Beijing to Mutianyu: bus, car or tour

Of the whole Great Wall day, getting from Beijing to Mutianyu needs the most planning: the section is outside the city, and the bus takes time. We compare the three ways to get there and explain what happens when you arrive. Tickets are covered in Great Wall tickets.

Option 1: public bus

Express bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then bus H24 to Mutianyu; allow 2–3 hours each way. It is the cheapest option, but leave early, and check the time of the last bus back before you go up the wall.

Option 2: car, taxi or private driver

Mutianyu is about 73 km northeast of central Beijing, about 1.5 hours by car. A car with a driver lets you leave when you want and go straight to the entrance area. Agree the waiting time and the return trip before you leave.

Option 3: a tour

A tour takes care of transport, and some include the entrance and the cable car: check what’s included in each listing. Compare Great Wall tours from Beijing.

When you arrive

1. Shuttle: the internal shuttle bus costs about 15–20 CNY return.
2. Ticket and passport: tickets are real-name and can be booked up to 30 days ahead, with one admission per passport per day; bring your original passport.
3. Getting up: an enclosed cable car to Watchtower 14: 100 CNY one way, 140 CNY return, or walk.
4. Chairlift and toboggan: the chairlift up to Watchtower 6 and the toboggan down are run by a separate operator with separate tickets: about 100 CNY one way, or about 140 CNY for chairlift up + toboggan down. Chairlift and toboggan tickets are bought on site from their separate operator; the cable car ticket does not cover them.
5. Toboggan rules: the toboggan only goes down, and it closes in rain and snow.

Opening hours

From March 16 to November 15, 7:30–18:00 on weekdays and 7:30–18:30 on weekends; from November 16 to March 15, 8:00–17:30.

Not sure Mutianyu is right for you?

Compare it with Badaling in Mutianyu vs Badaling.