Beijing Airport Guide: Transport, Services & Travel Tips

Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA/PEK) remains the primary gateway for international travellers arriving in the Chinese capital. Located around 32 km north-east of the city centre, this modern airport welcomes millions of passengers every year.

Since the opening of the impressive new Daxing Airport (PKX) in 2019, Beijing has been home to two major international hubs. This guide reveals everything you need to know about the facilities, services, transport, and activities available at Beijing's airports to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Beijing's 2 Airports: Which One Should You Choose? ✈️

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport (首都国际机场) remains Beijing's primary airport, with three operational terminals.

Built and expanded for the 2008 Olympic Games, Terminal 3 was the world's largest single terminal until the opening of Daxing! Nicknamed the "Dragon Terminal", it handles both international and domestic flights with remarkable efficiency.

• Distance from the city centre: 25-32 km to the north-east
• Terminals: 3 (T1 domestic only, T2 and T3 international + domestic)
• Major airlines: Air China, Star Alliance, and numerous international carriers.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Beijing Daxing International Airport (大兴国际机场) opened in September 2019 and is one of the most modern airports in the world, designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid. Its futuristic terminal, famously shaped like a golden starfish, spans a vast 700,000 m² and is built to welcome up to 100 million passengers a year.

• Distance from the city centre: 46 km south
• Terminal: One giant terminal with an innovative design
• Major airlines: China Southern, China Eastern, and plenty of low-cost carriers.

Transport Options from Beijing Airport 🚇

From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)

1. Airport Express (recommended ✅)

The Capital Airport Express is the fastest and most affordable way to reach the city centre. Here’s everything you need to know:

• Route: Terminal 3 → Terminal 2 → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen
• Duration: 16-20 minutes to Dongzhimen
• Price: 25 CNY (around £2.80)
• Frequency: every 10-12 minutes
• Opening hours: T3: 06:20–22:50; T2: 06:35–23:10

Once you arrive at Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao, you can easily transfer to the Beijing subway network. Dongzhimen connects to Lines 2 and 13, while Sanyuanqiao serves Line 10.

2. Your Smooth Ride: Airport Shuttles

BCIA boasts an extensive shuttle network, connecting you to various districts throughout Beijing.

• Fares are wonderfully flexible, varying with the distance you're travelling. For journeys within the city, you'll find that a ride typically won't exceed 30 CNY (that's around £3.40).
• Destinations: Xidan, Beijing Railway Station, residential neighbourhoods
• Regional shuttles: Tianjin (82 CNY) and surrounding provinces
• Operating hours: 06:00–00:00, with departures every 30 minutes

Check out the shuttle bus map in the terminals to find the most convenient route for your hotel.

3. Public buses

Beijing's public bus network serves the airport with around a dozen different routes.

• Price: maximum 11 CNY (£1.20)
• Advantage: Very budget-friendly, with connections to various metro lines.
• Duration: 60-90 minutes, depending on the destination

It’s a fantastic option for budget-conscious travellers looking to connect to the metro network.

4. The complimentary inter-terminal shuttle

BCIA offers a free shuttle service between its three terminals. For example, if you arrive at Terminal 2 via the Airport Express but your flight departs from Terminal 1, simply hop on the free shuttle to get where you need to go.

5. Taxis and Ride-hailing

Official taxi:

• Duration: 40-70 minutes depending on traffic
• Price: 100-150 CNY (£11–£17); +20% at night
• Access: T2 Exit Gate 5; T3 Exit Gates 1-5

Ride-hailing (Didi):

• Expect to pay between 90-130 CNY (around £10–£15)
• Dedicated area on level B1 of the car park

From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)

1. Daxing Airport Express (recommended ✅)

The express train (and it's super modern!) connects PKX to the city centre in just 26 minutes.

• Route: PKX → Caoqiao (transfer to Line 10)
• Duration: ~26 minutes
• Price: 35 CNY standard class / 50 CNY business class (£3.90–£5.50)
• Frequency: every 8-10 minutes
• Opening hours: 06:30–22:30

2. Shuttles and buses

• Price: 40 CNY (£4.50)
• Duration: 70-80 minutes
• Destinations: Beijing South, Beijing West, and key neighbourhoods

3. Taxis and Ride-hailing

• Taxi: 180-220 CNY (£20–£24) for a 70-80 minute journey
• Private car: around 200 CNY (£22)

How to Get from Beijing Airport to the City Centre 🚕

Visa-Free Transit at Beijing Airport: What You Need to Know 🛂

It’s a little-known fact among travellers, but the Chinese government offers visa exemptions to citizens of 55 countries, making your trips and stopovers easier than ever.

Available options

As of late 2024, China has significantly expanded its policy:

• 24-hour transits: the exemption is available to all travellers connecting at the airport without leaving the transit area;
• Get ready to explore for longer! The 240-hour (10-day) visa exemption is now available for citizens from 55 approved countries, marking a fantastic and much-anticipated extension of the previous 72/144-hour policy.

