Simatai is about 120 kilometres northeast of Beijing, and the journey takes around two hours by car. The most convenient option is to hire a car or join an organised day trip from Beijing — public transport connections are minimal and involve multiple changes. From Beijing, take the G101 highway northeast toward Miyun, then continue to Gubeikou.
The Gubei Water Town resort operates shuttle buses from Beijing on weekends and holidays, which is worth checking if you are staying there. Taxis from central Beijing cost around 400–600 yuan for the round trip; negotiate before setting off. The drive passes through pleasant countryside and the last stretch through the mountains is scenic.