The Airport Express train is the fastest and most reliable way to reach central Beijing.

About Beijing City Center (Dongzhimen)

Dongzhimen is a major transportation hub in northeastern Beijing and the traditional entry point to the city center from the airport. The area around Dongzhimen station has evolved into a modern commercial district, with the Ginza Mall and Dongzhimen Inner Street offering shopping and dining. The historic Dongzhimen gate was one of the original nine gates of Beijing's inner city wall.

From Dongzhimen, travelers are perfectly positioned to reach Beijing's key attractions. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are a 20-minute metro ride southwest, while the Temple of Heaven and the bustling Wangfujing shopping street are similarly accessible. The Sanlitun embassy district, just west of Dongzhimen, has become Beijing's premier nightlife and dining destination, with Taikoo Li mall anchoring a cosmopolitan neighborhood of international restaurants and bars.

Beijing's hutong neighborhoods — traditional narrow alleyways lined with courtyard homes (siheyuan) — fan out south and west of Dongzhimen through areas like Nanluoguxiang and Gulou (Drum Tower). These atmospheric streets offer a glimpse into historic Beijing with teahouses, craft shops, and rooftop bars overlooking the grey-tiled rooftops of the old city.

Nearby Landmarks

Sanlitun Taikoo Li Nanluoguxiang hutong Workers' Stadium Lama Temple Ghost Street (Guijie)

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 100-130 ($14-18)
Time 40-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 80-120 ($11-17)
Time 40-90 minutes

Designated rideshare pickup area at arrivals level

Train (Airport Express)

Cost CNY 25
Time 25 minutes
Frequency Every 10 minutes, 6:20 AM - 10:50 PM

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Airport Express from T2 or T3 to Dongzhimen. Transfer to Line 2 or 13.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 100-130 ($14-18) 40-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 80-120 ($11-17) 40-90 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train CNY 25 25 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Airport Express runs until approximately 10:30 PM (last departure from Terminal 3 around 10:10 PM). After that, night buses (routes like the Airport Night Bus to Sanyuanqiao) run until the last flight. Taxis from PEK to Dongzhimen cost about ¥80-100 and take 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. DiDi ride-hailing is widely used.

Luggage Tips

The Airport Express has spacious luggage areas with standing space for bags. Metro Lines 2 and 13 at Dongzhimen are crowded commuter lines with minimal luggage room during peak hours. Dongzhimen station has some coin lockers. For heavy luggage, a taxi to your final destination may be more practical after the Airport Express ride.

Accessibility

PEK airport and the Airport Express line are wheelchair accessible with elevators. Dongzhimen station has elevators connecting all lines. Beijing's newer metro stations are generally well-equipped for accessibility, though older stations may have longer distances between elevators and platforms.