Arriving in Beijing might feel busy, but getting to the city is simple. From Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) Airport, you can take the express train for speed, shuttle buses for low cost, or taxis/Didi if you want comfort and door-to-door service. Whether you’re heading to Wangfujing, Sanlitun, or the Forbidden City, there’s always an easy option to get you downtown.
🛬 How to Get from Beijing Airport to the City
Don’t worry, getting to the city center is easier than you think. Whether you arrive at Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX), here’s a simple guide for Filipino travelers to help you choose the best way based on your time, budget, and comfort.
✈️ From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to City
Transport Option | Where to Find It | Travel Time | Cost (CNY / PHP) | Convenience | Best For | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airport Express Train | Terminals 2 & 3 station | 30–40 mins | ¥25 / ₱200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | First-timers, solo travelers | Connects to subway lines, avoid rush hour with luggage |
Airport Shuttle Bus | Outside arrivals area | 60–90 mins | ¥25–30 / ₱200–240 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travelers, big luggage | Goes to major city stops (Dongzhimen, Beijing Station) |
Taxi | Official taxi stand outside | 40–70 mins | ¥120–150 / ₱950–1,200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, late-night arrivals | Metered, watch for unlicensed taxis |
Didi (Ride-hailing app) | Book via app | 40–70 mins | ~¥120–160 / ₱950–1,300 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | App users, small groups | English option in Didi app helpful |
Private Transfer | Pre-book online (Trip.com, Klook) | 40–70 mins | ₱2,000+ (2–3 pax) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comfort, tired travelers | Fixed price, driver waits at arrivals |
🛫 From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to City
Transport Option | Where to Find It | Travel Time | Cost (CNY / PHP) | Convenience | Best For | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Daxing Airport Express Train | Basement level station | 20–35 mins | ¥35 / ₱280 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | First-timers, speed | Direct to Caoqiao (Subway Line 10) |
High-Speed Rail | Inside airport railway station | 20–30 mins | ¥30–50 / ₱240–400 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Travelers going beyond Beijing | Trains to Beijing West Station |
Airport Shuttle Bus | Outside arrivals | 60–90 mins | ¥40 / ₱320 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget + luggage | Stops at key city areas |
Taxi | Official stand outside | 50–80 mins | ¥180–220 / ₱1,400–1,700 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Groups, late-night | Safe if from official line |
Private Transfer | Pre-book online | 50–80 mins | ₱2,500+ (2–3 pax) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, easy arrival | Door-to-door, f |
Top Things To do In Beijing
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🚇 Beijing Airport Train: Your Easy Ride to the City
Taking the train from Beijing airports might sound confusing at first, but it’s actually very simple. If you’ve used the MRT in Manila, think of this as a smoother and faster version: clean, safe, and on time.
🛤️ Train Lines & Routes
There are two airports in Beijing, and both have fast train links to the city:
✈️ From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK):
🛤️ Capital Airport Express Line
- Runs from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Just follow the signs for “Airport Express.”
- Route: PEK → Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) → Dongzhimen (Line 2 & 13).
- Travel time: About 20–30 minutes, no transfers until Dongzhimen.
🕒 Operating Hours
- First train: 6:35 AM (T2) / 6:20 AM (T3)
- Last train: 11:10 PM (T2) / 10:50 PM (T3)
- Frequency: Every 10–12 minutes
💸 Ticket Price
- ¥25 (around ₱200) per person
- Buy from machines, counters, or the Beijing Metro app
✈️ From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX):
🛤️ Daxing Airport Express Line
- Located at B1 level inside the terminal, clearly signposted.
- Route: PKX → Daxing New City → Caoqiao Station (Line 10).
- Travel time: About 20–35 minutes.
🕒 Operating Hours
- First train: 6:00 AM
- Last train: 11:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
💸 Ticket Price
- ¥35 (around ₱280) standard
- ¥50 (around ₱400) business class
- Buy at machines or counters
✅ You can use a Yikatong IC card (like Manila’s Beep card)
✅ One-time tickets available at machines
✅ Mobile apps and counters also sell tickets
🚌 Airport Bus: Budget-Friendly and Bag-Friendly Way to Reach Beijing
If you want the cheapest, simplest ride into the city without dragging your bags through train transfers, the airport shuttle bus is your best bet. Both Capital Airport (PEK) and Daxing Airport (PKX) have multiple routes that stop at big transport hubs, railway stations, and hotel areas.
✈️ From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
🚍 Where to Find the Bus
- After clearing immigration, head to the Arrival Hall (1F) of each terminal.
- Look for “Airport Shuttle Bus” signs (机场巴士).
- Ticket counters and machines are available inside.
- Board the bus at designated platforms outside each terminal.
📍 Main Routes & Destinations
Source: Beijing Capital International Airport Official
Route | Approx. Fare | Drop-off Points | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
PEK → Dongzhimen | ¥25 (~₱200) | Near Sanlitun, good subway connections | Perfect for nightlife, dining, and quick subway access |
PEK → Beijing Railway Station | ¥30 (~₱240) | Close to Wangfujing shopping street | Easy for travelers staying in central hotels |
PEK → Beijing West Station | ¥30 (~₱240) | Major train hub (Xi’an, Chengdu, etc.) | Great if you’re taking a high-speed train the same day |
PEK → Beijing South Station | ¥30 (~₱240) | Gateway to Tianjin, Shanghai | Convenient for same-day train trips south |
⏱️ Travel Time
- 50–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Buses run every 15–30 minutes from early morning until around midnight.
⚠️ Watch out: No 24-hour service. If you land after midnight, you’ll need a taxi or Didi.
✈️ From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
🚍 Where to Find the Bus
- Buses depart from the B1 level Arrival Hall (just follow the bus signs).
- Tickets sold at counters before boarding.
📍 Main Routes & Destinations
Source: chinaairlinetravel.com
Route | Approx. Fare | Drop-off Points | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
PKX → Caoqiao Station | ¥40 (~₱320) | Linked to Metro Line 10 | Easy subway access for downtown hotels |
PKX → Beijing West Station | ¥40 (~₱320) | Major train hub | Best if heading straight to Xi’an or long-distance trains |
PKX → Beijing South Station | ¥40 (~₱320) | Trains to Tianjin, Shanghai | Great for fast onward trips |
PKX → Beijing Railway Station | ¥40 (~₱320) | Near Wangfujing | Easy if your hotel is near central Beijing |
⏱️ Travel Time
- Around 60–100 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Buses run every 20–30 minutes, first departure around 6:00 AM and last around 11:00 PM.
⚠️ Watch out: Longer travel time compared to the Daxing Express train, but buses are direct and luggage-friendly.
💳 How to Ride the Airport Bus (Both Airports)
- Go to the bus counter or ticket machine in the arrival hall.
- Tell the staff your destination (e.g., “Dongzhimen” or “Beijing Railway Station”).
- Pay by cash (RMB) or card.
- Collect your ticket, check your bus number and gate.
- Go outside to the boarding area and wait for your bus.
🚖 Taxi: Hassle-Free, Door-to-Door Comfort in Beijing
If you’re tired from your flight, carrying heavy bags, landing late at night, or just want to go straight to your hotel, taking a taxi from the airport is the easiest option. It’s more expensive than the train or bus, but you don’t need to worry about transfers. Just sit back and relax.
