Juyongguan Pass, an integral part of the Great Wall, is a must – visit destination for tourists in Beijing. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of downtown Beijing, it offers a unique blend of historical grandeur and breathtaking natural scenery. If you’re planning to visit this iconic site, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Juyongguan Pass from the heart of Beijing.

1. By Public Transportation

Option 1: Bus from Deshengmen

Taking a bus from Deshengmen is a popular and budget – friendly option.

• Routes:
• You can catch Bus 919 directly from Deshengmen Bus Terminal to Juyongguan Great Wall Station. Buses 870 and 883 also operate on routes from Deshengmen to Juyongguan.
• Frequency: Buses usually run every 15 – 30 minutes during peak hours (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and every 30 – 60 minutes during off – peak hours.
• Duration: The journey takes approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
• Fare: The bus fare ranges from 12 – 20 yuan. You can pay in cash or use payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay if the bus is equipped with the necessary scanning devices.
• Tips:
• Arrive at the bus terminal early, especially on weekends and public holidays, as the buses can get crowded.
• Have the Chinese name of Juyongguan Pass (居庸关长城) written down or saved on your phone to show the bus driver or conductor, as not all of them may speak English.

Option 2: Subway + Bus

This option involves a bit more transfers but can be a great way to experience local transportation.

• Route 1:
• Take Subway Line 13 from either Dongzhimen Station or Xizhimen Station and get off at Longze Station.
• Then, on the opposite side of Longze Station, look for Bus No. 68 (marked as 昌 68 in Chinese). This bus will take you directly to Juyongguan Pass.
• Frequency: Subway Line 13 runs every 3 – 5 minutes during peak hours and every 5 – 10 minutes during off – peak hours. Bus No. 68 has a frequency of about every 30 – 60 minutes.
• Duration: The subway ride takes around 30 – 40 minutes, and the subsequent bus ride takes about 40 – 60 minutes. So, in total, the journey can take 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
• Fare: The subway fare depends on the distance traveled within the subway system, usually ranging from 3 – 7 yuan. The bus fare for Bus No. 68 is around 10 – 15 yuan.
• Route 2:
• First, take Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station.
• Then, make your way to Deshengmen Bus Station. From there, take Bus 919 for about 40 minutes to “South Mouth” (南口).
• At South Mouth, switch to Bus No. 68 (going in the same direction on the same side of the street). Bus No. 68 will take you all the way to Juyongguan as it is its last stop, and it will park right next to the ticketing booth.
• Frequency: Similar to Route 1, Subway Line 2 has a high frequency, and Bus 919 and Bus No. 68 operate according to their respective schedules as mentioned above.
• Duration: This route may take a bit longer, around 2 – 3 hours in total, considering the transfer time.
• Fare: The subway fare for Line 2 is 2 – 4 yuan, Bus 919 fare is around 10 – 15 yuan, and Bus No. 68 fare is about 10 – 15 yuan.

Option 3: Suburban Railway S2 + Bus

• Route:
• Take the suburban railway S2 line from Beijing North Railway Station. Get off at Changping Station.
• After getting off at Changping Station, walk about 530 meters to Xianniantou Village Bus Stop (下念头村站).
• From there, take Bus Chang 68 (昌 68 路) to the Juyongguan Bus Terminal Stop. Finally, walk about 700 meters to reach the Juyongguan Great Wall.
• Frequency: The suburban railway S2 line has a relatively fixed schedule, usually running several times a day. It’s advisable to check the official schedule in advance. Bus Chang 68 runs every 30 – 60 minutes.
• Duration: The S2 line journey takes about 30 – 40 minutes, and the subsequent bus ride and walking time add up to about 1 – 1.5 hours. So, the total journey time is around 2 – 2.5 hours.
• Fare: The S2 line fare is around 6 – 10 yuan, and the Bus Chang 68 fare is about 10 – 15 yuan.

2. By Private Car or Taxi

Option 1: Renting a Car

If you prefer the freedom to stop and explore along the way, renting a car can be a great option.

• Route:
• Take the G6 京藏高速公路. Drive towards the direction of Zhangjiakou.
• Get off at the Juyongguan (46) exit. Then, follow the signs to the Juyongguan Great Wall Scenic Area.
• Distance: The distance from downtown Beijing to Juyongguan is approximately 60 kilometers.
• Duration: The driving time is usually 1 – 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Try to avoid rush hours in Beijing, which are typically from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on weekdays.
• Cost:
• Car rental fees vary depending on the type of car you choose. A basic economy car can cost around 200 – 300 yuan per day.
• Fuel costs for a round – trip will be approximately 100 – 150 yuan, depending on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
• There are tolls on the G6 highway, which amount to about 30 – 50 yuan for a one – way trip.
• Parking: The scenic area has a large parking lot. The parking fee is usually 10 – 20 yuan per day.
• Tips:
• Make sure you are familiar with driving in China and have a valid driver’s license. International driving permits are generally not valid in China, but some countries have reciprocal agreements. Check in advance.
• Use a navigation app like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps (which can be set to English) to help you find the way.

