Beijing Capital International Airport
北京首都国际机场
Beijing, China · Since 1958
Last updated:
About PEK
One of the largest airports in Asia and a major hub for Air China, located northeast of central Beijing.
Why "PEK"?
PEK derives from Peking, the former romanization of Beijing used in the Wade-Giles system. The code was assigned when Peking was the standard English spelling of the city.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The oldest terminal, primarily used by Hainan Airlines and Grand China Air for domestic flights. Recently renovated.
Terminal 2
Serves domestic and some international flights. Used by China Southern, China Eastern, and SkyTeam alliance carriers.
Terminal 3
The newest and largest terminal, designed by Norman Foster. One of the world largest airport buildings. Hub for Air China and Star Alliance carriers.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at PEK
Air China
Hub
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Air Algerie
Air Astana
Air Canada
Air France
Showing 8 of 48 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
CNY 100-130 (about $14-18 USD) metered
40-60 minutes to city center
Public Transport
CNY 25 (about $3.50 USD) Airport Express
25 minutes to Dongzhimen to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at PEK
Terminal 1 Parking
Terminal 2 Parking
Terminal 3 Parking
Economy Parking Lot
Airport Lounges
Air China First Class Lounge - T3E
Luxurious lounge with traditional Chinese design, private suites, spa treatments, full dining with Chinese and Western cuisine.
Air China Business Class Lounge - T3E
Spacious business lounge with noodle bar, hot buffet, cocktail bar, and shower facilities.
BGS Premier Lounge - T3E
International terminal lounge with excellent food selection, rest area with daybeds, and shower facilities.
BGS Premier Lounge - T2
Well-appointed independent lounge in Terminal 2 with Chinese and Western food and shower rooms.
China Southern Sky Pearl Lounge - T2
SkyTeam lounge featuring Chinese cuisine, noodle station, and comfortable seating with tarmac views.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
Connected to Terminal 3 via covered walkway
Full-service Hilton directly connected to Terminal 3. Features soundproofed rooms, indoor pool, and multiple restaurants.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Airport Zone
10 minutes from airport with free shuttle
Affordable international chain hotel with complimentary breakfast and airport shuttle.
Crowne Plaza Beijing Airport
Free shuttle, 8 minutes from all terminals
Business-friendly hotel with modern rooms, fitness center, and reliable airport transfers every 30 minutes.
Cordis Beijing Capital Airport by Langham
Free shuttle to all terminals, 3 minutes from airport
Luxury hotel with spacious rooms, excellent dining, rooftop bar, and spa. Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle.
Capsule Hotels
Beijing Airport Capsule Hotel - T2
Inside Terminal 2, airside near Gate D area
Basic but clean capsule pods inside the terminal for quick rest between flights. Available by the hour.
Food & Dining
Yoshinoya
Japanese
Japanese beef bowl chain offering quick, affordable meals. Popular with travelers looking for a fast hot meal.
6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Burger King
Fast Food
International fast food option with standard menu items plus some China-specific offerings.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar
Chinese/Noodles
Hand-pulled noodle shop serving authentic Lanzhou beef noodle soup. Watch noodles being hand-stretched to order.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Din Tai Fung
Chinese/Taiwanese
World-renowned dumpling house serving exquisite xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese-Chinese specialties.
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Starbucks
Coffee/Cafe
Familiar coffee chain with locations throughout all three terminals. Offers China-exclusive menu items.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Nanjing Impressions
Chinese/Nanjing
Authentic Nanjing-style cuisine featuring salted duck, lion head meatballs, and traditional street food dishes.
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Avis
Terminal 3 arrivals
International license required with Chinese translation. Driving in Beijing is challenging.
Hertz
Terminal 3 arrivals
Chauffeur-driven services recommended for foreign visitors.
eHi Car Rental
Terminal 2 and 3 arrivals
Major Chinese car rental company. Chinese drivers license required.
CAR Inc (Shenzhou Zuche)
Terminal 2 and 3 arrivals
Largest car rental company in China. Self-drive and chauffeur services.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Explore Terminal 3 Architecture
Terminal 3 was designed by Norman Foster. The dragon-shaped roof and massive interior are worth exploring.
Traditional Chinese Massage
Several massage and spa services available in Terminal 3 airside. Try traditional Chinese foot massage or acupressure.
Try Peking Duck at the Airport
Quanjude in Terminal 3 serves authentic Peking duck, Beijing signature dish. Great way to sample local cuisine.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Visit the 798 Art District
Beijing contemporary art hub in a former factory complex. Galleries, cafes, and street art. About 25 min from airport by taxi.
Visit the Forbidden City
The world largest palace complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take Airport Express + subway (45 min each way). Requires visa-free transit eligibility.
Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu
Most tourist-friendly section of the Great Wall, about 90 minutes from the airport. Only feasible with 8+ hour layover.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited (requires passport scan at kiosks))
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese standard), USB ports available
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From CNY 10/hour for small bags, CNY 75/day for standard luggage
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: CNY (Chinese Yuan)
- Exchange: Bank of China counters in all terminals (arrivals and departures), plus ATMs accepting international cards throughout.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and may even be refused. No tips expected at restaurants or for porters.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms are available in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Located past security in both domestic and international areas.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +86 10-64530030
Facilities & Contact
Traveler Reviews
Leave a Review
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