Huangyaguan is about 120 kilometres northeast of Beijing and roughly 30 kilometres north of Ji County (Jixian) in Tianjin Municipality. By car the journey takes approximately two and a half to three hours from central Beijing, depending on traffic. Take the G1 expressway toward Tianjin, then follow signs to Ji County and north toward Huangyaguan — a car or a hired driver is by far the most practical option.
There is no direct train or bus from Beijing to the pass. Some tour operators run day trips from Beijing that include Huangyaguan alongside other sites; this is a reasonable option if you do not have a car. The nearest town with accommodation is Ji County, about 30 kilometres south.