Taxi to Badaling Great Wall

Question

Hi,

I am staying at the Holiday Inn Express near Dongzhimen Station. The hotel says they will book a taxi for me to Badaling Great Wall. Does anyone know how much it is. I can’t speak Chinese and am not sure whether I can agree the cost a pay up front to avoid confusion. Thanks Laurence

Answer

Taking a taxi from Dongzhimen area to Badaling Great Wall is a common option, especially for travelers who prefer convenience over public transport. Since you don’t speak Chinese, arranging the taxi through your hotel is a smart choice to avoid communication issues.

Cost considerations:

Most hotels charge a flat rate for the round trip. For a standard taxi or private car, expect roughly 500–600 RMB round trip (approximately 70–85 USD), depending on negotiation and type of vehicle.
The trip takes about 1–1.5 hours each way, so many drivers quote a “waiting fee” if you want them to stay while you visit the Wall. The waiting fee is usually included in the flat rate or an extra 50–100 RMB per hour.
Always confirm the total price before the trip starts. If paying in cash, ask your hotel to write down the amount in Chinese for the driver to avoid confusion.

Practical tips:

Bring cash in RMB; taxis in Beijing rarely accept cards, especially outside the city center.
Ensure the driver understands you want a round trip and how long you plan to stay at Badaling. A written note from your hotel with the destination and agreed fare helps prevent misunderstandings.
Alternatively, some travelers use ride-hailing apps like DiDi with hotel staff assistance to book a private car, which can be slightly cheaper or more convenient.
If you prefer to avoid negotiating with taxi drivers, consider joining a small group tour from your hotel, which often includes transport and entry tickets.

Overall, arranging the taxi through your hotel and agreeing on a flat rate beforehand is the most practical solution if you don’t speak Chinese.