Beijing Airport to City: Capital (PEK) vs Daxing (PKX)
Beijing has two international airports on opposite sides of the city, and your ticket may say either one. Here is how far each really is from your hotel, and how the airport trains, taxis and a pre-booked car compare.
First, Check Your Airport Code
PEK is Beijing Capital, north-east of the centre and home to Air China and most Star Alliance carriers. PKX is Beijing Daxing, the starfish-shaped terminal far to the south used by China Eastern, China Southern and many others. They are about 70 km apart, so check the code again before you book a transfer, and never plan a tight connection between the two.
All the Options
| Option | From Capital (PEK) | From Daxing (PKX) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport express train | ~20–25 min to Dongzhimen, ¥25, then metro | ~19 min to Caoqiao, ¥35, then metro | Solo travellers with light bags |
| Metered taxi | ~40–60 min, about ¥100–160 plus toll | ~60–90 min, about ¥220 | Confident travellers with Alipay or WeChat Pay set up |
| Private transfer (pre-booked) | from US$65 per car, fixed | from US$80 per car, fixed | Families, luggage, late arrivals, first visits |
The Airport Trains: Fast, but Only Halfway
Both express lines are quick and cheap, but neither ends at your hotel. The Capital Airport Express stops at Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao; the Daxing line ends at Caoqiao on the southern Third Ring Road. From either you still change to the regular metro, with stairs, security checks and no space set aside for suitcases. With one bag and a hotel near a station it is a good choice. With children or large cases it is hard work after a long flight.
Taxi Rank Realities
Official taxis are metered and honest. Follow the signs to the rank and ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal. Expect a queue after the evening arrival waves, drivers who speak little English and payment that is smoothest with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Show your hotel’s name and address in Chinese.
Why Arrivals Pre-book
- Fixed USD price per vehicle, agreed before you fly, with tolls, parking and fuel included.
- The right vehicle for your group: a 5-seater sedan for up to 3 guests, a 7-seater MPV (from US$80 from PEK) for families, and vans and coaches for groups.
- Door to door to any hotel or address in the city, with no changes and no queue.
- Child seats on request. Tell us in the booking remarks.
Onward Planning
Most guests follow their arrival with a Great Wall day at Mutianyu and a Forbidden City day. If you are deciding when to come, see the best time to visit Beijing, and if you are passing through without a visa, read the 240-hour visa-free transit guide first.
Quick Answers
Which Beijing airport is closer to the city centre?
Capital Airport (PEK) is about 25–30 km north-east of the centre and Daxing (PKX) is about 45–50 km to the south. By car, allow 40–60 minutes from PEK and 60–90 minutes from PKX depending on traffic.
How much is a taxi from Beijing airport to the city?
A metered taxi from Capital Airport to central districts is usually about ¥100–160 plus a small expressway toll. From Daxing expect around ¥220, with a night surcharge late in the evening.
Is there a train from Daxing Airport to the city?
Yes. The Daxing Airport Express runs to Caoqiao station in about 19 minutes for ¥35, where you change to the metro. From Capital Airport, the Airport Express reaches Dongzhimen in about 20–25 minutes for ¥25.
Land Softly in Beijing
Pre-booked transfers from both Beijing airports at fixed USD prices per vehicle. Pay a 30% deposit online (minimum US$20) and the balance to your driver. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up.
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