Tianjin to Beijing International Airport (PEK)

After nearly a year living in Tianjin we are still exploring the best way to get up to Beijing for a flight.

As far as we are aware the 3 main options are:

Private car

Cost: 600 RMB (one way)

Travel time: 1 hour 40 min (off peak), 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes (peak, depending on traffic)

Positives: door to door service, ease of taking luggage) air conditioned vehicle, friendly driver (a wave at the terminal). Return journey is ideal after a long flight.

Negatives: price, very high in comparison to other options and price has risen 100 since we arrived this year.

Bus

Cost: 80 RMB (one way, per person)

Travel time: 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic. Information and timetable can be found here: Tianjin to PEK bus details

Positives: cost, dropped directly at the terminal

Negatives: travel time can be long and frustrating stuck in traffic

Train

Bullet Train to Beijing/Subway line 4 (3 stops to Xuanwumen), transfer at line 2 (8 stops to Dongzhimen), Board Airport Express (Terminal 3, followed by Terminal 2)

Cost: 54.5 + 2 + 25 = 81.5 RMB (one way, per person)

Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes from Tianjin Zhan to Terminal 2

Positives: cost, not restricted to bus timetable (last bus is 18:30), subway trains are very frequent

Negatives: subway is always very busy, however at peak times it can be unbearable, some would say dangerous; not ideal for traveling with luggage, weather (very hot and humid in the summertime)

 

Today we tried out the bullet train/subway/airport express as we are traveling with little luggage and had a late flight. It was ok but not overly enjoyable. I think the bus is generally the best option depending on the time of your flight. We generally opt for a money saving choice on the way out but almost always indulge in being collected by Mr Fu. It is nice to be met at arrivals and whisked back to your doorstep within a couple of hours.

Happy travels!

-Mr & Mrs T