Reaching the Great Wall at Mutianyu by public transport is possible, but it is not quick, simple or intuitive. It is the cheapest way to get there, and for some travelers that is enough reason to attempt it. But if you want a smooth day, predictable timings and minimal stress, this is not the route you should choose. This guide explains the exact steps, the transfers, the timings and the small details that matter when you are standing in a crowded bus terminal trying to figure out which direction to go.
I’ve done this route myself, and the steps below reflect how it works in real conditions, not just on paper. If you still want to take public transport after reading this, you will know exactly how to do it. If not, you will understand why most travelers choose a shuttle service or a private driver instead.
Table of Contents
Overview: What Public Transport to Mutianyu Involves
The journey requires:
- a metro ride
- a walk through a large transport hub
- a long‑distance bus
- a transfer in Huairou
- a local shuttle or taxi
- another shuttle inside the scenic area
It is not complicated once you know the steps, but it is slow and requires patience. The return journey is even slower because of afternoon traffic entering Beijing.
Step 1: Take the Metro to Dongzhimen Station
Your starting point is Dongzhimen, one of Beijing’s major transport hubs. You can reach it on Line 2, Line 13 or the Airport Express. Once you exit the metro, follow the signs for the long‑distance bus terminal. This is not inside the metro station. You need to go above ground and walk toward the bus platforms.
The long‑distance terminal is busy throughout the day. You will see rows of buses lined up with clear route numbers. Look for the signs pointing toward the 916 Express. If you are unsure, ask a staff member or follow the small crowd of travelers with backpacks. Many of them are heading to the Great Wall.
For a clearer overview of how Beijing’s metro and transport system works, my Beijing metro and transport guide breaks down the lines, transfers and payment options.
Step 2: Take Bus 916 Express to Huairou
You want Bus 916 Express (916快). This is important. The regular 916 is much slower and stops frequently. The 916 Express is the version that takes the highway and gets you to Huairou quickly.
The bus runs every ten to fifteen minutes. It is air‑conditioned, clean and comfortable. The ride takes about one hour. Once the bus leaves Beijing, it follows a straight highway through the suburbs and into the countryside.
Stay on the bus until you reach Huairou Beidajie (怀柔北大街). This is the correct stop for Mutianyu. You will notice that many passengers get off here. Most of them are heading to the Great Wall, so you will not be alone.
Step 3: Transfer to a Local Shuttle or Taxi
Once you step off the 916 Express, you will find yourself on a busy street in Huairou. This is where you need to make your second transfer.
Option A: Local Shuttle to Mutianyu
Local shuttles run between Huairou and Mutianyu. They are usually small vans or minibuses. They wait near the bus stop and leave when full. There is no fixed timetable. You simply board, pay the driver and wait.
The ride takes twenty to thirty minutes. The cost is usually between fifteen and twenty yuan. These shuttles are used by locals and domestic tourists. They are safe, but they are not designed for foreign visitors, so do not expect English signage or explanations.
Option B: Taxi or Didi
If you want a faster and more predictable transfer, take a taxi or order a Didi. The ride takes twenty to twenty‑five minutes and costs between sixty and eighty yuan. This is the easiest option if you are traveling with luggage or want to avoid waiting for a shuttle to fill up.
Step 4: Arrive at the Mutianyu Scenic Area
All shuttles and taxis drop you at the main entrance of the Mutianyu Scenic Area. From here, you follow the same process as every other visitor.
You buy your entrance ticket at the main gate. You then board the mandatory internal shuttle that takes you from the entrance to the cable car and chairlift stations. This internal shuttle is required for all visitors because the walking path from the entrance to the wall is long and not open to pedestrians.
Once you reach the upper station, you choose how to ascend the wall. Most visitors take the cable car because it brings you directly to Tower 14, which is the best starting point for a first visit. The chairlift brings you to Tower 6 and is usually paired with the toboggan on the way down.
At this point, the public transport portion of your journey is complete.
