Yes, you can hire a car at Beijing Daxing (PKX) — but there is one catch that surprises most visitors: your home licence and an International Driving Permit are not enough to drive legally in China. To get behind the wheel as a tourist you first need a Chinese temporary driving permit, and you can apply for it at the airport. Once that is sorted, PKX has a normal set of rental desks (eHi, Avis, Hertz and partners) on the ground floor of the P1 car park. This guide explains the licence rule, where the desks are, how to keep the price down, and the honest alternatives if you would rather skip the paperwork.
The licence catch: why your IDP won’t work
China is not a signatory to the international driving conventions, so an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not accepted — and rental companies will not hand over a car on a foreign licence alone. What you need instead is a provisional (temporary) driving permit issued by the Beijing traffic authority.
The good news: Beijing Daxing has its own Vehicle Management Station at the airport, so you can apply on arrival rather than travelling into the city first. Here is what the official Beijing government guidance lists:
- Documents: passport and visa, your home driving licence with a Chinese translation, and two 1-inch white-background photos. A medical certificate is not required for ordinary cars.
- Cost: 10 CNY.
- Validity: matches your permitted stay, up to 3 months (longer permits are possible for longer stays).
- Processing: within three working days — this is not an instant counter, so plan ahead if you want to drive on day one.
- Office hours: weekdays 08:30–18:00, weekends 09:00–16:00.
If your trip is short — say a layover or a couple of days — the three-day processing window often makes self-driving impractical, and one of the alternatives further down this page will serve you better.
Where the rental desks actually are
The car-hire counters are not in the arrivals hall itself. They sit on the ground floor of the P1 car park, reached from the second level of the terminal — follow the parking signs after you clear baggage claim. The main names you will find are:
- eHi (一嗨) — the largest local operator, and the partner that handles Enterprise, National and Alamo bookings in China.
- Avis and Hertz, usually through local partners.
Daxing also has EV charging across its car parks, so an electric rental is realistic if you are comfortable planning charging stops.
At a glance: your options for getting around from PKX
| Option | Licence needed | Rough cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive rental | Chinese temporary permit (IDP not enough) | From about US$45/day for an economy car | Longer stays, trips beyond the metro map |
| Car with driver | None — the driver is licensed | Premium over self-drive; quoted per day or trip | Sightseeing, groups, no Chinese needed |
| Didi / taxi | None | Metered or per trip | Door-to-door without committing to a car |
| Daxing Airport Express | None | ¥35 to Caoqiao, about 22 min | Cheapest, fastest way into central Beijing |
How to keep the rental cheap
Prices swing with season and demand, so a little planning goes a long way:
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead. Airport desks have a limited fleet; booking early gives you the wider pool and lower rates.
- Compare a couple of providers. Get a quote from eHi and at least one international brand, and compare the total price, not just the headline daily rate.
- Check fuel and mileage terms. Prefer full-to-full fuel and confirm whether mileage is unlimited.
- Read the insurance line. Confirm what the basic cover includes and what the excess (deductible) is before you sign.
Driving in Beijing: what to expect
Beijing traffic is busy and the rules are camera-enforced. Posted limits are typically around 50–60 km/h on urban streets, 60–80 on main arteries and 100–120 on expressways; watch the signs, because limits change often. Tolls apply on expressways, parking in the centre is tight, and navigation works best with a local SIM and your visa and connectivity sorted before you land. If it is your first time driving in China, give yourself an easy first leg rather than diving straight into a rush-hour ring road.
Don’t want the paperwork? Better options
For many visitors, especially on a short trip, self-driving is more hassle than it is worth. Two easy alternatives:
- Hire a car with a driver. You skip the permit entirely, and a local driver handles traffic, parking and language. It costs more than self-drive, but it is far less stressful for sightseeing days.
- Take the train. The Daxing Airport Express reaches Caoqiao in about 22 minutes for ¥35, then connects to the metro — by far the cheapest and fastest way into the city.
FAQ
Can I drive in China with my International Driving Permit?
Where do I get the temporary driving permit at PKX?
Where are the car rental desks at Daxing?
How much does it cost to rent a car at PKX?
Is it worth renting a car for a short layover?
Sources
- Provisional driving permit for foreigners (Beijing Municipal Government)
- Car rental desks and pickup at Daxing (Airport Information)
Licence rules, fares and rental details verified in June 2026. Regulations and prices change; confirm against official sources before you travel. This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the airport.
