Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Three Terminals — Alliance-Based Logic

PEK's terminal assignment broadly follows airline alliance lines: Terminal 3 for Air China and Star Alliance / oneworld, Terminal 2 for Hainan Airlines and SkyTeam (excluding two exceptions), and Terminal 1 for select smaller domestic carriers. Crucially, the terminals are not connected airside — changing terminals requires exiting through immigration/customs, a significant time investment for connecting passengers. Free shuttle buses run between T2 and T3 (15 minutes), and T1 is linked to T2 by an indoor walkway (10–15 minutes walk).

Terminal 3 (T3) — The Dragon Terminal

Terminal 3 is PEK's flagship and one of the most architecturally significant airport buildings in the world. Designed by Foster + Partners with NACO and Arup and completed in February 2008 for the Beijing Summer Olympics, its sinuous, 986,000 m² form — inspired by a dragon with a red-tiled roof representing Chinese good fortune — was the largest airport terminal building in the world at opening. T3 comprises three physically connected concourses:

• T3-C (Central): The main check-in and arrivals hall. All T3 passengers check in here on Level 4. Domestic departure gates (for Air China domestic flights) are in T3-C and T3-D. Landside arrivals area at Level 2. Two hourly lounges located landside in T3-C for transit rest.
• T3-D: Intermediate concourse connecting T3-C to T3-E, accessible by the internal automated people mover (APM). Additional domestic Air China gates.
• T3-E (East / International): The international concourse, colour-coded yellow. All international flights, plus Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan services. Home to all T3 international lounges including the Emirates Lounge, Cathay Pacific Lounge, BGS Premier Lounge, and Star Alliance airline lounges. The APM takes 2–5 minutes between T3-C and T3-E.

Airlines in T3: Air China (CA) — primary hub; Shandong Airlines (SC); Sichuan Airlines (3U); Shenzhen Airlines (ZH); all Star Alliance members including Lufthansa (LH), United Airlines (UA), Air Canada (AC), Singapore Airlines (SQ), ANA (NH), Turkish Airlines (TK), Asiana Airlines (OZ), LOT Polish Airlines (LO), Scandinavian Airlines (SK), Thai Airways (TG), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), and others; oneworld members (with the exception of SriLankan Airlines, which uses T2): American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Japan Airlines (JL), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), Royal Jordanian (RJ); SkyTeam's China Airlines (CI); and others not operating from T2.

Key T3 logistics: Internal distances are enormous — from T3-C check-in to international gates in T3-E, the walk plus APM ride takes 15–25 minutes. Budget at least 30 minutes between passing security and reaching your gate. Gate C55/C56 in T3-C is used for connecting domestic-to-international passengers who need to clear customs before boarding their international flight at T3-E.

Terminal 2 (T2) — Hainan Airlines and SkyTeam Hub

Terminal 2 opened in November 1999 and underwent major upgrades ahead of the 2008 Olympics. It handles both domestic and international flights and is bifurcated: domestic departures and arrivals are in one section, international in another. Level 1 contains baggage claim, the Airport Express train station, and taxi/shuttle access. Level 2 has departures (check-in and security). Level 3 has international and domestic arrivals. The former Terminal 1 domestic satellite hall is connected to T2 via an indoor walkway and functions as an extension of T2 for domestic operations.

Airlines in T2: Hainan Airlines (HU) — primary hub; Grand China Air (CN); Air Koryo (JS, North Korea's carrier, for the rare Pyongyang route); selected SkyTeam member airlines for international routes (note: since 2019, most SkyTeam members — including China Eastern, China Southern, Air France, KLM, Delta — relocated to Daxing PKX); American Airlines (AA) and SriLankan Airlines (UL) from the oneworld alliance use T2 as exceptions to the standard T3 assignment.

T2 lounges: HNA Club (Hainan Airlines Lounge), China Southern Sky Pearl Lounge (for remaining CZ domestic routes), Fortune Wings Lounge (independent, Priority Pass accepted), BGS Premier Lounge (Priority Pass), ICBC VIP Lounges (two), Trvok Lounges (multiple).

