Beijing is well-known for being the centre of China's politics throughout history and also a place where tourists can find preserved temples and palaces that served entire dynasties. Hang out in the hutongs which offer a glimpse into a bygone Beijing and strike up a conversation with the friendly locals, wander around the Forbidden City and visit the Great Wall. In Beijing, you will find preserved historical buildings sharing space with modern world-class buildings, which can be a truly memorable experience. Discover the city of World Heritage Sites and search for cheap flights to Beijing, the place that invented the Peking Duck.
A less crowded and cheaper time to go to Beijing is in their Winter, from December to February. Even though it's cheaper to go in the winter, Beijing can get really cold where there is a possibility of snowing in this period.
Beijing Capital International Airport is the main airport that serves Beijing and it is also the busiest airport in the world and the largest in China. The airport is located 32km to the northeast of the city centre and has 3 terminals. In 2018, the airport handled more than 100 million passengers
From the Beijing Capital International Airport it's possible to go to the city centre by the Airport Express Line of Beijing's subway, where a one-way trip will take approximately 20-30 minutes and cost around 25 yuan.
You can take one of the ten different bus lines available on the airport depending on your destination. The total trip time can go from 50 to 80 minutes and the fares can go from 4 yuan to 11 yuan. Each line has its own service hours but generally the buses are available from 05:00h to 22:00h.
Taxis are available outside the terminals. The ride to the city centre can take from 45 to 60 minutes depending on the traffic. Be aware of rush hours (07:00am to 09:00am - 05:00pm to 08:00pm) since it can cause some traffic jams.
Uber isn't available in Beijing but there is a similar app used there called Didi. You can find a few vehicle categories going from express to premium. The fare will be different depending on the car category.
Looking for a private transfer option from the airport to your hotel in Beijing? If you want piece of mind when you land then give iFly a call on 1800 156 856 when you've booked your flights online to Beijing and we will organise your private transfer for you.
The best way to get around Beijing is by subway, where the fares can go from 3 yuan to 9 yuan depending on the distance travelled. It's possible to get a hold of a travel card that will make you avoid to queue for tickets each time you travel. The card also provides a discount on all bus journeys within the municipality of Beijing. It's also possible to explore the city's sections on foot, where you can find many things to see and do.
Taxis are relatively cheap in Beijing, but keep in mind that the city's avenues are always busy, so don't rely totally on taxis to travel long distances. A good option is to take the subway to get closer to your destination and then get a cab the rest of the way. All official taxis are metered with the fare starting at the rate of 13 yuan. To get a taxi in Beijing you simply need to hail the taxi from the street.
It's tricky to rent a car in China since you'll need to have a Chinese drivers license, but if you want to have the freedom of having a car in Beijing, it's possible to hire a car service for the day where the driver will save you from the trouble of having to drive in China's capital.
Discover Beijing and the surrounding areas at your own pace when you hire a car. There is easy pick up and drop off options at the airport or at some destinations in the city. At iFly we have amazing prices and car options for you to choose, so buckle yourself in with iFly and click here to get a car hire quote.
Australian travellers must require a visa to visit China, and the process can take up to a few weeks. For visa requirements please check with China's Embassy in Australia.
Make sure you're covered and have organised your Travel Insurance before you go.
