Beijing Daxing Airport handles a growing number of international flights, some of which arrive late in the evening or early morning. If your plane lands between 10 PM and 5 AM, here is what you need to know.
The terminal after hours
Daxing is a newer airport and the terminal building is modern and well maintained. It stays open around the clock for arriving passengers. Immigration and customs process all incoming flights regardless of the hour, and late-night queues tend to be faster since fewer flights land simultaneously.
The downside is that nearly everything closes after 10 PM. The shops, restaurants, and convenience outlets in the arrivals area shut down. Vending machines are available. If you are hungry after a long flight, plan accordingly.
The airport Wi-Fi may require a Chinese phone number for registration. Without a local SIM card, internet access is unreliable. Save maps and hotel details to your phone before departure.
Transport after the metro closes
The Daxing Airport Express stops running around 10:30 PM. After that, the metro is not an option.
Taxis operate around the clock from the ground transport level beneath the terminal. The journey into central Beijing at night takes about 45-55 minutes because traffic is light. During the day, the same trip can take 90 minutes or more. The fare to central areas runs CNY 180-270 with the late-night surcharge (roughly 20 percent more than daytime rates), plus tolls.
Pre-booked transfers are the most predictable option. Your driver monitors your flight and waits for you, regardless of delays. Given that Daxing is further from the city centre than Capital Airport, having someone already committed to driving you in eliminates the worry of finding transport at an unfamiliar airport after midnight.
Airport buses are effectively unavailable after 11 PM.
Practical tips
- Withdraw cash from the ATMs in the arrivals hall. Taxi card acceptance is improving but not universal.
- The road into Beijing at night is fast and quiet. The expressway from Daxing is well maintained and the trip is smooth.
- If you prefer not to travel into the city at night, there are nearby hotels with shuttle services. These are a reasonable option if you have an early commitment the next day.
- Avoid anyone approaching you in the terminal offering rides. Use only the official taxi rank below the terminal or your pre-booked transfer.
Safety
Daxing Airport is safe at all hours. Security presence is visible and the area is well lit. The surrounding area is still being developed and there is nothing within walking distance of the terminal. All transport departs from designated areas below the building.