Beijing Capital International Airport Guide (PEK)

Airport info
Code: PEK
Address:
Shunyi District, Beijing, China
Location:

Beijing Capital International Airport is situated about 32km (20mi) northeast of Tiananmen Square.

No. of terminals: 3 Dialling code: +86
Telephone:
+86 (0)10 96158

Beijing, the capital of China, is served by two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). This guide covers Beijing Capital International, the city’s established aviation hub, and provides practical information on terminal facilities, ground transport connections and nearby accommodation.

Information

Information Passenger information counters are located in each terminal building. For general enquiries, passengers can contact the airport’s English-language hotline on +86 (0)10 96158. Website:http://en.bcia.com.cn Email:service@bcia.com.cn

Website
en.bcia.com.cn
Transfer between terminals

Free shuttle buses run between the terminals 24 hours a day. Terminals 1 and 2 are situated close to each other and are connected by either a short walk or a free shuttle bus. Terminal 3 lies some distance away and is served by a separate free inter-terminal shuttle that runs every 10 to 15 minutes. Passengers connecting between international and domestic flights should allow ample time, as security and immigration procedures add considerably to the overall transfer process, particularly when moving to or from Terminal 3.

Driving directions

From central Beijing, the most direct route to the airport is via the Airport Expressway (S12). From districts such as Dongcheng or Chaoyang, head northeast towards the 2nd or 3rd Ring Road and follow signs for the Airport Expressway (机场高速). Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are clearly signposted from the approach roads. The expressway is a toll road, and journey times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, though significant delays are common during morning and evening peak hours.

Public Transport

Public transport rail

Beijing Capital International Airport is connected to the city by the Airport Express, a dedicated rail service that provides a fast and straightforward route into the centre. Trains run from Terminal 3 and Terminal 2, stopping at Sanyuanqiao before terminating at Dongzhimen, where passengers can connect to metro Lines 2 and 13. At Sanyuanqiao, a connection to Line 10 is also available. The journey to Dongzhimen takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Tickets are available from vending machines at any station on the line.

Public transport road

Bus:Beijing Capital International Airport is served by a network of dedicated airport bus routes linking the terminals with key areas across the city. Services run to destinations including Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Xidan, Gongzhufen and Fangzhuang, as well as major hotels and business districts. Routes depart from both T2 and T3, with several services operating into the late evening. Journey times vary but typically range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Current routes and timetables are available on the airport’s official website.

Taxi: Official taxis are available from designated ranks outside the arrivals hall at T2 (Gates 5 to 9, ground floor) and T3 (basement level). All taxis operate on a metered basis. Passengers are strongly advised to use the signed official taxi queues and to decline unsolicited offers from drivers inside the terminal. In addition to the metered fare, passengers in Beijing should expect to pay supplementary charges including expressway tolls, fuel surcharges, night supplements and low-speed charges during peak hours. Payment is accepted by cash, Alipay, UnionPay, WeChat Pay and Beijing Transportation Smart Card; international credit cards are not accepted. Journey times to the city centre typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, though delays are frequent at peak times.

E-hailing / Ride-share: Ride-hailing services are widely available. DiDi, the principal platform in China, operates from dedicated pick-up points at T3 (Area H, B2) and T2 (south side, ground floor, Parking Lot 2), both clearly signposted in English and Chinese. DiDi accepts international credit and debit cards, and offers vehicle options from standard cars to premium services, making it a practical alternative to taxis for those who prefer cashless payment and app-based navigation.

Terminal facilities

Money

ATMs and currency exchange counters are available in all three terminals. In T1, exchange services are located on the ground floor of the Domestic Arrivals Hall. Both T2 and T3 have multiple exchange points across their levels. Currency exchange operates 24 hours a day.

Communication

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all three terminals. To connect, select the network ‘AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI’ and register using either a Chinese mobile phone number (to receive a verification code by SMS) or a valid passport, which can be scanned at self-service kiosks within the terminal. Passengers should be aware that internet access in China is subject to local regulations, and many international websites and applications, including major social media platforms and search engines, are inaccessible without a VPN. Business centres in T2 and T3 offer pay-per-use services including computers, printing, faxing and device charging.