Terminal 1 (T1) — Small Domestic Terminal

Terminal 1 is the smallest and oldest active terminal, handling a limited selection of domestic flights for smaller carriers including some Hainan Airlines and Sichuan Airlines domestic routes. It functions as a satellite hall for T2 and is connected via a covered indoor walkway (10–15 minutes walking distance). T1 has no Airport Express station. Facilities are basic compared to T2 and T3 — domestic airline lounges (ICBC VIP Lounge, CIP Lounge), limited dining, and standard check-in.

Inter-Terminal Connections

T1 ↔ T2: Indoor walkway, approximately 10–15 minutes walk. No shuttle needed. Terminals share the same terminal complex at the western end of the airport.

T2 ↔ T3: Free shuttle bus, departs every 15 minutes from outside the arrivals halls of both terminals. Journey time: approximately 15 minutes. The shuttle operates from approximately 06:00 to 23:00. Outside these hours, take a taxi or DiDi (approximately 5 minutes, ¥25–35). Note: there is no airside connection — transferring between T2 and T3 requires exiting immigration, collecting bags, clearing customs, then re-checking in at the new terminal. Budget at least 90–120 minutes minimum for an inter-terminal connection.

Getting to and from PEK Airport

Beijing Capital Airport sits 32 km northeast of Tiananmen Square, with road travel typically taking 40–70 minutes in normal conditions and 60–100+ minutes during the notorious Beijing rush hours (08:00–09:30 and 17:30–19:30 on weekdays). The Airport Express subway line is by far the fastest and most reliable option for city centre-bound travellers and is strongly recommended for those travelling without excessive luggage.

Airport Express (Capital Airport Express / 首都机场线)

The Capital Airport Express (Beijing Subway Airport Line, also abbreviated ABC — Airport Beijing City) is the dedicated rail link opened on 19 July 2008. It connects T3 and T2 directly to downtown Beijing, running under the city from Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. Trains operate every 10 minutes (peak) to every 20 minutes (off-peak), 06:00–22:52 from T3 and 06:36–23:10 from T2. Trains reverse direction at T3 before proceeding to T2 — note that the journey from T3 to the city takes approximately 35 minutes, while T2 to the city centre takes approximately 20–25 minutes (T2 is closer to downtown).

• Stops (outbound from airport): T3 → T2 → Sanyuanqiao (Line 10 transfer) → Dongzhimen (Line 2 and Line 13 transfer) → Beixinqiao (Line 5 transfer, terminus)
• Fare: ¥25 one way (≈ US$3.50). No free transfers to/from other subway lines — purchase a separate ticket for onward metro connections. Yikatong card and mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) accepted.
• Purchase: Ticket vending machines in both terminals (English available), staffed counters, or mobile apps. No in-town check-in service at Beixinqiao, Dongzhimen, or Sanyuanqiao.
• Luggage: Overhead racks and end-of-car spaces available. Not recommended for very bulky luggage during peak hours due to limited space in 4-car sets.
• Note: Terminal 1 has no Airport Express station — T1 passengers must walk or take the free inter-terminal bus to T2 first.
• Key connections: Dongzhimen → Line 2 (inner ring) → Wangfujing; Sanyuanqiao → Line 10 (outer ring) → Guomao, Sanlitun, National Stadium; Beixinqiao → Line 5 → Yonghe Temple, Tian'anmen East

Airport Shuttle Buses (机场巴士)

PEK operates 16 dedicated shuttle bus routes connecting the airport to various parts of Beijing. Buses run 24 hours (most routes) or until the last flight. Fares range from ¥15 to ¥30 depending on the route and number of stops. Key destinations include: Sanlitun (business district), Zhongguancun (tech hub), Beijing Railway Station, West Railway Station, South Railway Station, Wangfujing, Olympic Village, Fangzhuang, and Tongzhou. Ticket offices are on the ground floor of all terminals. Buses are clean, have luggage compartments, and most run at 20–30 minute intervals during peak hours. During rush hour, buses can be significantly slower than the Airport Express due to highway congestion.

