Beijing Car Rental

Car Rental in Beijing

Many travelers visiting Beijing choose to rent a car for the freedom and flexibility it provides. Although the city boasts an extensive public transit network, rental cars offer a level of independence that subways, trains, and buses cannot match. While taxis are convenient, relying on them exclusively throughout your stay can quickly become expensive. Hence, car hire in Beijing is a popular solution, especially for those who wish to explore areas beyond the city.

Should You Rent a Car in Beijing?

For sightseeing within central Beijing, public transit may be more practical due to traffic jams and crowded roads. Driving also requires extra attention because of the high number of cyclists and scooters. However, if you plan to explore nearby destinations like Tianjin, Chengde, or the Great Wall of China, renting a car is the most convenient way to travel, giving you the ability to design your own schedule.

How to Rent a Car in Beijing

Booking a car is straightforward. Numerous local and international car hire companies operate across Beijing. Simply compare options online, choose the provider and vehicle type, fill in the booking form, and confirm your reservation. You’ll then receive a confirmation email, which usually serves as your voucher.

Can Foreigners Rent a Car?

Foreigners can rent a car in Beijing, but international driver’s licenses are not valid. Instead, you must obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit, usually valid for three months. These can be issued at Beijing Traffic Management Bureaus or at the city’s airports. As an alternative, you may hire a car with a driver if you don’t want to go through the licensing process.

Tips for Renting a Car

Book early to secure lower prices and availability.
Check customer reviews to ensure the provider’s credibility.
Choose a fuel-to-fuel policy to reduce costs.
Be punctual with drop-off to avoid extra charges (rentals are billed per 24 hours).
Take photos of the car before driving away to document any existing damage.
Off-airport rentals may be cheaper, but airport pick-up is more convenient.
One-way rentals are usually possible but may include a surcharge.
Confirm mileage limits if you plan extensive driving.
Add extras such as GPS or child seats if needed, but expect higher fees.

Requirements

To rent a car in Beijing, you must present a valid passport, original visa, Chinese phone number, and a temporary Chinese driving permit. All documents should remain valid for at least two months after your rental ends. Payments are generally accepted via WeChat, Alipay, or UnionPay. International credit cards are rarely accepted.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age to rent a car in Beijing is usually 21, though some providers set the limit at 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge.

Car Rental Prices

Rates depend on vehicle type, rental period, and season. On average, a compact rental car costs around 342 RMB (44.40€ / 48$) per day. Popular models include the Suzuki Jimny and Volkswagen Jetta.

Beijing Speed Limits

City streets: 30–50 km/h (19–31 mph)
Urban highways: up to 70 km/h (43 mph)
Suburban highways: up to 80 km/h (50 mph)
City express roads: up to 100 km/h (62 mph)
Expressways: up to 120 km/h (75 mph)

Insurance

All Beijing rental cars include basic insurance. For more complete coverage, consider adding packages such as collision damage waiver or theft protection.

Parking in Beijing

Street parking in central Beijing is limited and difficult to find. A better option is to park near subway stations outside the city center or use one of the many multi-level parking garages. Many car parks accept advance reservations, ensuring space availability.