Car Rental in Beijing, China: The Complete 2026 Guide

Visitors can apply for this permit directly at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX) to rent from major local and international agencies.

Navigating a car rental in Beijing, China is a unique process for international travelers. Because mainland China does not recognize foreign driver's licenses or International Driving Permits (IDPs), you must secure a temporary Chinese driving permit upon arrival. This guide outlines the exact steps to obtain your permit at Beijing's major airports, details the local traffic regulations—including the strict weekday license plate restrictions inside the 5th Ring Road—and explains what to expect regarding rental costs and security deposits. By understanding these local requirements, you can successfully rent a car from domestic providers like CAR Inc. and eHi Car Services, or international brands like Avis and Hertz, ensuring a smooth journey through Beijing and its surrounding scenic destinations.

L'essentiel: Permits, Deposits, and Local Traffic Rules

To drive a car hire in Beijing, China, you must obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit (valid for up to 90 days). Driving without one is illegal. This permit only authorizes you to drive rented small automatic cars (C1/C2 classes); driving privately owned vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Beijing enforces strict road space rationing inside the 5th Ring Road on weekdays from 7:00 to 20:00. Vehicles are banned from driving on specific days based on the last digit of their license plate (for example, digits 1 and 6 on Mondays, 2 and 7 on Tuesdays). Violating this rule results in a 200 CNY fine. A recent round of these restrictions is scheduled from June 29 to September 27, 2026.

Additionally, China enforces a near zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, with a strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.02%. Ensure you carry mobile payment apps (Alipay or WeChat Pay) or cash, as many local rental companies do not accept international credit cards for the mandatory security deposits, which range from 5,000 to 8,000 CNY.

Rental Costs and Booking Tips

When planning to rent a car in Beijing, China, budget for both the rental rate and the necessary administrative fees. The administrative fee for the temporary driving permit is a flat 10 CNY. However, you must also factor in the cost of a certified translation of your foreign driver's license, which typically ranges from 150 to 300 CNY, alongside passport photo fees.

Security deposits are a major upfront cost, typically ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 CNY (approximately USD 700 to 1,300). Because international credit cards are not universally accepted by all local car rental companies, it is highly recommended to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before arriving, or carry sufficient cash to cover the deposit. Booking your vehicle in advance through major domestic providers like CAR Inc. () and eHi Car Services (), or international agencies like Avis and Hertz, ensures vehicle availability and clearer terms regarding deposit refunds.

Where to Pick Up Your Car

The most convenient places to pick up your car rental in Beijing, China are the city's two primary international airports, where you can also apply for your temporary driving permit immediately after landing.

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): You can apply for your temporary permit directly at Terminal 3, located on the 1st Floor in Zone C. Once the permit is issued, you can proceed to the rental counters.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Daxing Airport also hosts a designated application point for temporary driving permits, allowing you to complete the paperwork and collect your vehicle from onsite providers.

Both airports host major rental offices, including CAR Inc. and eHi Car Services. While the legal driving age in China is 18, keep in mind that most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle.

Driving Tips and Day Trips

Driving in Beijing requires careful attention to the city's ring road system and local traffic patterns. Always monitor the weekday license plate restrictions (active 7:00 to 20:00 inside the 5th Ring Road) to avoid the 200 CNY fine.

Once you have secured your rental car and temporary permit, Beijing serves as an excellent starting point for exploring northern China. Having your own vehicle allows you to bypass tour groups and travel directly to remote sections of the Great Wall, historic tombs, and neighboring cities. Be sure to keep your physical temporary permit, passport, and rental agreement in the vehicle at all times, as traffic police conduct routine checks. Stick strictly to the 0.02% BAC limit and plan your routes using local navigation apps that highlight active plate restriction zones.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.