Beijing Airport Taxi
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to downtown Beijing, especially if you are carrying luggage or arriving late at night. Official airport taxis operate 24 hours a day, and the journey to the city centre typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
During off-peak hours the trip can be slightly faster, but Beijing is known for heavy traffic during rush hours. Expect longer travel times between 07:00–09:00 AM and 05:00–08:00 PM, when congestion in the city is at its highest.
If you arrive during rush hour, the Airport Express train may sometimes be faster than a taxi.
Taxi ranks location
Official taxi ranks are clearly signposted outside the arrivals areas of each terminal.
Terminal 1
- Outside Gate 1 on Floor 1
Terminal 2
- Outside Gates 5 to 9 on Floor 1
Terminal 3
- Outside the Arrivals Hall on Basement Level 1 (B1)
Passengers simply need to follow the “Taxi” signs inside the terminal to reach the designated taxi queue areas.
Always take a taxi from the official taxi queue, where staff help organize passengers and vehicles.
Taxi companies and contact
Airport taxis are operated by several licensed Beijing taxi companies. If needed, you can request a taxi through the airport service line:
Taxi service phone: +86 (010) 64541100
Service hours: 24 hours a day
Drivers normally use metered fares, which means the final cost depends on distance and travel time.
It is helpful to have your destination written in Chinese or saved on your phone, as not all drivers speak English.
Taxi fares from PEK Airport
The average taxi fare from Beijing Capital Airport to downtown Beijing is approximately:
RMB 100 – 120
However, prices may vary depending on traffic, route and time of day.
Estimated fares to popular destinations
| Destination | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|
| Forbidden City / Tiananmen Square | RMB 110 – 130 |
| Wangfujing Street | RMB 95 – 115 |
| Beijing Railway Station | RMB 100 – 115 |
| Badaling Great Wall | RMB 270 – 290 |
| Mutianyu Great Wall | RMB 235 – 250 |
Night travel between 11:00 PM and 05:00 AM includes a 20% surcharge per kilometre, which increases the final fare.
Prices are approximate and may change.
Keep small cash or use mobile payment apps (Alipay or WeChat Pay), which are commonly accepted in Beijing taxis.
Ride-hailing services
Passengers can also use ride-hailing apps such as DiDi, the most popular transportation platform in China. After downloading the app, travelers can request a car directly from the airport.
Ride-hailing services often offer:
- Multiple vehicle categories
- English-language interface
- Digital payment options
DiDi usually shows the price estimate before confirming the ride, which can help avoid surprises.
Private airport transfers
For travelers who prefer a more comfortable or pre-arranged option, several companies provide private airport transfer services from PEK Airport.
Advantages include:
- Fixed prices
- Professional drivers
- Meet-and-greet service inside the terminal
- Larger vehicles for groups or families
You can book your airport transfer in advance, which is especially useful for late-night arrivals or first-time visitors to Beijing.
Private transfers are often the most convenient option for families or groups, as the cost per person can be similar to a taxi.