Beijing Airport Arrival Guide: Flights, Transport & Nearby Hotels
By tinafa
June 13, 2026
Beijing is served by two major international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Shunyi District, about 32 km northeast of downtown, and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) in Daxing District, around 46 km south.
PEK is the city’s primary hub with three busy terminals handling heavy domestic and international traffic, while PKX, opened in 2019, features a futuristic “starfish” design and was built to ease congestion. Together, they form Beijing’s key global aviation gateway for travelers worldwide.
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
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.
Beijing Airport to City Transfer Comparison Table
| Option | From PEK (Capital Airport) | From PKX (Daxing Airport) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
🚇 Train | Airport Express → 20 mins → ~$3.50 | High-speed train → 30 mins → ~$4.00 | Fast & reliable |
🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus | 60–90 mins → ~$2.80–$4.20 | 90–120 mins → ~$4.20–$5.50 | Cheap but slower |
🚖 Taxi | ~40 mins → $14–$21 | ~60–90 mins → $21–$28 | Door-to-door comfort |
🚗 Ride-hailing | Didi/Meituan → ~40 mins → $12–$18 | Didi/Meituan → ~60–90 mins → $18–$25 | App-based, often slightly cheaper |
💵 Price Range in USD | $2.80 – $21 | $4.00 – $28 | Budget to premium options |
🧳 Recommended for… | Most tourists, hotel areas nearby | Budget flyers, tech-savvy travelers | PEK is closer to popular tourist zones |
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1382574 booked
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
| Option | Time | Cost (USD) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🚇 Airport Express | ~20 minutes | ~$3.50 | Fast travel, solo tourists | Connects to subway at Dongzhimen & Sanyuanqiao |
🚌 Shuttle Bus | 60–90 minutes | ~$2.80–$4.20 | Budget travelers, hotel drop-offs | Multiple lines to city landmarks |
🚖 Taxi | ~40 minutes | ~$14–$21 | Families, late-night arrivals | Metered, safe, direct |
📱Ride-Hailing | ~40 minutes | ~$12–$18 | App users, flexible riders | Use Didi or Meituan via mobile |
🛫 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.
Image from chinaairlinetravel
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
| Option | Time | Cost (USD) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
~30 minutes | ~$4.00 | Fast travelers, business trips | Direct to Beijing West Station; connects with subway lines | |
🚌 Shuttle Bus | 90–120 minutes | ~$4.20–$5.50 | Budget travelers | Direct routes to key areas like Beijing Station, Xidan |
🚖 Taxi | 60–90 minutes | ~$21–$28 | Families, luggage-heavy travelers | Metered fare, door-to-door, traffic may vary |
📱 Ride-Hailing | 60–90 minutes | ~$18–$25 | Tech-savvy, flexible options | Use Didi or Meituan; rates vary by time & demand |
🛬 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.
| Hotel Name | Distance to Terminal | Price Range (USD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
5 min (free shuttle) | $120–$160 | luxury, 24/7 dining, spacious rooms | |
10 min (free shuttle) | $100–$140 | IHG brand, large rooms, family-friendly | |
Walkable / shuttle | $70–$100 | practical, affordable, free shuttle |
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🛫 Near Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
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.
| Hotel Name | Distance to Terminal | Price Range (USD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
5 min walk (connected) | $120–$150 | design hotel, spa, tech-forward amenities | |
10 min drive (with shuttle) | $80–$110 | New build, great for business, good value |
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Travel Shortlist: From Beijing Capital Airport to the Best Attractions
🏯 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!
Reviews of Forbiden City
4.8/5
48800 reviews
5/5
We had a great time walking around. It lasted about half a day, but we didn't have time to see everything. Entry was with a passport, so there were no problems.
4/5
Great for last minute tickets to get into the Palace Museum. I hadn’t known you needed to book tickets the the museum 7 days in advance and so opted for this option the night before going. Tour was quite fast and you don’t get to see a lot of the palace unfortunately but it is a very large complex so it’s understandable. 3 hours made it feel a bit rushed but you are not required to leave after the 3 hours so you can explore a bit on your own if you want. Overall though, I think it’s worth your money especially if you are solo traveling. Got to meet some other tourists and learn more about China through this experience!
5/5
A magnificent and magical place that you absolutely must see.
4/5
It's certainly worth checking out, but the crowds were simply overwhelming. It wasn't very comfortable. Perhaps the impression was spoiled by the fact that we went on a tour straight from the plane at 8 a.m. But in reality, everything was the same.
4/5
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is worth visiting at least once for its historical significance, but it’s probably not somewhere I’d go again. I got lucky with a small group tour, which made the experience much more enjoyable. If your ticket allows, I’d recommend paying extra to see the Clock Gallery—it was one of the more interesting parts. Be prepared for the heat, especially in summer, and bring a hat or umbrella since you’ll be outdoors most of the time. It does get very crowded, so go in with realistic expectations.
🛕 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.
Temple of Heaven User Reviews
4.7/5
4944 reviews5/5
I think the Temple of Heaven is the most beautiful temple in all of Beijing; it looks like a painting. You can walk around it in a few hours.
5/5
The location is vast, with many paths located under tree canopies, providing excellent relief from the summer heat and sun. The aesthetics of authentic China are stunning. I recommend familiarizing yourself with the history of the place or picking up a guidebook beforehand to make exploring the various points of interest more enjoyable.
4/5
We came because we thought it was a must-see, a popular temple. It's a beautiful temple, sure, but we saw everything too quickly, there were so many people. It would have been better to go somewhere else.
5/5
Be sure to come in the late afternoon, when it gets dark – the beauty is breathtaking. However, after 6:00 PM, only the park is accessible; you can't enter the temple. Of course, you can plan ahead and kill two birds with one stone, but only if you have enough time in Beijing. By the way, you don't need to buy a ticket in advance – you can buy one at the entrance for 15 yuan.
5/5
We loved it. It's a shame we only realized at the end that part of the ticket was an audio guide. It was incredibly hot, so it was nice to cool off in the museum pavilions.
🏞 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!
Summer Palace User Reviews
4.7/5
7700 reviews
5/5
Xiucai said that Guide Li was truly excellent. He not only took us to the tourist attractions but also shared many historical stories, cultural backgrounds, and interesting tidbits of knowledge. His explanations were clear and engaging. He also took good care of the group members' needs throughout the trip, ensuring a smooth itinerary and making us have a wonderful time. Highly recommended!
5/5
The landscapes are beautiful, many of them are on the UNESCO list. It's hot in the summer.
5/5
Amazing place! Make sure you have an audio guide to understand all the different meanings and history behind every little detail.
5/5
Beautiful garden and palace. I really liked it.
5/5
The Summer Palace has become one of my favorite places in Beijing! The view from the water is absolutely stunning!! We were on a group tour, but if you're visiting with your family on a hot day, be sure to take a private boat for a tour of the lake! Even a full day won't be enough to see everything!
The gallery is beautiful; you can spend hours strolling in the shade and admiring the intricate paintings.
China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when traveling through 24 Chinese provinces, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend using the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
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FAQs – Beijing Airport Arrival Guide
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How many airports are there in Beijing?
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How can one go from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the city center?
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Are there hotels close to the airports in Beijing?
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