Food

All three terminals offer a wide range of food and drink options, from cafés, bakeries and tea houses to international fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants. T3 has the most extensive catering provision, with a large food court and a varied selection of cuisine ranging from steamed dumplings and regional Chinese dishes to familiar international brands. A number of outlets across the terminals operate around the clock, ensuring food is available whatever the hour.

Shopping

Shopping is most extensive in Terminal 3, which houses a broad selection of duty-free stores and retail outlets covering international luxury brands, cosmetics, electronics and travel essentials. Alongside these, travellers will find shops selling Chinese products including tea, silk and souvenirs, providing a final opportunity to pick up gifts before departure. T2 also has a good retail offering, and convenience stores and bookshops are accessible throughout all terminals.

Luggage

Left-luggage: Left-luggage services are available across all three terminals. In T2, storage counters are situated near Gates 8, 9 and 10; in T3, facilities are in the arrivals hall. Electric password-operated lockers are also available for smaller items. Charges are based on item size and duration of storage. Porter services operate in the departures halls and baggage claim areas; to arrange assistance, call 64593685 (T2) or 64591313 (T3).

Lost and Found: Lost property offices are located in T2 near Gate 15 and in T3 in the public arrivals zone near Exit A. The airport’s general enquiry hotline (+86 10 96158) can direct passengers to the correct office. Items lost on board an aircraft or during the flight are handled by the respective airline, and passengers are advised to contact the airline directly for further assistance.

Other

The airport includes several themed areas offering passengers a more relaxed environment between flights. In T3, the Royal Garden of Fun is a series of spaces inspired by classical Chinese imperial gardens, providing a calm respite from the bustle of the terminal. T2 is home to Underwater World, a display area featuring a small aquarium. Children’s play areas are provided in all terminals, and prayer rooms and nursing rooms are available throughout the airport. Free drinking water dispensers and mobile charging lockers can be found across all three terminal buildings.

Medical facilities are available in T2 near Gate 8, and in T3 at several locations, including a 24-hour service in the central area of F2 in the east wing and a daytime service near Gate C07 in T3-C.

Airport facilities

Conference and business

Business centres in T2 and T3 offer pay-per-use access to computers, printers, fax machines and device charging. The BCAT Hourly Hotel and Lounge, located in T3E, provides private conference rooms and dedicated work spaces available to all passengers on a fee-paying basis, making it a practical option for those with longer layovers or pressing business commitments.

Disabled facilities

Comprehensive accessibility facilities are provided throughout the airport. All terminal buildings are equipped with ramps, adapted lifts, and accessible toilets and telephones. Designated parking spaces for passengers with reduced mobility are available in all car parks, positioned close to terminal entrances. Inter-terminal shuttle buses are fitted to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Car parking

Parking is available at all three terminals, with short-term and long-term options. T3 has a multi-storey car park with approximately 4,300 spaces across two underground levels. Free cell-phone waiting areas are provided near each terminal for drivers collecting arriving passengers.

Car rental

Avis, Europcar and Hertz are all represented at the airport. Visitors should be aware that a Chinese-issued driving licence is required to drive legally in China; an international driving permit alone is not accepted as a valid substitute. Travellers without a Chinese licence may wish to consider a chauffeured car hire service as an alternative.


Hilton Capital Airport Hotel

+86 10 6458 8888

Located near Terminal 3, Hilton Beijing Capital Airport features 322 guest rooms, 23 meeting rooms, and three on-site dining options serving Sichuan, Hunan and International menus. The hotel also runs a complimentary shuttle service to the airport.

Terminal 3, 1 Sanjing Road, Shunyi, 100621, Beijing, China

Ibis Styles Beijing Capital Airport Hotel

+86 10 6457 1919

Close to the airport, Ibis Styles is a budget hotel with a free airport shuttle service, a conference room, a gym, and a self-service laundry facility.

32 Tianzhu Town Fuqian Street, Shunyi, 101312, Beijing, China

Ramada by Wyndham Beijing Airport

Just an 8-minute drive from the airport, Ramada by Wyndham features modern rooms, meeting facilities and a gym. The hotel runs a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

13 Tianzhu Fugian Ave, Shunyi, 101312, Beijing, China
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.