Airports Officially, Beijing has four airports, but you’re most likely to only see Beijing Capital International Airport. Despite its name, it handles both domestic and international flights and is situated 25kms northeast of Tiananmen. Like the rest of Beijing’s infrastructure, the airport will be expanded for the Olympics, and a third terminal is projected to open in 2007.

Taxi The easiest way of getting from the airport to the city centre is by taxi. It costs [00a3]7-[00a3]10. Depending on traffic, the trip should take no more than an hour. Make sure your driver uses the meter and ignore all protests about using the seat belt in the passenger seat—if it has one, that is. Look out for the increasing amount of ‘luxury’ Hyundai taxis and be prepared for a barrage of regurgitated English lessons from your driver. Traffic in Beijing is getting worse by the month, and if you’re driving during rush hour, add an extra half hour just to be safe.

For your own sanity, keep your eyes shut while crossing junctions.

Driving Hiring a car and driving on your own is not recommended, but if you do, take the Airport Expressway which will lead you directly to the Third Ring Road in the north-east corner of the city, just north of Chaoyang business district.

Bus There are very cheap and reliable bus services from the airport to most major hotels and destinations in the city. Tickets are [00a3]1 and are sold as you leave the airport terminal (exit 11). Agents often speak enough English to guide you to the right bus route and there are signs in English.

Other options There are no trains to and from the airport, although a line linked to the city’s ageing metro is planned for the Olympics.