The cheapest way from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) into central Beijing is regular city bus 359, which runs from the Terminal 1/2 area to Dongzhimen for just ¥2 (only ¥0.4 if you tap a Beijing transit card or QR), taking about an hour depending on traffic. If you land at Terminal 3, ride the free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 2 first, or take the ¥25 Capital Airport Express if you'd rather do the trip in 25 minutes. Don't accept the 'taxi?' offers from touts inside arrivals — unlicensed black cabs charge a flat ¥200–400, while a metered taxi is only about ¥100.
How to find it
- AIRPORTBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- 01Bus 359's airport stop is by Terminals 1 and 2 (the older terminals, which sit next to each other). If you land at Terminal 3, first ride the free 24-hour inter-terminal shuttle bus to Terminal 2 (about 15 minutes), then follow signs out to the public bus stop.
- 02Board bus 359 towards Dongzhimen and pay ¥0.4 by tapping a Beijing transit card or the transit QR, or ¥2 in exact cash. Buses run roughly every 10–15 minutes from about 05:20 to 22:00.
- 03Ride about 50–60 minutes through Sanyuanqiao to the terminus at Dongzhimenwai, right beside the Dongzhimen transport hub.
- 04At Dongzhimen, transfer to Metro Line 2 (loop) or Line 13 for the rest of the city; a single metro ride is a separate ¥3–7 by distance.
- CITY CENTREBeijing
Ticket
City bus 359 single ride (Dongzhimen ↔ Capital Airport)
Where to buy: No advance ticket needed — pay on board bus 359 at the Terminal 1/2 bus stop. Tap a Beijing transit card (Yikatong) or the Beijing transit QR in Alipay/WeChat, or drop ¥2 cash in the farebox.
How to pay: Tapping a card or the transit QR costs only ¥0.4; cash is the full ¥2 and needs exact change, as no change is given. No validation stamp is needed.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| BusCheapest route | CN¥2.00 | 1 h | City bus 359 single ride (Dongzhimen ↔ Capital Airport) |
| Metro | CN¥25.00 | 30 min | Capital Airport Express single-journey ticket (机场线) |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Beijing Capital Airport to the city?
- Regular city bus 359 to Dongzhimen, ¥2 (only ¥0.4 by transit card or QR) and about an hour depending on traffic. The ¥25 Capital Airport Express is faster at around 25 minutes.
- Where do I catch bus 359 at the airport?
- At the bus stop by Terminals 1 and 2 (they sit next to each other). If you land at Terminal 3, take the free 24-hour inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 2 first, then walk out to the stop.
- How much is the Capital Airport Express train?
- A flat ¥25 one way from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 to Dongzhimen via Sanyuanqiao in about 20–25 minutes. Any onward metro line is a separate ¥3–7 ticket.
- Do I need cash for the airport bus?
- Paying ¥2 cash needs exact change, as no change is given. Tapping a Yikatong card or the Beijing transit QR in Alipay/WeChat is cheaper at just ¥0.4.
- How much is a taxi from Beijing Capital International Airport to the city?
- A licensed metered taxi from the official rank is roughly ¥100 plus a small expressway toll — versus just ¥2 on bus 359. Avoid touts inside arrivals who quote a flat ¥200–400 in an unlicensed car.
- What is the best way from PEK to downtown Beijing?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: city bus 359 to the Dongzhimen hub, ¥2 (only ¥0.4 by transit card) in about an hour, with Line 2 and Line 13 connections onward into the city centre.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.