Beijing Capital Airport sits about 32 km northeast of the city centre. Transport costs vary significantly depending on your method and the time of day. Here is what to realistically expect.
By transport type
Airport Express (subway): CNY 25 per person. This is the cheapest option for individuals and connects to the wider Beijing Metro at Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao. Runs approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
Airport bus: CNY 20-30 depending on the route. Multiple lines serve different areas of Beijing. Slow but inexpensive.
Taxi: CNY 100-160 to central districts (Dongcheng, Chaoyang, Xicheng, Xuanwu), plus a CNY 10-15 airport expressway toll. After 11 PM, fares increase by roughly 20 percent. Traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) can push fares toward the higher end.
Pre-booked transfer: CNY 300-500 for a sedan to central Beijing. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price is fixed regardless of traffic.
By destination
| Destination | Taxi (approx.) | Transfer (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dongcheng (Forbidden City area) | CNY 110-150 | CNY 300-450 |
| Chaoyang (CBD, Sanlitun) | CNY 100-130 | CNY 280-400 |
| Xicheng (financial district) | CNY 120-160 | CNY 320-480 |
| Haidian (universities, tech) | CNY 140-200 | CNY 350-500 |
| Wangfujing | CNY 110-140 | CNY 300-430 |
| Great Wall (Badaling) | CNY 400-550 | CNY 700-1000 |
Hidden costs to consider
- Airport expressway toll: CNY 10-15, added to every taxi fare. Some transfer services include this in the quoted price.
- Late-night surcharge: Taxi meters increase after 11 PM. Budget an extra 20 percent.
- Traffic factor: A taxi fare that is CNY 100 at midnight could be CNY 160 in morning rush hour. The meter runs on both time and distance.
- Language confusion: If a taxi driver misunderstands your destination, the detour costs you money on the meter. Having your address in Chinese reduces this risk.
Tips for managing costs
- The Airport Express at CNY 25 is by far the cheapest option, but it only takes you to Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao. Factor in the cost and time of connecting via the Beijing Metro to your final destination.
- For groups of 3-4 people, a taxi or transfer becomes more cost-effective per person than individual Airport Express tickets plus onward metro fares.
- If you are heading to a hotel near the 2nd or 3rd Ring Road, taxi fares are at the lower end of the range. Destinations near the 4th or 5th Ring Road cost more.
- Cash in CNY is the most reliable payment for taxis. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall. International credit cards are not always accepted.