Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is China’s third-busiest airport and one of the two international airports serving the capital, Beijing. The other, newer, airport is Beijing Daxing (PKX).
The airport is located about 32 km northeast of Beijing’s city center in the Chaoyang District.
In 2024, PEK handled over 67 million passengers, a marked increase of more than 27% year over year, and ranked among the world’s 20 busiest airports.
Major Airlines - Air China, Hainan Airlines
Air China, the flag carrier, is the largest airline at Beijing Capital Airport. The airline operates a whopping 10000 flights per month. It operates primarily at Terminal 3 and offers flights to more than 160 destinations.
Also using PEK as a hub is Hainan Airlines, China’s fourth-largest airline. It uses Terminal 2 and offers more than 2500 flights per month to over 50 destinations.
Beijing is a focus city for three smaller Chinese carriers, too: Sichuan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Shandong Airlines.
Many global airlines also fly to Beijing Capital from their major hubs throughout the world. Big names include Air Canada, Air France, All Nippon Airways, Egyptair, Emirates, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines, among others.
From Beijing, you can fly directly to over 200 destinations in more than 50 countries. To see all airlines at PEK, click here.
Terminal Layout and Gates
PEK consists of three terminals:
- Terminal 2, opened in 1999, handles both domestic and international flights, with the dominant carrier being Hainan Airlines. Most SkyTeam and Oneworld alliance members also use T2.
The former Terminal 1 is now the Westwing Satellite Terminal as part of T2. It serves domestic flights (e.g., Hainan Airlines, Grand China Air) and is connected to T2 via a 10-15 minute walkway.
- Terminal 3 is among the world’s largest terminal buildings at nearly 1 million square meters, including lots of underground floors, satellite halls, lounges, and dining areas. It consists of three sections:
T3-C (domestic)
T3-D (domestic)
T3-E (international)
The terminals are not connected airside. To change between them, you will need to exit the airport and go through Immigration and Security.
Shuttle buses connect all terminals. Walking between T1 and T2 remains a viable option, taking around 10-15 minutes.
Connecting Flights and Transit at PEK
Transit within PEK is manageable due to the clear layout and shuttle services. However, PEK's sheer size, especially Terminal 3, means you should allot sufficient time to reach gates - at least 60-90 minutes for transfers.
This should not be a cause for concern if flying twice with the same airline - you will arrive and depart from the same terminal, and the airline will be fully responsible for your transit.
You can stay within the International Transit Area during transit, which will normally not require you to have a visa.
Air China provides complimentary transit lounges for passengers with long layovers when booked in advance via the Air China app.
Should you wish to leave the airport for any reason, you will need to go through Immigration.
You may be eligible for a 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit at PEK, which allows you to leave the airport and briefly explore the city and region.
Luggage Storage at PEK
Luggage storage is available in 5 locations at Beijing Airport. The rate depends on the size of the item, between 20 - 50 CNY per 24 hours, per piece of luggage.
Inside the corridor linking T1 to T2.
Arrival Hall of T2, near Gate 9.
Departures Hall of T2, near Gates 8 and 10.
T3-C, landside, east side of Arrival Hall.
T3-C, landside, west side of Arrival Hall.
All locations are open 24/7
WiFi at Beijing Capital Airport
Free Wi-Fi with the SSID "AIRPORT-FREE-WiFi" is available, but requires either a Chinese mobile number to receive SMS credentials or scanning your passport at an automated kiosk to receive a code for access. If you can’t find a kiosk, ask at the information desks for help or directions.
Business Centers in each terminal (T2 and T3) offer pay-per-use services like computers, printing, faxing, and charging stations.
Lounges have dedicated Wi-Fi networks for all guests.
Note that all internet access is subject to Chinese laws regarding access and blacklisting of specific websites. Many apps you may be used to may not work in China. Using a VPN can circumvent some blocks.
