Beijing Airport Arrival Guide: Flights, Transport & Nearby Hotels

✈️Overview of Beijing Airport

China's capital is served by Beijing Airport, a major international aviation center that has two important airports:

✈️ Airport at Beijing Capital International (PEK)

PEK, the city's first major airport, is located in Shunyi District, some 32 kilometers northeast of downtown Beijing. With three terminals that handle loads of local and international aircraft daily, it's one of the busiest in China. You'll likely land here if you're flying into Beijing!

🚀 Daxing International Airport in Beijing (PKX)

The newest child on the block, PKX, is located in Daxing District, about 46 kilometers south. It opened in 2019 and has an amazing futuristic "starfish" terminal design. Daxing, Beijing's future aviation hub, was constructed to lessen the strain on PEK. Beijing is one of Asia's most popular air travel destinations, thanks to the combined abundance of airline options at PEK and PKX, as well as state-of-the-art amenities and seamless transit links.

Where is Beijing Airport located?

Beijing Airport Map Overview

🛫Beijing Capital International (PEK) Airport map

• 📍 Location: approximately 30 kilometers (approximately 19 miles) from the city center in Beijing's Shunyi District
• 🚗 Transportation: Airport Express, taxis, airport buses, or online services provide convenient access to the city core.
• 🧭 Suggested for: increased tourism, proximity to downtown, convenient access to main hotel districts, and downtown

Image from Wikipedia

🛫 Daxing International Airport in Beijing (PKX)

• 📍 Location: approximately 50 kilometers (approximately 31 miles) from the city center, at the intersection of Daxing and Guangyang districts in Langfang, Beijing
• 🚄 Transportation: You can take a taxi or an airport bus, or you can take a high-speed train that runs straight to Beijing West Railway Station (approximately 30 minutes).
• 🧭 Suggested for: passengers who like the modern airport amenities and greater space, whether they are traveling to other local cities or on long-haul flights abroad

Image from chinaairlinetravel

Your Traveler's Quick Guide: Easy Airport Transfers in Beijing

Reached Beijing? How to Get Downtown Quickly (PEK vs. PKX)

Is it Daxing or Capital? With all of your airport transfer options, this quick and easy guide will help you avoid getting stuck at the airport and get to Beijing city.

• 🎉 Arrived in Beijing recently? Let's make sure you arrive in the city in style!
• 🎉Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): Excellent for first-time travelers, closer, and quicker
• 🚩The new and sleek Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) is a little further away but still easily accessible.

🗂️ Beijing Airport to City Transfer Comparison Table

How to Get from Beijing Daxing Airport (PEX) to Downtown

Wondering how to get into the city after landing at Beijing Capital International Airport? Whether you're on a tight budget, pressed for time, or simply want a comfortable journey, here are four easy and convenient methods to get to downtown Beijing!

🛫 Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) → City: 4 Transfer Options at a Glance

🛫 Airport Express & Subway Map of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

This map illustrates the connections between the Beijing Subway and the Airport Express, as well as the routes from T2/T3 to downtown transfer hubs including Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao.

How to Get from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) to Downtown

Have you just touched down at PKX, Beijing Daxing International Airport? Despite being distant from the city, this brand-new mega-airport is surprisingly efficient and well-connected. The best ways to get to central Beijing are as follows:

🛫 Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) to City – Transfer Options

🛬 Transportation Map of Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Map of the Airport Bus Network. There are 9-11 bus lines that go straight from the airport to Tongzhou, Yizhuang, and key downtown terminals (such as Beijing, West, and South Railway terminals).

🏨 Best Hotels Close to Beijing Airports (PKX & PEK)

Here are the best hotels close to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), whether you're arriving late, have an early flight, or simply need a place to stay in between connections:

✈️ Near Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Cordis, Beijing Capital Airport

a five-star hotel featuring 24-hour restaurants, large accommodations, and a complimentary airport shuttle. Perfect for business travelers or anyone looking for a comfortable place to stay near the airport.

Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport

Large rooms, a gym, and free shuttle service are features of this dependable IHG hotel. Ideal for families and overnight stays.

CITIC Hotel Beijing Airport

reasonably priced with good amenities. provides fast access to terminals and free transfers.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Hotels

🛫 Near Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

MeiChen Beijing

Ideal for transit travelers who need a quick nap without leaving the airport, this location is inside the terminal.

Mumian Beijing Daxing International Airport

A spa, gym, and even a flying simulator are all features of this contemporary, tech-savvy hotel! Outstanding in terms of comfort and unusual experiences.

Hilton Garden Inn Beijing Daxing International Airport

Budget-friendly, recently constructed hotel with business-friendly amenities and shuttle service. excellent value for tourists from other countries.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) Hotels

Travel Shortlist: From Beijing Capital Airport to the Best Attractions

Arrived at Beijing Capital Airport just now? This is the First Place to Go 🎒

🏯Forbidden City

Visiting Beijing for the first time? The Forbidden City is a must-see; it is the center of Chinese history. There are huge courtyards, gilded roofs, and a sense of royalty everywhere.

• 📍Ideally situated in the heart of the city.
• 🚆 Taking the Airport Express from the airport, changing to Line 2, and getting off at Qianmen Station is simple.
• 🕒 Approximately one hour was spent traveling.

💡 Tip: To gain entry, make your online ticket reservation in advance and remember to bring your passport!
🛕 The Temple of Heaven

Searching for a serene walk that exudes a sense of imperial authority? Emperors used to pray for bountiful harvests at the Temple of Heaven, which is a must-see.

• 📍 Approximately 35 km from the airport, it is located in Dongcheng District
• 🚆To get to Tiantan Dongmen Station, simply take the Airport Express, change to Subway Line 5, and get off.
• 🕒 It takes approximately 1 to 1.2 hours.
• 🌳 There's a feeling about the large open parks, lovely halls, and tai chi practitioners.
  

💡 Hint: See the villagers playing traditional instruments, stretching, or dancing in the morning.

🏞Summer Palace

Want to escape the bustle of the city? With its lakes, historic bridges, and serene garden walkways, the Summer Palace is the ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

• 📍 About 40 kilometers from the airport, it is located in Beijing's northwest.
• 🚆 Get off at Beigongmen Station after changing to Subway Line 4 from the Airport Express.
• 🕒 Approximately one to one and a half hours, depending on transfers.

💡 Advice: Rent a boat on Kunming Lake; the sunset views are especially breathtaking!

Must-Have Apps in China

• China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use ​Alipay (I like it better) or ​WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
• China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
• China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like ​DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
• China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
• China Dating Apps Locals use ​Tantan (China’s Tinder) and ​Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
• China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.

What to Prepare for a Trip to China?

• Visa & Entry Tips China’s ​240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers ​54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
• Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
• Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.