When planning your journey from London to Beijing, it's essential to look at all the expenses. Beyond the ticket price, think about costs like airport transfers, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you might need. By keeping these in mind, you can budget more accurately and make smarter choices. Knowing the total cost helps you find the best deals and save money.
London to Beijing: Departure from London Airports
London offers convenient flight options to Beijing from several airports. Airlines like British Airways, Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines operate flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, and London Luton airports, giving travellers a choice of departure points.
Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.
| Main Transportation Options to LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £49.00 |
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Beijing (PEK)
When comparing London-Beijing flight prices in January 2025, the price differences among these airports are minimal. The lowest price is £249.00 from London Luton Airport, while the highest price is £303.50 from London Heathrow Airport.
| Flight to Beijing from London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| Heathrow (LHR-PEK) | £298.00 | £5.50 | £303.50 |
| Gatwick (LGW-PKX) | £267.00 | £8.00 | £275.00 |
| Luton (LTN-PEK) | £244.00 | £5.00 | £249.00 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.
London to Beijing: Arrival at Beijing Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the busiest airports in China and a significant international gateway, offering numerous flights from Europe, Asia, and beyond. The airport features three expansive terminals that serve both domestic and international flights. These modern terminals are equipped with a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants, and car rental services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers. Beijing Capital International Airport is located approximately 32 kilometres from the city centre, and the journey typically takes around 30 minutes by car. The airport is well-connected by public transport, including buses, an airport express train, and a metro line, making it easy for passengers to reach their destinations.
London to Beijing: Airline Deals
A number of airlines, including China Southern Airlines, Wizz Air, Azerbaijan Airlines, and Air China, have cheap flights from London to Beijing available on Trip.com. These low-cost carriers usually have good deals, but might fly from out-of-town airports and often don't include free checked luggage.
Reviews of airlines servicing London-Beijing
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Beijing?
By January 2025, Wizz Air and Azerbaijan Airlines have the lowest fares at £249 (LTN-PEK), while Air China offers the least expensive non-stop flight at £394 (LGW-PEK).
| Flight to Beijing | Wizz Air, China Southern Airlines | Wizz, Azerbaijan Airlines | Air China |
| Route | LGW - PKX | LTN - PEK | LGW - PEK |
| flight tickets | £266 | £244 | £386 |
| transportation to airports | £8.00 | £5.00 | £8.00 |
| Total | £274 (2 stops in Budapest, Guangzhou) | £249 (Self-transfer) | £394 (Cheapest direct) |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Beijing?
Let's look at the real costs of flying from London to Beijing. Budget airlines might seem to have the cheapest tickets at first, but you need to think about all the expenses. Surprisingly, China Eastern Airlines has the lowest price at £303.28, followed by Wizz and Azerbaijan Airlines at £335.00. Air China costs £375.90 (cheapest direct flight). By picking the appropriate flights, a family of four could save over £200 on their travel costs.
| Flight to Beijing | China Eastern Airlines | Wizz, Azerbaijan Airlines | Air China |
| Route | LGW - PEK | LTN - PEK | LGW - PEK |
| flight tickets | £295.28 | £243.60 | £367.90 |
| transportation to airports | £8.00 | £5.00 | £8.00 |
| check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg) | Free (1×23kg) | 1st £86.40 (1×20kg) 2nd Free (1×23kg) | Free (1×23kg) |
| Seat reservation | Free | Free | Free |
| Total | £303.28 (Transfer in Shanghai 3h) | £335.00 (2 stops in Istanbul, Baku) | £375.90 (Cheapest direct) |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
London to Beijing: Flight Search & Book Flights
London to Beijing: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule
| Cheapest one-way flight price | £303 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £472 |
| Off-season travel month | May |
| Peak season for travel | March |
| Flight distance | 8,141.42km |
| Average flight time | 9 hours 53 minutes |
| Popular airline | Air China |
London to Beijing: Cheapest Time to Book Flights
Finding the best time to book flights from London to Beijing can be influenced by various factors. Typically, booking your flights well in advance can secure better deals and availability. This is particularly important if you plan to travel during peak seasons such as Chinese New Year, summer, National Day Golden Week, and other major holidays. As a general guideline, aim to book your tickets at least 2–3 months before your intended travel dates. Additionally, try to avoid peak travel seasons or holidays when prices tend to be higher. Regularly checking flight prices and setting up price alerts can also help you find the best deals.
