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Beijing Airport to City Center 2026: PEK & Daxing Trains, Taxi, and DiDi

Beijing has two airports — Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX). The Airport Express trains are the fastest, cheapest transfer for most travelers; DiDi and metered taxis work with foreign cards. Here is exactly what each option costs and how long it takes.

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Beijing Airport to City Center 2026: PEK & Daxing Trains, Taxi, and DiDi cover photo

Quick Answer

How do I get from Beijing’s airport to the city center?

The fastest way from Beijing airport to the city center is the Airport Express train: ¥25 from Capital (PEK) to Dongzhimen in about 25 minutes, or ¥35 from Daxing (PKX) to Caoqiao in about 19 minutes.

Source: China Railway 12306 (official)

AirportsCapital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX) — check your ticket
Fastest optionAirport Express train (PEK ¥25 ~25 min; PKX ¥35 ~19 min)
Taxi / DiDi¥100-180, 40-70 min depending on traffic
Cheapest optionAirport Express train (¥25-35)
PaymentAlipay, WeChat Pay, cash; DiDi accepts foreign cards
Distance to centerPEK ~30 km northeast; PKX ~45 km south
Airport Express hoursRoughly 6:00am to 10:30pm at both airports
DiDi pickup at PEKDesignated parking bays (e.g. B1-08), not curbside
Great Wall from airportMutianyu ~90-120 min from PEK; pre-book a car (¥400-700)
Last updated2026-06-16
Last updated

Which Beijing airport am I flying into?

Beijing has two commercial airports, and which one you use changes your transfer. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), 30 km northeast of the center, handles most legacy international carriers. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), 45 km south, is the hub for China Southern and an increasing share of international flights. Your boarding pass and airline app state the three-letter code — confirm it before you land, because the two airports are 70 km apart and mixing them up ruins a tight connection.

What is the fastest way from Beijing airport to the city center?

The Airport Express train is the fastest transfer from either airport. From Capital (PEK), the Airport Express runs to Dongzhimen in about 25 minutes for ¥25, connecting to metro lines 2 and 13. From Daxing (PKX), the Daxing Airport Express reaches Caoqiao in about 19 minutes for ¥35. Trains run roughly 6:00am to 10:30pm; outside those hours you need a taxi or DiDi. Buy a single-journey ticket at the station or tap a transit-enabled Alipay/WeChat QR at the gate.

How much does a taxi or DiDi cost from Beijing airport?

A metered taxi or DiDi from either airport to central Beijing costs about ¥100-180 and takes 40-70 minutes depending on traffic. PEK is closer and usually cheaper; PKX is farther south and runs ¥120-180. DiDi (China's ride-hailing app) accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard and shows the fare upfront, which removes negotiation and overcharging risk. Use the official taxi queue outside the arrivals hall or order a DiDi from the pickup zone — do not accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal, who routinely overcharge.

Is there an airport bus, and is it worth it?

Yes, both airports run official airport shuttle buses to major hubs (Beijing Railway Station, Xidan, Zhongguancun) for ¥16-30, but they are slower than the train and harder to navigate with luggage unless you read Chinese. The bus is mainly useful if your hotel is near a specific line or you land after the last train and want something cheaper than a taxi. For most foreign travelers, the train or a DiDi is simpler and comparable in total door-to-door time.

How do I transfer between PEK and Daxing (PKX)?

If you connect between the two airports, allow at least four hours. The fastest link is the Beijing subway's Airport Express plus intercity line: roughly 60-80 minutes total for about ¥40, but it requires one or two transfers with luggage. A DiDi or taxi between the airports costs ¥250-350 and takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Neither airport has a direct nonstop shuttle to the other, so budget transfer time when you book separate tickets.

Should I pre-book an airport transfer or private car?

Pre-booking a private transfer makes sense if you arrive late at night (after the last Airport Express around 10:30pm), travel with young children or lots of luggage, or want an English-speaking driver for peace of mind on a first trip. A licensed inbound operator can meet you at arrivals for a flat ¥300-500. For everyone else, the train or a DiDi from the airport is faster, cheaper, and runs without advance booking. Never pay a tout inside the terminal for a "special" transfer.

How do I take the Airport Express metro from Beijing Capital (PEK)?

