Beijing airport to the city

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Beijing has two major airports serving very different parts of the city. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), north-east of the centre, has long been the main gateway and still handles the majority of flights. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), opened south of the city in 2019, is a striking modern terminal serving a growing number of domestic and international routes. Both are connected to the centre by dedicated express rail lines.

From Capital Airport (PEK)

Capital Airport sits around 25–30 km north-east of central Beijing and has three terminals, with most international arrivals using Terminal 3.

Airport Express (Capital Airport Express Line)

The Beijing Airport Express is the fastest way into the city, connecting Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 to Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao stations, both of which link into the Beijing Subway network. Journey time is around 20–25 minutes to Dongzhimen, with trains running roughly every 10 minutes through the day. The line uses the same fare system as the rest of the subway, making it inexpensive relative to other capital-city airport trains, though luggage racks are limited so travelling light helps.

Airport shuttle buses

A network of airport shuttle bus routes connects Capital Airport to numerous points across the city, including major hotel districts and the central business district, useful if your destination isn't near a subway station on the Airport Express line. Journey times vary considerably with traffic — routes into the city centre typically take 45 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day. Fares are modest and buses run frequently during the day, with reduced frequency at night.

Taxi from Capital Airport

Metered taxis are available from clearly marked ranks outside each terminal. A journey to central Beijing typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day, longer during rush hour. Taxis are a reasonable option for late-night arrivals or when travelling with a lot of luggage, though the Airport Express is considerably cheaper when it's running.

From Daxing Airport (PKX)

Daxing Airport is around 46 km south of central Beijing, roughly on the opposite side of the city from Capital Airport — an important distinction if you're connecting between the two on a multi-airport itinerary.

Daxing Airport Express

The Daxing Airport Express rail line runs directly to Caoqiao station in southern Beijing in around 19–20 minutes, making it one of the fastest airport-to-city rail links anywhere, reflecting the high-speed design of the line. From Caoqiao, subway connections continue into the wider city network. Trains run at regular intervals throughout the day.

Intercity Railway (Daxing line to Beijing West)

An additional rail option, sometimes referred to as the Beijing–Daxing Intercity Railway, connects Daxing Airport to Beijing West Railway Station, useful if you're continuing onward by long-distance or high-speed rail rather than heading into the city centre itself. Journey time is roughly 20–30 minutes.

Airport shuttle buses and taxi from Daxing

Shuttle buses run from Daxing to various points in the city, though given the distance, journeys can take well over an hour depending on traffic and destination. Metered taxis are available and typically take around an hour or more to central Beijing, longer at peak times — given the distance involved, the Airport Express train is generally the more practical choice whenever your accommodation is near a connecting subway line.

Visas, immigration and practical notes on arrival

China's entry requirements, including visa-free transit allowances and standard visa rules, vary by nationality and have changed several times in recent years — always check current guidance from the Chinese embassy or consulate for your nationality before travelling, rather than relying on older information. Our overview of China entry requirements and the detail on the China visa and 144-hour transit scheme cover the main routes in. Immigration queues at both airports can be substantial at peak times, particularly at Capital Airport's Terminal 3; build extra time into a tight connection.

Payment and connectivity on arrival

Mobile payment apps dominate everyday transactions in China, including public transport in some cities, and setting up a usable payment method (or having sufficient cash) before relying on local transport is worth planning ahead for, as foreign cards are not always accepted smoothly by ticket machines. A local SIM or eSIM, available at counters in the arrivals area of both airports, is useful given that many Western apps and services are not accessible without a VPN in China — worth arranging before you travel if you'll need to look up transport information or maps on the go.

Getting between Beijing's two airports

If you need to transfer between Capital and Daxing airports — for example on a multi-carrier itinerary — allow generous time. The most practical route is generally via the subway network through the city, or a direct taxi, both of which can take well over 90 minutes depending on traffic and the specific stations or terminals involved. There is no single direct high-speed link between the two airports themselves.

Practical tips for first-timers

• Signage in both airports and on the Airport Express lines is in English as well as Chinese, and station staff are generally used to assisting international travellers.
• Buy your Airport Express ticket at machines or counters in the arrivals hall before heading to the platform; single-journey tickets are straightforward to use.
• Keep your passport accessible, as identification checks are sometimes required when entering subway stations, not just at immigration.
• If you're continuing to another Chinese city by high-speed rail, allow time to transfer to the correct railway station — Beijing has several major stations serving different lines and directions. Our guides to Beijing to Shanghai and Beijing to Xi'an cover two of the most popular onward legs, and our wider China by train guide explains how the high-speed network and booking work.

For onward international travel from Beijing, check our wider route guides for connections to other major Asian hubs.

Frequently asked questions

Which is faster, the Capital Airport Express or the Daxing Airport Express?

The Daxing Airport Express is faster in absolute terms, covering the roughly 46 km to Caoqiao station in about 19–20 minutes thanks to its high-speed design. The Capital Airport Express takes around 20–25 minutes to Dongzhimen but covers a shorter distance.

How do I know whether my flight uses Capital or Daxing Airport?

Check the three-letter airport code on your ticket or booking confirmation: PEK is Capital Airport (north-east of the city), PKX is Daxing (south of the city). The two are roughly 70 km apart, so this matters for planning your transfer and accommodation.

Is it easy to use Beijing's Airport Express trains without speaking Chinese?

Yes — both lines have clear English signage, ticket machines with an English-language option, and connect straightforwardly into the wider Beijing Subway network, which is also signed in English.

Do I need a visa to transit through Beijing?

China offers visa-free transit for many nationalities under certain conditions, but the rules vary by nationality, transit duration and route, and have changed in recent years. Check current guidance from the Chinese embassy or consulate for your nationality before travelling.