This article explains when a Beijing airport transfer is unnecessary and when a private car is worth the cost, comparing PEK and PKX by distance, subway access, taxi time, price, and common arrival hassles.
Based on local expertise and real arrival experience, this guide compares Beijing Capital and Daxing airports with practical tips from experienced guides, including distances, subway hours, taxi times, and hidden pain points that affect whether a private transfer is worth booking.
If this is your first time flying to Beijing, upon landing and facing two enormous airports, incomprehensible Chinese road signs, and taxis where you don't know how to link Alipay, you might hesitate: Should I spend a few hundred yuan to book a private airport transfer?
The answer is: not necessarily, but sometimes it's well worth it.
This article isn't selling services; it simply aims to help you clarify: when taking the subway/taxi is perfectly sufficient, and when hiring a car can save you two hours of suffering. All data comes from real travel experience, including time, price, and those "hidden troubles" no one tells you about.
Basic information about Beijing's two airports
Air passengers in Beijing mainly land at two airports, which are almost two completely different worlds from a transportation connection perspective.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Approximately 25–30 km from the city center (taking the Forbidden City/Dongzhimen as an example)
Subway: Capital Airport Line (operating hours approximately 6:00–22:30, terminus at Dongzhimen/Beixinqiao)
Taxi to Dongzhimen: 30–50 minutes (without traffic)
Features: Closer to the city center, primarily handles domestic flights, but also has a significant number of international flights (Terminal 3)
In terms of destination convenience: If your destination is in urban areas like Dongcheng, Chaoyang, Shunyi, or Haidian, PEK is obviously more convenient. Conclusion: Landing in PEK will naturally make your trip easier.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Distance from city center: Approximately 46–55 km (actual driving distance often exceeds 60 km)
Subway: Daxing Airport Line (operating hours 6:00–23:00, terminus at Caoqiao)
Taxi to city center: 50–80 minutes (without traffic)
Features: Extremely far! But very modern; almost all newly opened international routes pass through here.
Although the subway to Daxing Airport is fast (35 minutes to Caoqiao), Caoqiao is still at least 20-30 minutes away from the real city center (such as Wangfujing and Sanlitun) by subway or taxi. In other words, the actual travel time from Daxing Airport to your hotel often exceeds 1.5 hours – and that's under ideal conditions.
Four ways to get from the airport to the city: advantages, disadvantages, and problems
1. Private car hire – the most hassle-free, but also the most expensive.
Beijing Capital International Airport: Approximately 200-300 RMB (standard 5-seater vehicle)
Beijing Daxing International Airport: Approximately 300-450 RMB (standard 5-seater vehicle)
The real advantages:
The driver will be waiting for you at the arrival exit with a sign, help with your luggage, and take you directly to your hotel. No language barrier whatsoever.
Free waiting time is usually 60 minutes (no worries about flight delays).
Child seats can be requested in advance (rarely seen in taxis).
No extra charge at night, or this will be clearly stated.
The real downside:
It's expensive. It costs 1.5–2 times more than a taxi.
If you are one or two people, arriving during the day with little luggage, hiring a car is not worthwhile.
2. Subway (cheapest)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): 25 RMB (Airport Line), approximately 30-40 minutes to Dongzhimen, last bus at 22:30.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): 35 RMB (Economy Seat) / 50 RMB (Business Seat), approximately 35 minutes to Caoqiao (transfer required), departure time approximately 23:00.
Suitable for:
one or two people with minimal luggage (one carry-on suitcase + backpack), arriving during the day, and the hotel is within walking distance of a subway station (such as Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, or Caoqiao).
Not suitable for:
Late-night flights (subway is closed), two 28-inch suitcases + a backpack (transfer stations are crowded and there are no elevators), first time in China, not yet familiar with Alipay/WeChat Pay.
3. Airport bus (cheap, but so slow it'll make you question your existence)
Beijing Capital International Airport: Approximately 20-30 RMB, passing through Dongzhimen, Qianmen East, Beijing Railway Station, etc., with buses running approximately every 30 minutes. Night buses are available.
Beijing Daxing International Airport: Approximately 40-50 RMB, going to Beijing Railway Station, Fangshan, Tongzhou, etc., with buses running approximately every 30-60 minutes. Night buses are available (but less frequent).
