Beijing is one of the major transportation hubs in China so getting to Beijing and travelling around the city is convenient. There are even shuttle bus services to and from Beijing Capital Airport, you can also taken an airport express train that from the airport that will take you to downtown Beijing. To get around the city itself there is an extensive transportation system available from public buses, trolleybuses, subway and rail. The only main problem with transportation is traffic congestion which occurs during rush hour. So for travelling around Beijing city we advise that you do not travel during rush hour periods.
Beijing Capital Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport is located in northeast of Beijing. There are over 10 domestic airlines and 60 foreign airlines operating in the airport. Number of Terminal: Now Beijing Capital International Airport has three terminals ( T1, T2 and T3 ) in operation.
Address: Beijing Capital International Airport, Airport Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Location: The airport is located 30km northeast of Beijing city center.
Airport code: PEK
Beijing Airport Express Train
Taking an airport express train from Beijing capital airport to downtown Beijing or vice versa is no doubt one of the fastest and the cheapest.
Operation time for each stop:
T3: 06: 20 - 22: 50
T2: 06: 35 - 23: 10
Dongzhimen: 06: 00 - 22: 30
Interval: 12 minutes
Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus
Taking the Beijing airport bus is the cheapest way to get to the downtown Beijing from Beijing Capital Airport or to Beijing Capital Airport from the city center of Beijing. But it is convenient only if you do not have much luggage or already know where the buses are going to drop you off.
So if you are going to use the airport bus for your airport transfer, you are kindly advised to know Beijing airport bus routes and fares before you decide to take it.
Beijing Railway Stations
Taking the train in China is an experience not to be missed. You can meet people from all over the country, and the scenery from the train is truly amazing and you will not see the views in any other form of transport. There are four railway stations and lines running to almost all provincial capitals and major cities in China. There are different options when purchasing your ticket such as: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seats and hard seats.
The trains departing from Beijing Railway Station: Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Jinan, Shanghai, Nanjing Hangzhou and other cities as well as for Inner and Outer Mongolia departing from this station. The remainder depart from Beijing West Station and Beijing South Station. Some international lines (namely the railway line linking Beijing to Pyongyang, North Korea (DPRK), amongst others), also depart from this station.
Beijing Public Bus
Besides bicycles, public buses are the cheapest way to get around Beijing. The trick is to find the right line to get where you want to go often you have to change buses several times, which is time-consuming and confusing. The public bus system in Beijing is very good. In that you can get almost anywhere by bus. But the downside is that they are really, really crowded and uncomfortable, also, watch your wallet when you get on the bus. Pickpockets frequent bus stops and get your stuff just as you are getting on.
Beijing Subway
Beijing is the first city in China to have a subway. Although often crowded, the subway is often the fastest way to get around the center city area. Right now there are 10 subway lines, and more subway lines are being built. For international tourists visiting Beijing, some basic knowledge of the main subway lines, like Line 1, Line 2, Line 4 and Line 5, is quite helpful. These four subway lines take you to almost all the major attractions in Beijing. The subway stations are clean and have English signs directing tourists to the exits near places that you are likely trying to find.