Lounges at PEK
Beijing Capital Airport has over a dozen lounges throughout all terminals. This includes airline-specific lounges, like the ones operated by Air China and several foreign carriers, as well as independent lounges.
Air China has First/Business class lounges in both Terminal 2 and 3. With buffet food, showers, business zones, and other comforts, they are easily among the best lounges at PEK.
Other premium lounges are those of Cathay Pacific (T3) and Hainan Airlines (T1/T2).
Independent lounges that any traveler can access for a fee or use Priority Pass to enter include the BCAT Hourly Hotel/Lounge (T3E), Fortune Wings (T2), BGS Premier Lounge (T2), and HNA Club (T2).
In general, if you’re flying first or business class with an airline that has a lounge, stick to it. If you’re a Priority Pass holder, go to BGS Premier or Fortune Wings, and if you’re a budget traveler in transit, go to BCAT if it’s a short one, or take advantage of the free transit system to go to Beijing if it’s a longer one.
Dining Options at Beijing Capital Airport
Both T2 and T3 have plenty of choices to offer when it comes to places for food, drinks, or coffee. T2’s offerings are a bit more suited towards local tastes and has few Western cuisine establishments. T3, on the other hand, has lots to offer in terms of international food.
Some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes at PEK are:
Terminal 2:
Acasia Deli Cafe
Du Hsiao Yueh
Qing Feng Bun Shop
Xiaoyue
Yahui Cuisine
Yang Guo Fu
Terminal 3:
Ajisen Ramen
Celestial Cuisine
Crystal Jade Kitchen
Gourmet Noodle House
O’Leary’s
Paris Baguette
Thai Express
Zkungfu
Vending machines are available throughout the airport.
Transport to and from Beijing Capital Airport
The Capital Airport Express line of the Beijing Subway covers the distance between the airport and the city center in about 20 minutes with trains capable of 110 km/h speed. It’s the most convenient way to reach the city, and the fare is just ¥25.
You will need a separate ticket to proceed on another line of Beijing’s subway. The Airport Express runs from T2 every 10 minutes from 06:30 until 23:00.
Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus. Several lines run to different locations in Beijing, like Fangzhuang (Line 1), Xidan (Line 2), Beijing Railway Station (Line 3), Gongzhufen (Line 4), Zhongguancun (Line 5), and Olympic Village (Line 6). Fares are set at ¥24, regardless of distance.
Public buses #359 and #640 are yet another option. The first runs to Dongzhimen, connecting to Lines 2 and 13 of the Subway.
Taxis are available but can be costly due to tolls and distance. Expect drivers who only speak and read Chinese, and prepare the name of your accommodation or address in Chinese characters. Expect to pay between ¥70 and ¥120 to reach the Beijing city center.
Parking at PEK
Beijing Capital International Airport has one huge parking garage spread on six levels - two above ground and four underground.
It is located opposite Terminal 2 and offers both short- and long-term parking. The parking lot offers some unique services like vehicle washing and decoration, as well as VIP parking.
Fees are paid in cash upon exiting the garage. One hour costs ¥18, whereas the daily rate is capped at ¥100.
Hotels near PEK
Inside the terminal, you can choose to sleep in one of the hourly lounges. These are not proper full-service hotels but offer standard rooms with bathrooms. You can find them in several locations in all Terminals, including the International and Domestic parts of T2, within T1, and both landside and airside in T3. Prices range from 300 to 500 CNY for stays of up to 6 hours.
Options near the terminal present better value for money, especially around T3. Several hotels are within easy reach via shuttle or even just walking. These include Lihao Airport Hotel, Capital Airport International Hotel, and Huiqiang Hotel.
If you’re looking for an international chain instead, the Ramada by Wyndham Beijing Airport is located less than a 10-minute drive from the terminal and offers complimentary shuttle service.
The Ibis Style Beijing Capital Airport is just a little further down the road and is suitable for all sorts of travelers on a medium budget.
Beijing, China