🚖 Where to Get a Taxi
✅ After customs, head outside to the official taxi stand (lines may be long at peak hours)
✅ Look for signs that say “Taxi” in English and Chinese
✅ Staff usually help organize the queue so it’s safe and orderly
✅ You can also book through apps like Didi if you prefer in advance
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost (Converted to PHP)
Route | Taxi Fare (CNY / PHP) |
|---|---|
PEK → City Center (Wangfujing / Sanlitun) | ¥120–150 / ₱950–₱1,200 |
PKX → City Center | ¥180–220 / ₱1,400–₱1,700 |
Larger Taxi or Van (for groups) | Add ¥20–50 / ₱160–₱400 |
🕒 Travel Time Estimate
Time of Day | From PEK | From PKX |
|---|---|---|
Morning Rush (6–9 AM) | 60–80 mins (heavy traffic) | 70–90 mins |
Midday (10–3 PM) | 40–60 mins (smoother) | 50–70 mins |
Rush Hour (4–7 PM) | 70–100+ mins (slow) | 80–110 mins |
Night (8 PM – 12 AM) | 40–55 mins (light traffic) | 50–70 mins |
📱 Ride-Hailing & Booking Apps
✅ Didi – China’s version of Grab, with English interface option
✅ Trip.com – Can pre-book private transfers at fixed prices
✅ WeChat / Alipay mini programs – Some hotels arrange pickup via these apps
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
⚠️ Expensive compared to trains and buses
⚠️ Not all drivers speak English – show your hotel name and address in Chinese
⚠️ Some taxis may refuse cards – better to carry enough cash in yuan
⚠️ Avoid unlicensed drivers approaching you inside the terminal – always use the official taxi line
Recommended eSIMs Options for China
🚗 Private Transfer: Stress-Free Arrival in Beijing, Door-to-Door
If you want to avoid crowded trains, skip the hassle of bus transfers, and head straight to your hotel, a private transfer is a great choice. It’s perfect for families, groups, or anyone tired after a long flight.
🕒 Travel Time & Availability
⏱ Travel Time:
- From PEK (Capital Airport): 40–70 mins
- From PKX (Daxing Airport): 50–80 mins
📅 Available 24/7 – convenient for late-night or early-morning flights
🙋♂️ Your driver usually meets you at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name, so you can leave right away without stress.
💸 Sample Cost Range (Converted to PHP)
Vehicle Type | Approx. Fare | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
Standard Car (1–3 pax) | ₱2,000 – ₱2,800 | Solo, couple, or small group |
Van (4–6 pax) | ₱3,500 – ₱5,000 | Families, friends, or travelers with big luggage |
📲 Where to Book
✅ Book ahead on:
- Trip.com
- Local providers through hotel concierge or apps
✈️ What’s the Best Way from Beijing Airport to the City?
Just landed in Beijing and not sure how to reach downtown? Don’t worry, kabayan! Whether you’re saving money, tired from the flight, or traveling with family, there’s always a transport option that fits your trip style. Here’s a quick guide:
Travel Style | Best Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Budget Traveler | 🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus | Cheap, luggage-friendly, and goes to main stations like Dongzhimen or Beijing Railway Station |
First-Time Visitor | 🚇 Airport Express Train (PEK) / 🚄 Daxing Express (PKX) | Fast, reliable, and clear English signs |
Group or Family | 🚗 Private Transfer / Taxi | Door-to-door, no transfers, more space for bags |
Late-Night Arrival | 🚖 Taxi or Pre-booked Car | Runs 24/7 when buses and trains stop |
Comfort Seeker | 🚗 Private Transfer (via Trip.com or Klook) | Meet-and-greet at arrivals, fixed price, stress-free |
No matter if you arrive at Capital Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKX), getting into the city is simple. Just choose what fits your budget, time, and comfort.
🇨🇳 Enjoy your trip, kabayan! Welcome to Beijing 🥟🏯
🙋♀️ FAQ: Beijing Airport to the City
What is the cheapest way from Beijing airport to the city?
The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest, around ¥25–40 (₱200–₱320) depending on the route.What is the fastest way to downtown Beijing?
The Airport Express train (from PEK) or the Daxing Express train (from PKX) is the fastest. Both connect directly to subway lines in about 20–40 minutes.Are taxis safe from the airport?
Yes, as long as you line up at the official taxi stand. Avoid drivers approaching you inside the terminal.Do airport trains and buses run 24 hours?
No, most stop around midnight. If your flight lands late, a taxi or private transfer is the best choice.Can I use a card to pay for tickets?
Yes, most ticket machines and counters accept cards, but it’s smart to keep some yuan cash just in case.