Beijing Airport Car Rental
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Renting a car at Beijing Capital International Airport can be a convenient option for travelers who want to explore Beijing and its surrounding regions at their own pace. While the city has excellent public transport, a rental car offers more flexibility for visiting attractions outside the city centre, such as the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace or the Ming Tombs. Many travelers also choose car rentals for business trips or family travel where comfort and flexibility are important.
Car rental companies at PEK Airport
Several international and local rental companies operate at Beijing Capital Airport. The most commonly available providers include:
- Hertz
- Avis
- Europcar
- Ehi Car Services
- keddy by Europcar
Hertz and Avis are among the most widely used companies at the airport and offer a variety of vehicles ranging from compact cars to SUVs.
International travelers often prefer Hertz or Avis because they provide English-language service and familiar rental procedures.
Location of rental offices
Car rental counters are typically located in the arrivals halls of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, close to the baggage claim areas. After collecting your luggage, you can proceed directly to the rental desks to complete the paperwork and collect your vehicle.
Some rental companies may also have parking areas or pick-up points in nearby airport parking garages, where the vehicles are stored.
Average rental prices
Prices vary depending on the vehicle type, rental duration and season. However, the approximate costs are:
- Economy or compact cars: around 200–350 CNY per day (≈30–50 USD)
- Mid-size cars: around 280–400 CNY per day
- Premium or luxury cars: 400–600 CNY per day or more
- Some booking sites report rental deals starting from about $50 per day, depending on availability and promotions.
Booking your car several weeks in advance usually helps secure lower prices.
Most commonly rented vehicles
The most popular rental vehicles in Beijing are compact or economy cars, mainly because they are easier to drive in busy urban traffic and cheaper to rent.
Common vehicle categories include:
- Compact cars (Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Lavida)
- Sedans for business travel
- SUVs for family trips
- Minivans for larger groups
- Electric vehicles (increasingly popular in China)
Popular destinations by rental car
Having a car allows travelers to visit many attractions around Beijing that are harder to reach by public transport.
Popular driving destinations include:
- Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling) – about 1–1.5 hours
- Summer Palace – about 50 minutes
- Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City – about 40–60 minutes
- Ming Tombs – around 1 hour
- Chengde Mountain Resort – around 3–4 hours
Traffic in central Beijing can be heavy, especially during rush hours between 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.
Car rental insurance options
Most rental agreements include basic insurance, but travelers can choose additional coverage for extra protection.
Common insurance types include:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident. Usually includes a deductible (excess).
Theft Protection
Protects the renter if the vehicle is stolen.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Covers damage or injuries caused to other vehicles or people.
Full Coverage / Zero Excess Insurance
Optional upgrade that reduces or eliminates the deductible in case of damage.
Many booking platforms include basic insurance automatically, with the option to add extended coverage during the reservation process.
Always check the excess amount in the insurance policy before booking.
Requirements to rent a car in Beijing
To rent a car at Beijing Capital Airport you usually need:
- A valid driver’s license
- A temporary Chinese driving permit (required for foreigners)
- A passport
- A credit card or payment method for the deposit
Some companies may also require a minimum driver age of around 21–25 years.
Final tips for renting a car at PEK
- Book your car online before arrival to save time at the airport.
- Choose smaller vehicles if you plan to drive in central Beijing.
- Consider using a GPS or navigation app due to complex road systems.
- Be aware that many highways around Beijing are toll roads.
Renting a car at Beijing Capital Airport can be an excellent option for travelers who want to explore Beijing and nearby attractions independently, especially outside the city centre where public transport options are more limited.