Taxi

Official taxis at PEK are dark blue with a yellow "TAXI" roof sign and carry the driver's ID on the dashboard. Metered fares with a ¥13 base rate + ¥10 airport surcharge. To central Beijing (Tiananmen area, ~32 km): approximately ¥120–180 (≈ US$17–25) in daytime (06:00–23:00), rising 20% for night rates (23:00–05:00). Journey time: 40–70 minutes normally; 80–100+ minutes during rush hours. Taxis are available 24/7.

• T3: Taxi rank at Level B1, outside the arrivals exit (follow signs to 出租车)
• T2: Taxi rank on Level 1, Gates 5–9 area
• Payment: Metered. Most drivers accept Alipay and WeChat Pay — scan their QR code. Have ¥200 cash as backup. Always request a receipt (fāpiào 发票).
• Avoid: Touts inside the terminal who offer "private cars" — they charge 2–4× the legitimate fare and have no accountability.
• Official taxis: License plates start with 京B (Jing B). Driver ID must be visible on the dashboard. Meter must be reset at journey start.

DiDi (滴滴出行) — Ride-Hailing

DiDi Chuxing is China's dominant ride-hailing platform, with an English-language app ("DiDi — Greater China"). It is the recommended option for foreigners wanting cashless, upfront-priced rides. Costs are comparable to or slightly less than official taxis (typically ¥100–140 to the city centre). International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) can be linked directly in the app, as can Alipay. Designated pickup zones are clearly signposted and separate from taxi ranks:

• T3: Area H, Level B2 of Parking Garage 3 (follow signs for "网约车")
• T2: Southwest corner of Parking Garage 2

Tip: Download DiDi and link your payment card before landing — airport WiFi requires passport scanning or a Chinese mobile number (see WiFi section), which can delay setup.

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Hotel transfers and private car services can be pre-arranged. Most 4–5 star hotels in Beijing offer airport pickup; costs typically range from ¥300–600 for a standard sedan. Online platforms (GetYourTransfer, KKday) offer English-language pre-booked transfers with drivers holding name signs at arrivals. The main advantage is no waiting and confirmed English communication — particularly useful for first-time visitors to China.

Car Rental

Car rental is available at PEK, but self-driving in Beijing requires a Chinese driving licence — international driving permits are not recognised in mainland China. Foreign tourists cannot legally drive rental cars in Beijing. Car rental is therefore mainly relevant to Chinese nationals or long-term residents with Chinese licences.

*Rush hours (08:00–09:30 and 17:30–19:30 weekdays) can add 30–60 minutes to road journeys.

Closest Hotels to PEK (Free Shuttle Access)

Cordis Beijing Capital Airport ★★★★★ (Langham Hospitality Group) — The closest hotel to Terminal 3, located approximately 500 metres (1,640 feet) from T3, connected by a 5-minute complimentary 24-hour shuttle. Offers 5-star luxury: multiple restaurants, spa, pool, high-end business facilities, and signature Langham service. One of TripAdvisor's top-rated hotels in the Beijing airport area. From approximately US$130–250/night.

Hilton Beijing Capital Airport ★★★★★ — Located approximately 1.8 km from Terminal 3 (5-minute 24-hour complimentary shuttle). 380 rooms with standard Hilton luxury appointments; multiple restaurants including a Peking duck specialist; pool, fitness centre, conference facilities. Consistently rated among the top airport hotels in Asia. From approximately US$83–200/night.

Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport ★★★★ (IHG) — Located 2.2 km from T3 with complimentary scheduled shuttle service. Spacious rooms, fitness centre, restaurant, business centre. Popular with international business travellers. From approximately US$58–130/night.

