Beijing Airport to City Centre: Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX) Transport Guide

Last checked: 2026-11-05. Rules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.

Beijing has two international airports, about 70 km apart, and many visitors only find out which one they are using when they land. Both are well connected to the city by fast airport trains, taxis and ride-hailing. Here is how each option works, what it costs and when the last train leaves.

Which airport are you flying into?

Your ticket shows the airport code: PEK is Capital and PKX is Daxing. Check before you book a hotel or transfer, as the two are a long way apart.

From Capital Airport (PEK)

The Capital Airport Express (机场线) runs from Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 to Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao. According to the Beijing government station authority:

• Fare: ¥25 one way, whichever station you use.
• Frequency: about every 10 minutes.
• First and last trains to the city: from T3 06:22 to 22:52; from T2 06:36 to 23:10.
• To the airport: from Dongzhimen 06:00 to 22:30; from Sanyuanqiao 06:04 to 22:34; from Beixinqiao 05:56 to 22:26.
• Where to board: T3 on level 2 of the T3 car park building; T2 on basement level 2 of the T2 car park building.
• Connections: Line 10 at Sanyuanqiao, Lines 2 and 13 at Dongzhimen, Line 5 at Beixinqiao.

Terminal 1 passengers use the T2 station, which is a short walk away.

From Daxing Airport (PKX)

The Daxing Airport Express (大兴机场线) is one of the fastest airport trains in China, taking about 20 minutes to Caoqiao in the south of the city, with one stop at Daxing Xincheng. According to the line operator:

• Fare: ¥35 standard class from the airport to Caoqiao; ¥50 in business class.
• First and last trains from the airport: 06:00 to 23:00, with the last train extended to 23:30 on Sundays.
• First and last trains from Caoqiao to the airport: 05:30 to 22:30.
• Connections at Caoqiao: Line 10 and Line 19.
• City check-in at Caoqiao: the Caoqiao City Terminal lets passengers on many airlines check in and drop bags before taking the train, including selected international flights on China Southern, China Eastern, British Airways and Hong Kong Airlines. Rules apply, so check the airline's conditions first.

Free Daxing Express tickets until 31 December 2026

Since the winter flight season began on 25 October 2026, several airlines are offering free or discounted Daxing Airport Express tickets to passengers flying from Daxing, until 31 December 2026, according to the Beijing municipal government:

• China Southern: one free train ticket for economy passengers; Y and W fares also get a ¥150 airport transfer voucher, and first and business class get a voucher worth ¥150 to ¥200.
• China Eastern: one free ticket for S class and above; other fares get 20% off.
• Air China: one free ticket; call the airline after booking to confirm it is attached.
• Xiamen Airlines: 20% off, so ¥28 standard or ¥40 business class.

The tickets are claimed through each airline's official app or mini-program, which are mostly in Chinese. If you booked through an overseas travel agency, ask the airline whether you qualify.

Taxis and DiDi

• Taxis: use the official taxi rank outside arrivals and ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal. Taxis use the meter, and expressway tolls are added. Expect a noticeably higher fare from Daxing than from Capital because of the distance, and much longer journeys in rush-hour traffic.
• DiDi: works at both airports and shows the price before you book. Follow the signs to the ride-hailing pick-up area and check the car's number plate before getting in. See our apps guide for setting up DiDi in English.
• Late arrivals: if you land after the last train, a taxi or DiDi is the only practical option.

Paying for the train

You can buy a single ticket at the station machines, or scan a metro QR code with Alipay or WeChat at the gates where it works for your account. Setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly saves time on arrival. Keep a small amount of cash as a backup.

Arriving visa-free or in transit?

Both Beijing airports are ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. If you are using the 30-day exemption, note that it is currently valid until 31 December 2026 for most countries; see what happens after 31 December.

Tips

• Have your hotel address in Chinese characters for the taxi driver.
• The metro is busy from about 07:30 to 09:30 and 17:00 to 19:00; with big suitcases, a taxi can be easier at those times.
• Heading straight to the Great Wall or out of Beijing by train? See our Great Wall guide and train guide, and our Beijing guide for the city itself.

FAQ

How much is the Beijing Airport Express?

The Capital Airport Express costs ¥25 one way. The Daxing Airport Express costs ¥35 in standard class and ¥50 in business class between Caoqiao and the airport.

What time is the last train from Beijing Capital Airport?

The last Capital Airport Express leaves T3 at 22:52 and T2 at 23:10.

What time is the last train from Daxing Airport?

23:00, extended to 23:30 on Sundays.

How do I know whether my flight uses PEK or PKX?

Check the airport code on your ticket: PEK is Beijing Capital and PKX is Beijing Daxing.

Official sources

• Beijing Key Station Area Committee: Capital Airport Express times and fares
• Beijing Metro Operation (BJMOA): Daxing Airport Express first and last trains
• Beijing Key Station Area Committee: Caoqiao City Terminal check-in
• Beijing Municipal Government: free Daxing Express tickets for some airlines until 31 Dec 2026