Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, is a vast metropolis with a well-developed transportation network that makes getting around the city convenient for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re arriving by air at one of its major international airports, traveling by high-speed train, navigating the extensive subway system, or hailing a taxi to your destination, Beijing offers multiple options to suit different travel needs. Understanding how to efficiently use these transport systems can significantly enhance your experience, helping you save time, avoid confusion, and explore the city’s rich history and modern attractions with ease.
Guide to Beijing Airports
Beijing, as a major international gateway, is served by two main airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Whether you are arriving for business, sightseeing, or a long layover, knowing how to navigate these airports and travel to downtown Beijing efficiently can enhance your experience.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Located approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of downtown Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场) is one of the busiest airports in the world. With three terminals, PEK primarily serves international and domestic flights, making it the preferred arrival point for many foreign travelers.
Transportation Options from PEK to Downtown
Express Train: One of the most convenient ways to reach central Beijing is the Airport Express Train. The train connects PEK to Dongzhimen Station in the city center, making stops at Sanyuanqiao for transfers to Subway Line 10 and Dongzhimen for Subway Line 2. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes and costs ¥25 per person.
Taxis: For those carrying heavy luggage or preferring a direct ride, taxis are readily available outside each terminal. The taxi fare to central Beijing typically ranges from ¥100 to ¥150, depending on traffic, and the trip takes around 40-60 minutes. To avoid scams, always use the official taxi queue and ensure the driver uses the meter.
Shuttle Bus: Another affordable alternative is the Airport Shuttle Bus, which operates multiple routes connecting PEK with major areas such as Wangfujing, Beijing Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station. The journey can take about 60 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from ¥20 to ¥30.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Beijing’s newest airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) (北京大兴国际机场), opened in 2019 and is known for its futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. Located about 46 kilometers (29 miles) south of downtown Beijing, PKX serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, with a focus on reducing congestion at PEK.
Getting to the City from PKX
Express Train: The Daxing Airport Express Train is the fastest way to reach downtown. This high-speed subway line connects PKX with Caoqiao Station on Beijing’s Subway Line 10 in just 20 minutes, with a fare of ¥35.
High-Speed Rail: For travelers heading to Beijing West Railway Station or planning to transfer to China’s high-speed rail network, the Beijing-Xiong’an Intercity Railway provides a seamless connection from Daxing Airport to Beijing West in 20 minutes, costing between ¥30 and ¥50.
Taxis: Taxis from Daxing Airport to the city center generally cost between ¥150 and ¥200, with a travel time of 50-70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The taxi queue is well-organized, but travelers should be mindful of unauthorized drivers offering rides at inflated prices.
Shuttle Bus: For a budget-friendly option, the Airport Shuttle Bus operates routes to various locations in Beijing, such as Beijing South Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station. Ticket prices range from ¥40 to ¥50, with travel times of approximately 80 minutes.
Navigating Beijing Train Stations
With six major railway stations, each serving different routes and train types, Beijing offers a variety of travel options, from high-speed trains to conventional rail services, connecting the capital with nearly every part of the country.This guide provides an in-depth look at each station, including how to get there and where the trains will take you.
Beijing Railway Station: The Historic Gateway
Located in Dongcheng District, just a few kilometers southeast of Tiananmen Square, Beijing Railway Station is the oldest major train station in the city. Built in 1959, it retains a classic architectural style while handling a significant portion of Beijing’s railway traffic.
Getting to and from Beijing Railway Station: Transportation is convenient, with Subway Line 2 stopping directly at the station, providing easy access to major areas such as Wangfujing and the Forbidden City. Public buses and taxis are also available, making travel to downtown Beijing quick and straightforward.
Where the Trains Go: This station mainly serves conventional trains, with key domestic routes to Shanghai, Harbin, Tianjin, and Shenyang. It also functions as an international rail hub, offering services to Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Moscow (Russia), making it a popular choice for travelers embarking on transcontinental journeys.
Beijing West Railway Station: The Southern and Western Hub
As one of the largest railway stations in China, Beijing West Railway Station sits in Fengtai District, southwest of the city center. Known for its massive scale and heavy passenger traffic, it primarily serves routes heading to southern and western China.
Navigating the Station: Two subway lines, Line 7 and Line 9, provide direct access to the station, allowing passengers to connect easily with other lines. For those traveling by taxi, a trip to central Beijing typically takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Key Destinations: This station is the departure point for high-speed and conventional trains to Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Kunming, making it a critical hub for those traveling to southern China. It also operates international train services to Hong Kong (West Kowloon Station), offering a seamless connection between the mainland and the Special Administrative Region.
Beijing South Railway Station: The High-Speed Rail Hub
Located in Fengtai District, just a short distance south of the city center, Beijing South Railway Station is the capital’s primary hub for high-speed rail travel. With its modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, it is one of the busiest stations in China.
Getting There: The station is well-connected to Beijing’s subway system, with Line 4 and Line 14 providing direct access. Public buses and taxis are also readily available, with a typical ride to the city center taking around 20 to 30 minutes.
