Beijing Airport is, alongside Shanghai’s, one of the main entry points for international tourists arriving in China. Beijing is a massive metropolis with over 21 million residents and boasts a modern, fast, and remarkably well-connected public transportation network.
Beijing is served by two major international airports located on opposite sides of the city:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Located about 25 km (15.5 miles) northeast of downtown. It is the city’s historic aviation hub and the main base for Air China and Star Alliance members.
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Situated roughly 46 km (28.5 miles) south of the city center. Opened in late 2019 and designed by Zaha Hadid, this starfish-shaped airport is the primary hub for China Southern, China Eastern, and SkyTeam airlines.
Before landing in China
Most Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked in China. To use this apps, check real-time maps, use payment apps, or request a ride upon landing, the most convenient option is an unlimited data eSIM (With 5% off for being our reader). In China, most used apps are really different than the ones we usually use, you could read about it in this article.
Medical care for international visitors in China is not free, and private clinics can be extremely expensive. Securing reliable travel insurance with high coverage like IATI Insurance (With 5% off for being our reader).
How to Get from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to Downtown
This is the airport you will most likely arrive at on your international flight. Below, we cover all the available options to get from here to the city center.
1. Capital Airport Express (Fastest & Most Reliable Option)
The Capital Airport Express is an express metro train connecting Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 with two major central subway stations: Sanyuanqiao (Metro Line 10) and Dongzhimen (Metro Lines 2 and 13).
The journey takes around 20 to 25 minutes, making it by far the fastest and most reliable way to beat Beijing traffic and get into the city center.
- Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price: 25 CNY (~$3.5 USD)
2. Private Transfer (Most Comfortable Option)
If you are traveling in a group, arriving on a late-night flight, or simply prefer to avoid transferring from the Airport Express to the metro with heavy bags, a private transfer is by far the most convenient choice. You won’t have to worry about navigating the subway or communicating with a taxi driver—your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and will know your hotel’s exact destination in advance.
The drive to central Beijing takes approximately 50 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your hotel’s specific location.
During our travels across Asia, we have always had a great experience using Trip.com’s Private Transfer service (which often comes with an additional discount if you book your flight with them). Alternatively, you can explore this alternative pickup service on GetYourGuide, both of which offer great service and competitive rates.
3. Official Taxi or DiDi (The Chinese Uber)
Official taxi ranks are clearly signposted in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Beijing Airport. They offer a great alternative to a private transfer, though keep in mind you will need to overcome the language barrier by showing your hotel address written in Chinese characters or by booking via the DiDi app inside Alipay.
- Price: Typically ranges between 100 and 160 CNY (~$14.00 – $22.50 USD), with a slight surcharge for late-night rides.
- Travel Time: Around 50 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic and your hotel’s location.
⚠️ Important Tip: Local taxi drivers rarely speak English., always have your hotel address written down in Chinese characters (hanzi). Alternatively, you can book a DiDi ride.
4. Night Buses (Late-Night Alternative)
If you land in the middle of the night (between 11:00 PM and 5:30 AM) and prefer not to take a taxi or private driver, there are official night buses operating from the airport that run straight to Dongzhimen.
- Operating Hours: Runs continuously throughout the night (11:00 PM – 05:30 AM)
- Price: 30 CNY (~$4.2 USD)
⚠️ Note: Keep in mind that once you arrive at Dongzhimen station late at night, public transit lines will be closed, so you will likely need to grab a local taxi or book a DiDi ride to cover the final leg of the journey to your hotel.
How to get from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) to Downtown
Despite being farther from downtown (46 km), Daxing boasts world-class high-speed transit connections.
1. Daxing Airport Express + Subway (Line 19 or Line 10)
Just like at Beijing Capital Airport, Daxing International Airport features an express train service that links directly to the metro network. The express train reaches Caoqiao Station in just 20 minutes, where you can seamlessly connect to Metro Lines 10 and 19 to reach the rest of the city. This is the best budget-friendly option.
- Operating Hours: Runs daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Price: 35 CNY (~$5 USD)
2. High-Speed Bullet Train (Intercity Railway Jingxiong)
Beijing Daxing International Airport features a high-speed railway station located right in the basement level of the terminal. There is a bullet train that connects the airport directly to Beijing West Railway Station (Beijingxi) in just 20 to 30 minutes.
- Price: 30 CNY (~$4.2 USD)
- Booking: You can easily book your ticket in advance via Trip.com or buy it directly at the airport station upon arrival (if you aren’t traveling during peak commuting hours).
3. Private Transfer from Daxing
If you arrive late at night or simply want to avoid the hassle of switching between trains and the subway with your luggage, booking a private transfer is the best solution. Depending on traffic conditions and your hotel’s exact location, the drive will take around 60 to 90 minutes.
During our travels across Asia, we usually recommend Trip.com’s Private Transfer service (which often comes with an extra discount if you book your flight with them). Alternatively, you can also check out this pickup option on GetYourGuide, offering reliable drivers and competitive rates.
4. Official Taxi or DiDi from Daxing
They offer an alternative to a private transfer, though keep in mind you will need to show your hotel address written in Chinese characters or by booking via the DiDi app inside Alipay.
- Price: Typically ranges between 160 and 240 CNY (~$22.00 – $33.50 USD), with a slight surcharge for late-night rides.
- Travel Time: Around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and your hotel’s location.
⚠️ Important Tip: Local taxi drivers rarely speak English., always have your hotel address written down in Chinese characters (hanzi). Alternatively, you can book a DiDi ride.
