Last updated: March 2026. Airport rail and bus schedules and fares can change—confirm with the airport or metro authority before you travel.
Your first hurdle after landing in Beijing or Shanghai is getting into town. Both cities have two major airports each—Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao—and all four offer rail or airport bus links to the city. As a foreign visitor you can do it on your own with a passport and mobile payment; no need to prebook a car. The main things to get right: which airport line or metro line to use, allowing enough time (Pudong to downtown by metro is an hour or more), and whether your flight time still has rail service. Check which airport you’re using, then see how to reach the city from each.
Can You Actually Do This?
Yes. The Capital Airport Express, Daxing Airport Express, Pudong Maglev / Metro Line 2, and Hongqiao Lines 2 and 10 are open to everyone; no advance booking. Buy a ticket or tap at the gate; rail is usually the fastest. Airport buses are also a reliable option for foreigners. Taxis and ride-hailing (e.g. DiDi—China’s main app for booking cars; for setup and use see Using DiDi in China) work too; payment details in Alipay for Tourists. The only catch: late-night or very early flights may miss the last train; check last departure times or plan on a taxi.
At a Glance
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate—clear signage, pick the right line; Pudong metro is long, allow time |
| What you need | Passport (for taxis/some counters), phone, Alipay or cash |
| Main option | Airport express / metro (Beijing); Maglev or Line 2 (Pudong), Lines 2/10 (Hongqiao) |
| Backup | Airport bus, taxi, ride-hailing (DiDi) |
| English support | English signs in airports and stations; airport info desks usually have English; drivers often limited |
| Cost range | Rail about ¥25–50 per person one-way; taxi about ¥80–250 per trip depending on distance and time |
Step-by-Step Guide
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) → City
Option 1: Airport Express (recommended)
- Serves T2 and T3; runs to Sanyuanqiao (transfer to Line 10) and Dongzhimen (Lines 2/13).
- Single journey about ¥25; hours roughly 6:00–23:00 (confirm on the day); travel time about 20–30 minutes.
- Follow signs for “Airport Line” or “Capital Airport Express”; buy at counter or machine (cash or scan).
Option 2: Taxi / ride-hailing
- To Dongzhimen or Guomao area about ¥80–120; to Qianmen or Xidan about ¥100–150; more at peak or night.
- For ride-hailing use DiDi; you need data and a way to pay; see Using DiDi in China.
Option 3: Airport bus
- Multiple routes to Beijing Railway Station, Xidan, Gongzhufen, etc.; about ¥25–35, 1 hour or more; good if you have heavy luggage or prefer not to change.
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) → City
Option 1: Daxing Airport Express (recommended)
- From Caoqiao station (transfer to Lines 10 and 19); to the airport about 20–25 minutes.
- Standard seat about ¥35, business about ¥50; hours roughly 6:00–23:00 (confirm on the day).
- From city to Daxing: take metro to Caoqiao, then the Daxing Airport Express.
Option 2: Taxi / ride-hailing
- Daxing is farther out; to South 3rd Ring about ¥120–180, to Dongzhimen/Guomao about ¥150–220.
Option 3: Airport bus
- Routes to Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, Tongzhou, etc.; about ÂĄ40; 1 hour or more.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) → City
Option 1: Maglev + metro (fastest)
- Maglev from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road (about 8 minutes); single journey about ÂĄ50; discount to about ÂĄ40 with same-day flight ticket.
- At Longyang Road transfer to Lines 2/7/16/18; to People’s Square or East Nanjing Road about 30–40 minutes total.
Option 2: Metro Line 2 (cheap, slow)
- Line 2 runs from Pudong Airport into the city; to People’s Square about 60–90 minutes; fare about ¥7–9.
- Good if you’re not in a rush and travel light; crowded at rush hour.
Option 3: Taxi / ride-hailing
- To People’s Square / Nanjing Road area about ¥180–250, 45–60 minutes; more at night or in traffic.
Option 4: Airport bus
- Routes to Hongqiao, Jing’an Temple, Shanghai Railway Station, etc.; about ¥20–30; 60 minutes or more.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) → City
Option 1: Metro Line 2 or 10 (recommended)
- Hongqiao T2 is next to Hongqiao Railway Station; Line 2 and Line 10 both stop there.
- To People’s Square about 20–30 minutes; to East Nanjing Road or Lujiazui about 30–40 minutes; fare about ¥4–6.
Option 2: Taxi / ride-hailing
- To People’s Square about ¥60–100, 25–40 minutes; Hongqiao is closer to downtown than Pudong, so cheaper.
⚠️ Foreign visitor note: Rail and airport buses don’t require advance ID booking; buy at the station or scan. Taxis and DiDi may ask for your passport. Have Alipay set up or some cash; see Alipay for Tourists.
Foreign Visitor Specifics
- Last train: Most airport rail lines end between 22:30 and 23:30; red-eye or very late arrivals may have to take a taxi—check times in advance.
- Luggage: No strict size limit on rail, but large bags are awkward at peak times; if you have a lot, consider the airport bus or a taxi.
- Language: Station signs are enough to find your platform; for taxis, have your destination in Chinese or on a map.
- Payment: Machines usually take scan-to-pay; some airport buses and taxis still prefer cash—carry ¥100–200.
When Things Go Wrong
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Missed last train | Queue for a taxi at arrivals or use DiDi; Pudong/Daxing can have long waits at night |
| Not sure which line | Capital/Daxing: look for “Airport Line”; Pudong: Maglev or Line 2; Hongqiao: Line 2 or 10, depending on destination |
| Too much luggage for metro | Switch to airport bus or taxi; bus stops and tickets are in the arrivals area |
| Driver detour or refusal | Note the plate, check route on a map; official airport taxi queues generally use the meter |
Cost Breakdown
- Beijing Capital Airport Express: about ÂĄ25 one-way.
- Beijing Daxing Airport Express: standard about ÂĄ35, business about ÂĄ50.
- Shanghai Pudong Maglev: about ¥50 one-way, about ¥40 with same-day flight; Pudong Line 2 to city about ¥7–9.
- Shanghai Hongqiao metro: to city about ¥4–6.
- Taxi / ride-hailing: Capital or Hongqiao to center about ¥80–150; Daxing or Pudong to center about ¥150–250, depending on destination and time.
Prices are indicative—confirm at the venue.
Closing: All four airports can be reached from the city (or the other way around) by rail, bus, or taxi on your own. The main thing is to pick the right line and allow time—especially an hour or more for Pudong on Line 2. Check last departures before you travel and have Alipay or cash ready. For more on getting around: Beijing Subway Guide, Shanghai Metro Guide, Using DiDi in China; for payment: Alipay for Tourists.