Requirements for the 240-hour exemption

To take advantage of the 240-hour visa exemption, you'll need to:

1. Be a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries (including France, Belgium, the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, etc.);
2. Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry;
3. Present an onward ticket (by plane, train, or boat) to a third country with a confirmed seat and departure within 240 hours;
4. Fill in an arrival/departure card

Authorised travel zones

The 240-hour visa exemption allows you to explore 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangzhou, Chengde, Xi'an, Chengdu, and more.

📌 Trip.com Top Tip: This isn't an entry visa exemption, but a transit visa exemption. You'll need to have a ticket to a third country (rather than heading straight back to your home country).

Restrictions to keep in mind

The 72/144-hour temporary visas allow you to explore the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. If you're planning to venture further into other provinces, you'll need to obtain a standard visa from a Chinese consulate before you arrive in China. Please note that temporary visa holders are not permitted to take international trains to Moscow, Ulaanbaatar, or North Korea.

Beijing Airport Terminals and Lounges Explained ✨

Following the renovation and expansion ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games, BCIA has become one of Asia’s busiest airports, boasting an impressive range of high-end services and facilities! Here’s everything you need to know about each terminal:

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the smallest and serves only domestic flights. A handy indoor walkway connects it to the neighbouring Terminal 2.

Available lounges:

• ICBC VIP Lounge
• CIP Lounge
• Hainan Airlines Transit Lounge
• Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Lounge

Lounge access is available to qualifying ticket holders or anyone who has purchased a BCIA Airport Lounge Pass.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 handles both domestic and international flights. Just be sure to check whether your airline uses Terminal 2 or 3 for international travel!

Available lounges:

• China Southern Sky Pearl Lounge
• China Southern First & Business Class VIP Lounge
• Two ICBC VIP Lounges
• Multiple Trvok Lounges

Terminal 3

Specially built for the 2008 Olympic Games, Terminal 3 is by far the largest and best-equipped terminal at BCIA. An automated shuttle system whisks passengers between the terminal's three sections.

Until it was surpassed by the new Daxing terminal, Terminal 3 was the largest single terminal building in the world.

Recommended lounges:

• The Emirates Lounge
• Cathay Pacific Lounge
• BGS Premier Lounge (open 24 hours, entry from £23 / €27)
• Air China Business Class Lounge (6 am – 10 pm)

Facilities and Public Services at Beijing Airport 🌟

Free Wi-Fi

Naturally, all three terminals at BCIA offer free public WiFi. To get connected, you'll need an access code, which can be sent to a valid Chinese mobile number or obtained from an interactive kiosk within the terminal. Just a quick tip: you'll need a valid passport to use the WiFi kiosks.

💡 Trip.com Top Tip: To avoid any hassle, pick up a China eSIM on Trip.com before you travel for instant internet access!

Public rest areas

Terminals 2 and 3 feature several public lounge areas, complete with creative artwork and spaces to relax:

• Resting Lounge (Terminal 2);
• Tulip Lounge (Terminal 3);
• Dream Garden (Terminal 3).

While these areas might not boast the full food and beverage services you'd find in paid lounges, they're still fantastic little havens where you can truly unwind before your flight.

Essential on-site services

All terminals offer:

• Cash machines (ATMs) and currency exchange;
• Duty-free and dining options;
• Pharmacies and medical services;
• Luggage storage and wrapping;
• Post office

Food, Restaurants and Duty-Free Shopping at Beijing Airport 🍜🛍️

All of BCIA's terminals offer a fantastic range of dining options and duty-free shopping.

Restaurants and cafés

You'll find restaurants both before check-in and throughout the departure gate area. Here’s a quick summary of the options available:

• Starbucks and Costa Coffee;
• KFC and McDonald's;
• Master Kong Beef Noodles;
• Celestial Cuisine Restaurant;
• Authentic Chinese restaurants;
• International dining options

Duty-free shopping

Duty-free shopping is available in all terminals! You'll find the most convenient shops located right after security.

What you'll find:

1. Luxury brands (Hermès, Gucci, Dior, Burberry);
2. Duty-free alcohol and tobacco (Chinese baijiu spirits, whiskies and wines);
3. Chinese souvenirs (teas, silks, calligraphy, and handicrafts);
4. Electronics and high-tech gadgets;
5. Cosmetics and fragrances

Beijing Capital International Airport is a world-class travel hub. While it might not offer the same magical luxury as Singapore’s Changi Airport, it far outshines the frustrating experiences found at many other international airports.

As China continues to modernise, BCIA and the new Daxing International Airport are set to remain among the world's top airports for years to come.

Plan your trip on Trip.com to book your flights, transfers and hotels in Beijing at the best rates!

Have a great trip to Beijing! ✈️

More Beijing Travel Guides 🧩