How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Forbidden City

Beijing Capital International Airport lies 29.6 km northeast of the Forbidden City. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey to the south gate takes about 38 minutes by private car and 60-120 minutes by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 29.6 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Recommended

38 mins •On Demand / Pre-Booked

€45 - €60 Per Vehicle

Luggage: 2 Large Bags Free

How to take it step-by-step:

From arrivals, meet your pre-booked driver in the arrival lobby after customs; the driver holds a name board.
Check your booking instructions for the exact pickup point at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3.
Walk with the driver to the private-hire parking area.
Confirm the fixed price and destination 'Forbidden City South Gate' before leaving.
Drive via the Airport Expressway; drop-off near Tiananmen East, then a 10-minute walk to the Forbidden City entrance.

Kiwitaxi

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Official Taxi

24/7

45 mins •24/7 from official rank

€13.50 - €20 + tolls

Luggage: 2 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow 'Taxi' signs from arrivals to the official marshalled taxi queue (T3: B1/1F; T2: outside arrivals).
Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal; join the official queue only.
Tell the driver 'Tiananmen East / Forbidden City South Gate' and insist on the meter (打表).
Take the Airport Expressway; you pay the tolls on top of the meter.
At drop-off near Tiananmen East, walk about 10 minutes through Tiananmen Gate to the Forbidden City entrance.

Airport Express + Subway

Cheapest

60 mins •Every 10 Mins (Airport Express)

€3.80 / Person

Luggage: 1-2 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow signs 'Airport Express / 机场快轨' from arrivals to the station at Terminal 3 or Terminal 2.
Buy a ¥25 Airport Express ticket at the machine or counter, or tap a contactless foreign Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Amex card at the gate.
Ride to Dongzhimen (about 30-35 min), then exit and use a separate regular subway fare (from ¥3) to enter Line 2.
Take Line 2 to Jianguomen, change to Line 1, and ride to Tiananmen East.
Exit Tiananmen East and walk north about 10 minutes through Tiananmen Gate to the Forbidden City South Gate.

Airport Bus to Xidan + Last Leg

Budget

90 mins •See timetable at bus counter

€2.70 - €4.70 / Person (Bus)

Luggage: 1-2 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow signs to airport bus stops outside arrivals at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3.
Buy a ticket for the Xidan airport bus at the ticket counter or official mini-program (fare about ¥20-35).
Ride to Xidan (about 60-110 minutes depending on traffic).
From Xidan, walk about 30 minutes east to the Forbidden City South Gate, or take a short taxi to Tiananmen East.
Allow extra time at peak hours; the bus does not stop directly at the Forbidden City.

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Tours & activities: Forbidden City

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Use only the official taxi queue and ignore drivers/touts who approach inside the terminal offering rides.
Insist the taxi driver uses the meter (打表); never agree to a fixed fare, and pay tolls only on top of the meter.
Foreign bank cards are generally not accepted in taxis; carry cash or set up Alipay/WeChat Pay with a linked foreign card.
Uber does not operate in Beijing; use DiDi or the official taxi rank and pick up only at designated ride-hailing areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the Forbidden City?

The cheapest way is the Airport Express + subway: take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, change to Line 2 and Line 1 to Tiananmen East, then walk about 10 minutes. The total fare is about €3.80 per person.

Is there a direct bus from PEK to the Forbidden City?

No direct airport bus stops at the Forbidden City. The Xidan airport bus gets you about 2.5 km west; from there walk about 30 minutes or take a short taxi to Tiananmen East.

Can I pay by Visa or Mastercard on the Airport Express and subway?

Yes, contactless foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB and American Express cards are accepted at Beijing subway gates, including the Airport Express. You can also use Alipay/WeChat QR codes.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or an official taxi is best for families with luggage because it is door-to-door and avoids transfers. The private transfer can be booked in advance with a fixed price.

How long does it take from PEK to the Forbidden City?

By private transfer or taxi, allow about 38-70 minutes depending on traffic. The Airport Express + subway takes about 60-75 minutes including transfers and walking, while the airport bus takes 90 minutes or more.

What should I do if I arrive after midnight?

The Airport Express stops around 23:00, and most airport buses do not run all night (only the Beijing West line is 24-hour). Use the official 24/7 taxi rank or a pre-booked private transfer.

Nearby places

More transfers from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Wangfujing · 28.5 km Tiananmen Square · 31.4 km Beijing Railway Station · 29.8 km Lama Temple · 25.5 km Temple of Heaven · 32.5 km Sanlitun · 24.3 km Guomao (CBD) · 28.2 km Beijing South Railway Station · 39.1 km Beijing West Railway Station · 38 km Olympic Park (Bird's Nest) · 26.2 km