This table can help you in planning your trip by highlighting the most affordable months to fly. February offers the lowest flight prices, while August is the most expensive. By selecting your travel dates carefully, you can save a significant amount on airfare.
| Month in 2025 | Cheapest London to Beijing flight tickets |
| January | £416 |
| February | £406 |
| March | £411 |
| April | £430 |
| May | £429 |
| June | £430 |
| July | £455 |
| August | £474 |
| September | £457 |
London to Beijing: Discover Beijing
Sitting at the heart of China, flights to Beijing are popular all year round. The bustling capital city has become a major tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Boasting an enticing mix of ancient historical landmarks, modern architecture, vibrant markets, and a rich culinary scene, it’s no surprise that so many people flock to the city. And with a wide range of airlines offering affordable flights to Beijing from all over the world, there’s never been a better time to tick it off your bucket list.
With its rich cultural heritage, flights to Beijing are popular with history enthusiasts. The city is home to stunning landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, each offering a glimpse into China’s storied past. Beijing also doesn’t disappoint on the culinary front. From street food stalls serving up delicious local dishes to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine, the city’s food scene is a paradise for food lovers. Beijing’s vibrant street life and shopping options are another major draw. The Wangfujing Street and Silk Market provide a unique shopping experience, while the city’s luxurious spas and traditional tea houses offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Beijing
After booking your flights, it's time to look into accommodation and local transport options in Beijing. Search for budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or holiday rentals near the main attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer a variety of choices to fit different budgets and preferences. Trip.com's Travel Guides can also provide useful tips and recommendations for the best places to stay and things to do. Think about the costs and convenience of public transport, taxis, or car hire to get around the city. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make your trip smoother and more affordable.
Recommended Hotels in Beijing [2024]
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Discover Affordable Dining and Entertainment
To keep your spending in check while enjoying Beijing, explore the local dining and entertainment options. Look for markets, street food vendors, and reasonably priced restaurants to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine without overspending. Many attractions, like museums and historical sites, offer discounted or free entry on certain days, so it's worth checking their schedules. Also, take advantage of free or low-cost activities like park outings, walking tours, and exploring the city's vibrant neighbourhoods. By being mindful of your expenses, you can have a memorable and budget-friendly trip to Beijing.
Forecast weather and best time to visit Beijing
Beijing has a temperate climate, making it a pleasant place to visit throughout the year. However, the best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These seasons offer a great balance of comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Additionally, events like the National Day in October and the Mid-Autumn Festival in September make these months particularly vibrant. Finally, it's best to consider your preferred weather and the activities you want to enjoy when deciding the ideal time for your visit to Beijing.
| Month | Avg. Temperature (°C) | Avg. Flight Price (£) | Avg. Hotel Price (£) | Major Festival |
| January | -8~2 | 416 | 50 | Chinese New Year (varies) |
| February | -5~6 | 406 | 55 | Lantern Festival |
| March | 1~13 | 411 | 60 | National Tree Planting Day |
| April | 8~21 | 430 | 65 | Qingming Festival |
| May | 14~27 | 429 | 70 | Labor Day |
| June | 19~31 | 430 | 75 | Dragon Boat Festival |
| July | 22~32 | 455 | 75 | None |
| August | 21~30 | 474 | 77 | Ghost Festival |
| September | 15~26 | 457 | 70 | Mid-Autumn Festival |
| October | 7~19 | 365 | 80 | National Day |
| November | 0~10 | 360 | 60 | None |
| December | -6~4 | 363 | 55 | Winter Solstice |
Note:
- Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
- Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
- Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
- Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Beijing, with prices ranging from £10 to £100.