Destinations and Travel Times: Beijing South is the main departure point for high-speed trains heading to Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Jinan, and Qingdao. The Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway, one of China’s fastest train routes, allows passengers to reach Tianjin in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for day trips.
Beijing North Railway Station: The Gateway to the Great Wall
Smaller than Beijing’s other major train stations, Beijing North Railway Station is an essential transit point for travelers heading to the Great Wall at Badaling. Located near Xizhimen in Xicheng District, it primarily serves suburban and regional routes.
How to Get There: The station is easily accessible via Subway Line 2, Line 4, and Line 13, making it convenient for visitors staying in different parts of the city. Public buses and taxis also provide transport to and from the station.
Popular Destinations: Beijing North mainly handles trains to Zhangjiakou, Datong, and Yanqing, making it an important station for those visiting northern China. The recently upgraded high-speed railway to Zhangjiakou and Hohhot has significantly reduced travel times, making these destinations more accessible.
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station: A Growing High-Speed Terminal
One of Beijing’s newest train stations, Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station, is located in Chaoyang District, northeast of the city center. With the expansion of China’s high-speed rail network, this station is becoming increasingly important.
Transportation Options: The station is served by Subway Line 14, providing connections to other parts of Beijing. Buses and taxis are also available, though a ride to central Beijing typically takes 30 to 40 minutes due to its location.
Where the Trains Go: Beijing Chaoyang primarily handles high-speed trains traveling to Qinhuangdao, Harbin, and Shenyang, offering fast and efficient travel to northeast China.
Beijing Fengtai Railway Station: The Super Hub
Recently expanded into China’s largest railway station, Beijing Fengtai Railway Station is a major hub for both high-speed and conventional trains. Located in Fengtai District, it plays a crucial role in the country’s transportation network.
How to Get There: The station is connected to Subway Line 10 and Line 16, ensuring easy access for passengers traveling from different parts of the city. Public buses and taxis also serve the station.
Train Routes: Beijing Fengtai handles a mix of high-speed and regular trains, with routes covering Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Nanjing. Its extensive network makes it an essential transit point for travelers heading to eastern and southern China.
Understanding Beijing Subway System
As one of the busiest and most extensive metro systems in the world, the Beijing Subway is a convenient and affordable way to explore China’s capital. With over 27 lines and 500+ stations, it covers nearly every district in Beijing, providing seamless connections between tourist attractions, train stations, and airports. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, exploring local markets, or commuting between business hubs, understanding how to use the Beijing Subway will make your journey smooth and efficient.
How Many Lines Does the Beijing Subway Have?
Beijing’s subway system continues to expand, with 27 operational lines as of 2025. These include:
- Loop Lines: Line 2 (encircles the city center), Line 10 (larger loop around central districts)
- Radial and Grid Lines: Lines 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and more
- Airport Lines: The Capital Airport Express and the Daxing Airport Express
- Suburban Lines: Changping Line, Fangshan Line, Yanfang Line, and others serving outer districts
With trains running every 2-3 minutes during peak hours, the subway is the fastest and most efficient way to travel within Beijing.
Subway Fares and Ticketing
The Beijing Subway is one of the most affordable metro systems in the world. The fare is based on distance:
- Starting fare: ¥3 for the first 6 km
- Additional charges:
- ¥4 for 6-12 km
- ¥5 for 12-22 km
- ¥6 for 22-32 km
- Beyond 32 km: ¥2 for every extra 20 km
How to Pay
- Beijing Yikatong Card (交通一卡通): A rechargeable transit card that offers a 20% discount on fares after 100 km of monthly travel.
- Mobile Payments: Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay QR codes can be used for direct entry.
- Single Journey Tickets: Available at station vending machines, but using a transit card is recommended for convenience.
What to See Along the Way
Line 1 (East-West Axis): Beijing’s oldest subway line follows the city’s central axis, passing through historic and political landmarks, like Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Wangfujing Shopping Street, and National Museum of China.
Line 2 (Loop Line): This circular line surrounds the old city, stopping at key historical and cultural sites, like Qianmen Street, Dashilan, Lama Temple, Beijing Zoo & Panda House
Line 4 (North-South Route): Connecting Beijing South Railway Station with the northwest, Line 4 is essential for those visiting: Summer Palace, Peking University & Tsinghua University, and Beijing South Railway Station.
Line 5 (North-South Route): This north-south line passes through some of Beijing’s most culturally significant areas, like Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple.
Line 6 (Parallel East-West Route): Perfect for exploring the city’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parks, like Nanluoguxiang, Beihai Park and Shichahai.
Line 8 (The Olympic Route): This line serves the Olympic Park, home to the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.
Tips for Navigating the Beijing Subway
- Avoid Rush Hour: Peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM) are extremely crowded, especially on Line 1, Line 10, and Line 13.
- Use Subway Maps: Stations have English signage, but having a metro app (e.g., Amap or MetroMan) makes navigation easier.
- Security Checks: All passengers must pass through bag screening at station entrances. Arrive a few minutes early to avoid delays.