If you want a clearer picture of what the wall itself looks like once you arrive, my Great Wall at Mutianyu guide covers the best walking route, the cable car, the toboggan and what each tower section feels like.
Step 5: Returning to Beijing
To return to Beijing, you reverse the route.
You take a taxi or shuttle back to Huairou Beidajie. You wait for the next 916 Express heading toward Beijing. You ride it back to Dongzhimen. You take the metro from Dongzhimen to your hotel.
The return journey is usually slower because traffic entering Beijing in the afternoon can be heavy. It is common for the return bus to take longer than the outbound one.
How Long the Public Transport Route Really Takes
A realistic timeline looks like this:
- Metro to Dongzhimen: 20 to 40 minutes
- Wait for 916 Express: 0 to 10 minutes
- 916 Express to Huairou: about 60 minutes
- Shuttle or taxi to Mutianyu: 20 to 30 minutes
- Total one way: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (normally takes around 1 hour top 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, so the bus is much slower)
This does not include waiting times in Huairou, delays on the highway or the internal shuttle inside the scenic area. It also does not include the return journey, which is often slower.
What This Route Feels Like in Practice
The route works, but it is not seamless. Dongzhimen is crowded, and the long‑distance terminal can feel chaotic if you are not used to Chinese transport hubs. The 916 Express is comfortable, but the transfer in Huairou requires confidence. The local shuttles do not follow a timetable, and you may need to wait for them to fill up before they leave.
If you are traveling in summer, the heat in Huairou can be intense. If you are traveling in winter, the wind can be cold while you wait for the shuttle. If you are traveling with children or luggage, the transfers can be tiring.
The route is best suited for travelers who enjoy navigating local transport systems and do not mind a longer day.
Your starting point in the city also affects timing, and my guide on where to stay in Beijing explains which areas make reaching Mutianyu easier.
Why Most Travelers Do Not Use Public Transport
Public transport is the cheapest way to reach Mutianyu, but it is not the most efficient. The time you save in money, you lose in transfers, waiting and uncertainty. The return journey can be slow, and the entire day becomes longer than necessary.
Most travelers choose a shuttle service or a private driver because it removes all friction. You are picked up at your hotel, driven directly to the entrance and guided through the ticketing process. You reach the wall earlier, avoid crowds and return to Beijing without dealing with transfers.
If your time in Beijing is limited, public transport is rarely worth the effort.
If you’re planning your days in the city, my 5‑day Beijing itinerary shows exactly where Mutianyu fits into a smooth route.
Who Should Consider Public Transport
Public transport works well if you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t mind taking things step by step. It’s a good fit when you want to keep costs low, you enjoy figuring out local systems, or you’re traveling solo and don’t mind a bit of flexibility in your day.
It’s less ideal if you’re traveling with kids, want a predictable schedule, or you’re visiting during the hottest or coldest months. It also isn’t the best choice if you want to reach the wall early or you simply prefer comfort over dealing with transfers and crowds.
Final Thoughts: Should You Take Public Transport to Mutianyu?
You can reach the Great Wall at Mutianyu by public transport, and the route described above is the version that works in real life. It is cheap, functional and used by many domestic travelers. But it is also slow, fragmented and tiring.
If you want a smooth day, a clear schedule and minimal stress, public transport is not the best choice. A shuttle service such as MuBus or private driver gets you to the wall earlier, gives you more time on the ridge and removes all uncertainty from the day.
For most travelers, the small amount of money saved is not worth the extra time and effort. Mutianyu is one of the highlights of a trip to Beijing, and it is worth experiencing it without the stress of multiple transfers and long waits.
If you’re comparing different Great Wall options or want alternatives beyond Mutianyu, my best fay Trips from Beijing guide covers the most scenic and least crowded choices.
MuBus is the most accessible option that is not even that expensive. If your budget allows it, a private tour to Mutyaniu with transport and guide is ideal.
For a full breakdown of the most reliable operators, my best tours in Beijing guide highlights the ones that consistently deliver smooth, well‑run experiences.
Last Updated on 12/03/2026 by Panos
