Beijing Daxing (PKX) sits about 46 km south of the city, but getting into the centre is quick and cheap — the Daxing Airport Express reaches the metro network in about 19 minutes for ¥35. There are four sensible ways into town: the Airport Express train, an intercity high-speed train to Beijing West, a taxi or Didi, and the airport buses. This guide compares them on time, cost and convenience so you can pick the right one for your luggage, your budget and the hour you land.
The fastest, cheapest option: the Daxing Airport Express
The Daxing Airport Express (the dedicated metro line from the airport) runs to Caoqiao station in about 19 minutes for ¥35. At Caoqiao you transfer to Beijing’s main metro network — Line 10 and Line 19 — to finish your journey, so total door-to-door time to most central areas is around an hour to ninety minutes. Trains run roughly from early morning until about 22:30, so check the last departure if you land late.
It’s the option most visitors should default to: frequent, predictable, unaffected by traffic, and by far the best value. Pay with a transit QR code in Alipay or WeChat Pay, or buy a single-journey ticket at the machines.
Heading to Beijing West? Take the intercity train
Less well known: an intercity high-speed train links Daxing Airport directly to Beijing West Railway Station in roughly 20 to 30 minutes for around ¥30. If your hotel or onward train is near Beijing West, this beats everything else — but for most other destinations the Airport Express drops you closer to the metro you actually need.
Taxi or Didi: door-to-door, at a price
Taxis wait at the terminal 24/7. Expect roughly 60–90 minutes to central Beijing and a fare in the region of ¥150–220, more in heavy traffic. Didi (China’s rideshare app) works the same way and is often a little cheaper; you’ll need the app set up and a payment method linked before you land. A taxi makes most sense late at night when the train has stopped, when you have heavy luggage, or when you’re travelling as a group and can split the cost.
Airport buses
Several airport bus lines connect Daxing to different parts of the city for about ¥40, generally running from the morning until late evening. Buses are a fair pick if a line goes near your destination and you’d rather avoid metro transfers, but they are the slowest option in traffic — budget 60 to 90 minutes or more.
At a glance: getting from PKX into Beijing
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daxing Airport Express | ~19 min to Caoqiao + metro | ¥35 (+ metro) | Most trips — fastest, cheapest, traffic-free |
| Intercity train to Beijing West | ~20–30 min | ~¥30 | If you’re heading to/near Beijing West |
| Taxi / Didi | ~60–90 min | ~¥150–220 | Late nights, heavy bags, groups |
| Airport bus | ~60–90 min | ~¥40 | Direct to certain districts, no transfers |
Quick tips before you go
- Set up mobile pay first. Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes cover the train, metro, taxis and buses; foreign cards can now be linked.
- Landing late? Check the Airport Express last train before you assume it’s running — after it stops, a taxi or Didi is your route in.
- On a layover? Make sure you have the time and the right entry status before you leave the airport — see whether it’s worth leaving Daxing during your layover and whether you qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit.
- Prefer to drive? It’s harder than it looks for visitors — see our guide to car hire at PKX before you count on it.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way from Daxing to central Beijing?
How long does the Daxing Airport Express take?
How much is a taxi from Daxing to the city?
Does the airport train run late at night?
Sources
- Daxing Airport transfers and Airport Express (China Discovery)
- Daxing transport, fares and bus lines (East China Trip)
Fares and times verified in June 2026; transit schedules change, so confirm against official sources before you travel. This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the airport.
