Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is China's second-busiest airport and the primary international gateway to Beijing. Located 25 km northeast of central Beijing, the airport handles over 100 million passengers annually and serves as the main hub for Air China.

The airport has three terminals with distinct purposes:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The oldest and smallest terminal, serving domestic budget carriers including Hainan Airlines (domestic flights only) and a few smaller airlines.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Handles domestic flights and some regional international services. China Southern and China Eastern operate most flights from here.
• Terminal 3 (T3): The main international terminal and one of the largest airport buildings in the world. Designed by Foster + Partners and opened for the 2008 Olympics, T3 is divided into three connected zones (T3-A, T3-B, T3-C). Air China, Star Alliance partners, and most international carriers operate from T3.

Critical note about Beijing airports: Beijing has a second major airport, Beijing Daxing International (PKX), opened in 2019. Located south of the city, PKX primarily serves China Southern, China Eastern, and SkyTeam airlines. Verify which airport your flight uses when booking.

Terminal 3 layout:

• T3-A: Domestic departures and arrivals
• T3-B: International departures (connected to T3-A by APM train)
• T3-C: International departures and arrivals (largest section)

The T3 zones are connected by an Automated People Mover (APM) train system.

Beijing Capital International Airport is located 25 km northeast of central Beijing. Journey times vary significantly based on traffic—Beijing is notorious for congestion.

Method	Time to City Center	Cost
Airport Express Line	25-30 min to Dongzhimen	¥25
Taxi	40-90 min	¥100-150
DiDi (rideshare)	40-90 min	¥90-140
Airport Bus	60-90 min	¥25-30
Hotel shuttle	Varies	Often complimentary

Rush hour warning: Traffic between the airport and city center can be severe during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM). The Airport Express train bypasses traffic entirely and is the most reliable option.

Important: Uber does not operate in China. Use DiDi (China's dominant rideshare app) or official taxis.

DiDi (Recommended Rideshare)

• App: Download "DiDi" before arriving (available in English)
• Payment: International credit cards may work; link Alipay or WeChat Pay for best experience
• Pickup location: Follow signs to "Online Hailing Vehicle" zones at each terminal
• Typical fares: ¥90-140 to central Beijing (varies by destination and traffic)

Note: DiDi requires a Chinese phone number or can be used with international accounts, though functionality may be limited. Setting up the app before arrival is strongly recommended.

Official Taxis

Taxis queue outside arrivals at all terminals. Only use official taxis from the designated taxi ranks—avoid touts inside the terminal.

Typical fares from PEK:

Destination	Fare	Time
Dongzhimen/Sanlitun	¥90-110	30-50 min
Beijing Railway Station	¥100-130	40-60 min
Tiananmen/Forbidden City	¥110-140	40-70 min
Wangfujing	¥100-130	40-60 min
CBD (Guomao)	¥100-130	40-60 min
Beijing South Railway Station	¥130-180	50-80 min

Tips:

• All fares are metered; expect an additional ¥15 airport surcharge
• Expressway tolls (¥10-15) are added to the fare
• Have your destination written in Chinese characters
• Most drivers speak limited English—use a translation app or hotel card
• Receipts (fapiao) available upon request

Pickup Locations

• Terminal 1: Ground floor arrivals, taxi queue outside
• Terminal 2: 1st floor arrivals exit, follow taxi signs
• Terminal 3: Arrivals Level (B1), designated taxi area, follow signs

Airport Express Line (Recommended)

The Airport Express (机场快轨) is the fastest and most reliable way into Beijing.

Route: T3 → T2 → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen

Station	Travel Time from T3	Fare
Terminal 2	4 min	¥25
Sanyuanqiao	20 min	¥25
Dongzhimen	25-30 min	¥25

Details:

• Fare: ¥25 flat rate (all destinations)
• Operating hours: 6:20 AM - 10:50 PM (from T3)
• Frequency: Every 10-12 minutes
• Trains start at T3, then stop at T2

How to take the Airport Express from T3:

1. Proceed to Basement Level 2 (B2) in Terminal 3
2. Purchase ticket at machines (cash or mobile payment) or use Beijing Transportation Card (Yikatong)
3. Board train toward Dongzhimen

Connections at Dongzhimen:

• Transfer to Metro Line 2 (circle line) for Beijing Railway Station, Tiananmen, Fuxingmen
• Transfer to Metro Line 13 for northern Beijing

Connections at Sanyuanqiao:

• Transfer to Metro Line 10 for CBD, Guomao, and ring line connections

Beijing Metro Integration

From Dongzhimen, the Beijing Metro connects to all major areas:

