Beijing Airport Arrival Guide: From Landing to Didi Pickup

After landing, follow the passenger flow toward the arrival area. Most main signs are shown in both Chinese and English.

Keep walking forward with the other arriving passengers. At this stage, you do not need to look for taxis or Didi yet. First, follow the arrival route inside the terminal.

After entering the main terminal area, you will see overhead signs. These signs guide passengers toward baggage claim, exits, transportation, and other airport services.

Continue following the signs. For most travelers, the key words to look for are: Exit, Ground Transportation, Taxi, or Online Car-hailing.

If you do not already have mobile internet in China, this is a good place to buy a Chinese SIM card or travel data package.

Mobile internet is very important in China because you may need it for Didi, Alipay, WeChat, translation apps, maps, hotel contact, and hospital navigation.

Airport SIM card prices may be higher than local city prices, but they are convenient for travelers who need internet immediately after arrival.

Bring your passport, because real-name registration may be required.

After the SIM card area, continue walking along the same route. Do not leave the terminal randomly. Keep following the airport signs toward transportation.

The airport route may feel long, but the signs will continue to guide you. Look for the direction toward taxis, buses, subway, parking, or online car-hailing pickup.

At this point, you may need to take an escalator or lift down to the transport level. If you have heavy luggage, use the lift instead of the escalator.

After going downstairs, continue following the signs. This area usually leads passengers toward taxi, Didi pickup, airport buses, or parking areas.

You are now close to the transport pickup area. Check your Didi app or your driver message carefully. The driver may tell you a specific pickup point or zone.

Didi drivers cannot always stop anywhere at the airport. You usually need to wait in the designated online car-hailing pickup area.

If you are not sure, show airport staff your Didi app screen and ask where to wait.

Wait here until your driver arrives. Check the car plate number, car model, and driver information in the app before getting into the vehicle.

Once the car arrives, confirm the plate number and destination. If you are going to a hospital, hotel, or apartment, it is useful to prepare the Chinese address in advance.