Ramada by Wyndham Beijing Airport ★★★★ — Reliable mid-range option with shuttle service; popular with transit passengers. Good value at approximately US$36–80/night.

Capital Airport International Hotel ★★★ — Closest budget-friendly option with shuttle, gym, and breakfast. From approximately US$41/night.

Fairfield by Marriott Beijing Capital Airport ★★★ — Modern Marriott budget brand with shuttle, complimentary breakfast, good WiFi. From approximately US$35–70/night.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Beijing Shunyi ★★★★ — Extended-stay suites with kitchenette; ideal for longer layovers or multi-day visits to the airport area. Complimentary breakfast, shuttle. From approximately US$50–90/night.

In-Terminal Rest Options

BCAT Hourly Hotel / Rest Lounge (T3-E, international airside): Located east of the T3-E international departure lounge. Offers single and standard rooms with private bathroom, TV, hot water, WiFi, and optional massage, coffee bar, and beauty services. Single room: approximately ¥120/hour or ¥720/day. Accessible airside without exiting the international transit zone — ideal for long international layovers. No separate en-suite per room; shared shower facilities in the lounge complex.

T3-C Hourly Lounge (T3-C, landside): Located on Level 2 of T3-C arrivals area. Hotel-like pay lounge with single rooms, standard rooms, free internet, hot drinks. Accessible without a boarding pass — useful for passengers awaiting connecting flights or early check-in times.

T2 Time Rest Room: Located near Gates 11–13, available for domestic and international passengers. Hourly hotel-style rest rooms with TV, WiFi. Domestic area: +86 10-64598932; International: +86 10-64598943.

Parking at PEK Airport

PEK offers extensive parking across multiple garages and open-air lots serving all three terminals. All official parking is managed by BCIA and can be paid using cash (RMB only), credit/debit cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and ETC/China Pass transponders. Pre-booking is not typically required. Given Beijing traffic, self-drive is only practical for travellers with Chinese driving licences (international permits not recognised in mainland China).

Important: Foreigners visiting China cannot legally drive rental cars without a Chinese driving licence — international driving permits are not valid in mainland China. If you plan to drive to or from PEK, arrange a local driver or use a pre-booked private transfer service.

WiFi — The Passport Solution

Free WiFi is available throughout all three terminals on the network "AIRPORT-FREE-WiFi". However, connection requires one of two verification methods:

• Option 1 — SMS code: Enter any mobile number (foreign numbers work) to receive a verification code via SMS. The most straightforward method if your international SIM receives SMS in China.
• Option 2 — Passport scan: Scan your passport at one of the automated passport-reading kiosks (多点设置, located at information desks and throughout terminals) to receive a one-time code. No mobile number needed. Valid passport required.

Critical note for internet access in China: Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, YouTube, and most Western platforms are blocked in mainland China by the Great Firewall. Download and configure a VPN app before landing — VPN apps cannot be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play while in China. Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill (all support China usage). WeChat and Alipay function normally without a VPN. For navigation, use Baidu Maps or Amap (高德地图) — both work in English and are far more accurate in China than Google Maps.

SIM cards / eSIM: Do not rely on the airport for SIM card purchases (limited availability, long queues). Get a China eSIM before departure from Airalo, Saily, or your home carrier's China roaming plan. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all sell SIM cards at the airport at higher prices than online.

The 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

China's game-changing 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, significantly expanded on 17 December 2024, applies at PEK and allows eligible passengers to explore Beijing and 24 provinces/regions of China without a visa. This is one of the most important things to know before transiting through Beijing.

Eligibility: Citizens of 55 countries (as of June 2025), including all EU/Schengen countries, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, and Russia. Check current eligibility at en.nia.gov.cn.

Key requirements: (1) Valid onward ticket to a third country or region (your origin and destination countries must be different — a round-trip to the same country does not qualify; however, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate regions); (2) Departure within 240 hours of entry; (3) Entry via one of the 65 designated ports (PEK qualifies); (4) Complete the entry card at immigration — apply at the "24/240-hour Transit Passengers" counter in T3-E arrivals.

