, High‑Speed Rail, Bus & More

Written by Wendy Mo | Updated April 11,2026

Badaling Great Wall is the most famous section of China’s Great Wall, and every year, there are millions of travelers who pay a visit to this legendary attraction. Its distance to the downtown area is about 70 – 80 km. Because of its closer location and easy accessibility, Badaling Great Wall has been the best option for first-timers and tourists who are on a tight schedule.

S2 train, high-speed train, public bus, tourist direct shuttle, taxi and private car all can take you to the Great Wall. This guide will introduce all the above means of transportation for you to choose the most suitable one.

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• Badaling Great Wall Location & Distance from Beijing
• Best Ways to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing
• Best Ways to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing – Summary
• How to Get to Badaling from Beijing Airport
• Transportation inside Badaling Great Wall
• Plan Your Badaling Great Wall Tour with China Xian Tour

Badaling Great Wall Location & Distance from Beijing

Badaling Great Wall is located in Yanqing Distric (northwest of central Beijing). The total distance is roughly 70–80 km between main urban areas such as Xicheng or Haidian to the Great Wall. So that’s about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, and the actual travel time may vary with traffic conditions.

For people who want to travel straight from Beijing’s airports, the distance is basically the same. If starting from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), the trip would cover about 76 km (1–1.5 hours by car). From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX), one will travel via G6 or G7 highway, this route can be slightly longer but still around 1.5 hours. High-speed trains and suburban railway options provide efficient alternatives, generally taking 30–70 minutes on the road.

Best Ways to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing

Best Ways to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing – Summary

Trains (S2 suburban train and high-speed rail) are ideal for travelers who value speed, comfort, and reliability without road traffic. Direct tourist buses provide convenience and guided service. Public buses are more budget-friendly and quite ideal for those who don’t mind a rather long travel time. Private car hire or customized tours work well for visitors who prefer flexibility and independent exploration, though it costs the most. For outdoor lovers, cycling can be a sporty and immersive adventure.

For easy reference, a brief comparison of the above transportation means is listed below, helping you to have a rough understanding at a glance.

Quick Comparison of Different Transportation Options to Badaling Great Wall

By S2 Train – Fast, Scenic & Family-friendly

• Departure stations:Nankou Station
• Travel Time: About 45 minutes
• Frequency:5 – 7 trains daily
• Price: around 7 CNY
• Pros: cheaper cost, unique scenery along the way, reliable travel time, smooth and comfortable trip
• Cons:fewer trains, long intervals between departures, unfixed schedule, inconvenient transfer, station is far from the entrance

The first option we want to introduce here is the S2 suburban train, the whole journey is known for being relaxing and smooth, without transfers. Originally, the journey will start from Beijing Huangtudian (黄土店) station, however, since October 25, 2025, the S2 line has been switched to operate from Nankou Station instead, due to the construction of the Suburban Railway Northeast Ring Line. The arrival station is still Badaling Railway Station. Therefore, passengers currently need to travel to Nankou Station to board the S2 train.

For those traveling to Beijing in Spring from late March to early April, we would strongly suggest you take S2 to Badaling. Since during this time, the route will pass through a large field of cherry blossoms, making the journey be like a colorful dream. Thus, some passengers also call it the train bound for Spring.

Highlights & Tips:

• The S2 train to Badaling Great Wall is affordable with aticket price of around 7 CNY per person.
• Visitors can pay via Beijing transport card or by scanning QR code with WeChat or Alipay.
• Booking cannot be made online, so there’s no secured seat for passengers.
• The timetable is not always fixed, travelers need to check the latest information through Wechat Official Account 北京市郊铁路.
• If you’re traveling during public holidays like Chinese New Year, be mindful that the train frequency may be reduced but the number of passengers often rises. So it’s better to go to the station a little bit earlier.

How to reach the stations:

There are two main public transport routes to reach Nankou Station for the S2 train:

Option 1: Changping Line (metro)

• Take the Changping Line first and get off at Changping Xishankou Station.
• From there, it’s strongly recommended to take a taxi directly to Nankou Railway Station (S2) for convenience.
• If you prefer traveling with public transport all the way (the most budget-friendly), you can transfer to Bus Changping 69 after getting off the subway. Then ride 8 stops to Nankou Dongjie Station, and walk about 11 minutes to the Nankou railway station.

Option 2: Metro Line 8

• Take Metro Line 8 and get off at Beitucheng Station.From here, you can transfer to Bus 919, get off at Nankou Lukou North Station, and then walk about 16 minutes to the station.

Direct taxi from downtown is also possible, but it can be expensive, costing around 120 RMB.

