About 8.5 kilometers. According to Baidu map, Beijing West Railway Station is about 8.5 kilometers away from the Forbidden City, and you can take bus 142 directly. Get on the bus from Beijing West Railway Station, get off at Qianmen East Station, walk, pass by Lianhuachi East Road and China National Museum. It will take about 45 minutes. Beijing West Railway Station is about 10.6 km away from the Forbidden City. It takes about 35 minutes by taxi, passing through Lianhuachi East Road and Xuanwumen West Street, and the fare is about 32 yuan.