- Accessibility: Major stations have elevators and escalators, but some older stations lack accessibility features.
- Late Night Travel: Most subway lines close around 11:00 PM. Plan accordingly or consider taxis/Didi (Chinese Uber).
Taking Taxis in Beijing
Beijing, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern infrastructure, offers multiple transportation options for visitors. While the Beijing Subway is an affordable and efficient way to get around, taxis provide a more direct and convenient alternative, especially for those traveling with luggage or heading to places not well-served by public transport.
Understanding Beijing’s Taxi System
Beijing’s taxi fleet consists of tens of thousands of licensed cabs, making it one of the most commonly used forms of transportation in the city. Official taxis are easily recognizable by their distinct blue, yellow, or green color schemes and a taxi sign on the roof. The vast majority of taxis in Beijing are operated by major taxi companies, ensuring a standardized fare system.
However, due to high demand—especially during rush hours or bad weather—getting a taxi can sometimes be difficult. Additionally, some drivers may be reluctant to pick up foreign passengers due to language barriers, so it’s always good to be prepared with key phrases or translation apps.
Taxi Fares and Pricing
Beijing taxis operate on a metered fare system, meaning you will be charged based on the distance traveled and time spent in traffic. Below is a breakdown of the standard fare structure:
- Base Fare: ¥13 for the first 3 kilometers
- Additional Distance Fare: ¥2.3 per kilometer after 3 km
- Slow Traffic/Waiting Time: If the taxi speed drops below 12 km/h, an additional fee is charged based on time spent in congestion.
- Late Night Surcharge: After 11:00 PM, the base fare increases slightly to ¥14 and the per-kilometer rate rises to ¥2.76.
- Long-Distance Surcharge: If your ride exceeds 15 km, an extra 50% fare increase applies to the additional kilometers.
- Airport Taxis: Expect a fare of ¥100-150 from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to downtown and ¥150-200 from Daxing International Airport (PKX).
- Additional Costs
- Expressway tolls (if taken) are paid by the passenger.
- Receipts (发票 fapiao) are available upon request and can be useful for tracking expenses or resolving disputes.
How to Hail a Taxi in Beijing
1. Street Hailing: The traditional way to get a taxi is by flagging one down on the street. Keep these tips in mind:
- Look for green lights on the taxi sign, which indicate the taxi is available.
- Avoid hailing taxis near major hotels or tourist attractions where demand is high and some drivers may refuse short-distance rides.
- Use major roads or intersections for a better chance of finding an available cab.
2. Taxi Stands: Many busy locations, such as train stations, shopping malls, and tourist sites, have designated taxi stands where cabs line up. These can be a more reliable way to get a taxi, especially in crowded areas.
3. Taxi-Hailing Apps (Recommended for Foreigners): Using a ride-hailing app is the most convenient way to book a taxi in Beijing, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. The two most popular options are:
- DiDi (滴滴出行) – The Chinese equivalent of Uber, available in English. You can link your international credit card or WeChat Pay.
- Meituan Taxi (美团打车) – Another popular option, but only available in Chinese.
- For foreigners, DiDi is the easiest option, as it allows you to enter your destination in English and provides fare estimates before booking.
4. Hotel Concierge or Call Services: If you’re staying at a hotel, the concierge can call a taxi for you. Some hotels also have partnerships with taxi companies for guest transportation.
Tips for Foreigners Taking Taxis in Beijing
1. Have Your Destination Written in Chinese: Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it’s best to have your destination written in Chinese characters. You can:
- Ask your hotel staff to write it down.
- Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco.
- Show a digital map with your destination marked.
2. Avoid Unlicensed “Black Taxis”: In Beijing, unlicensed private cars, known as hei che (黑车), often try to pick up tourists, especially around airports and train stations. These drivers do not use meters and often charge exorbitant fares. Always take a licensed taxi with a company logo and a working meter.
3. Carry Small Change: Some taxi drivers (though the number is dropping) prefer cash payments and may not have enough change for large bills. While mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted, foreigners may find it easier to carry small banknotes (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) for short trips.
4. Request a Receipt (发票 fapiao): If you experience any issues (such as overcharging or lost items), a taxi receipt contains the taxi number and company details, which can help in resolving disputes.
5. Be Aware of Common Scams: Some dishonest drivers may:
- Take longer routes to increase fares.
- Refuse to use the meter and ask for a fixed price (always insist on the meter).
- Claim they don’t have change to force you to overpay.
If you encounter such issues, get out and find another taxi or report the driver using the details from the receipt.
Conclusion
Navigating Beijing’s transportation system may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little preparation, it becomes an efficient and seamless part of your journey. Whether you take the subway for its affordability and speed, taxis for convenience, high-speed trains for regional travel, or flights for international and domestic connections, each mode of transport plays a key role in moving millions of people across this dynamic city. By familiarizing yourself with the fare structures, routes, and best travel practices, you can make the most of your time in Beijing, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in China’s historic and cultural heart.