From Badaling Railway Station to the Wall:

After arriving at Badaling Railway Station, all you need to do is simply follow the signs toward the Great Wall Scenic Area. It’s an easy 5–10 minute walk to the main ticketing and security inspection entrance.

By High-speed Train (Fast & Direct)

• Departure stations: Beijing North Railway Station and Qinghe Railway Station
• Travel Time: About 20 – 40minutes
• Frequency: About 20 trains daily
• Price: 20+CNY
• Pros: Short travel time, no traffic delays, comfortable and smooth ride with minimal transfers
• Cons: Limited ticket availability in peak season, required early arrival (30 minutes before train departure)

Except for the S2 train, nowadays, more people prefer to take the high-speed train to Badaling Great Wall. It is a quick and efficient option with a great comfort level.

Trains depart from Beijing North Railway Station (Xizhimen) and Qinghe Railway Station, running directly to Badaling Great Wall Station. And both stations can be easily reached through metro line. The journey is short without any road traffic, and compared to others, this option provides the most reliable way to reach the Great Wall on time. You can book the high-speed train ticket through 12306.com, Trip.com, or other reliable platforms. The ticket for a second class seat typically start from around 20 CNY per person.

There are approximately 20 departures from both stations daily, with about 8 trains from Beijing North. However, since these trains are extremely popular among travelers, especially during public holidays, tickets sell out quickly. As a result, advance planning and early purchase are really necessary.

How to Get to the Train Stations

• To Beijing North Station: Take metro line 2, 4 or 13to Xizhimen Station. Exit from A1 or A2 if you take metro line 2 and 4 and exit from E2 if taking metro line 13. Then follow the sign to the waiting hall.
• To Qinghe Station: Metro line 13 and the Changping Line have a stop at Qinghe Railway Station. After arrival at the metro station, you can enter the train station through the Comprehensive Service Hall on the B1 floor directly.

By Bus – Economical & Flexible Option

• Recommended routes: 877 and 919
• Travel time: about 1.5 – 2 hours
• Pros: No reservation or queue needed, cheap fare; pay with transport card, QR code or cash, flexible return time
• Cons: Limited seating, high possibility of traffic delays, requires walking or shuttle after arrival if taking bus line 919

Except for trains, you can also take a city bus to Badaling Great Wall. It is a budget-friendly and convenient choice. Compared to the two options listed above, this one has more flexible departure times, however, a longer ride is for sure. And here we have listed the updated information of the two most popular and widely-taken routes to you: 877 and 919. Both of them are accessible from Deshengmen Bus Station and nearby metro connections.

• Good To Know:

If taking bus line 877, passengers will be dropped quite close to the Wall entrance, requiring only a short walk.

In the end, bus line 919 will stop at Badaling Forest Park Station. This spot still has a distance from the Wall’s entrance, so you’ll need to walk about 30 minutes or take a scenic shuttle.

By Bus Da Direct Shuttle – Comfortable & Convenient

• Boarding Point: Beitucheng Metro Station (take metro line 8 or 10 and exit from exit C)
• Departing Time:7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 16:30
• Travel Time:About 1.5 – 2 hours
• Cost: 80 CNY for a round-trip, 120 CNY for a round-trip + Great Wall ticket
• Pros: offer guide service and entrance ticket and cable car ticket booking service, no shopping, no hidden cost, the arrival stop is 300 meters to the entrance of the cable car
• Cons:higher cost, limited seats, fixed travel time in Great Wall (about 4 hours), fixed boarding stop

The Bus Da Direct Shuttle has recently become a top choice for many travelers because of its complete service and high efficiency. Passengers can board at Beitucheng Metro Station. There are multiple departures daily, so you’re allowed to have more flexible planning according to your schedule.

Each shuttle has an onboard guide who provides professional travel tips, and it will drop passengers off right at the parking lot closest to the Wall’s ticket gate, so you can skip the transfer shuttle. The trip is easier and more comfortable than a normal bus.

By Direct Shuttle / Tourist Bus – Guided & Convenient

There are also officially run Direct Shuttles, which offer a comfortable and convenient way to reach Badaling Great Wall, the journey takes about 90 minutes. Each bus has an onboard guide who provides simple commentary along the way and answers travelers’ basic questions. The return trip is included in the ticket. Passengers are given about 4 hours to explore the Wall at their own pace before traveling back to the city.

Three Schedules with Chaoyangmen Departure

Tip: There are more schedules you can find in official Wechat mini-app 长城内外旅游, and this is also where you book the tickets in advance.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

If you want the most direct and rather private journey, then you can consider taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service (such as Didi).

