How to Get from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

The easiest budget option is Bus 916 Express (916快) from Dongzhimen to Huairou Beidajie, then a taxi or local bus to Mutianyu. Total cost around ¥30–70 each way, travel time 1.5–2.5 hours. If you prefer convenience, direct tourist buses (Mubus, Zanbus) cost ¥80–140 round-trip and take about 1.5 hours door-to-door.

Mutianyu (慕田峪长城) is about 70 km northeast of central Beijing in Huairou District. It is widely considered the most scenic and least crowded restored section of the Great Wall near Beijing.

Compare Your Options

Option 1: 916 Express + Transfer (Recommended for Budget Travelers)

This is the classic public transport route. It takes more effort but costs a fraction of tourist buses.

Step-by-step

1. Take the subway to Dongzhimen Station (东直门站) — Lines 2, 13, or Airport Express. Use Exit A or C.

2. Find the 916 Express bus stop. Dongzhimen is a large transport hub. The 916 Express departs from the outdoor bus terminal area (look for bays numbered in the 80s–90s). The bus front display reads "916快" — make sure it has the 快 (express) character. The regular 916 makes many more stops and takes 30+ minutes longer.

   [!WARNING] Do not follow touts who approach you saying "Mutianyu! Mutianyu!" near Dongzhimen. They direct you to expensive private cars or unofficial tours. Official bus staff wear uniforms. Just walk to the bus queue.

3. Pay the fare. The 916 Express costs ¥17 (some sources cite ¥12; the fare may vary by exact boarding point). Pay with cash (exact change preferred), a Beijing Transportation Card (Yikatong 一卡通), or tap your phone's transit QR code. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from approximately 05:50 to 19:30.

4. Ride to Huairou Beidajie Station (怀柔北大街站). The journey takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Keep an eye on your map app — this is the stop where you transfer.

5. Transfer to Mutianyu. You have two choices:

   • Local bus H23, H24, H35, or H36 to Mutianyu Huandao (慕田峪环岛). Fare is about ¥3–8, but these buses run infrequently (every 60–90 minutes) and signs are Chinese-only.
   • Taxi or DiDi for the final ~15 km. This costs about ¥30–50 and takes 10–15 minutes. Taxis wait near the bus stop. This is the most practical option for most travelers.

6. Arrive at Mutianyu. If you take a taxi, ask to be dropped at the tourist center / ticket office. From there, a mandatory shuttle bus (included with your entrance ticket) takes you to the wall foot.

Coming Back

• Taxi to Huairou Beidajie: Have your hotel or a restaurant call a taxi, or use DiDi. Fare back is similar (~¥30–50).
• 916 Express back to Dongzhimen: Buses from Huairou run until approximately 19:00. Don't cut it close — if you miss the last bus, a DiDi back to central Beijing costs ¥150–250.
• If using a local bus (H23/H24), the last departure from the Mutianyu area is typically around 18:00, but verify locally as schedules change seasonally.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Ask at your hotel or the Mutianyu visitor center for the latest return bus times on the day of your visit.

Option 2: Direct Tourist Bus (Recommended for Convenience)

Several licensed tourist bus companies run direct services from central Beijing to Mutianyu. These are not scams — they are registered operators with fixed meeting points and schedules. They typically include an English-speaking guide on the bus and give you 4–5 hours at the wall.

Main operators

How to book

• Book through the operator's website, WeChat mini-program, or platforms like Ctrip/Trip.com, Klook, or Mafengwo.
• Most operators allow pay-on-the-day (cash or mobile pay), but booking ahead guarantees a seat, especially on weekends.
• The Mubus meeting point at Dongzhimen Exit B1 is easy to find — staff wear red vests.

[!TIP] If you're staying near Wangfujing or Dongzhimen, the Mubus is the most straightforward choice. If you're on Line 5 (north), Zanbus from Hepingxiqiao may be closer.

Option 3: DiDi or Taxi

A one-way DiDi from central Beijing to Mutianyu costs approximately ¥200–300 and takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. You can also book a round-trip charter where the driver waits 3–4 hours — expect ¥400–600 total.

• Use the DiDi app (English available) or book through Alipay/WeChat.
• Select "Premium" (专车) or "Charter" (包车) for round-trip waits.
• Tolls are added automatically.
• This option is best for groups of 3–4 splitting the cost.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking the regular 916 instead of 916 Express (916快). The regular bus makes dozens of local stops and takes 90+ minutes. The Express uses the highway and takes 60–70 minutes. Look for 快 on the bus display.

2. Following "Mutianyu!" touts at Dongzhimen. They will steer you toward unlicensed cars or overpriced tours. The official bus stop has a queue and uniformed staff.

3. Missing the last return bus. If you're using public buses, start early (before 09:00) and plan to leave Mutianyu by 16:00–17:00. After that, your only option is an expensive taxi.

4. Not pre-booking your entrance ticket. Mutianyu requires advance booking via WeChat or the official website. You cannot reliably buy foreigner tickets at the gate. Book the day before.

5. Confusing Mutianyu with Badaling. They are in completely different directions. Badaling is northwest (Yanqing District); Mutianyu is northeast (Huairou District). Make sure your bus/taxi is going to the right one.

6. Forgetting cash for local buses and taxis. The H23/H24 local buses and some taxis may not accept international cards. Carry ¥100–200 in small bills.

Before You Go

• Check crowd levels: Mutianyu Great Wall Crowd Forecast — plan your visit time to avoid peak crowds.
• Tickets: Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket Guide — understand entrance, shuttle, cable car, and toboggan options.
• Opening hours: Approximately 07:30–18:00 (summer), 08:00–17:00 (winter). Verify on the official site before your trip.

Related Guides

• Beijing Travel Guide — full city guide with itineraries and practical tips
• Badaling Great Wall Crowd Forecast — compare with the other popular Great Wall section
• How to Use Didi in China — if you're considering a taxi or DiDi
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — for train travel beyond Beijing

Need Help?

If you'd like personalized assistance with transport, tickets, or a private guide to Mutianyu, our local team can help. Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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Transport information in this article is based on the official Mutianyu Great Wall website (mutianyugreatwall.com), Beijing public transport sources, and TravelChinaGuide's Beijing tourist bus guide (updated August 2026). Bus fares, schedules, and routes are subject to change — always verify locally on the day of travel.

Last verified: August 2026