Hi there! I’m Dalia Xu, a 30-year-old female travel enthusiast with over a decade of globetrotting experience. Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), designed to cover all your transportation needs. Whether you’re seeking the fastest route, budget-friendly options, intra-city commutes, or intercity connections, this guide packs detailed operation steps and insider tips to help you find the perfect match for your travel plans.
Airport Basic Information Overview
- Airport Code: PKX
- Location: Daxing District, Beijing (south of downtown, adjacent to Langfang, Hebei)
- Core Distance: Approximately 46 km from Tiananmen Square, 60-90 minutes by car
- Terminal Distribution:
- Main Terminal (M): Core hub for check-in, security, arrival/departure; connects to all concourses
- Concourse A/B/C/D/E: Concourse C/D/E serve international flights, A/B serve domestic flights; linked to Main Terminal via shuttle trains/walkways
- Intercity Railway Station: Located underground Main Terminal, integrated with airport transportation hub
Comparative Analysis of 5 Intra-City Travel Options
| Travel Option | One-Way Travel Time | Price Range | Target Audience | Core Advantages | Notes |
| Daxing Airport Express Line | 20-30 mins (to Caojiayuan) | $4.95 – $5.66 | Time-sensitive travelers, business travelers | Fastest to downtown, high comfort | Limited stations, connects to metro Line 10/19 |
| Metro Daxing Airport Line | 30-50 mins (with transfer) | $4.95 – $5.66 | Budget-conscious travelers | Low cost, links to urban metro network | Fixed fare, single line, transfer needed |
| Taxi | 60-90 mins (subject to traffic) | $21.19 – $29.67 | Travelers with large luggage, groups | 24/7 door-to-door service, no transfers | Prone to rush-hour congestion, night surcharge |
| Ride-Hailing Services | 60-90 mins (subject to traffic) | $16.95 – $25.44 | Travelers preferring online booking | Transparent pricing, selectable car models | Need to go to designated pickup areas |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 80-120 mins (by route) | $4.24 – $6.35 | Travelers to specific districts/cities | Wide coverage, inter-city reach | Long travel time, affected by road traffic |
Option 1: Daxing Airport Express Line (Fastest to Downtown)
As Beijing’s premium airport rapid transit line, it runs between Daxing Airport and urban core with minimal stops, top speed 160 km/h—ideal for time-pressed travelers.
Core Information
- Route: Daxing Airport Station → Caoqiao Station → Liangxiang Station (suburban extension)
- Station Location: Underground Main Terminal B1 floor, follow “Airport Express” signs; connected to concourses via internal walkways
- Operating Hours: Departs airport 06:00-23:30; Departs Caoqiao 05:00-22:30
- Ticketing & Discounts
- Ticketing Channels: Station self-service machines, ticket counters, Alipay/WeChat mini-programs (“Beijing Subway”)
- Price Standard: One-way $4.95 (to Liangxiang), $5.66 (to Caoqiao); no round-trip discount
- Child Policy: Free for children under 1.3m, 50% discount for children 1.3-1.5m
- Departure Interval: 10 mins/shift during peak hours (07:00-09:00, 17:00-19:00), 15-20 mins/shift during off-peak hours
- Transfer Guide
- At Caoqiao Station: Transfer to Metro Line 10 (to Tiananmen, Wangfujing) or Line 19 (to Beijing South Railway Station)
- At Liangxiang Station: Transfer to Metro Line 房山 Line for suburban Daxing/Fangshan districts
Option 2: Metro Daxing Airport Line (Most Cost-Effective)
Dedicated metro line connecting Daxing Airport to urban areas, with low fixed fare and stable operation—suitable for budget travelers.
- Riding Instructions
- Route: Same as Express Line (Daxing Airport → Caoqiao → Liangxiang), shares tracks with slight speed difference
- Station Location: Same as Express Line (Main Terminal B1 floor); no extra transfer between express/metro versions
- Operating Hours: Consistent with Express Line (06:00-23:30 from airport, 05:00-22:30 from Caoqiao)
- Key Feature: Lower speed than express, same route/ticketing, cost-saving for non-rush travel
- Fare & Travel Time Reference
| Destination | One-Way Fare | Estimated Travel Time |
| Caoqiao Station | $5.66 | 20 mins |
| Tiananmen Square (via Line 10 transfer) | $5.66 | 45 mins |
| Beijing South Railway Station (via Line 19 transfer) | $5.66 | 35 mins |
| Liangxiang Station | $4.95 | 30 mins |
Option 3: Taxi (Door-to-Door Convenience)
24-hour operation with no transfers, suitable for travelers with elderly, children, or heavy luggage, ensuring direct and comfortable travel.
- Waiting & Pricing
- Waiting Points: Main Terminal Arrival Hall Exit 4/5; Concourse A/B/C/D/E: Take shuttle to Main Terminal first
- Pricing Standard:
- Daytime (05:00-23:00): Starting fare $2.83 (within 3 km), $0.42/km for 3-15 km, $0.63/km for over 15 km
- Nighttime (23:00-05:00): Starting fare $3.68, 20% surcharge on subsequent kilometers
- Additional Fees: $2.12 airport expressway toll (one-way), $0.28/min waiting fee (speed < 12 km/h or stopped)
- Fare Reference for Popular Destinations
| Destination | Daytime Fare Range | Nighttime Fare Range | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
| Tiananmen Square | $21.19 – $25.44 | $25.43 – $29.67 | 60 mins |
| Beijing South Railway Station | $17.66 – $21.90 | $21.19 – $25.43 | 45 mins |
| Wangfujing | $22.62 – $26.87 | $26.86 – $31.11 | 65 mins |
| Capital Airport (PEK) | $32.54 – $40.35 | $38.45 – $46.26 | 80 mins |
Option 4: Ride-Hailing Services (Flexible and Controllable)
Online booking with clear price estimates, supports economy/business car selection, avoids on-site queuing—flexible for diverse needs.
- Recommended Platforms
- DiDi Chuxing, Amap Dache, Alipay Dache (English interface available)
- Pickup Points
- Main Terminal: P2 Parking Lot Ride-Hailing Dedicated Area (ground floor)
- Concourses: Take internal shuttle to Main Terminal P2 Area, follow app navigation
- Practical Tips
- Book 30 mins in advance, select “Airport Pickup” and bind flight number for delay sync
- Rush hours (07:00-09:00, 17:00-19:00) may have surge pricing; avoid airport expressway during peaks
- Price Reference
| Destination | Fare Range | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
| Tiananmen Square | $16.95 – $21.19 | 60 mins |
| Beijing South Railway Station | $14.13 – $17.66 | 45 mins |
| Wangfujing | $18.38 – $22.62 | 65 mins |
| Capital Airport (PEK) | $26.87 – $34.78 | 80 mins |
Option 5: Airport Shuttle Bus (Economical with Wide Coverage)
Covers Beijing downtown, suburban districts, and nearby cities (Langfang, Tianjin), sufficient luggage space—cost-effective for long-distance travel.