Where you can go: All 24 designated provinces including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Sichuan, and more. You can enter via PEK and exit via Shanghai Pudong (PVG) — multi-city touring is permitted. Not permitted: Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang.

Note: China also offers 24-hour visa-free transit for all nationalities when simply transiting in the international zone without clearing immigration.

Mobile Payments — The Cashless Reality

China is a near-cashless society. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at virtually every restaurant, shop, taxi, and bus in Beijing, including at the airport. Both platforms now allow international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) to be linked directly — set this up before arrival. Alipay's international version ("Alipay+" interface) is particularly traveller-friendly. Most DiDi drivers prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay over cash. ATMs (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank) are available in all terminals and dispense RMB from foreign cards, typically with a ¥20–30 fee per transaction.

Currency exchange: Hang Seng Bank and ICBC exchange counters are in T3 (international arrivals Level 1 and T3-E landside). Rates are mediocre — better to use an ATM. Declare cash imports of US$5,000 equivalent or more at customs.

Lounges

PEK has over a dozen lounges across all three terminals. The flagship is the Air China First and Business Class Lounge in T3-E (international), offering extensive buffet service, premium spirits, showers, private rooms, and Beijing views — among the best airline lounges in Northeast Asia. Independent lounges accessible via Priority Pass, Lounge Key, or walk-in payment include:

• BGS Premier Lounge (T3-E): Best independent Priority Pass lounge at PEK; hot food, showers, good service
• Fortune Wings Lounge (T2): Priority Pass access; adequate food and WiFi for T2 passengers
• HNA Club (T2): Hainan Airlines lounge; Priority Pass access for eligible passengers
• Emirates Lounge (T3-E): Business and First Class; premium Middle Eastern hospitality
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T3-E): Business and First Class; renowned for quality
• BCAT Hourly Hotel Lounge (T3-E, airside): Walk-in hourly pay lounge; ¥120/hour for private room; no Priority Pass needed

Dining

PEK has extensive dining options across all terminals, many operating 24 hours to serve night-flight passengers. T3-E (international airside) has the best selection: international brands including McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks alongside quality Chinese options (noodles, dumplings, congee, Sichuan dishes). T3-C and T2 have similar ranges. Prices are noticeably elevated versus the city — expect to pay 50–100% more than Beijing restaurant prices. A full meal: ¥60–150; coffee: ¥35–65; beer: ¥40–80. Duty-free alcohol purchased airside tends to be competitively priced.

Shopping and Duty-Free

Duty-free shops are concentrated in T3-E (international departures) and T2 international area. The selection emphasises Chinese liquor (baijiu), tea, traditional arts, silk, and cosmetics alongside global spirits, confectionery, and fragrances. Chinese duty-free prices for premium spirits (Moutai, Wuliangye) are exceptionally competitive. VAT Refund (退税) is available for international departure passengers — look for Tax Free Shopping counters near the customs inspection area before immigration.

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is available at five locations throughout the airport. Prices range from ¥20–50 per item per 24 hours depending on size (some sources report a ¥100/day flat rate for lockers — confirm on-site). Hours: most locations 06:00–22:00. Locations include: corridor linking T1 to T2; T2 Arrivals Hall near Gate 9; T2 Departures Hall near Gates 8 and 10; T3-C landside east of Arrivals Hall; T3-C landside west of Arrivals Hall. Seasonal free winter clothing storage is available at T2 and T3 (typically November–February).

Accessibility

PEK provides comprehensive accessibility services including wheelchair assistance (request via airline at least 48 hours in advance), dedicated lanes at check-in, security, and immigration, and lifts throughout all terminals. The Sala Amica-equivalent assistance lounge is available in all terminals for passengers with reduced mobility. Dressing/changing rooms are available in baggage claim areas of all terminals (free, 24/7) — useful after long-haul arrivals.

