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32.5 km • ~41 mins

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

Temple of Heaven is about 32.5 km south of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Journeys take from about 41 minutes by road to roughly 60 minutes using the Airport Express and metro.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 32.5 km road distance

Official Beijing Taxi

Metered
45 mins •Available 24/7
€13.50 - €20 + tolls (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi queue: T3 on level B1/1F, T2 outside arrivals.
  2. Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
  3. Tell the driver 'Tiantan Dongmen' or show the address 天坛东门.
  4. Ensure the meter is turned on; pay cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay.
  5. Pay any expressway toll in addition to the meter at the end.

Airport Express + Metro Line 5

Cheapest
60 mins •Every 10 Minutes (Airport Express)
€3.80 - €3.90 / Person
Luggage: Hand Luggage Friendly
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow 'Airport Express / 机场快轨' signs from arrivals at T2 or T3.
  2. Buy a single ticket (¥25) at the machine or staffed counter; contactless foreign cards accepted at gates.
  3. Ride to Beixinqiao station, about 30-35 minutes from T3.
  4. Change to Line 5 and ride south to Tiantan Dongmen.
  5. Exit and walk about 5 minutes to the Temple of Heaven East Gate.

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Tours & activities: Temple of Heaven

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi queue; ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal as they are often unlicensed and may overcharge.
  • Always insist the taxi driver uses the meter (打表). Fixed prices offered by drivers are usually much higher than the metered fare.
  • Expressway tolls are paid by the passenger on top of the meter; ask the driver for a receipt showing the tolls.
  • The Airport Express does not include a free transfer to other subway lines; you must pay an additional metro fare when changing to Line 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from PEK to Temple of Heaven?

The cheapest way is to take the Capital Airport Express to Beixinqiao, then transfer to metro Line 5 and get off at Tiantan Dongmen. The Airport Express costs €3.40, plus a local metro fare from about €0.40.

How long does it take to get from PEK to Temple of Heaven?

By private transfer or taxi it normally takes about 41 minutes without heavy traffic. The Airport Express and metro trip takes around 60 minutes including transfers and walking.

Can I take a taxi at night and how much will it cost?

Yes, official taxis operate 24/7. Expect about €13.50 to €20 plus expressway tolls from PEK to Temple of Heaven; the night surcharge adds 20% to the per-km rate between 23:00 and 05:00.

Do I need cash for the Airport Express and taxis?

You can tap a contactless foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB or American Express card at subway gates, including the Airport Express. Taxis generally do not accept foreign bank cards, so use cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable, with a driver waiting at arrivals and door-to-door service. A taxi is cheaper but you may need to queue; the metro is cheap but less convenient with large luggage.

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