Airport to City: Navigating PEK and PKX

First, check which airport you land at — Capital (PEK) is northeast, Daxing (PKX) is 46 km south, and they are over an hour apart. From PEK: Airport Express train, ¥25, about 25 minutes to Dongzhimen. From PKX: Daxing Airport Express, ¥35 to Caoqiao, or high-speed rail to Beijing West for ¥30. Taxis run ¥130-220.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

PEK vs PKX — how do I know which airport I'm flying into?

Check your ticket's airport code, not just 'Beijing'. PEK (Capital) is the older hub northeast of the city; PKX (Daxing) is the newer starfish-shaped one far to the south. They are 60-90 minutes apart by road, so a mix-up on departure day can cost you your flight.

What is the cheapest way from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the city?

The Airport Express train: ¥25 flat, roughly 25 minutes from Terminal 3 to Dongzhimen, where you transfer to subway Lines 2 and 13 (Sanyuanqiao connects to Line 10). It runs from about 06:20 until just before 23:00, so late-night arrivals need a taxi or Didi instead.

How do I get from Daxing Airport (PKX) to central Beijing?

Two rail options, both under the terminal: the Daxing Airport Express subway to Caoqiao (¥35, about 20 minutes, then transfer to Lines 10 or 19), or a mainline high-speed train to Beijing West Railway Station (about ¥30, under 30 minutes). Pick whichever station is closer to your hotel.

Is there a direct train between PEK and PKX airports?

No direct link — transferring between airports means crossing the whole city. The realistic options are a taxi or Didi (¥250-300, 60-90+ minutes) or rail via the city center with a subway transfer, which takes closer to two hours. Leave at least four hours between connecting flights on separate tickets.

How much is a taxi from each airport to downtown Beijing?

From PEK expect roughly ¥130-180 to central hotels including the ¥10 airport surcharge and tolls, more between 23:00 and 05:00 when a 20% night surcharge applies. From PKX it is around ¥200-250 because of the 46 km distance. A Didi is usually similar or slightly cheaper, with the price fixed up front.

How do I pay for the airport trains as a foreigner?

Easiest is scanning an Alipay or WeChat Pay transit QR code at the gate; both apps accept foreign cards. Ticket machines and counters also take cash, and many now accept foreign contactless cards. Note the airport lines charge their own fare — your ride is separate from the regular ¥3-9 subway fare.

Should I just book a hotel pickup instead?

If you land late, have lots of luggage, or it is your first time in China without Alipay set up, a prearranged pickup is worth the premium — drivers wait in arrivals with your name. Otherwise the trains are so cheap and reliable that most solo travelers and couples don't need one.

Do the airport trains run late enough for an evening arrival?

Both wind down around 22:30-23:00 — the last PEK Airport Express trains leave the terminals just before 23:00, and the Daxing Express runs until about 22:30-23:00 from PKX. Land after 22:00 and you should plan on the official taxi queue or a Didi.