Beijing Airport Transfers: Your Guide

Arriving in Beijing, a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity, is an exciting prospect. However, the initial step of getting from the airport to your hotel can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially with two major international hubs serving the capital. This guide is designed to equip you with all the essential information to make your transfer smooth, efficient, and stress-free, whether you're landing at the established Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or the newer, sprawling Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

Understanding Beijing's Airports

Beijing is served by two primary airports, each catering to different needs and locations within the vast metropolis. It's crucial to know which airport your flight will arrive at to plan your onward journey effectively.

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Located to the northeast of the city centre, PEK is the older and, for many, the more convenient option for reaching central Beijing. It's a significant international gateway and is considerably closer to popular downtown areas like Tiananmen Square than Daxing.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Situated about 50 kilometres south of Tiananmen Square, Daxing is a newer, state-of-the-art airport designed to alleviate congestion at PEK and serve as a major international hub. While further out, it boasts impressive infrastructure and efficient transport links to the city and beyond.

Transferring from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

PEK offers a well-established and diverse range of transportation options to suit every budget and preference. The distance from PEK to Tiananmen Square, a central landmark, is approximately 25.35 km.

1. Airport Express Train: The Swift Commuter

For speed and reliability, the Airport Express Train is highly recommended. This dedicated line provides a quick link to the city's subway network, allowing you to bypass road traffic entirely.

• Route: The train operates a loop, connecting Terminal 3 (T3), Terminal 2 (T2), Sanyuanqiao Station, Dongzhimen Station, and Beixinqiao Station.
• Frequency: Trains depart every 10 minutes.
• Travel Time: The journey from T3 to Dongzhimen (a major transport hub in the city centre) takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Operating Hours: The first train from T3 departs at 6:20 AM, and the last train leaves at 10:50 PM. From T2, the first train is at 6:35 AM, and the last at 11:10 PM. If you arrive outside these hours, shuttle buses or taxis are your alternatives.
• Cost: A one-way ticket is ¥25 (approximately £2.70 / $3.40). Tickets can be purchased at manual ticket offices or vending machines. Keep your ticket as it's reclaimed upon exiting the station.

2. Airport Shuttle Bus: The Budget-Friendly Explorer

If you're travelling on a tighter budget or your hotel is located in an area not directly served by the Airport Express, the shuttle buses are an excellent alternative. They offer a more extensive network across the city.

• Coverage: Buses connect PEK to numerous districts including Fangzhuang, Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, Gongzhufen, Zhongguancun, Olympic Village, Beijing West Railway Station, Huilongguan, Tongzhou, Jinbao Street (Wangfujing), Shijingshan, Yanjiao, and Changping.
• Routes: There are 9 routes in total (5 daytime, 4 nighttime).
• Daytime Service: Generally operates from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
• Night Service: The Night Bus Express to Downtown runs from 11:30 PM until the arrival of the last flight (typically after 2:30 AM) and departs once a minimum of 6 passengers are gathered.
• Cost: One-way ticket prices range from ¥20 to ¥55 (approximately £2.20 - £6.00 / $2.70 - $7.50), depending on the destination.
• Pickup Points:
  • T2: Gate No. 11 (outside) on the 1st Floor (F1).
  • T3: Gate No. 7 or No. 9 (outside) on the 1st Floor (F1).

3. Taxi and Ride-Hailing: Convenience and Directness

For those prioritising convenience, directness, or arriving late at night, taxis and ride-hailing services are ideal. These options are particularly useful if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family.

• Travel Time: Expect the journey to take approximately 40-60 minutes to the downtown area. This can increase significantly during peak rush hours (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM).
• Cost: Fares typically range from ¥80 to ¥150 (approximately £8.70 - £16.40 / $11 - $20.50), depending on your destination and traffic conditions.
• Important Note on Taxis: It is crucial to use official, licensed taxis. Look for taxis queuing in designated areas outside the arrival halls. Legitimate Beijing taxis have license plates starting with '京B' (Jīng B). Avoid unofficial drivers who may solicit rides; they often charge inflated prices.
• Ride-Hailing Pickup Points:
  • T2: Southwest of Parking Garage No. 2.
  • T3: Area H on B2 of Parking Garage No. 3.

4. Private Transfers: The Premium Experience

For the utmost comfort and a seamless start to your Beijing adventure, consider arranging a private transfer. Companies like China Discovery offer this service as part of tour packages.

• Benefits: A driver and guide will meet you at the arrival hall with a personalised sign, assist with luggage, and escort you directly to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This is ideal for those who want to minimise hassle and immediately focus on their trip.
• Customisation: These services can often be tailored to your specific needs, including assistance with visa applications, accommodation, and itinerary planning.

Transferring from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Daxing International Airport, while further from the city centre (approximately 50 km south of Tiananmen Square), is equipped with excellent high-speed and public transport links.

1. High-Speed Train: Connecting to the City's Hubs

Daxing is a key stop on the Beijing-Xiong'an Intercity Railway, offering a fast connection to Beijing West Railway Station.