Suitable for:
Very low budget and not in a rush，The final stop happens to be right in front of your hotel (very low probability)
Not suitable for:
Those with a lot of luggage (the luggage compartment on the lower level of the bus is limited, and if it's full, you'll have to put it next to you), those traveling after 11 PM (waiting for a night bus for an hour is common), and those unfamiliar with Beijing (who will need to find their way after getting off the bus).
The bus only stops at fixed stations, such as "Beijing Station." After getting off, you might still have to drag your luggage for 15 minutes to get to the hotel. It's cold in winter and hot in summer, and there are potential safety hazards late at night. You save 30 yuan, but spend an extra hour and get covered in sweat.
4. Taxi/ride-hailing (most flexible, but queuing and communication are a nightmare)
Beijing Capital International Airport: Cost approximately 40-70 RMB, travel time (without traffic) 35-50 minutes.
Beijing Daxing International Airport: Cost approximately 100-150 RMB, travel time approximately 50-80 minutes.
Suitable for:
2-3 people traveling together (cheaper per person), moderate luggage (two or three suitcases), and those who know how to use Didi International or Alipay.
Not suitable for:
Those who do not speak Chinese at all, those landing late at night (taxi queues at Terminal 3 are often 40+ minutes), and those during peak hours (airport expressway is often congested).
At Beijing Airport, during peak hours (weekend nights, holidays, and late at night), taxi queues can be long, and you might have to wait 20 to 30 minutes to get a ride. Furthermore, not all ride-hailing drivers speak English.
Under what circumstances is it most appropriate to choose to charter a car?
Scenario 1: 3-4 people + lots of luggage
It's difficult for four people to share a taxi (there's not enough room for three adults and luggage in the back). Taking two taxis might cost around 300 yuan (at Daxing Airport), and the two taxis might get separated.
A 7-seater chartered car costs about 500-600 yuan, or 125-150 yuan per person, which is much more expensive than two taxis, but everyone is together and can put their luggage anywhere.
Scenario 2: You need to go directly to the attraction from the airport.
For example: You land in Beijing and need to catch a high-speed train from Beijing South Station to Shanghai that same day.
You want to visit the Great Wall (e.g., Mutianyu), and you can depart directly from the airport.
You need to go to Beijing for business.
In these situations, public transportation requires at least two transfers, and taxis often involve long queues. Chartering a car allows you to leave your luggage in the vehicle and be driven directly to your destination.
Scenario 3: Traveling with children or elderly people
Walking from Beijing Airport to the taxi queue can take 10-15 minutes (especially at Daxing Airport).
If you hire a car, the driver will meet you at the arrivals level entrance, so you don't have to walk far. You can also request a child safety seat in advance (taxis rarely have them, and ride-hailing services are even scarcer). The driver can also help you with your luggage.
Scenario 4: Arriving late at night or early morning (Highly Recommended)
The last subway train from Daxing Airport departs at 11:00 PM, and the Capital Airport Line departs at 10:30 PM.
Airport night bus: The journey from Daxing to Beijing Railway Station takes approximately 90 minutes, and after 1:00 AM, buses may only run once an hour. Standing in an empty outdoor bus stop, in winter it's -5 degrees Celsius, and in summer it's sweltering… why bother?
Taxi waiting: It's difficult to get a taxi late at night in Terminal 3; wait 20-30 minutes.
Benefits of hiring a car: After you exit immigration, collect your luggage, and walk to the arrival hall, the driver will already be waiting for you at the exit. They'll help you with your luggage, get you into the car, and take you directly to your hotel. From landing to lying in bed, you save at least an hour and a lot of energy. You'll have the energy to visit attractions the next day.
The most recommended option for chartering a car is from Daxing Airport, which is quite far from the city center. If you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and have enough time, you can choose public transportation.
When do you absolutely not need a chartered car?
You're traveling alone with only a backpack, arriving during the day.
Your hotel is within 200 meters of a subway station exit (e.g., Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, Caoqiao).
You're familiar with Chinese apps (Alipay/Didi/Gaode Maps) and have roaming data on your phone.
Your flight lands between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, while the subway is still running.
You only have carry-on luggage and don't want to spend more than 100 yuan.
In these situations, subway + walking or subway + short-distance taxi rides are the most cost-effective combinations.
For example: Daxing Airport → Caoqiao (35 minutes, 35 yuan) → transfer to Line 10 to Guomao (20 minutes, 4 yuan), total cost 39 yuan, travel time approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This saves 300 yuan compared to chartering a car.
If you decide to hire a car, these 7 things must be confirmed in advance.
