How to Get from Beijing Airport to City: 5 Ways Explained

Quick Guide to Beijing Airport Transfers

Just landed in Beijing? Let's get you into the Bejing city! We've got two airports here - Capital (closer to town) and the new Daxing. If you're still booking your flight, try for Capital Airport - it'll make your trip way easier!

• Just 30km from downtown, Capital Airport's super convenient. Hop on the Airport Express train (20 mins to city), grab a bus, or catch a taxi - you've got tons of options and they're all pretty easy on your wallet. Most tourists and hotels are closer to this airport too.
• Daxing Airport: This gorgeous new airport's about 50km south, but don't sweat it! The high-speed train gets you downtown in 30 minutes. Taxis and buses take longer but give you a nice city tour on the way.

4 Ways to Get from Beijing Capital Airport to City

If you're like me and want the fastest route, jump on the Airport Express - just ¥25 and you're in the city in 20 minutes! Dead tired and just want door-to-door service? Grab a taxi - they're always waiting outside. Or if you're watching your budget, the airport bus is super comfy and cheap.

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Everything about Beijing's 2 International Airports: Code, Where & Terminals

Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2 (Source from Wikipedia)

If you're heading to Beijing, you'll first need to know which airport you're flying into. After countless trips through both airports, let me walk you through everything you should know about Beijing's 2 major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (main international hub) & Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK/ZBAA)

• Address: Jichang West Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
• Code: IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA

Located 25 kilometers northeast of Tiananmen Square, Beijing Capital Airport is the city's main international hub. In 2024, it's handling around 70 million passengers yearly, with flights connecting Beijing to pretty much everywhere in the world.

The airport has three terminals, though Terminal 1 isn't operating right now. Terminal 2 is home to China Eastern, China Southern, and their SkyTeam partners, serving lots of flights within Asia and some to Europe. The Terminal 3 is where you'll find Air China and Star Alliance airlines flying to North America, Europe, and Australia, plus Oneworld carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines. You'll also find flights here to major Asian cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore.

Most North American travelers (flying United, American, or Air Canada) and European passengers (on Lufthansa, Air France, or KLM) come through Terminal 3. Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways also use this terminal, making it easy to connect to their global networks through Dubai or Doha.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (Source from Wikipedia)

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD)

• Address: GC56+W6C, Daxing District, Beijing, China
• Code: IATA: PKX, ICAO: ZBAD

Opened in late 2019, Daxing Airport sits 50 kilometers south of central Beijing. The locals call it the "starfish airport" because, well, it really does look like a starfish from above!

Daxing serves as the new hub for China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, who've relocated most of their Beijing operations here. Several international carriers like British Airways and Finnair have also made the move to Daxing. The airport has a single 1 terminal building that's incredibly efficient - despite its size, you can reach any gate within 8 minutes of clearing security.

A quick tip: always double-check your ticket because some airlines fly from both airports. If you're staying in central Beijing and have a choice, Capital Airport (PEK) is usually more convenient because it's closer. But both airports are really well-connected - Daxing even has a super-fast train that gets you to the city in about 20 minutes!

Getting from Beijing Capital Airport to City | by Airport Express Train

Source from Wikipedia

The Airport Express is my absolute go-to recommendation, and here's why: it’s fast, reliable, and saves you from Beijing’s notorious traffic. At just ¥25 (~US$3.50), it’s far cheaper than a taxi. I’ve taken this train in every season and at all hours—it never disappoints.

Where to Find the Airport Express

• Terminal 3: Follow the clear blue "Airport Express" signs down to the B2 level of Parking Garage No. 2.
• Terminal 2: Go to the B2 level of Parking Garage No. 3.

If you get confused, simply ask any airport staff—they’re used to helping travelers find their way.

Train Schedule

• Peak Hours (8–9 AM and 5:30–7 PM): Trains run approximately every 10 minutes. Expect slightly longer travel times due to crowds.
• Off-Peak: Trains run about every 12 minutes, and you’ll typically have a faster journey.

Ticket and Cost

• Ticket Price: ¥25 (~US$3.50)
• Payment Methods: Ticket machines accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, international credit cards, and cash. I always use Alipay - just download the app before your trip and link your credit card or Visa. Then you can simply scan the QR code at the ticket machine and pay in seconds. The machines have perfect English translations, but there's also a staffed counter if you prefer buying tickets from a person.