The Airport Express line is Beijing's most reliable airport-to-city link and beats surface traffic almost every time. From PEK it runs from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 straight to Dongzhimen, where you can switch to metro lines 2 and 13, or continue into the network. The single fare is a flat ¥25 regardless of terminal, the journey is about 25 minutes, and trains run roughly every 8-12 minutes from 6:00am to 10:30pm. You do not need a local SIM or app: buy a single-journey ticket or token from the machines in the station with cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay, or simply tap a transit-enabled Alipay or WeChat QR at the entry gate. Luggage racks are generous, the cars are air-conditioned, and the platform is signed in English. If you land before 10pm and your hotel is inside the Third Ring Road, this is almost always your best move.

How to

  1. Follow the train signs

    After baggage claim, follow the blue "Airport Express" / "City Rail Transit" signs to the station mezzanine inside the terminal.

  2. Get a ticket or QR

    Buy a ¥25 single-journey token at the machine (cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay), or open Alipay/WeChat Pay and select the transit QR for Beijing metro.

  3. Tap in and board

    Scan your token or QR at the entry gate, descend to the platform, and board any train — both run to Dongzhimen.

  4. Exit or transfer at Dongzhimen

    About 25 minutes later, alight at Dongzhimen. Scan out at the gate, then transfer to line 2 or 13 if your hotel is elsewhere.

Sources: Beijing Subway — official Airport Express info, Beijing Capital International Airport — transport

How do I take the Daxing Airport Express from Beijing Daxing (PKX)?

The Daxing Airport Express is purpose-built for PKX and is the fastest way out of that airport. It runs from the station beneath the terminal to Caoqiao in about 19 minutes for ¥35, where you transfer to metro line 10 to reach central Beijing. Trains run roughly every 8-10 minutes from about 6:00am to 10:30pm. The rolling stock is modern, with dedicated luggage racks and level boarding that makes suitcases easy. PKX is farther from the city than PEK (about 45 km south), so even though the train is fast, the total trip to a downtown hotel is often 50-70 minutes including the transfer at Caoqiao. Because PKX handles fewer travelers, queues at the gate are usually short. If you land after 10:30pm the express is finished and you must take a DiDi or taxi.

How to

  1. Descend from arrivals

    From the arrivals hall, follow the "Airport Express" signs down to the B1 transit level beneath the terminal.

  2. Get a ticket or QR

    Buy a ¥35 single-journey ticket at the machines, or tap a Beijing-enabled Alipay/WeChat transit QR at the gate.

  3. Board to Caoqiao

    The line is single-direction from the airport; ride about 19 minutes to Caoqiao, the northern terminus.

  4. Transfer to line 10

    At Caoqiao, exit and transfer to metro line 10 to continue into central Beijing toward your hotel.

Sources: Beijing Subway — official Airport Express info, Beijing Daxing International Airport — ground transport

Does Beijing Daxing (PKX) have a high-speed rail link to other cities?

Yes. Beijing Daxing Airport Railway Station sits beneath the PKX terminal and is served by high-speed trains on the Beijing-Xiong'an Intercity and the Beijing-Shanghai corridor, reaching speeds up to 350 km/h. From the station you can ride directly to Beijing West Railway Station in about 28-30 minutes (a useful shortcut if your hotel is in the west or you connect to a long-distance train), to Langfang in roughly 15 minutes, to Bazhou in about 25 minutes, and to Xiong'an New Area in under 50 minutes. Tickets are sold on the official 12306 app or site, and the station also has self-service machines. If you fly into PKX and your final destination is Tianjin, a southern suburb, or the Xiong'an area, the high-speed rail is often faster and cheaper than ground transport into central Beijing first. Note that not all trains serve all stops, so check the timetable before relying on it.

Sources: China Railway 12306 — official ticketing & timetables, Beijing Daxing International Airport — ground transport

How do I call a DiDi from Beijing airport, and where do I meet it?

