How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Beijing City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Beijing Capital Airport to Beijing city centre for most travelers is the Airport Express train to Dongzhimen + subway transfer (45-60 minutes, 25-35 RMB/$3.50-4.90/52,500-73,500 IDR). This is the fastest and most reliable public transport option. For late-night arrivals after 11:00 PM, your only practical options are taxi (100-150 RMB/$14-21/210,000-315,000 IDR) or Didi (similar price). For budget travelers without luggage, taking subway Line 10 or 6 costs only 6-8 RMB/$0.85-1.10/12,750-16,500 IDR but takes 60-80 minutes with transfers. Families with children or heavy luggage should strongly consider taxi or private transfer despite the higher cost. I DON'T recommend the Airport Express alone - it only goes to Dongzhimen/Sanyuanqiao, not central tourist areas. Important: Beijing has strict traffic restrictions - taxis cannot use bus lanes during rush hour.

How to Get from Beijing Airport by Airport Express Train (Recommended)

The Airport Express train from Beijing Capital Airport is the fastest public transport to the city, but with a critical limitation: it doesn't go to central tourist areas. The train only goes to Dongzhimen (northeast Beijing) or Sanyuanqiao. From there, you MUST transfer to subway Lines 2, 10, or 13 to reach Wangfujing, Qianmen, or other central areas. The internet often presents it as a "direct airport train" - that's misleading. Here are the realities:

Route	Service	Travel Time	Cost	Best For
Airport → Dongzhimen + Subway	Airport Express + Lines 2/10/13	45-60 minutes	25-35 RMB ($3.50-4.90/52,500-73,500 IDR)	Most travelers - fastest public transport
Airport → Sanyuanqiao + Subway	Airport Express + Line 10	50-65 minutes	25-35 RMB ($3.50-4.90/52,500-73,500 IDR)	Hotels near Line 10
Airport → Dongzhimen + Taxi	Airport Express + taxi to hotel	40-60 minutes	50-80 RMB ($7-11.20/105,000-168,000 IDR)	Those with luggage avoiding subway crowds

Airport Express: The Fastest (But Incomplete) Option

The Airport Express train from Terminals 2 or 3 to Dongzhimen (20-30 minutes, 25 RMB/$3.50) runs every 10 minutes. It's clean, has luggage racks, and is efficient. However, Dongzhimen is NOT central Beijing for tourists. From Dongzhimen, you need to transfer to: Line 2 (to Qianmen, Wangfujing), Line 13 (to Xizhimen), or Line 10 (via Sanyuanqiao transfer). The transfer at Dongzhimen involves walking 5-10 minutes underground. This is my top recommendation for 70% of Beijing visitors.

A Common Real-Life Mistake with Beijing Airport Transport

You arrive at Terminal 3 at 10:40 PM, see "Airport Express" signs and think you'll make it. You wait 10 minutes for the train, 25 minutes to Dongzhimen. Arrive at 11:15 PM. Last subway trains left at 11:00 PM. Now you're at Dongzhimen with luggage, no subway, and taxi drivers demanding 200 RMB for a 3km ride. This happens nightly. If your flight lands after 10:00 PM, assume you'll miss the subway connection. Either take taxi directly from airport or be prepared for expensive short-distance taxis from Dongzhimen.

Airport Express Schedule & Terminal Details

Operating hours: Airport → City: 6:20 AM - 11:10 PM (T3), 6:20 AM - 11:00 PM (T2). City → Airport: 6:00 AM - 10:50 PM (Dongzhimen). Frequency: Every 10 minutes. Terminal 1: NO station - take free shuttle to T2 (10 minutes). After 11:00 PM: No trains until 6:00 AM. The airport is NOT designed for overnight stays - seats are limited. Have a plan if arriving on a late flight.

Beijing Airport to City by Subway (Budget Option)

While Airport Express is the recommended rail option, regular subway Lines 10 and 6 serve the airport area but require multiple transfers. This is a true budget option at 6-8 RMB but takes 60-80 minutes with 1-2 transfers. The journey involves: 1) Subway Line 10 or 6 from airport area, 2) Transfers to other lines to reach central areas. At 6-8 RMB, it's cheap but punishing with luggage during rush hours.

