As China’s sprawling political and cultural capital, Beijing overflows with remarkable heritage sites like the monumental Forbidden City and iconic Great Wall alongside gleaming modern architectural marvels. With one of the world’s largest metro systems, trains make hopping between major attractions across town efficient yet having your own rental car allows deeper neighborhood exploration, countryside detours and trips to sections of the Great Wall at your own pace.
Benefits of Renting a Car in Beijing
Having a rental vehicle while visiting Beijing gives independence beyond transit:
Accessibility Around Town
Reach sites not well-connected by subways or buses like 798 Art District, Fragrant Hills, neighborhoods of old hutongs plus parts of the enormous Great Wall much farther out from Badaling.
Airport Transport Simplicity
Forget crowded shuttle buses by picking up your rental car directly at either Capital or Daxing airport to zip comfortably to accommodations anywhere around Beijing, even late nights or early mornings during your arrival/departure.
Greater Flexibility
Visit any neighborhood, market or section of the Great Wall whenever desired without dependence upon group tour schedules or battling public holiday transit crowds. Spend more or less time at each site based upon personal interests or changing weather conditions.
Cargo Capacity
Rental car trunks and back seats provide ample secure storage for airport luggage, shopping bags, take-away restaurant meals and photography gear as you explore diverse districts of Beijing.
Affordability
The per person cost savings of a rental vehicle versus accumulating transfer fares, metro tickets and tour group payments makes sense when travelling with 2-4 family/friends.
Where to Rent a Car in Beijing
As a huge travel gateway and pivotal metropolis, Beijing offers abundant rental options:
Beijing Airports
International companies like Hertz, Europcar and Avis operate large rental counters at both Capital and new Daxing airport arrival halls open 24/7 to meet incoming passenger demand.
High Speed Railway Stations
Major hubs like Beijing South, Beijing West and Beijing North stations have rental desks for passenger convenience right within the terminal buildings for easy pick-up or drop-off.
Central City Outlets
Various rental shops cluster in areas around downtown attractions like Tiān’ānmén Square, Qianmen Dashilan, CBD and embassy districts for proximity. Some provide hotel shuttles within limited zones of downtown.
| Area | Sample Locations |
|---|---|
| Financial District | Jinsong area, Guanghua Lu |
| By Forbidden City | Nanchizi Dajie near Beihai Park |
| Tech Business Parks | Zhongguancun, Wangjing regions |
| Art Zones | Around 798 Creative Park, Songzhuang |
Table: Some key rental car locations across greater Beijing
Driving Tips for Navigating Beijing’s Roads
Follow handy suggestions for safely operating a rental vehicle across Beijing’s immense tangled network:
Verify an International Driving Permit
Carry an IDP alongside your domestic license for legitimacy and simplified procedures with authorities if any incidents or violations occur.
Adjust to Local Style
Chinese urban driving follows mix of loose Western conventions and unique local habits – pass carefully but don’t hesitate from honking or flashing lights to indicate presence.
Load a Transit Card
Having a public transit card loaded with cash ensures smooth connections on subways, buses or taxis to shuttle across certain central zones with restrictions on private cars.
Pack an Extension Cord
Bring a portable power cord for recharging devices enroute as cigarette lighters are not equipped in Chinese market economy rental fleet vehicles.
Refuel Early or Often
With sometimes lengthy distances between outlying sightseeing areas, refill tanks promptly when passing operational petrol stations rather than pushing distance limits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in Beijing
What documents do I need to rent a vehicle?
Expect to provide your valid driver’s license, passport, applicable visa and credit card at the rental counter. Some agencies mandate International Driving Permits (IDP).
What side do Beijing drivers operate on?
As throughout mainland China, vehicles in Beijing drive on the right hand side of the road with the steering wheel on the left side of the car.
What transmission types are available in Beijing?
Most rental agencies offer predominately manual transmission vehicles catering to local market preferences, but inventory of automatic gearbox economy or luxury sedans depends on outlet. Inquire specifically when booking about availability.
Conclusion
While Beijing’s orderly subway trains and extensive bus routes connect most major attractions, the freedom of having your own rental car opens more doors at your own pace without big tour groups – from meandering through old hutong alley neighborhoods to personalized Great Wall explorations farther beyond congested Badaling. Booking an economical rental vehicle sized right for your travel party ensures reaching iconic sites and emerging creative districts comfortably. Your tailored China adventure awaits!