The Route and Train Experience

The train follows a simple route: T3 → T2 → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen. It's a smooth 20-minute ride through Beijing's outskirts, and you'll get some nice views of the city as you approach downtown.

At Dongzhimen, you can transfer easily to subway Lines 2 and 13. If your destination is a popular spot like Wangfujing or Qianmen, Line 2 is a great option.

Pro Tips

1. Hold Onto Your Ticket: You’ll need it to exit (a lesson learned the hard way!).
2. Plan Around Rush Hour: Crowds can be heavier near the front and back cars during peak hours—try the middle cars for more space.

Getting from Beijing Capital Airport to City | By Taxi and Ride-hailing

Source from Unsplash: csqxiv

After years of traveling through Beijing, I've taken my fair share of taxis from the airport - sometimes by choice, sometimes because I landed late (after the last Airport Express).

Official Airport Taxis | Best for Late Arrivals

Where to Find Them:

The official taxi stands are super easy to spot. At Terminal 3, head to B1 level - there's a designated waiting area with organized queues. If you're at Terminal 2, exit through Gates 5-9 on the first floor. You'll see the taxi queue right outside. The official Beijing airport taxis are dark blue with a gold stripe - this is important to remember!

Cost & Journey Time:

The meter starts at ¥13, and there's also a ¥10 airport surcharge - all totally normal.

• Daytime (6 AM – 11 PM): Taxi fare to central Beijing (like Wangfujing or Sanlitun) typically costs between ¥120-150 (~US$17-21).
• Nighttime (11 PM – 5 AM): Prices rise to ¥150-180 (~US$21-25).

The journey usually takes 40-60 minutes, though it can stretch to 90 minutes during rush hour.

Payment Options:

Most drivers now accept Alipay (my preferred method - just scan their QR code), but it's smart to have cash as backup. Some drivers also take WeChat Pay, but I've found Alipay to be more reliable with taxis. If you're paying cash, ¥200 should cover most trips to the city.

Source from ifdesign

Ride-hailing Apps | Best for Convenience

Where to Grab Didi (China's Uber):

Didi has an English app that makes ride-hailing super easy. The pickup spots are different from regular taxis:

• Terminal 2: Head to the southwest corner of Parking Garage No. 2
• Terminal 3: Look for Area H on B2 of Parking Garage No. 3

The prices are usually similar or a bit cheaper to regular taxis, but the app gives you an exact fare upfront. Plus, you can track your route and share your trip - great for safety!

Ride-hailing Apps: Didi and Alipay

For the easiest airport pickup, you've got 2 great apps: the Didi app (China's Uber) and Alipay's built-in ride-hailing service. Didi offers a clean English interface with upfront pricing, while Alipay lets you book rides right from your payment app - super handy since you'll need Alipay in China anyway. Both services use the same pickup spots (southwest corner of P2 for Terminal 2, Area H on B2 of P3 for Terminal 3) and show similar prices. I usually check both apps before booking - sometimes Alipay shows better rates during Didi's surge pricing, plus you can split fares with friends on Didi. It's really nice having both options in your pocket!

Payment and Setup Tips

Setting up before you land at airport. Link your international credit card to Alipay, and you're set for both platforms. I usually compare prices on both - it takes just a few seconds and can save you some yuan. The pickup locations are identical whether you book through Didi or Alipay, which makes things simple.

A few tips from my many airport runs: always ignore the taxi touts inside the terminal (they'll seriously overcharge you), and watch out for rush hour traffic between 8-9 AM and 5:30-7 PM - that's when the Airport Express really shines.

If you're traveling with family or a small group with luggage, taxis can actually work out cheaper than buying separate train tickets. Just make sure you're getting into a legal taxi - they'll always have a meter running, a visible driver ID, and a license plate starting with 京B (jing B).

Getting from Beijing Capital Airport to City | By Bus

Source from Wikipedia

Hey Beijing explorer! Looking for a wallet-friendly way into the city? The airport bus is your best bet - it's way cheaper than a taxi, and you get to chill in a comfy, air-conditioned coach while watching the city scenes roll by. Fares range from ¥20 to ¥30, and payment can be made via cash or mobile methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay(Recommended for International travellers).

Bus Operating Hours & Frequency

The airport buses from Beijing Capital International Airport operate daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with buses departing every 15-30 minutes depending on the line and traffic conditions.

