The cheapest way from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) into central Beijing is the Beijing–Xiong'an intercity train from the airport's own high-speed railway station to Beijing West Railway Station: ¥30 second class, about 29 minutes, then a metro transfer. It runs roughly 06:41–20:56 (around 20 trains a day, passport needed to buy); outside those hours take the ¥35 Daxing Airport Express metro to Caoqiao in 22 minutes. Ignore the unlicensed taxi touts in arrivals quoting ¥200–400 and don't just default to the pricier ¥35 express.
How to find it
- AIRPORTBeijing Daxing International Airport
- 01From arrivals, take the lifts or escalators down to the underground Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) beneath the terminal and follow the 'High-speed Railway / 高铁' signs to the Daxing Airport railway station (about an 8–10 minute walk).
- 02Buy a ¥30 second-class ticket to Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站), ideally on the 12306 app a day ahead as there are only about 20 trains a day (first around 06:41, last around 20:56). Bring your passport — tickets are real-name.
- 03Clear the security and passport check, then board the Beijing–Xiong'an intercity train and ride about 29 minutes to Beijing West Railway Station.
- 04At Beijing West Railway Station, transfer to Subway Line 7 or Line 9 for the rest of central Beijing; buy a separate metro ticket from ¥3 at the machines or tap a transit card.
- CITY CENTREBeijing
Ticket
Beijing–Xiong'an (Jingxiong) intercity railway second-class ticket, Daxing Airport to Beijing West Railway Station
Where to buy: Book on the China Railway 12306 app or website in advance, or buy at the ticket machines and counter inside the Daxing Airport high-speed railway station, in the underground transport hub beneath the terminal.
How to pay: The 12306 app and station machines take bank cards and mobile pay; the counter also takes cash. Ticketing is real-name, so you need your passport to buy and to pass the gate — it is a paperless e-ticket you open with your passport.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainCheapest route | CN¥30.00 | 50 min | Beijing–Xiong'an (Jingxiong) intercity railway second-class ticket, Daxing Airport to Beijing West Railway Station |
| Metro | CN¥35.00 | 40 min | Daxing Airport Express (Daxing Airport Line) single-journey ticket to Caoqiao |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Daxing Airport to central Beijing?
- The ¥30 Beijing–Xiong'an intercity train from the airport's own railway station to Beijing West Railway Station in about 29 minutes, then Subway Line 7 or 9. It beats the ¥35 Daxing Airport Express metro by ¥5.
- How much is the Daxing Airport Express and how long does it take?
- ¥35 standard class (¥50 business) to Caoqiao in about 22 minutes, running roughly 06:00–22:30. At Caoqiao you transfer to Subway Line 10 or 19 for the centre.
- Do I need my passport to buy the airport train ticket?
- Yes for the Beijing–Xiong'an intercity train — it is real-name ticketing, so buy on the 12306 app or at the counter with your passport. The Daxing Airport Express metro needs no passport.
- How much is a taxi from Beijing Daxing International Airport to the city?
- A licensed metered taxi from the official rank is about ¥130–150 to the centre (roughly 46 km) — versus ¥30 on the intercity train. Never go with the touts inside arrivals offering flat ¥200–400 rides — those are unlicensed 'black cabs'.
- What if I arrive late at night?
- After the last intercity train (~20:56) and Airport Express (~22:30), night airport buses run to the city (about ¥35–50), or take a licensed metered taxi (~¥130–150).
- What is the best way from PKX to downtown Beijing?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: the ¥30 Beijing–Xiong'an intercity train to Beijing West Railway Station in about 29 minutes, then Subway Line 7 or 9 onward into the city centre.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.