• Route: High-speed trains run from Daxing Airport to Beijing West Railway Station.
• Travel Time: The journey takes a mere 21 minutes.
• Frequency: Approximately 24 services daily.
• Operating Hours: The earliest train departs around 8:20 AM, and the last around 10:50 PM.
• Cost: Tickets range from ¥30 to ¥90 (approximately £3.30 - £9.80 / $4 - $12.30).
• From Beijing West Railway Station: From here, you can easily connect to the metro system (e.g., Line 7 to transfer to Line 1 for Tiananmen Square) or take a taxi.

2. Airport Express (Subway): Direct City Access

The Daxing Airport Express subway line offers a direct and efficient way to reach the city centre.

• Route: The Daxing Airport Line connects the airport to Caoqiao Station, where you can transfer to other subway lines.
• Travel Time: To Caoqiao Station, the journey is around 19 minutes. From Caoqiao, further transfers will be needed depending on your final destination (e.g., Line 10 to Jiaomen West, then Line 4 to Xidan, and finally Line 1 to Tiananmen West). The total travel time to central areas like Tiananmen Square will be longer, likely over an hour with transfers.
• Operating Hours: Daytime lines (1-5) run from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM every 30 minutes. Line 6 operates from 11:30 PM until the arrival of the last flight.
• Cost: Prices range from ¥70 to ¥120 (approximately £7.60 - £13.10 / $9.60 - $16.40).

3. Airport Shuttle Bus: Extensive City Coverage

Similar to PEK, Daxing also offers shuttle bus services connecting to various parts of Beijing.

• Routes: Several lines serve major destinations like Beijing Main Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station, Tongzhou, and Fangshan.
• Operating Hours: Daytime lines run from approximately 7:00 AM/7:30 AM to 11:00 PM/11:30 PM. A night line serves Xuanwu Gate from 11:30 PM until the last flight.
• Cost: Tickets range from ¥70 to ¥120 (approximately £7.60 - £13.10 / $9.60 - $16.40).

4. Taxi and Ride-Hailing: Door-to-Door Convenience

Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available at Daxing, offering a direct route to your accommodation.

• Travel Time: The journey to Beijing city centre typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, but can be longer during heavy traffic.
• Cost: Fares will vary based on distance and traffic, but expect it to be higher than from PEK due to the greater distance.
• Availability: Taxis are available 24/7.

5. Private Transfers: Seamless Arrival

As with PEK, private transfers are an excellent option from Daxing, ensuring a smooth transition from the moment you land. Services like China Discovery can arrange for a driver to meet you and take you directly to your hotel or first destination.

Comparing Transfer Options from PEK

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Comparing Transfer Options from PKX

A comparison for transfers from the newer Daxing Airport:

Transferring to Popular Beijing Attractions from PEK

Planning to head straight to a famous landmark? Here’s how:

• Tiananmen Square / Forbidden City (approx. 30km):
  • Airport Express + Metro: Take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, transfer to Metro Line 2 towards Jishuitan, alight at Qianmen Station, then walk. Alternatively, transfer to Line 10, then Line 5, then Line 2, and finally Line 1 to Tiananmen West.
  • Shuttle Bus: Line 4 goes towards the city centre.
  • Taxi: Direct journey of about 1 hour.
• Mutianyu Great Wall (approx. 70km):
  • Public Transport: Airport Express to Dongzhimen, then Bus 916 Express to Huairou North Avenue, followed by a local bus (H23/H24/H35/H36/H07) or taxi to Mutianyu. This requires multiple transfers and can be time-consuming.
  • Taxi: The most convenient but most expensive option, taking around 1.5 hours.
• Summer Palace (approx. 40km):
  • Airport Express + Metro: Take the Airport Express to Sanyuanqiao, transfer to Metro Line 10 towards Bagou, alight at Guogongzhuang, then transfer to Line 10 again towards Jinsong and alight at Xidian, then transfer to Line 4 towards Gongyixiqiao and alight at Beigongmen Station (near the North Gate of the Summer Palace). Alternatively, take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, transfer to Line 2 towards Jishuitan, alight at Xizhimen, then transfer to Line 4 towards Gongyixiqiao and alight at Beigongmen.
  • Shuttle Bus: Line 4 connects to the city, from where you can take local buses like 74 or 394.
  • Taxi: Direct journey of about 1 hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get from Beijing Capital Airport to downtown?

The Airport Express Train is generally the fastest way to reach central Beijing hubs like Dongzhimen, as it avoids road traffic.

Which airport is closer to Beijing city centre?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is significantly closer to the city centre than Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

Are there night services from Beijing airports?

Yes, both PEK and PKX offer night shuttle bus services for passengers arriving on late flights.

How can I ensure I get a legitimate taxi in Beijing?

Always use official taxi queues outside the arrival halls. Look for the '京B' (Jīng B) license plate. Avoid unsolicited offers from drivers within the terminal.

Is it easy to use the Beijing subway from the airports?

Yes, the Airport Express lines at both PEK and PKX connect directly to the city's extensive subway network, making it a convenient option, though transfers may be required depending on your final destination.

Navigating Beijing's airports is a straightforward process when you know your options. Whether you choose the speed of the Airport Express, the affordability of the shuttle bus, the convenience of a taxi, or the comfort of a private transfer, your journey into this magnificent city will be a pleasant one. Safe travels!