Hotel Meet and Greet at Daxing - good idea?

Question

Hi, first time posting on the Forum! We’re heading to Beijing in April and I have a question about transport from Daxing airport. Our hotel (Waldorf Astoria) can meet us at the airbridge and assist us through immigration and then transport us to the hotel for CNY 2,000.

We’re planning to do the Transit Without Visa (we’re stopping in Beijing for three nights en route from London to Tokyo) so the thought of someone pointing us in the right direction for that is quite appealing, plus we are a family of four with 2-3 big suitcases so I wasn’t sure if we’d all fit in an ordinary taxi and we don’t want to take two taxis.

Are larger taxis available in the daytime and how much would they cost? I don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience but on the other hand this trip is already costing a small fortune!

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!

Answer

Using a hotel meet-and-greet service at Beijing Daxing Airport can be very convenient, especially for first-time visitors, families with children, or travelers unfamiliar with Chinese airports and procedures. This service usually includes assistance through immigration, baggage handling, and direct transport to your hotel. For the Waldorf Astoria, the quoted CNY 2,000 may seem high, but it offers a stress-free experience, particularly if you are using the 144-hour transit without visa (TWOV) and want guidance through the process.

Considerations for your situation:

With a family of four and multiple large suitcases, regular taxis may not comfortably accommodate everyone in one vehicle. Standard taxis in Beijing typically seat 4 passengers plus luggage, but fitting all suitcases could be tight.
Larger taxis (like 7-seater minivans) are available at Daxing Airport, usually labeled as “MPV” or “minivan” on the official airport taxi ranks. These vehicles can easily accommodate 4 passengers with 2–3 large suitcases.
The cost for a larger taxi to central Beijing is generally between CNY 250–350 during daytime hours. This is significantly less than the hotel meet-and-greet price but does not include personal assistance through immigration.

Alternative options:

Book a private airport transfer through a ride-hailing app like DiDi, which allows you to select a larger vehicle. Prices may vary depending on demand and traffic but are comparable to official airport taxis.
If convenience and minimizing stress are priorities, particularly with TWOV procedures, the hotel meet-and-greet ensures smooth guidance and eliminates potential delays or confusion at immigration.
Consider combining both approaches: use a larger taxi for cost efficiency if you feel confident navigating the airport, or use the hotel service if you prefer a worry-free experience and the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.

In summary, larger taxis and private transfers are available and can handle a family with luggage at a fraction of the meet-and-greet price. However, for first-time visitors using the transit without visa and wanting step-by-step assistance, the hotel service is a convenient, albeit expensive, option. The choice depends on your comfort level, budget, and desire for a stress-free start to your trip.