DiDi is China's dominant ride-hailing app and the safest cashless option for foreigners, because it accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard and shows the fare before you book. Download the DiDi app (or use the mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat, both of which support English) and link your card. To call, set your destination — pin the terminal and door number precisely — and choose a tier: Express (standard sedan, cheapest), Premier (nicer car), or the airport-specific pickup tier. DiDi then tells you the pickup zone letter/number (for example, B1-08 in a designated parking bay); the app has a map and the driver usually texts a license plate. Fares from PEK to central Beijing run about ¥100-130; from PKX about ¥130-180, with surge during rush hour. Wait times are typically 5-15 minutes. Avoid drivers who hail you inside arrivals — they are not on the platform and routinely overcharge.

How to

  1. Install and pay-link DiDi

    Install the DiDi app or open the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay/WeChat, then add a foreign Visa or Mastercard under payment methods.

  2. Set pickup and destination

    Open the app at arrivals, confirm the terminal and door, and enter your hotel or address. Pick a tier (Express, Premier, or airport pickup).

  3. Read the assigned pickup zone

    The app shows a zone code such as "B1-08" with a map. Walk there — do not meet the driver curbside at a random door.

  4. Match the plate and ride

    Match the license plate and model in-app, confirm the last four digits, and ride. Pay inside the app; do not hand over cash.

Sources: Wikipedia — Transport in China, Beijing Capital International Airport — transport

How do I take an official taxi from Beijing airport, and what scams should I avoid?

Beijing's official taxis are the green-and-yellow or two-tone sedans with a roof light, a meter, and a driver ID plaque on the dashboard. From both PEK and PKX, follow the "Taxi" signs to the official queue outside arrivals — there is always a line and an attendant, and you simply wait your turn. The driver starts the meter and you pay what it says, plus any tolls (the airport expressway toll of ¥10-15 is standard). A metered taxi from PEK to central Beijing is about ¥100-130 plus tolls in light traffic, ¥130-180 in heavy traffic; from PKX expect ¥140-200. Have your hotel name and address in Chinese (a screenshot works), because most drivers speak little English. The two scams to avoid: drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering a flat ¥300-500 "friend price" (always more than the meter), and drivers who claim the meter is broken. If either happens, decline and walk to the official queue.

Sources: Wikipedia — Transport in China, Beijing Capital International Airport — transport, Beijing Daxing International Airport — ground transport

How do cost and travel time compare across all Beijing airport transfer options?

For a single traveler with light luggage landing before 10:30pm, the Airport Express train wins on both cost and reliability: ¥25 from PEK (about 25 minutes) and ¥35 from PKX (about 19 minutes, plus a line 10 transfer). The express train service from PEK to the city runs about ¥30 for the Downtown Airport Express where available. A DiDi is the comfortable middle ground: ¥100-130 from PEK and ¥130-180 from PKX, taking 40-70 minutes door-to-door depending on traffic. A metered official taxi is in the same range as DiDi, with the expressway toll added. The airport shuttle bus is cheapest at ¥16-30 but slow and awkward with luggage. A pre-booked private transfer is most expensive at ¥300-500 flat, but it removes every variable. Surface travel time explodes during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm), when the train's advantage is largest.

Which Beijing airport transfer should I pick for my situation?

Match the option to your trip, not to a single "best" answer. Solo budget travelers and backpackers should take the Airport Express train — it is the cheapest real option and avoids traffic. Families with children, groups of three or more, or anyone with heavy luggage should take a DiDi or pre-booked private car, because navigating the metro with strollers and big bags is miserable and the per-person train savings vanish in a group. Late arrivals (after the last express around 10:30pm) must use DiDi or the official taxi queue — no exceptions. First-time visitors who want zero friction should pre-book an English-speaking transfer. Travelers connecting to a long-distance train at Beijing West, South, or Qinghe should weigh the Daxing high-speed rail link from PKX, or the Airport Express plus a metro transfer from PEK. If your hotel is outside the Third Ring Road, a DiDi is almost always faster than train-plus-transfer.

Sources: International Air Transport Association (IATA), Wikipedia — Transport in China

Can I go straight from Beijing airport to the Great Wall?

Yes, but it is a long half-day trip and you should plan it deliberately. The most common target is the Mutianyu section, about 60-70 km north of the city and the best-preserved tourist-friendly stretch. From PEK, Mutianyu is roughly a 90-120 minute drive; from PKX, plan on 2-2.5 hours because PKX is south of the city and you cross the whole urban core. The cheapest route is a DiDi or pre-booked car for ¥400-700 round trip including waiting time. Public transport exists (express bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then a local van to Mutianyu) but takes 2.5-3 hours each way and is hard without Chinese. Do not attempt the Great Wall on your arrival day if you have flown more than four hours — the jet lag and the climb are a bad combination. Book it as a dedicated second or third day, and leave your luggage in the city.