Subway from Beijing Airport to City: The Budget Reality

• Line 10 option: Sanyuanqiao Station (via Airport Express or bus) → transfer at other stations
• Line 6 option: Beiyunhe West Station (bus from airport) → transfer at other stations
• Total time: 60-80 minutes (vs 45-60 minutes by Airport Express + transfer)
• Total cost: 6-8 RMB ($0.85-1.10/12,750-16,500 IDR) (vs 25-35 RMB)
• Luggage: Extremely difficult during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
• Comfort: Crowded, no guaranteed seats, limited luggage space

Why Would Anyone Choose Regular Subway Over Airport Express?

The regular subway makes sense in three rare scenarios: 1) Extreme budget travelers saving 20+ RMB, 2) You're going to a destination on Line 10/6, 3) You arrive during apocalyptic traffic (subway avoids traffic). However, I need to be clear: the regular subway is NOT tourist-friendly for airport transfers. The transfers, crowds, and lack of luggage space make it miserable. The internet mentions it as an option, but that's only for locals or backpackers with infinite patience.

Subway vs Airport Express: When Each Fails

Airport Express fails when: You arrive after 11:00 PM, need to go beyond subway network, or have mobility issues (some stairs at transfers). Regular subway fails when: You have luggage, are traveling during rush hour, have mobility issues, or value your time. During subway maintenance (common on weekends), some lines have limited service. I only include subway information because other sites do, but I strongly advise against it for airport arrivals with luggage.

Beijing Airport to City by Shuttle Bus

Airport Shuttle Buses to Beijing City

Airport shuttle buses serve as a lower-cost alternative to trains, with multiple lines to different city areas. Line 1 goes to Fangzhuang (south), Line 2 to Xidan (west), Line 3 to Beijing Railway Station (east), etc. Travel time is 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, and cost is 15-30 RMB ($2.10-4.20/31,500-63,000 IDR). Buses depart from all terminals, with frequency every 15-30 minutes.

Airport Bus from Beijing Airport: Key Details

• Main Lines: Line 1 (Fangzhuang), Line 2 (Xidan), Line 3 (Beijing Railway Station), Line 4 (Gongzhufen), Line 5 (Zhongguancun), etc.
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes depending on line and time
• Operating Hours: Approximately 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM (some lines 24/7)
• Luggage: Storage under bus (1-2 pieces included)
• Payment: Cash or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat) on bus
• Terminal: Various city locations - none are central tourist hotels

Why Choose Airport Bus Instead of Train?

The airport bus makes sense in specific scenarios: 1) Your hotel is near a bus terminal (rare for tourists), 2) Extreme budget travel (saving 10-20 RMB vs Airport Express), 3) Late-night arrivals (some lines run 24/7). However, I need to be clear: during Beijing rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), buses can take 2+ hours. Airport Express + subway is unaffected by traffic. Most tourist hotels are NOT near bus terminals - you'll need additional taxi.

Bus vs Train: When Each Fails

Train fails when: You arrive after 11:00 PM, have mobility issues (stairs at stations), or are going beyond subway network. Bus fails when: You're traveling during rush hour, need to reach central tourist areas, or get motion sickness in traffic. During bad weather or accidents, buses are stuck in traffic while trains run normally. The internet says buses are "cheaper" - that's only true if you ignore the additional taxi cost from bus terminal to hotel.

Taxi, Didi & Private Transfer from Beijing Airport

Taxi from Beijing Airport to City Centre

Taking a taxi from Beijing Airport to city centre offers door-to-door convenience with a metered fare. The distance is approximately 25-30 km (15-18 miles), with travel time of 40-80 minutes depending on traffic. Typical taxi fare ranges from 100-150 RMB ($14-21/210,000-315,000 IDR) including tolls (10 RMB) and potential surcharges. This option is only cost-effective for groups of 3-4 people splitting the fare. Solo travelers should avoid taxis from the airport - it's 4-5x more expensive than Airport Express + subway.

Didi (Chinese Uber) from Beijing Airport

Didi from Beijing Airport works similarly to Uber. Fares range from 80-140 RMB ($11.20-19.60/168,000-294,000 IDR) depending on demand, time, and vehicle type. During surge pricing (Friday nights, holidays), fares can exceed 200 RMB. Didi requires: Chinese phone number, Alipay/WeChat Pay setup, Chinese app store account. Pickup locations are at designated areas outside terminals. I don't recommend Didi for first-time visitors - setup is complicated and taxis are easier.