Option 2: Taking a Taxi

Taking a taxi is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.

• Route: The taxi driver will take the most efficient route, which is usually the G6 京藏高速公路.
• Duration: Similar to driving a rented car, the journey takes about 1 – 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
• Cost: The one – way taxi fare from downtown Beijing to Juyongguan can be around 300 – 400 yuan. Taxis in Beijing charge based on a combination of distance and time, with additional charges for waiting time and tolls. Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter or agree on a fixed price before starting the journey.

3. By Tour Group

Option 1: Joining a Day Tour

For travelers who want a hassle – free experience, joining a day tour is an excellent choice.

• What’s Included:
• Most day tours offer round – trip transportation from central Beijing. The transportation is usually in an air – conditioned bus.
• They also provide an English – speaking guide who will give you detailed information about the history and significance of Juyongguan Pass.
• Some tours may include the entrance ticket (which is about 40 yuan in the off – season and 45 yuan in the peak season) and sometimes a simple lunch.
• Duration: A typical day tour lasts about 8 – 10 hours. The tour usually departs from Beijing around 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM and returns by 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
• Cost: The cost of a day tour varies depending on the inclusions. Basic tours without lunch can cost around 200 – 300 yuan per person, while more premium tours that include lunch and other perks can cost 350 – 500 yuan per person.
• Tips:
• Book your tour through reputable travel agencies or online platforms like Ctrip or Tripadvisor. Read reviews from other travelers to ensure the quality of the tour.
• Make sure to clarify all the inclusions and exclusions before booking.

Key Tips for Your Trip

• Timing: Try to visit Juyongguan Pass on weekdays to avoid the large crowds. The best seasons to visit are spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. Summer (June – August) can be hot and crowded, while winter (December – February) is cold, but it offers a unique view of the snow – covered Great Wall.
• Tickets: The entrance fee to Juyongguan Pass is 40 yuan for adults in the off – season (November – March) and 45 yuan in the peak season (April – October). Seniors over 60, students with valid student IDs, and some special groups may be eligible for discounted tickets. You can buy tickets at the entrance or book them in advance online through the official website or travel platforms.
• Food and Drinks: Bring some snacks and water with you, as the prices of food and drinks near the entrance can be higher. There are also some small restaurants and food stalls around the area where you can try local Chinese cuisine.
• Language: While many people in Beijing can speak some basic English, it’s still helpful to carry a Chinese translation of Juyongguan Pass (居庸关长城) to show to locals for directions or when asking for help.

Transportation Summary Table for Juyongguan Pass

Starting Point	Transportation Mode	Key Details (Duration, Cost, Frequency)	Pros	Cons
Beijing Downtown	Bus from Deshengmen	1.5 – 2.5 hours; 12 – 20 yuan; 15 – 60 min frequency	Budget – friendly	Can be crowded, long journey
Beijing Downtown	Subway + Bus (Route 1)	1.5 – 2.5 hours; 13 – 22 yuan; subway 3 – 10 min, bus 30 – 60 min frequency	Mix of transportation experience	Multiple transfers
Beijing Downtown	Subway + Bus (Route 2)	2 – 3 hours; 12 – 34 yuan; subway 2 – 10 min, bus 30 – 60 min frequency	More transfer options	Longest journey among public transport
Beijing Downtown	Suburban Railway S2 + Bus	2 – 2.5 hours; 16 – 25 yuan; S2 fixed schedule, bus 30 – 60 min frequency	Scenic train ride	Complicated transfer
Beijing Downtown	Renting a Car	1 – 1.5 hours; 330 – 500 yuan total cost; N/A	Freedom to stop	Need to drive, parking fee
Beijing Downtown	Taking a Taxi	1 – 1.5 hours; 300 – 400 yuan one – way; N/A	Convenient	Expensive
Beijing Downtown	Tour Group	8 – 10 hours; 200 – 500 yuan per person; N/A	Hassle – free, guided	Fixed schedule, less freedom

With this comprehensive guide, you can choose the transportation method that best suits your needs, budget, and travel style to reach the magnificent Juyongguan Pass and enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Great Wall.