How to Get Around Beijing: Metro, Airports & Taxis
The short answer: take the metro — it’s cheap, fast, and English-signed. Pay with Alipay’s transport QR code or an NFC transit card. For airport runs, the express train beats taxis; if you do take a car, use Didi for transparent pricing.
The Metro: Your Best Friend
Beijing’s metro is one of the world’s largest — 20+ lines covering every major sight. It’s cheap, fast, and English-signed.
- Lines you’ll use most: Line 1 (Forbidden City, Wangfujing), Line 2 (loop line — Qianmen, Yonghegong), Line 4 (Summer Palace, Zhongguancun), Line 8 (Olympic Park — Bird’s Nest, Water Cube).
- Payment: Scan Alipay’s or WeChat Pay’s transport QR code at the gates — no ticket needed. Or use a transit card (公交地铁一卡通): one card works on buses and metro, and phone NFC can also be used.
- Fares: ¥3–9 per ride, depending on distance.
- Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — packed. Avoid if you can.
Airports: Don’t Book the Wrong One
Beijing has two airports — and they’re on opposite sides of the city.
- Capital Airport (PEK): Close to the city — 25 minutes on the airport express train to Dongzhimen. Most international flights land here.
- Daxing Airport (PKX): Far south, over an hour from the city center. Check your arrival airport before booking a hotel!
- Airport express: From Capital, about ¥25 to Dongzhimen. From Daxing, take the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao then transfer to the metro.
Taxis & Didi
- Taxis: Metered and reasonable for short trips. Airport runs cost ¥100–150.
- Didi (滴滴): The ride-hailing app shows the fare upfront — more transparent than a taxi, especially for airport transfers. Set your pickup point carefully.
- Tip: In rush hour, the metro is almost always faster than a car.
Buses & Bikes
- Buses: Cheap (¥1–2) and cover everywhere, but slower and harder to navigate without Chinese. The transit card works here too.
- Shared bikes: Beijing is flat and bike-friendly — a great way to explore hutongs. Scan with Alipay or WeChat.
Common Pitfalls
- Wrong airport: PEK vs PKX — they’re 60+ km apart. Always check which one your flight uses.
- Rush hour: The metro is brutally packed at peak times. Travel off-peak if you can.
- Tiananmen security: Expect passport checks and queues around Tiananmen Square — factor in extra time.
FAQ
Which airport should I fly into? Capital (PEK) — much closer. Daxing (PKX) is far south.
How do I get from Capital Airport to the city? Airport express, ~25 minutes. Taxi/Didi ¥100–150.
How do I pay for the metro? Alipay/WeChat transport QR code, or a transit card (NFC works too).
Are taxis expensive? Short trips are fine; airport runs ¥100–150. Didi is more transparent.
How do I avoid rush hour? Avoid 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM on the metro.
Last updated: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into Beijing?
Capital Airport (PEK) is much closer — 25 minutes on the airport express. Daxing Airport (PKX) is far south and takes over an hour. Check your arrival airport before booking hotels.
How do I get from Capital Airport to the city?
The airport express train takes about 25 minutes to Dongzhimen. A taxi or Didi costs ¥100–150 — Didi is more transparent with upfront pricing.
How do I pay for the Beijing metro?
Scan Alipay's or WeChat Pay's transport QR code at the gates, or use a transit card — the Beijing Municipal Administration card works on buses and metro, and phone NFC can also be used.
Are Beijing taxis expensive?
Taxis are metered and reasonable, but airport runs cost ¥100–150. Didi (ride-hailing) shows the fare upfront and is more transparent — use it for airport transfers.
How do I avoid Beijing's rush hour?
Avoid the metro 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — it's packed. If you must travel then, allow extra time and expect crowds.