Private Transfer from Beijing Airport

Private transfer services provide a pre-booked car with English-speaking driver. Prices range from 200-400 RMB ($28-56/420,000-840,000 IDR) depending on vehicle type and service level. Benefits include: fixed price, driver waiting with name sign, assistance with luggage, and 24/7 availability. This is the most convenient door-to-door option for families, those with heavy luggage, or arrivals after midnight. I recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.

When is a Taxi/Transfer Actually Worth It?

For solo travelers: Almost never (Airport Express is 25 RMB vs taxi 100+ RMB). For 2 people: Only if you arrive after 11:00 PM (no trains). For 3-4 people: Usually yes (split 100-150 RMB = 25-50 RMB each vs Airport Express 25 RMB each). For families with young children: Often worth the extra cost for door-to-door service. For late night arrivals after 11:00 PM: Taxi/transfer is your ONLY reliable option unless you want to wait 5+ hours at the airport.

Taxi Scam Warning at Beijing Airport

Unlicensed taxis and scams are common. Only use: 1) Official taxi queue outside terminals, 2) Pre-booked private transfers, 3) Didi (if set up). Avoid: Drivers approaching you inside terminal offering "taxi" - they charge 2-3x meter price. Always ensure meter is running. If driver refuses meter, get out and take next taxi. Have your destination written in Chinese to show driver.

Beijing Airport to City Centre Route Map

The map below shows the travel routes from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Beijing city centre. The Airport Express train line runs to Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao. Highway routes for taxis/buses follow the Airport Expressway (S12) to the 3rd Ring Road.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Beijing Airport to Beijing City Centre on Google Maps

The distance from Beijing Airport to city centre is approximately 25-30 km (15-18 miles). During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), road travel times can exceed 90 minutes. The Airport Express train is unaffected by road traffic, making it the most reliable option during peak hours. Note: Google Maps is blocked in China - use Baidu Maps or Apple Maps when in China.

Complete Subway Line Stops: Beijing Airport to City Centre

Understanding the subway network is essential even if you take Airport Express, as you'll need to transfer. Here are the key lines and stops for airport transfers:

Airport Express Line: Airport to Dongzhimen/Sanyuanqiao

This is the special airport train with limited stops:

1. Terminal 3 Station (T3, underground)
2. Terminal 2 Station (between T1 and T2, underground)
3. Sanyuanqiao Station (transfer to Line 10)
4. Dongzhimen Station (transfer to Lines 2 and 13)

Travel time: T3 to Dongzhimen: 20-30 minutes | Frequency: Every 10 minutes | First/Last: ~6:20 AM / ~11:10 PM

Subway Line 2: Circular Line (transfer at Dongzhimen)

From Dongzhimen Station heading to central areas:

1. Dongzhimen Station (Transfer from Airport Express)
2. Dongsishitiao Station (4 minutes)
3. Chaoyangmen Station (7 minutes)
4. Jianguomen Station (10 minutes - transfer to Line 1)
5. Beijing Railway Station (12 minutes)
6. Chongwenmen Station (14 minutes)
7. Qianmen Station (18 minutes - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City)
8. Hepingmen Station (20 minutes)
9. Xuanwumen Station (22 minutes)
10. Hepingmen Station (20 minutes)
11. Xuanwumen Station (22 minutes)
12. Changchunjie Station (24 minutes)
13. Xizhimen Station (28 minutes - transfer to Lines 4, 13)
14. Chegongzhuang Station (31 minutes)
15. Jishuitan Station (34 minutes)
16. Guloudajie Station (36 minutes)
17. Andingmen Station (38 minutes)
18. Yonghegong Station (40 minutes - Lama Temple)
19. Returns to Dongzhimen (completing circle)

Subway Line 10: Circular Line (transfer at Sanyuanqiao)

From Sanyuanqiao Station heading to central areas:

