Just sixteen minutes From Dongzhimen to the airport

(BEIJING, November 6) -- Tuesday morning, at Dongzhimen station's northeast corner, the construction work for the final segment of rail for the Airport Extension of Beijing Subway completed.

The Airport Extension is controlled by an electric tracking system; in other words, there is no driver. The trains are propelled by magnetic levitation, providing speed and stability. The subway line will be in operation prior to the Olympic Games.

Tests have shown the trains to stably reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. Seventy percent of the related installation work, including electrical equipment, communications, and signals, is complete. The remaining work is to be complete by the end of the year.

The Airport Extension, 28 km in length, starts at Dongzhimen and passes Siyuanqiao, Wuyuanqiao, and Beigaolijiaoqiao before heading toward the airport. After crossing Wenyuhe, the route forks, with one route leading to Terminal 2 of the airport and the other route leading to Terminal 3.

The line has four stations: Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Riders will be able to check-in for flights and check their baggage at Dongzhimen and, upon arriving at the airport, proceed to the security line for clearance before boarding. The entire trip from Dongzhimen to Capital Airport will take just 16 minutes.