Beijing Airport Guide

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a principal air gateway to Beijing and a major hub for Air China. It is northeast of central Beijing and is distinct from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

The airport has three terminals with distinct purposes:

• Terminal 1 (T1) is the smallest passenger terminal and sits beside T2.
• Terminal 2 (T2) handles domestic and international/regional flights.
• Terminal 3 (T3) is a separate, much larger complex handling domestic and international/regional flights; an internal automated people mover links its processing and gate areas.

Assignments are flight-specific and change between timetable seasons—even some Air China domestic routes move between T2 and T3. Confirm both the airport code and terminal in the airline's live record before travel. PKX is a separate airport south of the city and requires a landside cross-city transfer.

Key fact: Do not infer a transfer path from the terminal number alone. T1/T2 and T3 are separate terminal complexes, while the T3 people mover is part of that terminal's passenger journey. Follow the airline's connection instructions because baggage, immigration, security, and whether an escorted transfer is available depend on the itinerary.

Terminal Layout

All three terminals have their own passenger-processing areas. T1 is adjacent to T2; T3 is a separate complex. Within T3, check-in and arrivals processing may be far from the satellite gate area, so follow the train and gate signs printed for the flight rather than a fixed A/B/C role table.

Getting Between Terminals

Use the airport's free landside terminal shuttle when directed between the T1/T2 area and T3. Stop locations and headways can change, so use the airport display or service desk on arrival. T1 and T2 are close together; do not attempt to walk to T3. The Capital Airport Express also stops at T2 and T3 but is a public paid rail service, not a protected airside transfer.

Use only the minimum connection accepted by the operating airline for a protected ticket. Generic time and walking tables cannot account for a terminal change, baggage arrangements, immigration eligibility, or security. Separate tickets require a substantially larger margin.

International Arrival Process (Terminal 3)

If arriving internationally at PEK:

1. Exit aircraft and follow the connection or arrivals signs
2. Complete health/quarantine formalities if directed
3. Clear immigration when entering China
4. Collect checked baggage at carousel
5. Complete customs procedures
6. Exit to arrivals hall or proceed to domestic connection

For international-to-domestic connections:

1. Complete arrival process above
2. Re-check bags at transfer counter (if not checked through)
3. Take APM or walk to domestic departure area (T3-A)
4. Clear security again at domestic departures

Important: Immigration queues at PEK can be lengthy. Allow ample time for international arrivals connecting to domestic flights.

Transfer Within Terminal 3 (International to International)

For a transit itinerary whose airline confirms an airside T3 connection:

1. Follow "Transfer" signs after deplaning
2. Clear transfer security screening
3. Take APM train if needed to reach departure gate
4. Complete any document or border-control step directed for that itinerary

PEK is northeast of central Beijing. The Capital Airport Express serves T2 and T3 and connects with the city Metro at Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. Airport buses, official taxis, and app-based online car-hailing provide road alternatives. Check a live journey planner because service patterns, journey times, and prices change.

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

DiDi and Online Car-Hailing

Beijing's current official visitor guidance lists online car-hailing as an airport option. Use the app-confirmed pickup zone for the terminal and verify payment/account access before relying on it; app requirements can differ for international users.

Official Taxis

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

Tips:

• Use the metered official rank and confirm how road tolls are handled
• 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 Capital Airport Express (机场快轨) provides the airport's rail connection.

Route: T3 → T2 → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen

The airport branch serves T3, T2, Sanyuanqiao, and Dongzhimen. It does not have a T1 station; T1 passengers follow signs to the T2 station or use the terminal shuttle. Check Beijing Subway's live first/last trains and current fare before travel.

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 and ring-line connections via Sanyuanqiao
• Line 1: Tiananmen, Wangfujing, Xidan

Airport Buses

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

Routes and terminal stops change. Beijing's 2026 updates, for example, revise the Fengtai Railway Station service. Use the Capital Airport Bus hotline or official travel-date listing for the current boarding point, timetable, and fare rather than an old numbered-route list.

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)