Your first day in Beijing

Before you land

Check your flight code: PEK is Beijing Capital; PKX is Beijing Daxing. They are separate airports. Plan from the airport on your actual ticket, and keep the arrival terminal in your notes.

Save the hotel’s exact Chinese name, address, phone number and booking. If you expect to arrive late, confirm the check-in arrangements with the property before departure.

Your first steps

Follow immigration, baggage and customs instructions. Once landside, check your phone connection before relying on an app for transport or payment.

The city lists Beijing Service counters at international arrivals for help with services such as communications and transport. Look for airport signs or ask the information desk to direct you. Use your saved hotel details while sorting out a connection.

Capital (PEK)

Follow the terminal’s signs for the Capital Airport Express if it suits your route. The line links the airport with city metro connections, including the Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao areas. Check which station and onward transfer best serve your hotel.

Confirm current terminal access, service hours and ticket information on arrival. A route to a central interchange still needs a final leg to your hotel.

For a taxi, use the official rank and show the hotel’s Chinese address. If you booked a transfer, follow the confirmed pickup instructions and check the vehicle details.

Daxing (PKX)

The Daxing Airport Express connects the airport and Caoqiao. The Beijing–Xiongan intercity railway is another rail option, with services to Beijing West. Choose based on your hotel’s location and the service available at your arrival time.

Follow the airport signs to the correct service; the express and intercity railway are different journeys. Ask staff to confirm the destination before purchasing if you are unsure.

The airport also offers official taxi, bus and booked-car options. Check pickup areas and current operations at the airport rather than relying on an old timetable screenshot.

If plans change

If your flight is delayed, ask the transport information desk which services are still running. Contact your hotel about late check-in or a transfer. Avoid travelling to a station simply because its name appeared in an old route plan.

At your hotel

Have your original passport and reservation ready, and confirm the registration arrangements. Ask reception to save the hotel’s location on your map and write down the most useful metro station for your next journey.