• Line 2: Tiananmen, Beijing Railway Station, Qianmen
• Line 10: CBD (Guomao), Sanlitun, Olympic Park
• Line 1: Tiananmen, Wangfujing, Xidan

Metro fare: ¥3-10 depending on distance

Airport Buses

Airport buses serve various districts when the metro is not running or for direct hotel area access:

Key routes:

• Line 1: Fangzhuang (southern Beijing)
• Line 2: Xidan (western Beijing)
• Line 3: Beijing Railway Station, Guomao
• Line 5: Zhongguancun (university district)

Details:

• Fare: ¥25-30
• Operating hours: Some routes run 24 hours (reduced late-night frequency)
• Duration: 60-90 minutes depending on traffic
• Departures: Outside arrivals at each terminal

PEK offers short-term and long-term parking at all terminals:

Terminal 3 Parking

Type	Rate	Location
Short-term	¥10/hour (first hour ¥6)	Adjacent to terminal
Daily max	¥80/day	Adjacent to terminal
Long-term	¥80/day	Remote lot with shuttle

Terminals 1 & 2 Parking

Type	Rate
Short-term	¥6/hour first hour, ¥10/hour after
Daily max	¥80/day

Tips:

• First 15 minutes free at all terminals
• Payment via cash, cards, or mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• Long-term parking lots fill up during peak travel periods—arrive early or reserve if possible

Beijing Capital International offers diverse dining across all terminals:

Terminal 3 (Best Selection):

Airside (After Security):

• Chinese restaurants: Cantonese dim sum, Peking duck, noodle shops
• Bellagio Café: Western and Asian fusion
• Starbucks, Costa Coffee: Multiple locations throughout T3
• Fast food: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King
• Chinese quick service: Noodle bars, dumpling shops

Landside:

• Food court: Various Chinese and international options
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, local chains for snacks

Terminal 2:

• Chinese restaurants: Regional Chinese cuisine
• Fast food chains: KFC, McDonald's
• Noodle shops: Quick and affordable

Terminal 1:

• Limited options; primarily quick service and convenience stores

Recommended: Try Beijing specialties like jianbing (savory crepe), beef noodles, or dumplings at the Chinese restaurants in T3. Terminal 3's airside dining has the best variety.

Free WiFi is available throughout Beijing Capital International Airport.

Network: "Airport-WiFi-Free" or "PEK-Free-WiFi"

How to connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network
2. Accept terms on the landing page
3. May require SMS verification to a Chinese phone number

Limitations:

• Some free networks require a Chinese phone number for verification
• Speed can be variable, especially during peak hours
• International websites may be slow or blocked (see VPN note below)

VPN Important Note: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, many news sites) are blocked in China. If you need access to these services, install and configure a VPN before arriving in China. VPN apps are difficult to download once inside China.

Alternative connectivity: Purchase a local SIM or pocket WiFi for more reliable internet access.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though the process can be bureaucratic:

Locations:

• China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters in arrivals halls of all terminals
• Typically located after customs exit

Requirements:

• Passport (required for registration)
• Chinese regulations require real-name registration for all SIM purchases

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (7 days, 3-5GB data): ¥100-150
• Monthly prepaid SIM (10-20GB): ¥100-200
• Pocket WiFi rental: ¥40-60/day

Major carriers:

• China Mobile: Largest network, best coverage nationwide
• China Unicom: Good coverage in cities, some international roaming options
• China Telecom: Reliable, competitive pricing

Tips:

• Pre-order SIM cards online through Klook or similar services for airport pickup
• Consider Hong Kong or Macau SIMs that include China roaming (some bypass the firewall)
• eSIMs from international providers (Airalo, Holafly) work but are subject to China's internet restrictions
• Pocket WiFi devices from Hong Kong providers sometimes offer unrestricted access

ATMs are available throughout all terminals:

Locations:

• Arrivals halls at T1, T2, and T3 (multiple ATMs)
• Departure halls (airside)
• Near convenience stores and currency exchange counters

Major banks with ATMs:

• Bank of China
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Construction Bank
• Agricultural Bank of China

Currency exchange:

• Bank of China counters in arrivals and departures
• Exchange rates are typically 2-4% worse than city center banks
• Currency exchange is also available at most hotels

Tips:

• Chinese Yuan (CNY/¥) is the only accepted currency in China
• International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) have limited acceptance in China—most local shops and restaurants only accept Chinese payment apps
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible—these apps are essential for daily transactions in China (international visitors can now link foreign credit cards)
• ATM withdrawal limits vary; some machines limit foreign cards to ¥2,500-3,000 per transaction
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

Terminal 3 (Best Selection):

Duty-Free (Airside):

• China Duty Free: Extensive selection of cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, Chinese goods
• Luxury brands: Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Cartier (T3-E international area)
• Chinese specialties: Tea, silk, traditional crafts