1. Sanyuanqiao Station (Transfer from Airport Express)
2. Liangmaqiao Station (3 minutes)
3. Agricultural Exhibition Center Station (6 minutes)
4. Tuanjiehu Station (8 minutes)
5. Hujialou Station (10 minutes - transfer to Line 6)
6. Jintaixizhao Station (12 minutes)
7. Guomao Station (14 minutes - CBD, transfer to Line 1)
8. Jinsong Station (16 minutes)
9. Shilihe Station (20 minutes)
10. Fenzhongsi Station (23 minutes)
11. Chengshousi Station (25 minutes)
12. Songjiazhuang Station (28 minutes)
13. Shiliuzhuang Station (31 minutes)
14. Xiju Station (34 minutes)
15. Lianhuaqiao Station (37 minutes)
16. Gongzhufen Station (40 minutes - transfer to Line 1)
17. Xidiaoyutai Station (43 minutes)
18. Cishousi Station (45 minutes)
19. Wuliqiao Station (48 minutes)
20. Chedaogou Station (50 minutes)
21. Changchunqiao Station (53 minutes)
22. Huangzhuang Station (55 minutes)
23. Continues back to Sanyuanqiao (completing circle)

Important Transfer Notes for Tourists

For Forbidden City/Tiananmen: Airport Express → Dongzhimen → Line 2 → Qianmen (walk south) or Tiananmen East (Line 1 from Jianguomen). For Wangfujing: Airport Express → Dongzhimen → Line 2 → Wangfujing Station. For Sanlitun: Airport Express → Dongzhimen → taxi (10 minutes) or walk 20 minutes. Most tourist hotels are near Line 1, 2, or 5 stations.

Beijing Airport to City: Ticketing, Yikatong Cards & Costs

Yikatong Cards vs Single Journey Tickets

For visitors: Get Yikatong card. Purchase at airport subway station (20 RMB deposit + credit). Use for: Airport Express, all subway lines, most buses. Benefits: Convenience, small discount (Airport Express: 25 RMB cash vs 24.25 RMB Yikatong). Refund: Return card and get deposit + remaining credit at designated stations. Single journey tickets: Buy at machines for one-time use. I recommend Yikatong if staying 3+ days or using public transport multiple times.

Airport Express Tickets: How to Buy

Airport Express ticket options: 1) Ticket counters at airport stations, 2) Ticket machines (English available), 3) Yikatong card (tap in/out). Single journey: 25 RMB ($3.50/52,500 IDR). Round-trip: 50 RMB ($7/105,000 IDR, valid 30 days). Children: Under 1.3m free. I recommend single tickets unless returning via same airport within 30 days.

Cost Comparison Reality Check

Airport Express + subway at 25-35 RMB seems reasonable but add: potential taxi from subway to hotel (10-30 RMB). Total: 35-65 RMB. Taxi at 100-150 RMB door-to-door. Difference: 35-85 RMB. For 2+ people, taxi split 2-4 ways (25-75 RMB each) is comparable. The train is NOT always cheaper for groups. Consider time, luggage, and convenience in your decision.

Scenario-Based Guide: Which Option is Best for YOU?

1. Late Night / Early Morning Arrivals

Arriving 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: You MIGHT make subway connections if fast. Be at Airport Express by 10:30 PM. Arriving after 11:00 PM: No trains. Options: 1) Taxi (100-150 RMB), 2) Didi (80-140 RMB), 3) Private transfer (200-400 RMB), 4) Wait 5+ hours for first train (~6:20 AM). Early flights (departing 7:00-8:00 AM): First Airport Express at 6:20 AM might be too late. Take taxi or stay at airport hotel night before.

2. Traveling with Heavy Luggage / Family / Elderly

One suitcase per person: Airport Express + subway is minimum acceptable. Multiple large suitcases: Taxi/private transfer essential. With young children: Taxi/private transfer with car seats (taxis don't have car seats - bring your own). Elderly or mobility impaired: Airport Express has elevators but subway transfers have stairs. Taxi better. The subway with luggage during rush hour is dangerous - crowds will push.

3. Business Travelers vs Budget Travelers

Business travelers: Time is money. Taxi to hotel (100-150 RMB) or private transfer. Budget backpackers: Subway only (6-8 RMB) if you can handle transfers. Airport Express + subway (25-35 RMB) is worth the extra 20 RMB. Mid-range tourists: Airport Express + subway to nearest station + taxi to hotel (35-65 RMB total). The internet says "subway is fine" - that's only true for young backpackers, not for typical tourists with luggage.

