The Simatai Great Wall, located in the northeastern suburbs of Beijing, is a remarkable section of the Great Wall that stands out for its well – preserved Ming – Dynasty – era architecture and breathtakingly steep and rugged terrain. If you’re in Beijing and eager to explore this awe – inspiring part of the Great Wall, here are several transportation options at your disposal.

By Bus

1. Taking the Public Bus via Dongzhimen

• Step 1: Reach Dongzhimen Bus Station
• Dongzhimen is a major transportation hub in Beijing, easily accessible by subway. You can take Subway Line 2, Line 13, or the Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station.
• Once you arrive at Dongzhimen Station, follow the signs to the Dongzhimen Long – Distance Bus Station.
• Step 2: Board the 980 Express to Miyun Bus Station
• At the Dongzhimen Bus Station, look for the 980 Express bus bound for Miyun Bus Station. This bus journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the fare is around 15 – 20 yuan. The bus runs frequently, usually every 20 minutes during peak hours.
• During the trip, you can enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the bustling city center and head towards the more rural areas of Beijing’s suburbs.
• Step 3: Transfer to the Mi 25 Bus to Gubeikou (near Simatai Great Wall)
• Upon reaching Miyun Bus Station, get off the 980 Express and find the platform for the Mi 25 bus. This bus will take you to Gubeikou, which is in the vicinity of the Simatai Great Wall. The ride on the Mi 25 bus takes about 1.5 hours, and the fare is around 10 – 15 yuan.
• Make sure to inform the bus conductor that you’re going to Simatai Great Wall so they can remind you when to get off.

2. Taking the Bus from Beijing Tourism 集散中心

• Beijing Tourism 集散中心 also offers buses directly to Simatai Great Wall. These buses usually depart from designated locations in the city, such as the Beijing South Railway Station Tourism Service Center or the Forbidden City Tourism Service Center.
• The advantage of taking this bus is that it is more convenient for tourists as it often provides direct access to the Simatai Great Wall scenic area without multiple transfers. However, the departure times may be less frequent compared to public buses.
• The round – trip ticket price is around 80 – 100 yuan, and it’s advisable to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book through their official website or at the ticket counters at the departure points.

By Train

1. Taking the Suburban Railway from Beijing North Station

• Step 1: Get to Beijing North Station
• Beijing North Station is located in the Xicheng District of Beijing. You can reach it by subway (for example, taking Line 2 to Xizhimen Station and then following the signs to Beijing North Station).
• Step 2: Board the Train to Gubeikou
• Beijing Suburban Railway operates trains from Beijing North Station to Gubeikou. The train journey takes about 2.5 hours, and the one – way ticket price is 12 yuan. The trains usually depart twice a day, so it’s important to check the schedule in advance.
• The train ride offers a different perspective of the Beijing suburbs, passing through beautiful landscapes and small towns.
• Once you arrive at Gubeikou Station, you can take a local minibus or a taxi to the Simatai Great Wall. The distance from Gubeikou Station to the Simatai Great Wall is about 10 – 15 kilometers, and the taxi fare is around 30 – 50 yuan.

By Taxi or Private Car

1. Taking a Taxi

• Taxis provide a direct and convenient way to reach Simatai Great Wall from Beijing. However, it can be relatively expensive. The journey from Dongzhimen (a central location in Beijing) to Simatai Great Wall takes about 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
• The taxi fare is calculated based on the distance and time, and it can cost around 380 – 460 yuan one – way. If you’re traveling in a group of 3 – 4 people, sharing a taxi might be a more cost – effective option compared to taking public transportation with multiple transfers.

2. Driving Yourself

• If you prefer to drive, it’s a relatively straightforward journey. From central Beijing, you can take the Jingcheng Expressway. Follow the signs for Miyun and then for Simatai Great Wall.
• The distance is approximately 135 – 140 kilometers, and the driving time is about 1.5 – 2 hours, excluding traffic. Make sure to have a full tank of gas before you start, as there may not be many gas stations along the way. Also, note that there is a parking fee at the Simatai Great Wall parking lot, which is usually around 20 – 30 yuan.

By Tour Group

• Many travel agencies in Beijing offer day – trip tours to Simatai Great Wall. These tours usually include transportation, an English – speaking tour guide, and sometimes entrance tickets to the Great Wall.
• The advantage of joining a tour group is that everything is arranged for you, and you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics. The tour guide can also provide in – depth information about the history and culture of the Simatai Great Wall.
• The cost of a day – trip tour to Simatai Great Wall with a travel agency can range from 300 – 800 yuan per person, depending on the level of service, whether it includes a cable – car ride, and if there are additional stops at other attractions. It’s a good idea to compare different travel agencies and read reviews before booking.

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get from Beijing to Simatai Great Wall, each with its own advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and travel experience. Choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget, and get ready to explore this magnificent part of the Great Wall.