Landside:

• Shopping mall area: Fashion, electronics, souvenirs
• Convenience stores for last-minute items

Must-buy Chinese items:

• Tea: Longjing (Dragon Well), Pu'er, jasmine tea
• Silk products: Scarves, clothing
• Chinese medicine: Traditional remedies (check customs regulations)
• Baijiu: Chinese spirit (duty-free)
• Handicrafts: Cloisonné, jade, calligraphy items

Terminals 1 & 2:

• Limited shopping compared to T3
• Basic duty-free and convenience stores

Tip: Duty-free prices at PEK are generally competitive for Chinese products but verify prices for international brands before purchasing.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 3:

• BGS Premier Lounge (T3-E): Near international gates. Hot food, drinks, showers available. Can become crowded during peak departure times.
• First Class Lounge (various locations): Check Priority Pass app for current participating lounges

Terminal 2:

• BGS Premier Lounge: Priority Pass access, basic amenities
• Limited lounge options compared to T3

Airline Lounges

Air China Lounges (Star Alliance):

• Air China First Class Lounge (T3-E): Premium lounge for First Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold
• Air China Business Class Lounge (T3-E): Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Silver/Gold
• Air China Domestic Lounge (T3-A): For Air China elite passengers on domestic flights

Features include Chinese cuisine, noodle bar, hot dishes, showers, and rest areas.

Other Star Alliance Lounges:

• Most Star Alliance carriers direct passengers to Air China lounges
• Lufthansa has a dedicated Senator Lounge in T3

SkyTeam/Oneworld:

• Limited lounge presence in PEK due to most SkyTeam carriers operating from PKX (Daxing)
• Check with your airline for specific lounge access

Pay-Per-Use Options

• BGS Premier Lounge: Walk-in access available for approximately ¥250-350
• VIP Services: The airport offers paid VIP terminal services with private security lanes

At the Airport:

• Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport: Connected to Terminal 3 via shuttle. Full-service luxury hotel with multiple restaurants. ¥800-1,500/night.

• Hilton Beijing Capital Airport: 5-minute shuttle from terminals. Business hotel with good amenities. ¥700-1,200/night.

• Cordis Beijing Capital Airport: Connected to T3 by covered walkway. Modern hotel with excellent transit access. ¥600-1,000/night.

Transit/Day Rooms:

• Air China Transit Hotel (T3): Airside hotel for transit passengers. Bookable by the hour for layovers.
• Hourly rest facilities: Available in lounges and designated rest areas

Budget Options Nearby:

• Various budget hotels along the Airport Expressway offer free shuttles
• Ibis Beijing Capital Airport: Budget-friendly, reliable shuttle service. ¥300-500/night.

Tips:

• For early morning flights, airport-connected hotels eliminate traffic concerns
• Transit hotels airside are ideal for long international layovers without a visa
• China's 144-hour transit visa exemption allows travelers from many countries to leave the airport for layovers without a full visa—check eligibility

Beijing is China's capital and cultural heart, offering millennia of history alongside modern development:

From PEK to Beijing (40-90 minutes depending on traffic):

Must-see attractions:

• Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Imperial palace with 9,000+ rooms. Take Metro Line 2 to Tiananmen East. Allow 3-4 hours.
• Great Wall of China: Multiple sections accessible from Beijing. Mutianyu (90 min) and Badaling (75 min) are most popular. Organized tours or hire a car.
• Temple of Heaven: Ming dynasty ceremonial temple. Metro Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen.
• Summer Palace: Imperial garden and lake complex. Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen.
• Tiananmen Square: Largest public square in the world. Security screening required.

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Hutongs: Traditional alleyways near the Forbidden City (Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai)
• Sanlitun: Modern dining, nightlife, and shopping
• 798 Art District: Contemporary art galleries in former factory complex
• Wangfujing: Pedestrian shopping street, night snack market

Practical tips:

• Get a Beijing Transportation Card (Yikatong) for metro, buses, and Airport Express
• Download a translation app: Google Translate works offline; Baidu Translate works well in China
• VPN is essential for accessing Western internet services—install before arriving
• Cash is rarely used: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments (now available to foreign visitors)
• Air quality: Check AQI levels; masks recommended on high-pollution days
• Language: English is limited outside tourist areas and major hotels
• Beijing has two airports: PEK (northeast) and PKX/Daxing (south)—verify your terminal for departures

Day trips from Beijing:

• Great Wall sections: Mutianyu (less crowded), Badaling (most accessible), Jinshanling (scenic hiking)
• Ming Tombs: Imperial burial site, often combined with Great Wall tours
• Chengde: Imperial summer retreat (3 hours by train)