4. Beijing Traffic vs Air Pollution Days

Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM): All road options take 60-90+ minutes. Airport Express + subway avoids traffic. Friday afternoons: Catastrophic traffic. Air pollution red alerts: Some traffic restrictions, but taxis still run. National holidays (Oct 1-7, Chinese New Year): Traffic lighter but trains/buses packed. Bad weather (snow, heavy rain): Beijing traffic paralyzes - add 50-100% to travel time.

Traveler Experience: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting from Beijing Airport to city centre confuses thousands of visitors daily. The most common error: thinking Airport Express goes to central tourist areas. It doesn't - it goes to transfer stations. Another mistake: trying to save 20 RMB with subway and wasting 60 minutes. Your vacation time is worth more than 20 RMB/hour. A critical error: not accounting for subway transfer time. The map shows "20 minutes to Dongzhimen" but forgets 10-minute walk to transfer + 20-minute subway + 10-minute walk to hotel.

The "I Got Stuck at Dongzhimen at Midnight" Story

Here's a typical Beijing airport story: You arrive at T3 at 10:30 PM, take Airport Express, reach Dongzhimen at 11:05 PM. Last subway left at 11:00 PM. Now you're at Dongzhimen with luggage. Taxi drivers want 200 RMB for a 3km ride. You try Didi - needs Chinese phone number setup. You finally find a metered taxi at 11:40 PM, pay 150 RMB for what should be 30 RMB ride. Reach hotel at 12:30 AM. Total: 175 RMB and 2 hours. Taxi from airport: 120 RMB, 50 minutes. If arriving after 10 PM, just take taxi from airport.

What Other Travel Sites Don't Tell You

Most Beijing transport guides are written by locals or expats who know the system. Here's the reality: For tourists arriving with normal luggage, Airport Express + subway is the minimum viable public transport. The regular subway is not a "budget alternative" - it's punishment. Airport buses are not "convenient" - they don't go to hotels. Taxis are not "wasteful" - they're time-saving. The internet says "public transport is easy" - but that's only true if you read Chinese and have no luggage.

Practical Tips, Warnings & Beijing Traffic Survival

• With heavy luggage: Taxi/private transfer only. Don't attempt subway with more than 1 carry-on bag.
• Late night arrival warning: Airport Express stops at 11:00-11:10 PM. If flight lands after 10:00 PM, have taxi money ready.
• Terminal 1 passengers: NO Airport Express station. Take free shuttle to T2 (10 minutes) or taxi.
• Taxi scam prevention: Only use official taxi queue. Have destination written in Chinese. Ensure meter is running.
• Didi requirements: Chinese phone number, Chinese app store account, Alipay/WeChat Pay setup. Difficult for short-term visitors.
• Hotel location check: Google Maps your hotel from nearest subway station. Walking distance? If not, factor taxi cost.
• Group of 3-4 people: Taxi split 3-4 ways (25-50 RMB each) vs Airport Express (25 RMB each) - often worth door-to-door.
• Family with car seats: Bring your own or pre-book private transfer with car seats. Taxis don't have car seats.
• Mobile apps to download: "Baidu Maps" or "Apple Maps" (Google Maps blocked), "MetroMan Beijing" for subway map.
• Return trip timing: Leave city 2.5-3 hours before domestic flight, 3.5-4 hours for international.
• Luggage storage: Left luggage at airport terminals (approx. 20-50 RMB per bag per day).
• First/last train times: Confirm at airport station. Sunday morning first trains same as weekdays.
• Airport terminal confusion: T3 is international and some domestic. T2 is domestic. T1 is some domestic.
• Weather considerations: Snow causes massive delays. Heavy rain floods some underpasses.
• Payment methods: Cash (RMB) accepted everywhere. Credit cards at some ticket machines. Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat) increasingly common.
• Weekend vs weekday: Friday afternoon worst, Sunday evening heavy. Monday morning moderate traffic.
• Airport expressway toll: 10 RMB included in taxi fare. Airport Express train has no toll.

Beijing Traffic Survival Guide

Peak traffic hours: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM. Worst areas: 2nd Ring Road, 3rd Ring Road, Chang'an Avenue. Alternate routes: Sometimes surface roads faster than expressways during gridlock. Baidu Maps/Apple Maps: Essential for real-time routing. If you must take taxi during rush hour: Leave extra 60-90 minutes. Better yet, take Airport Express + subway to avoid traffic entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions: Beijing Airport to City Centre