Medical and Pharmacy

Medical centres are located in T3 (airside and landside) and T2. Pharmacies are available in all terminals. Emergency: dial 120 (China's ambulance service) or contact airport security at the nearest information desk. Airport security staff are trained in basic first aid.

Overnight Sleeping

PEK is not particularly comfortable for overnight sleeping. Staff actively discourage horizontal sleeping in public areas, and many seating areas have armrests that prevent lying down. T3 has some carpeted areas and designated rest zones near certain domestic gates (Brilliant Colors, Oasis, Window, Digital Forest, and Tulip Lounges — small themed rest areas with lounge seating and charging points) where sitting-sleep is tolerated. For genuine rest, use the BCAT Hourly Hotel in T3-E airside, T3-C landside lounge, or T2 Time Rest Room (hourly rate basis), or book a nearby hotel (most offer 24h shuttle service).

Power Banks and Electronics Note

Since June 28, 2025, power banks without 3C certification (China Compulsory Certification) are banned for domestic flights in China and cannot pass security. Check your power bank for the 3C mark before travel. International flights are not formally subject to this rule but may face scrutiny. Bring a 3C-certified power bank or leave non-certified ones at your hotel.

Hub Airlines and Alliances

Air China (CA — Star Alliance) is China's national flag carrier and by far the dominant airline at PEK. Operating from Terminal 3, Air China runs approximately 10,000 flights per month to over 160 destinations worldwide — more departures than any other airline at any other airport in China. Long-haul routes include daily or near-daily services to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris CDG, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, Chicago, Houston, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo NRT/HND, Seoul ICN, Singapore, Bangkok, and dozens more. Domestically, Air China connects Beijing to virtually every provincial capital and major city in China.

Hainan Airlines (HU) is China's fourth-largest carrier and operates its primary hub from Terminal 2 at PEK. It is unique among major Chinese airlines in remaining at Capital Airport after the 2019 split (most SkyTeam carriers moved to Daxing). Hainan operates over 2,500 flights per month to 50+ destinations, including a notable long-haul network: non-stop services to Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas, Chicago (from other hubs), London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brussels, Paris CDG, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, and Tel Aviv.

The Star Alliance co-location programme has concentrated all key member airlines in T3-E under the Move Under One Roof initiative: Singapore Airlines (SQ), ANA (NH), United Airlines (UA), Air Canada (AC), Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS), Swiss (LX), Turkish Airlines (TK), LOT Polish Airlines (LO), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Scandinavian Airlines (SK), Thai Airways (TG), and Ethiopian Airlines (ET) all share T3-E gates and ground services.

Key International Routes from PEK

Distances from PEK Airport

*Rush hours (08:00–09:30 and 17:30–19:30 on weekdays) can add 30–60 minutes to all road times.

Traffic History and Recovery

PEK's history is a story of extraordinary growth, overcapacity, a deliberate split, pandemic collapse, and powerful recovery. Before Daxing Airport opened in 2019, PEK processed over 100 million passengers annually — only the second airport in history to reach that milestone (after Atlanta). The government's decision to relocate China Eastern, China Southern, and China United Airlines to Daxing was specifically designed to relieve overcapacity at PEK, where approximately 300 daily flights could not be accommodated, representing ~10 million lost passenger opportunities annually.

By August 2024, PEK had already served 44.85 million passengers year-to-date (+34% YoY), with international and regional traffic surging 130% as China's expanded visa-free policies took effect. The August 2024 monthly total of 6.23 million passengers (200,000 per day) set a new 4-year record. International traffic to 54 countries and 217 destinations (127 domestic, 90 international) was fully restored by mid-2024. The combined Beijing aviation system (PEK + PKX) processed over 116 million passengers in 2024, exceeding the pre-pandemic combined total and cementing Beijing's position as one of the top 3 aviation city-systems globally alongside Atlanta-Hartsfield and London. Monthly CEIC data for late 2025 shows continued growth: October 2025 recorded 6.464 million passengers; November 2025, 5.950 million.