How to get from Beijing Airport (PEK) ✈️ to the City Center
Beijing Airport (PEK), also known as Beijing Capital International Airport, is the largest international airport of Beijing and is located about 32 km northeast of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Beijing by Express Train, Airport Bus, Taxi or Private Transfer.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and official links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer Comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from Beijing Capital Airport to the City Center (South & Beijing Railway Station, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City)
Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Express Train | 30 Min. | US$ 3,50 | Details | |
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Airport Bus | 90 Min. | US$ 3‑8 | Details |
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Taxi | 45 Min. | US$ 20 | Details |
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Private Transfer |
45 Min. | US$ 30 | Details |
Notices:
• Airport buses can be a first tour of the city, but is recommended only with light luggage.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Private Transfer) is the more faster and comfortable option.
Beijing Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Beijing:

Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
CNY 25 pp (around US$ 3.50)Description:
Express Train from Beijing Airport (Station in Terminal 2 & 3) to “Sanyuanqiao Station” or “Dongzhimen Station”. From here, several subway lines continue to the city center (Subway line 2 for “Tiananmen Square” & “Forbidden City”)
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
90 minutesCost:
CNY 20-55 pp (around US$ 3-8)Description:
Airport Buses from Beijing Airport (Stops in front of Terminal 2 & 3) to downtown Beijing: Bus line 2 to “South Railway Station” (City South) or bus line 3 to “Beijing Railway Station” (City West)
Official local taxis
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
CNY 150 (around US$20)Description:
Official taxis (green-orange) from Beijing Airport (Taxi ranks at Terminals 1, 2 & 3) to Central Beijing, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City or directly to accommodation in the city center