How to get to Badaling Great Wall
Badaling lies in Yanqing district, about 60 km northwest of central Beijing. You can reach it by train, by bus or by taxi, and none of the three needs a guided tour. If you would rather not plan the transfer yourself, look at Badaling day trips from Beijing, where the transport is part of the program.
The most common mistake is the station. Two different stations carry the name Badaling, and they serve different trains. Choose before you buy a ticket.
Train, bus or taxi compared
Indicative figures for 2026. Times depend on traffic and the day.
| Route | Starts at | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | Beijing North | 30 to 60 minutes | CNY 23 to 31 |
| High-speed train | Qinghe | 20 to 30 minutes | CNY 16 to 25 |
| Bus 877 | Beitucheng metro | About 1.5 to 2 hours | About CNY 12 |
| S2 train | Nankou | – | – |
| Taxi or ride-hailing | Your hotel | Depends on traffic | No fixed price |
For most visitors the high-speed train from Qinghe or Beijing North is the simplest choice. Take bus 877 if you are staying near Beitucheng, and a taxi if you travel with luggage or in a group. Fares change, so check the current price when you buy.
Our pick: by high-speed train
Our take: the train tickets and wall entry in one booking.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Badaling day trips from Beijing
Great Wall tours with transport from Beijing, with live prices and availability.
The routes in detail
What to know before you go.
High-speed train to Badaling Great Wall Station
Trains run from Beijing North and from Qinghe. Beijing North takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs CNY 23 to 31. Qinghe takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs CNY 16 to 25. The platform is deep underground, with up to 102 m of rock above it and a vertical drop of 62 m for passengers, so allow time for the long escalators.
S2 train to Badaling Station
Since 25 October 2025 the S2 runs only between Nankou and Yanqing or Shacheng. Huangtudian is no longer a stop on this line. The stops are Nankou, Badaling, Yanqing, Kangzhuang and Shacheng. There are 2 train pairs from Tuesday to Thursday and 3 from Friday to Monday and on minor holidays. Check the current timetable and fare before you go.
Bus 877
The direct bus leaves from Beitucheng metro station. Deshengmen is no longer the starting stop. Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours, and more in heavy traffic. Another line, the Huairou to Miyun train, does not stop at Badaling.
Taxi and ride-hailing
There is no fixed fare, so agree the price or use the app estimate. In a map app, enter the attraction and not a station name. Road tolls, waiting time and the return trip are not covered by any standard price, and a return ride is not guaranteed.
Driving and parking
Drivers are directed to designated car parks, with a free shuttle onward to the entrance. Do not park along the access roads: Dongcha Road between Dongcaoying and Chadao, and Badaling Road between the Heilongtan car park and the Badaling forest office, are monitored for illegal parking.
Which station is which?
Badaling Great Wall Station is the high-speed station. Badaling Station is the S2 stop and is a separate building. When you search for a ticket, type the full name, and check that your booking shows the same one. The picture shows the older station building at Badaling.
From either station you still need a ticket for the wall itself. See Badaling Great Wall tickets for prices and booking, and opening hours for the first and last entry times.
Plan the rest of the trip
Pages that pair well with the journey.
Badaling cable car
The South line and the closed North line.
Best time to go
Crowds, weather and holiday weeks.
Where to stay
Yanqing or a base in Beijing.
Mutianyu is a different section with its own transfer, covered by Mutianyu from Beijing.
Getting to Badaling: common questions
What is the easiest way to get to Badaling?
The high-speed train from Qinghe or Beijing North to Badaling Great Wall Station. It is the quickest option and the fare is low. Bus 877 is the budget alternative from Beitucheng metro.
How long does it take from Beijing?
The train takes 20 to 60 minutes depending on where you board. Bus 877 takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A taxi depends on traffic, so allow more time on holidays and weekends.
Does the S2 train still start at Huangtudian?
No. Since 25 October 2025 the S2 starts at Nankou. Huangtudian is no longer a stop on this line, and the Huairou to Miyun train does not go to Badaling.
Can I get to Badaling without a tour?
Yes. Train, bus 877 and taxi all work for independent travelers. A tour is a convenience, not a requirement.
Is this the official Badaling website?
No. This is an independent guide, not the website of the wall area, a transport company or a government office. Use it to plan, and buy your tickets through the official channels.