How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is about 37 km northwest of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Depending on traffic and transfer depth, the journey takes roughly 45 minutes by road and 75–100 minutes by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 37.1 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer to Summer Palace

Door-to-Door · Recommended

45 mins •On Demand (Pre-book)

€42 - €50 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Book online before landing and select your terminal (T2 or T3) and flight details.
After baggage claim and customs, look for the driver holding a name sign in the arrivals hall.
Follow the driver to the pre-booked vehicle; the route uses the Airport Expressway and city ring roads.
Stay in the vehicle for the full 37 km journey to the Summer Palace; no transfers or extra tickets.
Ask the driver to drop you at the North Palace Gate (Beigongmen) entrance if you want the closest access via subway/bus.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Beijing Taxi (Metered)

Available 24/7

45 mins •On Demand

€13 - €20 (Metered, plus tolls)

Luggage: Check with Driver

How to take it step-by-step:

From arrivals at T2 or T3, follow signs to the official taxi queue (at T3 the queue is on B1/1F below arrivals; at T2 outside arrivals).
Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal; use only the marshalled queue.
Tell the driver 'Summer Palace, Beigongmen' (颐和园北宫门) and insist the meter is switched on (打表).
The meter charges distance plus any low-speed waiting; expressway tolls are paid by the passenger on top.
Pay by cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay; foreign bank cards are generally not accepted in taxis.

Airport Express + Subway Line 10/Line 4

Cheapest Public Transport

85 mins •Every 10 Mins (Airport Express)

€4.20 / Person

Luggage: Check with Metro Staff

How to take it step-by-step:

From arrivals at T2 or T3, follow 'Airport Express / 机场快轨' signs to the station.
Buy a single-journey ticket (¥25) or tap a contactless foreign Visa/Mastercard at the gate.
Board the Capital Airport Express toward the city and alight at Sanyuanqiao (about 20-25 min from T3).
Transfer to subway Line 10, paying the regular subway fare (not included in the ¥25 Airport Express ticket), then change to Line 4 for Beigongmen station.
Exit at Beigongmen (北宫门) and walk about 200-300 metres to the Summer Palace North Palace Gate.

Airport Bus – Zhongguancun Line + Short Taxi/City Bus

Budget Bus Option

75 mins •See Timetable

€3 - €5 / Person (Airport Bus Only; Last Leg Extra)

Luggage: Check at Counter

How to take it step-by-step:

From arrivals at T2 or T3, go to the official airport bus ticket counter or use the official mini-program.
Buy a ticket for the Zhongguancun line (fare about ¥20-35) and board at the marked bus stop outside arrivals.
Ride to the Zhongguancun area (about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic).
From the bus stop, take a short taxi/ride-hail or a city bus to the Summer Palace (about 10-15 minutes).
Ask the bus staff or driver for the closest stop to the Summer Palace / Beigongmen if unsure.

Beijing Capital International Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Small

Medium

Large

Compare Terminal Car Prices

Landing in China?

Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.

Get China eSIM

Tours & activities: Summer Palace

See all tours & tickets

Was your flight delayed or cancelled?

In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.

Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Only use the official taxi queue outside arrivals; ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal and insist on the meter (打表).
Beijing taxis generally do not accept foreign credit cards; carry cash or use Alipay/WeChat Pay.
The Capital Airport Express has no free transfer to the normal subway: you must pay an extra regular subway fare when changing to Line 10/Line 4.
When taking a taxi, expressway tolls are not included in the meter and are added to the fare; no fixed price from PEK to Summer Palace exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from PEK to Summer Palace?

Take the Capital Airport Express to Sanyuanqiao, transfer to subway Line 10 then Line 4, and exit at Beigongmen. The total cost is about ¥31 (around €4.20) per person.

How long does it take from Beijing Capital Airport to Summer Palace?

By taxi or private transfer the drive is about 45 minutes without traffic, but allow 60-80 minutes at peak times. Public transport takes about 85-100 minutes including transfers and walking.

Is there a direct airport bus from PEK to Summer Palace?

No direct airport bus stops at the Summer Palace. The Zhongguancun airport bus line gets you within a short taxi or city bus ride, and the Airport Express + subway is the most direct public transport option.

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

Yes, you can tap a contactless foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB or American Express card at the gates on all Beijing subway lines, including the Capital Airport Express, or use Alipay/WeChat Pay.

What is the best option for a family with luggage from PEK to Summer Palace?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best for families: it is door-to-door, takes about 45 minutes, and includes space for luggage. A metered taxi is cheaper but may be less comfortable with many bags.

What should I do if I arrive late at night?

The Airport Express last trains leave around 23:00, so after that use a taxi or pre-booked private transfer. Official taxis are available 24/7 but the night surcharge adds 20% to the per-km rate from 23:00 to 05:00.

Nearby places

More transfers from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Olympic Park (Bird's Nest) · 26.2 km Beijing West Railway Station · 38 km Lama Temple · 25.5 km Forbidden City · 29.6 km Tiananmen Square · 31.4 km Wangfujing · 28.5 km Beijing Railway Station · 29.8 km Sanlitun · 24.3 km Temple of Heaven · 32.5 km Beijing South Railway Station · 39.1 km