Beijing Capital International Airport Transfer Options

Your ultimate guide to airport transport: Get to Beijing city center and major railway stations for connections to top spots in China

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Rosaline Nancy Kargbo
Published: May 8, 2026
Updated: May 29, 2026
Beijing Capital International Airport Transfer Options

Beijing is a captivating blend of iconic landmarks, culinary delights, and ancient history. Many foreign visitors will fly into Beijing Capital International Airport, the much busier of the Chinese capital’s two international airports, which handles more passenger trips than Beijing Daxing International Airport. Deemed China’s no. 1 gateway, it’s no surprise that Capital Airport provides quick and easy connections to Beijing’s vast transport network and high-speed rail services to other parts of the country.

This guide contains everything there is to know about airport transfer options. Discover the many ways you can reach Beijing’s city center and key interchange stations.

Beijing Capital International Airport 

Situated around 21 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of the heart of the city, Beijing Capital International Airport is a vital travel hub linking the Chinese capital to over 50 countries around the world. Three terminal buildings make up the airport complex: the Westwing Satellite Terminal (formerly Terminal 1), Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Passengers flying to/from Beijing Capital International Airport can access a host of facilities, including baggage services, currency exchange, duty-free shopping and dining spots. Terminals 2 and 3 have their own stations on the Capital Airport Express service (2 Hao Hangzhanlou (Terminal 2) and 3 Hao Hangzhanlou (Terminal 3) stations), providing seamless airport transport from the city center.

Beijing Capital International Airport

Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing city center

Beijing’s city center is located in the Dongcheng District, about 21 miles (35 kilometers) from Beijing Capital International Airport. Many reliable airport transport options can take you to downtown Beijing, including the Capital Airport Express on the Beijing Subway, the Airport Bus, and taxi services. Journeys range from 30 to 60 minutes, and the range of transport modes allows you to choose the most suitable for your budget, schedule, and desired comfort level.

Airport Express

If you’re in a rush, the Airport Express zooms from Beijing Capital International Airport to central Beijing in just 20–30 minutes. Services depart from 2 Hao Hangzhanlou (Terminal 2) station, below the terminal building, and terminate at Beixinqiao. The clear, transfer-free journey is a straightforward route into the city - especially for first-time visitors to Beijing. Single Airport Express tickets are about ¥25 (~US$4), and you can pay for physical tickets at the station or use your bank card, the Yitongxing app, or a Beijing Transportation Smart Card to board the train. 

Airport Bus

Another affordable airport transfer service is the Airport Bus, costing around ¥20–30 (~US$3–4.40). Stops are outside each terminal, and you can choose from several routes taking passengers to the Dongcheng District and other key areas in Beijing. Trips to the city center usually take 40–70 minutes, varying according to the service and traffic. 

Taxi 

The most comfortable way to travel is by taxi. Sit back and relax on a trip from Beijing Capital International Airport to the destination of your choice without having to carry luggage around the city’s transport networks. Trips to the Dongcheng District are about 30–50 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares range from ¥100 (~US$14) to ¥180 (~US$27), with peak-hour trips being on the higher end.

Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing South Railway Station 

Beijing South is one of the largest stations in Asia with frequent services on lines like the Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Railway and Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Linking popular destinations such as Suzhou and Qingdao, the rail hub also offers useful facilities from waiting areas to shopping and dining outlets. Beneath the Beijing South railway station building, you’ll find the subway station, which is on lines 4 and 14. Airport transfer methods from Beijing Capital International to Beijing South usually take 1–1.5 hours, satisfying different schedules and budgets. See how a trip on the Airport Express and Beijing Subway compares to taking a taxi to Beijing South station:

Airport Express and Beijing Subway

With a couple of transfers, you can get from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing South station by train. First, hop on the Capital Airport Express at 2 Hao Hangzhanlou (Terminal 2) station to Dongzhimen, then transfer to a Line 2 service to Xuanwumen. Change trains again and take the Line 4 to Beijing South. The entire trip takes just under an hour and a half. Both the stations and transfer points are clearly signposted - the airport station is just below the Terminal 2 building at Beijing Capital International Airport.
With frequent services and cheaper fares (approximately ¥25 (~US$4) for the Airport Express and less than ¥6 (~US$1) for the Subway), this is an ideal airport transport option for keeping costs low. Purchase your tickets using the station machines, or use a contactless bank card, Beijing Transportation Smart Card, or the Yitongxing app.

Taxi

For a speedy airport transfer service to Beijing South station with no transfers, opt for a taxi. The journey ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, meaning it can take half the time of a train journey with minimal traffic. There’s also no need to transfer while carrying your luggage. Follow signs to the taxi stand outside your terminal, and either pay by cash or card at the end of your trip. It will usually cost you around ¥150–250 (~US$21–38).

Top Routes from Beijing South Railway Station

Beijing South – Shanghai Hongqiao
The convenient Shanghai Hongqiao train station offers direct access to the heart of the city and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Trains depart frequently from Beijing South, taking roughly 4.5–6 hours to reach the popular travel hub. From here, you can head downtown by Metro (lines 2, 10, and 17). The surrounding Minhang District is a delightful suburban area with traditional teahouses lining the Puhui River and striking architecture in Qibao Old Town.
Beijing South – Tianjin
The port city of Tianjin is extremely close to the capital, taking just around half an hour to get there from Beijing South station. This coastal destination is rich in history and famous for its intricate European-style architecture along the Five Great Avenues, teahouses, and traditional folk art and crafts. You can also delight in local dishes like the signature Goubuli steamed buns and the savory breakfast crepe jianbing guozi.
Beijing South – Shanghai
Another potential arrival point in the bustling city of Shanghai is Shanghai train station. A gateway to the north of the city center, the station has convenient links to major spots in the downtown area via Metro lines 1, 3, and 4. Explore the Jing’an Sculpture Park, the centuries-old Jing'an Temple, and the extensive collections housed in the Shanghai Natural History Museum. Trains from Beijing South to Shanghai take around 4.5–6 hours.

Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station 

As the nearest station to Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Chaoyang station serves as one of the city’s main rail hubs. It is the primary terminus of the Beijing–Harbin high-speed railway and a corridor to a number of destinations in the northeast, including Shenyang and Harbin. The station is also on the Beijing–Baotou railway and Line 3 of the Beijing Subway. Transferring between services is seamless - handy for an airport transfer towards other parts of the capital as well as north and northeast China. Frequent services run from Capital International Airport to Beijing Chaoyang, taking between 30 and 55 minutes. Choose between the Subway and a taxi depending on your budget and preferences.

Subway

Taking the Subway involves two changes and a bit of walking, but it is the most affordable airport transport method to the railway hub. Passengers can take the Capital Airport Express from 2 Hao Hangzhanlou (Terminal 2) station to Sanyuan Qiao, change for a Line 10 train to Tuanjiehu, then take the Line 3 to Chaoyang railway station. The whole journey takes about 52 minutes, including transfers. One-way tickets on the Capital Airport Express cost about ¥25 (~US$4), and the Subway from Sanyuan Qiao to Chaoyang costs less than ¥5 (~US$0.75). On top of the budget-friendly fares, you can skip traffic jams and potential road works that would cause delays. The multi-stop trip is best suited to those traveling light.

Taxi

A taxi from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Chaoyang station is usually faster.  Both terminals have dedicated taxi stands that are well signposted. You’ll be dropped off directly in front of Chaoyang station. If you’re traveling in a group or with heavy luggage, taxi transfers are a stress-free way to get around. Journeys take around 30–40 minutes but can be longer during rush hour. Fares can range from ¥100 (~US$14) to ¥180 (~US$27), depending on the time of day and traffic.

Top Routes from Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station

Beijing Chaoyang – Harbin West

The perfect winter getaway, Harbin also still very much has a unique Russian feel, especially as you pass Central Street and the adjacent Saint Sophia Cathedral. Don’t miss Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world’s biggest ice sculpture park. Temperatures stay relatively cool in the summer - great for escaping the Beijing heat. Trains from Beijing Chaoyang take about 4.5–6 hours to reach Harbin West station.

Beijing Chaoyang – Chengde South

Chengde is an ideal choice for relaxing short stays and is surrounded by stunning scenery, including the Tibetan-style temples and steam trains running along the valleys. It only takes an hour to travel from Beijing Chaoyang to Chengde South. The station is in the same district as the breathtaking Mountain Resort, filled with an assortment of imperial palaces and gardens in different architectural styles.

Beijing Chaoyang – Dalian North

Lying on the Liaodong Peninsula, Dalian is a magnificent coastal city about 4–5 hours from the capital. High-speed trains from Beijing Chaoyang arrive at Dalian North station. The popular seaside destination offers a laidback urban atmosphere against the backdrop of the picturesque seascape. Enjoy views of dramatic cliffs at Tiger Beach, the thriving street food scene, and riverside bars.

How to Book Train Tickets on Trip.com 

Step 1: Select stations and travel date(s)
  • Type in your departure and arrival stations (e.g., “Beijing South” in the From field and “Shanghai” in the To field).

  • Click a departure date from the calendar. If you’re booking a round trip, choose the return date.

  • For departures more than 15 days away, you’ll have to reserve tickets. We suggest making early reservations for peak-hour trains to skip waitlist placement.
Step 2: Choose train service and seat class
  • Select the best train from the list for your schedule and budget.

  • Pick a seat class for your journey (e.g., 2nd Class, 1st Class, etc.). You can compare the price and facilities to help make your decision.

  • For long-distance trips, amenities in Business or 1st Class offer more comfort.

Step 3: Complete passenger and payment information
  • For each passenger, choose the ID type from the drop-down list and fill in the ID number, ensuring there are no mistakes, then enter your contact information.

  • Select your preferred payment method. Options include credit card, PayPal, etc.

  • An e-ticket confirmation will be sent out once your booking has gone through. You won’t have to print it - simply present your passport or ID to board the train.

Advantages of Booking Train Tickets on Trip.com

Securing rail and airport transfer tickets in a foreign country doesn’t have to be complicated. Trip.com allows you to book train tickets in your currency and, should you need help, support is available 24/7 in your language. Use a single platform to arrange corporate travel or cross-city adventures, and skip the queues when you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and travel around. You won’t even have to print your purchased tickets - just use your ID to board the train. Tickets bought also earn you Trip Coins, which you can use towards future journeys. Book your China train tickets on Trip.com and get to Beijing and around China’s best destinations with ease.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to connections from Beijing Capital International Airport. You can easily hop on reliable services to the city center or major stations on the high-speed rail network, like Beijing South or Beijing Chaoyang. Trip.com is the go-to platform for booking China train tickets - all while benefiting from exclusive deals and rewards. Whatever travels you have planned, Beijing makes the perfect base.
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Table of Contents
  • Beijing Capital International Airport 
  • Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing city center
  • Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing South Railway Station 
  • Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station 
  • How to Book Train Tickets on
  • Don’t Miss Our Other Airport Transfer Guides
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