For travelers arriving late at night, the Night Line runs from 11:00 PM until the last flight, with buses departing every 30-60 minutes.

Where to Find the Buses

• Terminal 2: The bus stop is located just outside the arrivals hall, near Exit 11.
• Terminal 3: The bus stop is located on the 1st floor, near Exit 5.
• Signage: Look for signs that say “Airport Bus” or “机场巴士” in Chinese. Staff members are usually available to assist with directions.

Popular Capital Airport Bus Routes

Getting from Beijing Capital Airport: to Top Attractions in Beijing

The Capital airport's about 30 km from downtown, and you've got two main ways to go: grab a taxi (around 150 yuan, 45 mins) or take the Airport Express train (25 yuan, 20 mins to city).

Heading to the Forbidden City? That's about an hour away. Great Wall at Mutianyu? Plan for a 90-min ride. Temple of Heaven's roughly 50 mins from the airport.

Quick tip: keep your destination written in Chinese for taxi drivers, and watch out for rush hour traffic between 8-9am and 5-7pm. Easy peasy!

5 Ways to Get from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) to City

Source from Wikipedia

1. Daxing Airport Express (High-Speed Train)

The Daxing Airport Express is the fastest and most efficient way to reach the city center, connecting the airport to Caoqiao Station and Beijing West Railway Station.

• Travel Time:
  
• To Caoqiao Station: 19 minutes
• To Beijing West Railway Station: 28 minutes

• Operating Hours:
  
• Caoqiao Station: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM (from airport), 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (to airport)
• Beijing West Railway Station: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (from airport), 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (to airport)

• Frequency: Trains run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours.
• Fare:
  
• To Caoqiao Station: ¥35 (economy class)
• To Beijing West Railway Station: ¥45 (economy class)

• Where to Board: The train station is located on the B1 level of the airport terminal. Follow signs for the Airport Express.
• Why Choose This Option? It’s the fastest way to reach the city, with comfortable seating and minimal delays.

Source from Wikipedia

2. Airport Buses

Airport buses are a budget-friendly option, offering direct routes to key areas in Beijing. They are ideal for travelers with flexible schedules or those staying near bus drop-off points.

• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (varies by route)
• Frequency: Buses depart every 15-30 minutes, depending on the route and demand.
• Fare: ¥40-50 (depending on the destination)
• Popular Routes:
  
• Line 1: To Beijing South Railway Station (travel time: ~60 minutes)
• Line 2: To Beijing West Railway Station (travel time: ~90 minutes)
• Line 3: To Xidan Commercial Street (travel time: ~90 minutes)
• Line 4: To Tongzhou District (travel time: ~90 minutes)

• Where to Board: Bus stops are located on the 1st floor of the terminal. Look for signs or ask staff for assistance.
• Why Choose This Option? It’s affordable and connects directly to major transportation hubs and commercial areas.

3. Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are convenient for travelers with heavy luggage or those heading to areas not well-served by public transport.

• Travel Time: 60-90 minutes (depending on traffic and destination)
• Fare: ¥150-250 (depending on distance and traffic)
• Operating Hours: Available 24/7
• Where to Find Taxis: The taxi stand is located on the 1st floor of the terminal. Follow signs for Taxi.
• Why Choose This Option? It’s door-to-door service, ideal for late-night arrivals or groups traveling together.

Source from Wikipedia

4. Subway (Line 19 and Transfers)

The Beijing Subway Line 19 connects Daxing Airport to the city’s subway network, offering an affordable and efficient option for travelers.

• Travel Time:
  
• To Caoqiao Station: ~20 minutes
• To Financial Street (Line 1 transfer): ~60 minutes
• To Sanlitun (Line 10 transfer): ~90 minutes

• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (varies by station)
• Frequency: Trains run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and every 10-15 minutes during off-peak hours.
• Fare: ¥5-10 (depending on distance)
• Where to Board: The subway station is located on the B1 level of the terminal. Follow signs for Subway Line 19.
• Why Choose This Option? It’s cost-effective and integrates seamlessly with Beijing’s subway system.

5. Private Transfers

For a hassle-free experience, private transfers or pre-booked car services are available. These can be arranged online or through your hotel.

• Travel Time: 60-90 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Fare: ¥300-500 (depending on the service provider and vehicle type)
• Why Choose This Option? It’s comfortable, personalized, and ideal for families or business travelers.