ComeToGuide
38 km • ~43 mins

How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Beijing West Railway Station

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is about 38 km northeast of Beijing West Railway Station, mostly via the Airport Expressway and across the city. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes between 43 minutes by taxi/private transfer and up to 110 minutes by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 38 km road distance

Official Metered Taxi

Official Taxi Queue
45 mins •24/7 (Official Queue)
€13.50 - €20.00 (Meter + Tolls)
Luggage: 2 Large + 2 Carry-On
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi queue (T3: B1/1F below arrivals; T2: outside arrivals); ignore touts inside the terminal.
  2. Take the first licensed taxi and say 'Beijing West Railway Station / 北京西站'; insist on the meter (打表).
  3. The driver should use the Airport Expressway; have the destination written in Chinese and keep the receipt.
  4. The ride is about 38 km, typically 45-60 minutes off-peak; the meter shows roughly ¥100-150 plus expressway tolls.
  5. Pay in cash or with Alipay/WeChat Pay; ask to be dropped at the correct station square for your train.

Airport Bus Beijing West Railway Station Line

24/7 Direct Bus
75 mins •Every 20 Min Peak (24/7)
€2.70 - €4.70 / Person
Luggage: 1 Large + 1 Carry-On
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the airport bus (机场巴士) stops outside arrivals at T2 or T3.
  2. Buy a ticket at the airport bus counter or via the official mini-program; request Beijing West Railway Station / 北京西站.
  3. Board the bus marked Beijing West Railway Station; luggage can be placed in the hold.
  4. The journey takes about 60-110 minutes depending on traffic; the line runs 24 hours with more departures in peak.
  5. Get off at the Beijing West Railway Station bus stop and walk into the station building.

Airport Express + Line 5 + Line 7

Rail + Subway
65 mins •Every 10 Min (Until ~23:00)
€3.40 + City Subway (From €0.40)
Luggage: Carry-On Friendly (Limited Space)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to 'Airport Express / 机场快轨' at T2/T3 and tap a contactless Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Amex or buy a ¥25 ticket.
  2. Ride the Airport Express to Beixinqiao (about 30-35 min).
  3. At Beixinqiao, exit the Airport Express (no free transfer) and tap into Line 5 toward Songjiazhuang; ride 4 stops to Ciqikou.
  4. At Ciqikou, transfer to Line 7 toward Beijing West Railway Station; ride to the Beijing West Railway Station stop.
  5. Follow signs to the train station departure hall; pay the regular city subway fare on top of the ¥25 Airport Express.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi queue; do not follow drivers who approach you inside the terminal offering 'cheaper' rides.
  • Insist the taxi driver uses the meter (打表); fixed prices are not allowed and should be refused.
  • Airport Express has no free transfer to the regular subway; you must pay a separate city subway fare when changing at Beixinqiao/Dongzhimen.
  • Buy airport bus tickets only at official counters or the official mini-program; ignore people selling 'express' tickets at inflated prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from PEK to Beijing West Railway Station at night?

The Beijing West Railway Station airport bus line runs 24 hours, with departures throughout the night. Taxis and DiDi are also available; the Airport Express stops running around 23:00.

What is the cheapest way from Beijing Capital Airport to Beijing West Railway Station?

The airport bus is the cheapest public option at about ¥20-35 (€2.70-€4.70) per person. The metro costs about €3.40 plus the regular city subway, so the bus is usually best for budget travellers.

Can I pay with a foreign bank card on the Airport Express?

Yes, you can tap a contactless foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB or American Express at the Airport Express gates. Regular Beijing subway stations also accept contactless foreign cards.

How long is the taxi ride from PEK to Beijing West Railway Station?

The drive is about 38 km and takes 45-60 minutes off-peak; with heavy traffic it can take 90 minutes or more. Tolls are added to the meter.

Is there a direct train from Beijing Capital Airport to Beijing West Railway Station?

No direct train. Use the 24-hour airport bus for a direct ride, or take the Airport Express to Beixinqiao, then Line 5 to Ciqikou and Line 7 to Beijing West Railway Station.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or an official taxi is best for families, offering door-to-door convenience and space for luggage. The airport bus has luggage space but requires walking at both ends.

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