AIRPORT TRANSFERS Print E-mail
The Beijing Capital International Airport is located 26 kilometers, or about 15 miles from Beijing’s city center.  There are several ways to make the airport transfer, including taxis, buses and soon, a light rail link to the metro system.  Check the official airport website for updated information.  For a fee, most hotels will also arrange airport transfers for their guests. 
 
 
Metered taxi
 
Metered taxis are available at official taxi lines outside of the Arrivals area.  All taxi companies are about the same, and the older dumpier taxis are gradually being phased out for the Olympics.  Here are some simple rules to follow to make sure you have a smooth trip:
 
1.  Do not accept a ride from private taxis as you will risk having an unpleasant experience and overpaying. 
 
2.  Flag fall on the taxi meters start at 10 RMB (11 RMB after 11pm) and a ride into the city center will run about 100 RMB (less if you go somewhere in the northeastern part of the city), plus an additional 10 RMB for the Airport Expressway toll.  Heavy traffic can drive the total fare up quite a bit, and destinations on the south or west side of Beijing will also cost more.  There is no tipping so pay the fare shown on the meter.
 
3.  In spite of efforts by the government to train taxi drivers in English ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics, very few drivers speak more than a few words.  Be prepared with your destination written out in Chinese characters.  Bring the phone number too, as it is a common local practice to have someone at your destination talk your cab driver in. 
 
4.  When you pay your fare, make sure you take the computerized receipt printed from the taxi meter.  The receipt will have the company’s phone number and the taxi number, in case you left something in the taxi or wish to register a complaint.
 
 
Airport shuttle bus
 
For a mere 16 RMB, the Beijing International Airport Shuttle Bus will drop you off at various locations across the city. The shuttle bus runs at regular intervals throughout the day.  Check here for a map, routes and operating hours.  24-Hour Hotline for the Airport Shuttle Bus: +86 (10) 6459 4375; +86 (10) 6459 4376
 
 
Private airport transfers
 
If you are arriving in Beijing on a package tour, your tour company will likely greet you at the airport.  Evenif you are traveling independently, you can arrange your own private airport transfer, where an English speaking agent will greet you at the airport outside of customs and take you to your vehicle and driver.  Gray Line is a world wide company that offers this service starting at US$41.  Many tour companies that offer private airport transfers online in fact subcontract to this company.
 

Subway/metro transfer
 
The much anticipated Airport-Downtown Metro line is slated to open in time for the Summer Olympics.  This line will connect you to the downtown Subway Line 2 at Dongzhimen Station and will take a short 16 minutes.