from Beijing train station to Mutianyu Great Wall

Question

Hi All Destination Experts,

We'll arrive at Beijing train station on Nov 4 and planning to go to the Mutianyu Great Wall hotel to spend 1 night there. Since this is our trip of a life time, we'd like to experience the sunset/night time and early morning there before getting to Beijing to spend 3 nights. Could you please let me know if there are shuttle busses from the train stations or do I have to book Didi, which is more expensive, right?

Then , what's the best way to go from Mutianyu GW to Beijing Wangfujing hotel the next day?

Really appreciate all your help.

Answer

Visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for sunset and an early morning experience is a wonderful plan. Since you are arriving at Beijing Railway Station and wish to spend one night near Mutianyu, transportation planning is key.

From Beijing Train Station to Mutianyu Great Wall:

Option 1: Didi/Taxi: The most convenient way is to book a Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) or a taxi directly from Beijing Train Station to Mutianyu. Travel time is approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. This option allows for flexibility and door-to-door service, but it is more expensive than shuttle buses, roughly CNY 250–350 for a one-way ride.
Option 2: Private Car Transfer or Hotel Shuttle: Some Mutianyu hotels offer private airport/train station pick-up services. This can be booked in advance and is generally priced similarly to Didi but guarantees a vehicle.
Option 3: Public Transport/Shuttle: There is no direct public shuttle from Beijing Railway Station to Mutianyu. One would need to take subway Line 2 or Line 13 to Dongzhimen, then transfer to the 916 express bus toward Huairou, followed by local bus or taxi to Mutianyu. This is significantly more time-consuming and less convenient with luggage.

From Mutianyu to Wangfujing Hotel (Beijing) the next day:

Option 1: Didi/Taxi: Again, the most convenient option. Estimated time is about 1.5–2 hours to central Beijing, depending on traffic. Costs around CNY 200–300.
Option 2: Hotel Shuttle to Huairou / Dongzhimen + Subway: Some hotels offer shuttles to nearby bus terminals. From there, you can take bus 916 back to Dongzhimen, then subway Line 2 to Wangfujing (transfer at Dongdan if necessary). Travel time can exceed 3 hours.
Option 3: Pre-Booked Private Car Service: You can book a private transfer in advance to take you directly from Mutianyu to your hotel in Wangfujing, which is convenient for groups or travelers with luggage, albeit slightly more expensive.

In summary, for a short one-night trip to Mutianyu, using Didi or a private car for both arrival and departure is the most practical and time-efficient choice. Public transport is possible but involves multiple transfers and is less ideal if you want to maximize your time at the Wall for sunset and sunrise.

from Beijing train station to Mutianyu Great Wall

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