Basically the journey takes about 1.5 hours one way from downtown Beijing (under normal traffic conditions). However, this option has an estimated cost of around 250–350 CNY per vehicle (one way). Factors like distance and traffic conditions can all affect the total fee. Highway tolls are usually charged separately.

Taxis and ride-hailing cars are generally easy to find in central Beijing. However, it would not be that easy to find a car in the Wall area. So it’s better to secure a return car in advance.

Private Car or Join a Guided Tour

If you want to combine most advantages of the means of transportation we mentioned above, such as direct, flexible, personalized and guided, you can consider hiring a private car or joining a guided tour.

The journey duration is roughly the same, depending on traffic, but this can be quite ideal for families or small groups. China Xian Tour also provides such services, and we can also help you buy tickets and prepare a smoother visit.

Half-Day

Half-Day Badaling Great Wall Private Tour – No Shopping

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Cycling

And if you are an outdoor enthusiast, here’s a more challenging choice that may better suit your interest: cycling to Badaling. A popular cycling route starts from Xiguan Roundabout, following the G6 auxiliary road toward Juyongguan Village. The road features steady uphill stretches but relatively clear directions, and you can enjoy the Great Wall scenery while traveling along the mountain ridges.

The distance from downtown Beijing is about 60 km (varies depending on your departing spot), and usually takes 4–5 hours. Remember that bicycles are not allowed on the G6 expressway, so riders must use the side roads.

Tips: Start early, bring enough water, and prepare for long climbs. Many travelers cycle one way and return by public transport to conserve energy.

Best Ways to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing – Summary

You may have already found your preference after reading till here. And indeed, with these many choices, there’s definitely one that suits your schedule, budget, and travel style.

Trains (S2 suburban train and high-speed rail) are ideal for travelers who value speed, comfort, and reliability without road traffic. Long-distance buses and public buses are more budget-friendly and quite ideal for those who don’t mind a rather long travel time. Private car hire or customized tours works well for visitors who prefer flexibility and independent exploration, though it costs the most. Direct tourist buses provide convenience and guided service. For outdoor lovers, cycling can be a sporty and immersive adventure.

Quick Comparison of Different Transportation Options to Badaling Great Wall

How to Get to Badaling from Beijing Airport

For those who want to go to Badaling right after landing, there are also ways for you to travel from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) straight to the site.

Starting Feb 10, 2026, a direct airport express running from PEK to Badaling has officially come into operation. There are two departures a day (06:00 & 08:00), and the returning bus will go straight back to the airport (14:00 & 16:00). Tickets cost 30–80 CNY and they can be booked at the airport or via Wechat mini-program.

You can also take the Airport Express + metro + high-speed train to first arrive at Beijing North and then travel to Badaling. This is also fast and convenient.

If you’re traveling from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX), then first take Airport Express to Beitucheng/Xizhimen to take bus 877/919. Or you can also take the express to Qinghe Station and go to the Wall via high-speed train.

1 DAYS

Beijing Bus Tour: 1 Day Badaling Great Wall Tour

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Transportation inside Badaling Great Wall

After arriving at Badaling, except for hiking all the way, there are also a few ways to get around inside the park, depending on which entrance you use and how you want to explore.

Aerial Cableway (索道) – This cable car starts near the North Guntian Parking Area and gives the most amazing views of the Wall. It goes up close to North Tower 7, just below the highest point, the Hero Slope (North Tower 8). It’s a perfect choice if you want to save energy or snap some great photos from a higher view. Price: 100 CNY one-way, 140 CNY round-trip. Works best if you arrive by high-speed train.

Ground Cable Car / Slide (地面缆车/滑道) – Found near the southern entrance, this cable car hugs the wall, offering a different perspective. There’s also a slide at North Tower 4 for a fun way to go both up or down. Price: Cable car 100 CNY one-way, slide 80 CNY one-way. It’s convenient if you come by 877 bus or tour buses.

Other Options: If you’re driving or coming with a shuttle, free internal shuttles can take you closer to the hiking start points. Of course, you can always go the classic way—walk from South Tower 1 and enjoy the Wall at your own pace.

Plan Your Badaling Great Wall Tour with China Xian Tour

When traveling to Beijing, the Great Wall is certainly an attraction that you should not miss. And among all the sections, Badaling has long been one of the most-visited and it is known for offering the best travel experience. While there are many ways to go to this place, traveling with China Xian Tour is certainly the most convenient and rewarding. Our professional guide will take care of everything for you, including buying the Great Wall ticket, transferring, and sharing details about the attraction. We promise a worry-free and smooth journey to the Wall and also every site that you want to explore in Beijing. Contact us right now and start your best visit to Badaling.