BNU to Wudaokou by bus, average time?

[hepingrob]

Hey you BNUers, how long does it take on average to get from BNU to Wudaokou by bus? I've seen all the great threads about which buses to take from BNU to different points around the city, but I'm wondering how long the trip takes. Thanks:mrgreen:

[roddy]

I seem to remember it being 20 minutes in good traffic, but more realistically 30 to 40 minutes. That was a while back though and I may be remembering wrong. I think heifeng does that route regularly, maybe she'll pop in.

[adrianlondon]

I could cycle it in 20 minutes if that helps ;)

[heifeng]

:mrgreen:Yes, I take it nearly everyday. Here's the deal (Roddy is correct actually, but I'll just add some details_

on the new 690 it's pretty quick (20 minutes no traffic) but you may need to walk an extra stop (or if you are at BNU, you will need to walk south to the bnu stop rather than the tieshizifen stop) So if you factor in this time you may be bumped up to 30 minutes. However the probability of getting a seat is much better now than before (during the 726 days)...

(random question: are there discounts for seniors after a certain time in BJ to ride public transportation? sometimes after 10am or so it's dinosaur central on the bus...so don't count on a seat all the time)

Your other option is the 331 which takes a more roundabout route but will stop at more stops. So it can be a bit off a toss up, wait for the 'kuai' 690 with minimal stops or not walk as much or get the extra 'scenic' route on the 331.

If you are traveling during rush hour (am or pm), the 40 minutes is fairly accurate...unless its a Friday..who knows then. I've spent 40 minutes b/t 2 stops before in the worst traffic. Keep in mind sometimes you can walk faster than traffic b/t BLCU and Wudaokou. They need to just fix that road under the 13 chengtie...that stretch is just ridiculous

In conclusion, its not a terrible commute but bring a newspaper and time will fly:mrgreen:

[roddy]

The 331 also comes along the south end of BNU, so you could get on there and perhaps have a decent chance of getting a seat - it starts from Xizhimen, so shouldn't be too full.

Don't think I ever got a seat on the 726. I'm sure there must be a bus that runs north from Xizhimen to Wudaokou (more directly than the 331 does), but not sure which one. That might be quicker as it should be a clearer road, but you'd need to walk to Xizhimen Beidajie.