Start with the terminal number
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has several terminals. Before following the crowd, check which one you are in and read the transport signs from there. Terminals 2 and 3 have Airport Express stations; Terminal 1 passengers should follow the airport's current signs to the correct transport area. The airport is large enough that a route search without the terminal number can send you to the wrong place.
English signs are extensive. Follow "Airport Express", "Taxi" or "Airport Bus" rather than anyone offering a ride inside arrivals.
First choice: the Capital Airport Express
The Capital Airport Express links Terminal 3, Terminal 2, Sanyuanqiao (三元桥), Dongzhimen (东直门) and Beixinqiao (北新桥). It avoids road traffic and gives you a far more reliable arrival time. Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao work well for hotels around the inner city, Wangfujing, the Drum Tower and Yonghegong. Sanyuanqiao is often the useful interchange for Wangjing or the CBD.
Airport Express fares are separate from ordinary subway fares. At the gates, use a supported contactless bank card, a Beijing transit card, an Alipay transit code, or a ticket bought from a machine or counter. If you tap in with a physical card, tap out with that same card. Switching to the version in your phone wallet can be treated as a different payment method.
Dongzhimen involves a fair amount of walking. Reaching the station is not the same as reaching your hotel, especially with a suitcase. Leave time for the interchange, the exit and the final walk at street level.
There is no single best transfer for every arrival. Check the time, the luggage and the distance from your hotel to its nearest subway exit.
Airport bus, taxi or ride-hailing
An airport bus can save a difficult subway transfer when your hotel is close to one of its stops. Routes and timetables change with demand, so check the airport website, mini program or the ticket desk after landing. An old blog post is not proof that a route still runs.
For a taxi, follow the terminal signs to the official rank and join the queue. Ride-hailing cars use assigned pickup areas; the terminal, floor and parking-zone number all matter. Both options suit groups, heavy luggage and arrivals after the rail service has stopped, but road traffic can make the journey slow. Save the hotel's Chinese name and full Chinese address on your phone. An English hotel name alone often wastes time.
Before you land
- Save a screenshot of the hotel's Chinese name, address and phone number.
- Carry a contactless international bank card and a little RMB as a backup.
- For a late arrival, check the last airport bus before joining the taxi or ride-hailing queue.
- Ignore unofficial car offers in the arrivals hall and use the airport's signed transport areas.
Check current ground transport on the Capital Airport website.
