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25.5 km • ~34 mins

How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Lama Temple

Lama Temple is about 25.5 km southwest of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). The journey takes as little as 34 minutes by road or around 55 minutes using the Airport Express and Subway Line 5.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 25.5 km road distance

Private Transfer to Lama Temple

Door-to-Door
34 mins •Pre-booked, On Arrival
€35 - €45 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals and meet your driver in the arrivals hall or designated pick-up point
  2. Provide your booking details and confirm the destination
  3. Driver loads luggage and takes the Airport Expressway into central Beijing
  4. Journey to Lama Temple takes about 34 minutes without heavy traffic
  5. Drop-off at the Lama Temple entrance (Yonghegong)
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Metered Taxi

Door-to-Door, Metered
45 mins •On Demand 24/7
€13.50 - €20 (Plus Tolls)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi queue on B1/1F at T3 or outside arrivals at T2
  2. Ignore touts inside the terminal and go to the marshalled queue
  3. Tell the driver 'Yonghegong' and insist on the meter (打表)
  4. Pay the metered fare plus tolls by cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay
  5. Ask to drop you at the south gate of Lama Temple

Airport Express + Subway Line 5

Cheapest
55 mins •Every 10 Mins (Until ~23:00)
€3.80 / Person
Luggage: Limited Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From arrivals follow signs for Airport Express / 机场快轨 to T3 or T2 station
  2. Buy a ¥25 Airport Express ticket at machines or staffed counter
  3. Ride to Beixinqiao (last trains from airport around 22:50 T3 / 23:10 T2)
  4. Transfer to Subway Line 5 and travel one stop to Yonghegong
  5. Exit Yonghegong station and walk about 5 minutes south to Lama Temple gate

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Tours & activities: Lama Temple

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi queue at T2 or T3; drivers who approach inside the terminal may be unlicensed.
  • Insist the taxi driver uses the meter (打表). Fixed prices from the airport are not official and can be overcharged.
  • Airport Express has no free transfer to Subway Line 5; you must pay a separate ¥3 subway fare at the gates.
  • Foreign bank cards are generally not accepted in taxis; have cash or link a card to Alipay/WeChat Pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from PEK to Lama Temple?

Take the Capital Airport Express to Beixinqiao, then transfer to Subway Line 5 for one stop to Yonghegong. The total is about ¥28, around €3.80, and the trip takes about 55 minutes.

How long does a taxi take from Beijing Capital to Lama Temple?

Without heavy traffic the drive is about 34 minutes, but allow 45–70 minutes. The metered fare is roughly ¥100–150 plus tolls.

Is there a direct airport bus to Lama Temple?

No direct Capital Airport bus line serves Lama Temple. The metro option above gets you to Yonghegong, a short walk from the temple.

Can I use a foreign credit card on the Beijing subway?

Yes. Tap a contactless foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB or American Express card at the subway gates. On the Airport Express you can also pay cash at the staffed counter.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or official taxi is easiest; both take you directly to the entrance and handle luggage. The metro is cheaper but involves a transfer and stairs/escalators with bags.

What if my flight arrives late at night?

Airport Express trains run until about 23:00 from the airport and do not run all night. After that take an official taxi or DiDi, but insist on the meter.

Nearby places

More transfers from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Sanlitun · 24.3 km Wangfujing · 28.5 km Forbidden City · 29.6 km Tiananmen Square · 31.4 km Beijing Railway Station · 29.8 km Olympic Park (Bird's Nest) · 26.2 km Guomao (CBD) · 28.2 km Temple of Heaven · 32.5 km 798 Art District · 18.8 km Beijing South Railway Station · 39.1 km

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