Smart China Trip

From the Airport to the City

Check the airport code, terminal and hotel location before choosing metro, airport rail or an official taxi.

  • Verified 3 Oct 2026
  • 4 min read
  • Major city airports · Route choices
01

Identify the right airport

  • Beijing: Capital (PEK) uses Capital Airport Express, connecting through stations such as Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. Daxing (PKX) uses Daxing Airport Express, with Caoqiao among its city connections. Do not mix up pickup details.
  • Shanghai: Pudong (PVG) offers Metro Line 2, maglev and the Airport Link Line. Hongqiao (SHA) terminals 1 and 2 have different connections. The Airport Link links Pudong with Hongqiao Terminal 2, which may not be closest to your downtown hotel.
  • Chengdu: Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU) are different airports. Check Lines 18/19 for Tianfu and 10/19 for Shuangliu. Line 19’s Shuangliu Airport Terminal 2 East and the Line 10 station are distinct; follow transfer and exit instructions.
  • Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): for T2 check Airport North on Metro Line 3. For T3 check intercity rail at Baiyun Airport East or the shuttle to Gaozeng for metro connections. Airport South/North are not T3; verify the day’s connections for your terminal.
02

Choose door to door

  1. 1

    Estimate when you reach arrivals

    Allow time after touchdown for immigration, bags and walking. Check the last departure from your actual station in your direction on your date, rather than only the line’s overall hours.

  2. 2

    Check the final connection

    Airport rail may still run after your connecting metro closes. Save the hotel’s nearest exit, walking route and accessibility needs; account for stairs with large luggage.

  3. 3

    Use official pickup locations

    Follow airport taxi signs to the queue. For ride-hailing, use the parking area and floor specified by the app. Match plate, vehicle and driver; do not follow arrivals-hall touts away from official areas.

03

Save one complete address line

Save city + full Chinese hotel name + street number + telephone, rather than only an English hotel brand. Brands have multiple branches. For a booked transfer, confirm waiting time, flight-delay handling, child-seat needs, total price and cancellation terms.

Check before you go

These are route pointers, not guaranteed fares, last departures or journey times. Check airport and operator information on the day for service changes, congestion and terminal changes.

04

Common questions

Does the metro run all night?

Do not assume so. Check both the airport service and connections; use an official taxi, a verified night service or nearby accommodation if there is no workable rail route.

Can I estimate an airport transfer by distance alone?

No: immigration, baggage, waiting, check-in and security also matter. Ask the airline to check your complete connection, especially on separate tickets.

05

Read next & sources

Entry & VisasYour First Day in ChinaArrival card, border and customs, then getting online, paying and reaching your stay.ReadGetting AroundTaxis, Ride-Hailing & MetroHailing cars via Alipay or DiDi, riding metros by QR code, and addresses in Chinese for drivers.ReadGetting AroundDomestic FlightsWhen flying beats the train, booking names, baggage and power-bank rules.ReadTrip plannerPut your trip on the mapPick cities, plan the days, see travel times at a glance.Plan your journey

Sources

  1. Beijing Capital Airport ground transport北京首都国际机场 / BCIA
  2. Daxing Airport Express北京大兴国际机场 / Daxing Airport
  3. Shanghai Airport Link Line上海机场 / Shanghai Airport
  4. Hongqiao Airport rail connections上海机场 / Shanghai Airport
  5. Pudong Airport maglev transport上海机场 / Shanghai Airport
  6. Chengdu airport metro connections成都双流国际机场 / Chengdu Shuangliu Airport
  7. Baiyun Airport T3 transport guidance广州市政府（交通部门指引） / Guangzhou Government · 2026-02-13

Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.