- Key Route Information
| Route Number | Terminus | Departure Time (Main Terminal) | One-Way Fare | Passing Stations |
| Line 1 | Beijing Railway Station | 06:00-22:30 | $5.66 | Xidan, Tiananmen East, Dongdan |
| Line 2 | Haidian District | 06:30-22:00 | $6.35 | Zhongguancun, Wudaokou |
| Line 3 | Langfang (Hebei) | 07:00-21:30 | $4.24 | Daxing New Town, Langfang Railway Station |
| Line 5 | Tianjin Railway Station | 08:00-20:00 | $14.13 | Wuqing, Tianjin South Railway Station |
- Night Shuttle Service
- Operating Hours: After 22:30 until 45 minutes after the last flight lands
- Main Routes: Airport → Beijing Railway Station, Airport → Xidan
- Frequency: Departs every 60 minutes, fare same as daytime ($5.66)
Inter-Airport/Railway Station Transportation Guide
- Daxing Airport ↔ Capital Airport (PEK)
- Best Option: Taxi/Ride-Hailing ($32.54 – $40.35, 70-90 mins direct)
- Economical Option: Metro Daxing Line + Line 10 + Airport Line ($10.59, 2.5 hours)
- Alternative: Airport Shuttle Bus Inter-Airport Line ($10.59, 1.5 hours, 07:00-20:00)
- Daxing Airport ↔ Beijing South Railway Station
- Recommended: Metro Daxing Airport Line + Line 19 ($5.66, 35 mins) or Ride-Hailing ($14.13 – $17.66, 45 mins)
- Daxing Airport ↔ Beijing Railway Station
- Recommended: Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 ($5.66, 80 mins direct) or Taxi ($21.19 – $25.43, 65 mins)
Terminal Transfer & Airport Practical Services
- Terminal/Concourse Transfer
- Free Shuttle Train: Runs between Main Terminal and Concourse D/E, 2 mins ride, 5 mins interval, 24/7 operation
- Walking: Main Terminal ↔ Concourse A/B/C (5-10 mins); Main Terminal ↔ D/E (shuttle train recommended, 15+ mins on foot)
- Airport Practical Services
- Wi-Fi Connection: Search for “PKX-Free-WiFi”, log in via mobile verification code or passport (free, unlimited)
- Luggage Storage: Main Terminal Arrival Hall B1 floor, charged by size/time: $0.71-$1.41/item/4hrs, $2.83-$4.24/item/day
- Charging Facilities: Free charging stations in departure/arrival halls; wireless charging in waiting lounges
- Service Hotline: 010-96158 (multilingual consultation and assistance)
Popular Destinations Traffic Congestion Tips
- Core Congestion Periods (Daily)
- Morning Peak: 07:30-10:00 (airport to downtown, expressway heavy)
- Evening Peak: 16:30-19:30 (downtown to airport, return commute busy)
- Special Congestion: Holidays/weekends (09:00-11:00, 14:00-16:00, tourist flow surge)
- Destination-Specific Congestion Details
- Tiananmen/Wangfujing: 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:30 (tourist peak); East/West Chang’an Ave congested at rush hour
- Beijing South Railway Station: 07:30-10:30, 15:00-18:30 (high-speed rail peak); surrounding roads queue easily
- Daxing Airport Expressway: 07:30-09:30, 17:00-19:30 (one-way heavy); choose metro to bypass
- Inter-Airport Route: 08:00-10:00, 16:00-18:00 (congested); avoid these slots for cross-airport transfers
- Avoidance Suggestions
- Rush-hour travel: Prioritize Daxing Airport Express Line to skip road congestion
- Railway station transfers: Arrive 1.5 hours early if taking road transport; metro is more stable
- Holiday travel: Book rides 1 hour in advance, or take shuttle bus to avoid surge pricing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Early morning arrival, what transport is available besides taxis?
A: Wait for first metro/express (06:00) in terminal lounge, or take night shuttle bus (until last flight)
Q: Traveling with stroller/wheelchair, which transport is best?
A: Taxis, rideshares, or shuttle buses (barrier-free); metro has elevators but transfer may need help
Q: Missed last metro/express, how to get downtown?
A: Take night shuttle bus, taxi/rideshare, or consult service desk for real-time night routes
Q: Can I book shuttle bus tickets in advance?
A: On-site purchase (cash/QR code) available; long-distance routes book via “Beijing Airport Group” WeChat
Dalia Xu
Dalia Xu is a 30-year-old female seasoned travel enthusiast
with over a decade of travel experience,
she has a passion for natural landscapes and hotel reviews.