When booking a chartered car online (whether through a platform or a travel agency), don't just look at the price. Be sure to ask:
Is it a fixed price (all-inclusive)?
Does it include highway tolls and parking fees? If so, write it in your order. Some low-priced quotes don't include highway tolls (Daxing Airport Expressway is 20 RMB one way), and you'll have to pay them after you get in the car.
How long is the free waiting time?
International flights are frequently delayed. The standard service is a free waiting time of 60-90 minutes after the flight lands. If the flight is delayed by 2 hours, some companies will charge an "overtime fee" (approximately 50-80 RMB/hour). It's recommended to choose the "free waiting time for flight delays" service.
Are there any surcharges for nighttime services?
Some companies charge an extra 50-100 RMB for airport pick-ups between 10 PM and 6 AM. Ask clearly.
Does the driver speak English?
The vast majority of Chinese drivers do not speak English. However, reliable car rental companies will provide Chinese and English customer service. If you can't find a driver, you can contact your customer service representative for assistance.
Where will they pick you up?
Is Daxing Airport's international arrivals at Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2)? Beijing Capital International Airport's T3 is for international arrivals. When booking, tell them your flight number and terminal; they will give you the specific exit number (e.g., "Daxing T1 – Gate 2").
Vehicle Type and Luggage Capacity
5-seater sedan: Maximum 4 people. Luggage recommendation: 2 x 24-inch suitcases + 2 x carry-on suitcases. If you have 3 x 28-inch suitcases, you must book a 7-seater vehicle, otherwise it won't fit.
Cancellation Policy
If your flight is canceled or you reschedule, cancellations made 24 hours in advance are usually free. Some platforms offer a 50% refund even if cancellation is made 2 hours in advance. Make sure to ask clearly.
What is the typical itinerary for a one-day private car hire?
Arrival at the airport
Disembark, go through immigration, and collect your luggage.
Take out your phone (it's recommended to buy an eSIM or activate international roaming beforehand).
Check WeChat/SMS/WhatsApp: The driver will send you a message saying "I'm at Exit X, what I'm wearing, and what's my license plate number."
Walk to the arrivals area and find the license plate number.
The driver will help you with your luggage and take you to the parking lot (usually near the exit, not a long walk).
Get in the car, and the driver will confirm your hotel address.
Arrive at the hotel, and the driver will help you unload your luggage. Done.
Airport drop-off (to the airport)
Confirm your departure time with the driver one day in advance (for international flights, it's recommended to depart from the city center at least 4 hours prior, as Daxing Airport is further away).
The driver will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby entrance 10 minutes before departure.
Get in the car; the journey will take you directly to the airport departure level.
After getting out of the car, proceed directly to check-in.
Chartering a car won't help you check in or carry your luggage into the terminal—that's the airport baggage handler's job. But the driver will usually stop on the sidewalk at the departure level and help you unload your luggage.
Welcome to your Beijing trip!
If you are interested in attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing, we recommend the following one-day private car tours:
Beijing Great Wall Tour & Forbidden City by Car
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a private airport transfer in Beijing?
Not always. If you land at Beijing Capital Airport and are staying in central districts like Dongcheng or Chaoyang, the subway or a taxi is often enough. A private transfer becomes more useful when you arrive late, have a lot of luggage, or land at Daxing, which is much farther from the city.
What is the difference between Beijing Capital Airport and Daxing Airport for getting to the city?
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is about 25 to 30 km from central Beijing, while Daxing (PKX) is roughly 46 to 55 km away, and actual driving distance can exceed 60 km. PEK is generally easier for city hotels, while Daxing often adds more travel time even though its airport train is fast.
How long does it take to get from Beijing Capital Airport to downtown?
A taxi from PEK to Dongzhimen usually takes about 30 to 50 minutes without heavy traffic. The Capital Airport Line runs roughly from 6:00 to 22:30 and connects to Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao for onward subway transfers.
How long does it take to get from Beijing Daxing Airport to central Beijing?
A taxi from Daxing to the city center usually takes around 50 to 80 minutes without traffic. The Daxing Airport Line reaches Caoqiao in about 35 minutes, but Caoqiao is still another 20 to 30 minutes from many central areas.
When is booking a car from Beijing airport worth it?
Booking a car is usually worth it if you arrive after subway hours, are unfamiliar with Chinese payment apps, or want to avoid complicated transfers after a long flight. It can also save significant stress at Daxing, where the airport is much farther from most tourist districts.
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