Specialised Services

• Luxury fleet access – High-end makes including Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are available through select providers.
• Van and people carrier hire – Ideal for family travel or small groups; 7- to 9-seat options often include premium interiors.
• Vehicles with drivers – Especially helpful for foreign visitors without a Chinese driving licence.
• Long-term leasing packages – Flexible month-to-month contracts for expatriates, students or business delegates.

Booking Tips

1. Book in Advance, Particularly Around Holidays Availability becomes limited around Chinese New Year, National Day (October), and Golden Week. Booking online well ahead ensures better rates and model selection.
2. Understand Local Driver’s Licence Requirements China does not accept most foreign driving licences or IDPs. Unless you hold a Chinese licence or have arranged a temporary Chinese driving permit, you’ll need to hire a car with a driver.
3. Online Booking Advantages Providers such as eHi or CAR Inc. offer English-language websites or mobile apps with online discounts, 24-hour hotline support, and easy vehicle customisation.
4. Loyalty & Credit Card Benefits Signing up for car hire membership programmes may grant you queue-skipping privileges, free upgrades, or reduced insurance excess. Premium credit cards often bundle in vehicle rental insurance and access to rewards points.
5. Compare Fuel Policies & Deposit Terms While most agencies operate with a full-to-full policy, it’s essential to confirm at the time of booking. Deposits vary widely by provider and may require large credit card holds.

Pickup & Drop-off Locations

At the Airport

• Rental Desks: Located within the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) beneath the terminal, clearly signposted in English and Chinese.
• Vehicle Pickup: Cars are generally housed in car park levels B2 or B3, connected via lifts or travellators.
• 24-hour Access: Some providers offer late-night and early-morning pick-up/drop-off when booked in advance.

Other Collection Points

• Downtown Beijing: Office branches near Guomao, Chaoyang, and Wangfujing allow for flexibility in return or pick-up after a city stay.
• Beijing Railway Stations: Including Beijing South, West and the new Daxing Airport Express Line terminals, many provide nearby vehicle return areas.
• Hotel Concierge Delivery: Select providers offer direct-to-hotel drop-off, commonly used by business travellers.

Connectivity

• Daxing Airport Express: Links the airport to Caoqiao in 20 minutes, ideal for reaching inner Beijing stations.
• Beijing–Xiong’an Intercity Railway: Connects Daxing to regional hubs.
• Expressways G45 & G2: Immediate access to Beijing’s ring roads and cross-country routes.

Driving Conditions & Regulations

Traffic Rules

• Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
• Seatbelts: Compulsory for all passengers.
• Mobile Devices: Prohibited unless using hands-free.
• Alcohol Tolerance: Strict – essentially zero-tolerance. Offenders face steep fines and potential imprisonment.

Speed Limits

• Urban roads: 40–60 km/h
• Main roads: 60–80 km/h
• Expressways: 100–120 km/h

Signage

• Bilingual signage (Chinese and English) is common on major roads and motorways.
• Road quality is generally excellent near urban and tourist areas.

Tolls & Restrictions

• Toll roads are common and charged via ETC cards, typically pre-installed in rental vehicles.
• No congestion charge currently applies in Beijing, but inner city traffic restrictions based on number plates (rotation schedule) may apply on certain days.

Popular Destinations & Routes

Scenic Routes

• G95 Capital Area Ring Expressway – Circumvents Beijing and connects to lesser-visited towns and forests.
• Beijing–Zhangjiakou route – Mountains, ski resorts, and future Olympic heritage sites.
• Eastward to Tianjin – Historic European architecture, waterfront promenades, and modern art museums.

Additional Considerations

Insurance

• Third-party liability is standard and included in most contracts.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection typically reduce liability but may retain high excess unless you opt for extended cover.
• Zero-excess or Super CDW packages are available from premium providers.
• Always confirm whether insurance covers damage to tyres, glass and undercarriage—often excluded by default.

Fuel Types

• Petrol 92 or 95 octane and diesel are widely available.
• Some EV and hybrid options are emerging, especially within city boundaries, but public charging stations may be sparse outside major towns.
• Return full is the most common fuel policy.

Age & Licensing

• Minimum driver age: 21–23 years depending on provider and car class.
• Driving licence: Foreign nationals must hold a valid Chinese licence or an officially approved temporary driving permit.
• Chauffeur hire is recommended if obtaining local permits proves impractical.

Fees & Deposits

• Deposit holds: Commonly range from 3,000–8,000 CNY, placed on a credit card.
• Young driver surcharge: May apply to drivers under 25.
• Additional drivers: Must be declared and may incur daily fees.

Conclusion

Whether you’re aiming to explore the heart of Beijing or venture deep into China’s storied provinces, renting a car at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) provides the mobility and autonomy few other options can match. With a growing fleet of international-standard vehicles, well-maintained roads, and an increasingly user-friendly rental experience, PKX is a practical starting point for your Chinese road journey.

Final Suggestions for a Seamless Rental:

• Double-check licence requirements well in advance.
• Opt for GPS or download offline navigation apps with Chinese and English.
• Avoid peak-hour city driving and schedule long-distance travel during daylight.
• Keep emergency contacts, insurance documentation, and rental agreements to hand at all times.

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