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Arriving after midnight

Hi,

The flight i'm planning to take lands at Beijing a bit after midnight.

As far as I see on Google, all the trains/shuttles don't operate at this time. I will probably stay in Wangfujing or Sanlitun.

What are my options to get to my hotel after midnight? Taxi? If so- how much should it cost?

Thanks!

Arriving in Beijing after midnight means that most public transport options like the Airport Express and city buses will not be operating. Your primary options are taxis or pre-arranged airport transfers.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Taxi: Beijing Airport (PEK) has a 24-hour taxi service. You can take a licensed airport taxi from the designated taxi stands outside the arrivals hall. There are three types of taxis: standard (green), large (yellow), and premium (black). For most hotels in Wangfujing or Sanlitun, a standard taxi is sufficient.
  • Cost: The fare depends on distance and time. Wangfujing is about 30–35 km from the airport, and Sanlitun is around 35 km. A typical meter fare at night might range:
    • Wangfujing: 130–180 RMB
    • Sanlitun: 150–200 RMB
  • Note: Night-time taxi surcharge applies from 23:00 to 05:00, adding around 20% to the fare.
  • Alternative options:
    • Pre-booked airport transfer through your hotel: Many hotels offer 24-hour airport pick-up for a fixed price, usually 200–300 RMB for a private car.
    • Ride-hailing apps: Didi Chuxing works 24/7, but international credit cards may not always be accepted. Using cash or linking a Chinese mobile payment app (WeChat Pay/Alipay) is typical.

Tips:

  • Always take a licensed taxi from the official airport taxi stand to avoid scams.
  • Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
  • Allow around 40–60 minutes for the journey to central Beijing, depending on traffic, even at night.

In summary, taxis and pre-booked transfers are the safest and most reliable options for a post-midnight arrival. Expect fares around 150–200 RMB for standard taxis to central locations like Wangfujing or Sanlitun.

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