Beijing arrival guide
Beijing Airport to City: PEK and PKX Transport Guide
Compare airport express, taxi, DiDi and shuttle bus from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKX), with payment and Chinese-address tips.
- PEK
- Northeast of central Beijing
- PKX
- South of central Beijing
- Rail
- Airport express lines
- Night arrival
- Check taxi or bus options
Beijing has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) northeast of the city and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) far to the south. They are not interchangeable, and a transport plan for one is useless at the other.
Before landing, save the airport code, terminal, exact Chinese hotel address, hotel phone number, and the final subway station or road entrance.
Quick answer
From PEK, use the Capital Airport Express, official taxi queue, DiDi pickup area, or airport bus. From PKX, use the Daxing Airport Express, railway services where suitable, official taxi, DiDi, or bus. Choose by hotel location and arrival time—not only the lowest fare.
From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
- Capital Airport Express: reliable for Dongzhimen connections and avoiding road traffic.
- Official taxi queue: useful with luggage or a hotel far from a convenient rail connection.
- DiDi: follow the airport’s designated ride-hailing pickup instructions, which can vary by terminal.
- Airport bus: useful for selected hotel and transport-hub corridors, especially when the route is direct.
- Private pickup: confirm terminal, flight tracking, waiting time, and the meeting sign in writing.
From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
The Daxing Airport Express reaches the urban network quickly, but the best transfer depends on where your hotel is. PKX also has railway, airport bus, taxi, and ride-hailing options.
Official Beijing guidance says airport service counters can help international arrivals buy airport express or bus tickets with valid ID. Use those counters if an unfamiliar machine or payment workflow blocks you.
Taxi and DiDi without address mistakes
- Join only the official taxi queue or designated ride-hailing area.
- Show the full Chinese hotel name and address, including the correct branch.
- Keep the hotel phone number available for driver confirmation.
- Compare the plate, car model, and app details before entering a DiDi.
- Do not accept an unsolicited airport ride from someone approaching inside arrivals.
Choose by arrival conditions
Airport rail is strongest during operating hours with manageable luggage and a simple final transfer. Taxi or DiDi is strongest late at night, for families, or for hotels far from a useful station. Airport buses can solve a direct corridor at lower cost but require the current route and stop list.
Schedules and routes change. Check your landing date, allow immigration and baggage time, and do not plan around the last train unless you have a backup.
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Plan My Beijing TripFrequently asked questions
Which Beijing airport is closer to the city?
PEK is northeast and often closer to the traditional center; PKX is south and has a fast airport express. The faster door-to-door choice depends on your hotel and arrival time.
Can foreigners take DiDi from Beijing airport?
Yes, but use the designated ride-hailing pickup area and send the driver your terminal, floor, zone, or pillar in writing.
Can I pay for Beijing airport transport with an international card?
Official service counters and many transport channels support international-visitor payment options, but acceptance varies. Carry a backup payment method and ask the airport service counter for help.
Official information used for this guide
Operational details last checked August 13, 2026. Tickets, hours, transport, closures, and passport workflows can change; confirm the final details with the venue.