Getting Around
The subway is a great way to get around in Beijing, though it can be very crowded at peak hours. The subway shuts down at midnight and starts again at 5am. Travellers can buy a prepaid card (Smart Card) for travel on subways and buses. The fare is the same for the subway, but reduced for buses. Most buses operate from 5am to 11pm, but buses can be slow.
Driving in Beijing is a complicated and sometimes frightening process, with few English signs and non-stop traffic jams. Taxis are plentiful, but visitors should be sure to have their destination written in Mandarin, as few taxi drivers speak English. The ride-hailing app, Didi Chuxing, is also an option.
Cycling is a good alternative as there are numerous bicycle rentals around the city, and well-defined bike lanes, bike parks and the company of millions of other cyclists, especially at rush hour. It may look intimidating, but can be the best way to get around for the more adventurous traveller. Over 40,000 bicycles are available to be rented at outlets close to subway stations, commercial districts, hotels, and office buildings.
Airports
Beijing International
The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) northeast of Beijing.
Beijing International (PEK)
Location
The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) northeast of Beijing.Getting to the city
Beijing Airport is serviced by the Airport Express Line, a rail link that runs form Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 and then to the city with stops at Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. The trains run every 15 minutes from 6am to 11pm. Shuttle buses run regularly (about every 45 minutes) to the city centre, Beijing Railway Station and major hotels. Metered taxis are also available, but it is recommended that passengers have their destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion.
Time
Local time is GMT +8.Car rental
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are metered and tips are not expected. Any road tolls and bridge tolls will be expected to be paid for by the passenger. Avoid taxi drivers that approach customers and instead wait in the taxi line and insist on using the meter.
Transfer between terminals
A shuttle bus service runs between the terminals.
Facilities
There are several bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs, telephones, tourist information, numerous shops and duty free shopping, and a business centre. A food corridor provides a range of eating and drinking options, while an entertainment centre offers everything from films to Chinese massage.
Parking
There are 4 parking garages, which are connected to the terminal buildings by means of an underground walkway. There is also an airport subway linking the parking garage to the terminals. Parking costs RMB 2.5 per 15 minutes, is free for the first 30 minutes, and RMB 5 for every subsequent 30 minutes. The maximum daily charge is RMB 80 for the first day.
Beijing Daxing
The airport is 29 miles (46km) south of Tiananmen Square.
Beijing Daxing (PKX)
Location
The airport is 29 miles (46km) south of Tiananmen Square.Getting to the city
There are four transportation options from the airport to the centre of Beijing, including taxi, bus, train, and subway. Taxis take around 80 minutes costing around RMB 220 while buses take 90 minutes at a cost of RMB 40. Trains take 20 minutes and cost RMB 30 and the subway costs RMB 35, taking around 20 minutes.
Time
Local time is GMT +8.Car rental
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available from the airport. A trip to the city centre costs around RMB 220.
Facilities
There are banks, currency exchanges, airport hotels, a children's play area, lounges, lost and found services, phone charging ports, parking facilities, special needs facilities, a yoga room, Chinese gardens, luggage services, and medical rooms.
Parking
There are two parking buildings at the airport, as well as parking spaces outside the terminal. There are 52 charging stations for electric cars.