How to Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square

We at China Discovery provide customized Beijing city tour packages which include tour services as well as airport pick up and other necessary transfers to your hotels and attractions. Whenever you arrive at the airport, our hospitable tour guide and driver will wait for you at the arrival hall, and welcome you with a sign having your names, then escort you to visit Forbidden City or other attractions immediately, or take you to check in your hotel before the tour with an air-conditioning and non-smoking vehicle. After the tour, they will also drop you off at the airport or train station on time. Traveling with our Beijing tour package, all you need to do is to focus on enjoy the fun of exploring Beijing, the greatest city full of cultural and historical wonders.

Top Recommended Layover Tours:

>> 2 Days Beijing Layover Highlights Tour

>> 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Visa Free)

>> 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

The Airport Express Train is the fastest way to get to central Beijing area. It is a one-way loop with stops at Terminal 3(3号航站楼), Terminal 2(2号航站楼), Sanyuanqiao Station (三元桥) and Dongzhimen Station(东直门), without station at Forbidden City or Tian’anmen Square. You can take the Express to get to Sanyuanqiao first, then change to subway Line 10, and change to subway Line 1 at Guomao Station. Get off Line 1 at Tian’anmen East Station, walk about 1km(10mins) northward, you will find the gate of Forbidden City.

Time Needed: about 1h 15mincludes 3m transfer

Cost: about ¥29 - ¥32 (about $6)

Where to take Airport Express in the airport: T3 (B2 of Parking Garage No. 2), and 6:35 from T2(F2 of Parking Garage No. 3).

Schedules: 6:20~22:50 (interval: 10mins)

There are over 20 shuttle bus lines connecting Beijing Capital International Airport, among which the Line 10 can transport you directly to Wanfujing where you only need to walk about 20mins to get to the gate of Forbidden City. It is the cheapest option, but taking longer time compared with subway and taxi.

Time Needed: about 1hr 20mins

Cost: about ¥25 (about $4)

Where to take shuttle bus in the airport: T1: Gate No. 7 (inside) on F1/ T2: Gate No.11 (outside) on F1 / T3: Gate No.7 or No.9 (Outside) on F1

Schedules: 9:00-21:00 (interval: 60mins or earlier when fully seated)

If you want to save time, or want to get rid of hassle and crowds of catching the Express train or Taking a taxi is the most efficient way to get to Forbidden City. It takes usually about 20~30mins to get to Forbidden City when the traffics on the road are not heavy. But chances are big that you may come across traffic jams more or less, which may prolong the driving duration to over 1 hour sometimes. During some rush hours, you are advised to take subways instead of taxi, such as 8:00~9:30am, 11:30~13:00, 18:00~20:00.

Time Needed: about 20mins~60mins

Cost: about ¥80 - ¥120 (about $12~$18)

Where to take taxi in the airport: outside the arrival hall of T1, T2, T3

Important Notice: Always take a legal taxi because there are many illegal private cars or limo driver may try to promote their transfer to you but cost you usually double the prices charged by the legit taxis. The license plates of all legal taxis in Beijing start with 京B.

As the capital city of China for centuries, Beijing is an internatinal metropolis with numerous historic scenic sites. You can visit the Forbidden City to witness the royal buildings of the ancient China empire, hike on the incredible Great Wall, and wander along the traditional hutongs to experience the authentic local life...all of your dreams about Beijing can be tangible in our Beijing tours.

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are also specialized in tailor-made tours that fit you best according to your own interests, requirement, traveling time, etc.

Other Recommended Beijing Tours:

>>6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour

>>8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai)

>>10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing (Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai)