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How to Book an Airport Pickup with Didi

Last updated: 2026-04-30

Arriving at a Chinese airport and figuring out transport is one of the most stressful parts of a trip. Taxis at major airports often have long queues, and unlicensed drivers will approach you in the arrivals hall.

Didi
Didi
transportation · beginner
View Guide → solves this: book your ride before you land, and walk straight to the pickup zone.

Before You Land

You can book a Didi ride up to 24 hours in advance. If you have Wi-Fi on the plane or a working eSIM, book while still in the air.

  1. 1. Open Didi and set the airport as your pickup

    Tap the destination field and type your airport name (e.g. 'PVG' for Shanghai Pudong, 'PEK' for Beijing Capital). Didi recognizes IATA codes and full airport names.

  2. 2. Set your destination

    Enter your hotel name or address. Didi understands English hotel names in major cities.

  3. 3. Choose a scheduled pickup time

    Tap the clock icon next to the pickup field to schedule a future time. Set it 30–45 minutes after your scheduled landing time to account for immigration and baggage claim.

  4. 4. Confirm and pay

    Select your car type and confirm. The fare is estimated upfront. Payment is charged automatically when the ride ends.

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Schedule your pickup 30–45 minutes after landing, not at landing time. Immigration queues at major Chinese airports can take 20–40 minutes for foreign passport holders.

Finding the Didi Pickup Zone at the Airport

Every major Chinese airport has a designated ride-hailing pickup zone, separate from the taxi rank. The Didi app shows the exact zone on the map once your driver is assigned.

General guidance by airport:

  • Shanghai Pudong (PVG): Ride-hailing zone on Level B1 (underground), follow signs for "网约车" (ride-hailing)
  • Beijing Capital (PEK): Ride-hailing zone on the ground floor, Terminal 2 and 3 have separate zones
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX): Ride-hailing zone on Level B1
  • Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): Ride-hailing zone outside arrivals, follow "网约车" signs
  • Chengdu Tianfu (TFU): Ride-hailing zone on Level B1
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Search "网约车" (wǎng yuē chē) — the Chinese term for ride-hailing — on airport signage. Every major airport has these signs in both Chinese and English.

When Your Driver Arrives

The Didi app shows your driver's real-time location and the exact zone letter/number where they'll wait. Your driver will also send a message when they arrive. Check the license plate in the app before getting in.

If your driver cancels (common if you're delayed), Didi automatically finds a new driver. The new driver picks up from the same zone.

Practical Tips

  • Delayed flights: If your flight is significantly delayed, update your scheduled pickup time in the app. Tap the active booking → Edit pickup time.
  • Multiple terminals: Confirm which terminal you're arriving at before booking. Didi pickup zones differ by terminal.
  • Luggage: Didi Express fits 2–3 standard suitcases. For more luggage, book Premier or Luxury which have larger vehicles.
  • Airport surcharge: Some airports add a small surcharge (¥5–15) to ride-hailing fares. This is shown in the fare estimate before you confirm.