Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) Guide for Beginners
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is Beijing’s newest and most modern mega-aviation hub, designed to look like a golden phoenix spreading its wings. For complete beginners, the biggest advantage of Daxing Airport is its “Vertical Transfer” system. The high-speed railway and subway stations are built directly underneath the terminal (on B2 level). You don’t even need to go outside—just push your luggage cart into an elevator, go downstairs, and transfer directly. You won’t get lost!
How to get from Daxing Airport to downtown Beijing and surrounding areas?
City Rail Transit (Subway) This is the absolute top recommendation for beginners traveling to the city, as it is incredibly fast and completely avoids traffic jams:
- Daxing Airport Express: This is a high-speed subway line built specifically for the airport. You can speed from the airport to Caoqiao Station in the southern part of the city in just about 20 minutes. From Caoqiao, you can easily transfer to Metro Line 10 (Beijing’s loop line) or Line 19 to get anywhere in the city. A standard single-trip ticket is usually 35 RMB.
Railway Transportation (Air-Rail Link) If you want to go to Beijing West Railway Station or the Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province, you can catch a high-speed train right downstairs:
- Beijing-Xiongan Intercity Railway: At the “Daxing Airport Station” located underground, you can take a high-speed train that will get you to Beijing West Railway Station in just over 20 minutes. It’s perfect for beginners who need a seamless railway connection.
City Airport Buses If you have a lot of luggage and don’t want to carry it up and down subway stairs, the airport offers multiple bus lines:
- Main Routes: During the day, there are multiple bus lines heading to major city hubs like Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Tongzhou, and Zhongguancun. Tickets are usually around 40 RMB.
- Ticketing & Boarding: Beginners can buy tickets at the bus counters or self-service kiosks on the first floor of the terminal, and board the bus right outside the doors. The signs are very large and clear.
Intercity Buses (Traveling outside Beijing) Because Daxing Airport is located right on the border of Beijing and Hebei Province, it is extremely convenient for traveling to neighboring regions:
You can buy tickets at the provincial bus station on the first floor to take coaches directly to Tianjin, as well as cities in Hebei Province such as Langfang, Baoding, Tangshan, and Zhangjiakou.
What if my flight arrives too early or too late?
Late Night Buses: If you arrive late at night and the regular subways have closed, the airport provides several night bus routes (e.g., heading to Xuanwumen or Dongzhimen). These lines will operate until the last domestic flight of the night arrives.
In-Terminal Hotels: If you have an early morning flight to catch, there is an “Aerotel” located directly inside the terminal, so you don’t even have to leave the building to check in. There are also many chain hotels within a few kilometers that offer free airport shuttle services.
Comprehensive Services at Daxing Airport
Where can I eat at Daxing Airport?
Daxing Airport is jokingly called the “most delicious airport” by many travelers. It features not only affordable fast food like Starbucks, Luckin Coffee, McDonald’s, and KFC, but also famous Chinese restaurants like Quanjude, Grandma’s Home, and Xiao Da Dong. The best part for beginners is that the airport strictly enforces a “Same Quality, Same Price as the City” policy, meaning your meals will cost the exact same as they do in downtown Beijing.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
There are dedicated Halal restaurants (such as Western Mahua) inside the airport. Additionally, the menus at major Chinese restaurant chains offer a wide variety of vegetarian dishes.
Where can I shop at Daxing Airport?
In the restricted international departure and arrival areas, there is a massive Sunrise Duty Free shop where beginners can buy tax-free cosmetics, skincare, and liquor. In the public areas before security, you’ll find local specialty shops (like Beijing Daoxiangcun) as well as many high-end luxury and trendy brand boutiques, making it feel like a large shopping mall.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
Telecommunication service counters are located near the exit of the international arrival hall. Overseas travelers can directly purchase local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices here.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters are available in the international arrival and departure areas. ATMs from China’s four major banks are scattered throughout the terminal. Beginners can easily withdraw RMB using major international bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
How do I store/check my luggage?
Luggage storage counters are available on both the departure and arrival levels. You are charged based on the number of pieces and the duration of storage, which is highly convenient for travelers with long layovers who want to explore the city light-handed.