Sources: Wikipedia — Transport in China, Beijing Subway — official Airport Express info

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay at Beijing airport?
Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay work at airport shops, restaurants, and the metro gates. Foreigners can link a Visa or Mastercard to Alipay via the Tour Card feature before flying. ATMs that accept foreign cards are in both terminals if you need cash.
Is Uber available at Beijing airport?
No. Uber does not operate in mainland China. Use DiDi, the local equivalent, which accepts foreign cards and shows the fare upfront in the app.
What is the cheapest way from Beijing airport to the city?
The Airport Express train at ¥25 from PEK or ¥35 from PKX is the cheapest practical option for a solo traveler with light luggage. The airport bus is marginally cheaper (¥16-30) but slower and harder to navigate.
Do the airport trains run late at night?
No. The Airport Express from PEK and the Daxing Express from PKX both stop around 10:30pm. If you land after that, take a DiDi or metered taxi from the official queue.
Do I tip the taxi or DiDi driver in Beijing?
No. Tipping is not expected or customary anywhere in mainland China, including taxis and ride-hailing. The app or meter fare is the full price.
How early should I leave for the airport on departure day?
Leave 2.5-3 hours before an international flight from PEK and 3-3.5 hours from PKX, which is farther from the center. Add 30 minutes during Beijing rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).
Which Beijing airport should I fly into, PEK or PKX?
PEK (Capital) is closer to the city center, better connected by metro, and serves most legacy international carriers, so it is the easier choice for first-time visitors. PKX (Daxing) is farther south and newer, serves China Southern and a growing number of international airlines, and is often cheaper but adds 20-40 minutes of transfer time. If fares are similar, pick PEK; if PKX is meaningfully cheaper or it is your only nonstop, the Daxing Express handles the distance.
Is the Airport Express train accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes. Both the PEK Airport Express and the Daxing Airport Express have level platform-to-train boarding, dedicated wheelchair spaces, accessible gates, and elevators to street level at every station. Staff are available to assist if you ask. For DiDi, you can request a larger Premier-tier car if a standard sedan will not fit your equipment.
Do Beijing airport taxis and DiDi accept foreign credit cards?
DiDi accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard when you add the card in the app before ordering. Official taxis usually do not take foreign cards directly — they take cash (RMB), Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Always carry some cash or have Alipay/WeChat linked to a card as a backup when using taxis.
How much luggage can I take on the Airport Express train?
There is no strict weight limit on the Airport Express, and the cars have large dedicated luggage racks at the doors. Standard checked bags and carry-ons fit easily. For oversized items like skis or bicycles you may prefer a DiDi or private transfer. During peak commute hours the train can get crowded, so avoid it with very large bags between 5pm and 7pm.
Can I store luggage at Beijing airport if I want to visit the city on a layover?
Yes, both PEK and PKX have left-luggage counters in the arrivals and departures halls, charging roughly ¥40-80 per bag per day depending on size. There are also automated luggage lockers. Prices and exact locations vary by terminal, so ask at the information desk on arrival. This is useful for a long layover when you want to see Tian'anmen or the Forbidden City without dragging bags.
What happens if I land at PEK but my hotel is near a Daxing/PKX area?
If your hotel is in southern Beijing or near the PKX corridor, it may actually be faster to take a DiDi directly from PEK than to detour through central metro lines, because the two airports sit on opposite sides of the city. Use a map app to compare the drive time before you commit to the Airport Express plus transfers. In that case budget ¥200-300 for the cross-city ride.

References

  1. International Air Transport Association (IATA)
  2. China Railway 12306 — official ticketing & timetables
  3. Wikipedia — Transport in China
  4. Beijing Subway — official Airport Express info
  5. Beijing Daxing International Airport — ground transport
  6. Beijing Capital International Airport — transport

Written by

Daniel Park

China transport & payments specialist · First-hand rider on every flagship HSR corridor

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