Beijing other major airport in the northeast, serving Star Alliance carriers and many international flights.

About Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is China's second-busiest airport and the original international gateway to Beijing, located 32 km northeast of the city center in Shunyi District. Terminal 3, designed by Norman Foster and opened for the 2008 Olympics, was briefly the world's largest airport building and remains a striking piece of architecture with its dragon-like roofline in red and gold.

PEK primarily serves Air China (its hub carrier), Star Alliance partners, and many international airlines that have not yet moved to Daxing. The airport handles over 100 million passengers in peak years across its three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the primary international facility. Terminals 1 and 2 serve domestic and some international flights for legacy carriers.

The inter-airport transfer between PKX and PEK is a reality for travelers connecting between airlines based at different airports — a situation common in Beijing as flight operations remain split. Understanding this dual-airport system is essential for planning connections, as the transfer requires transiting through or around the city.

Nearby Landmarks

PEK Terminal 3 (Norman Foster design) GTC commercial area Airport Expressway

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 250-350
Time 60-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 200-300
Time 60-90 minutes

Level B1 DiDi zone

Step-by-Step Directions

Airport Express to Caoqiao, Line 10 to Sanyuanqiao, Capital Airport Express to PEK T3.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 250-350 60-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 200-300 60-90 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After the last metro trains (around 10:30 PM), only taxis and DiDi are available. A taxi between the two airports costs ¥250-350 depending on route and traffic, taking 60-90 minutes. Some hotels near both airports offer transfer services. No direct bus connects the two airports overnight.

Luggage Tips

The metro route involves 3-4 transfers and is very impractical with heavy luggage. A taxi or private car transfer is strongly recommended for inter-airport connections. Both airports have luggage storage if you need to stop in the city. Consider a luggage delivery service for heavy items.

Accessibility

Both airports have full wheelchair accessibility. However, the metro route between them is long and involves multiple transfers that can be exhausting. Wheelchair users should arrange a direct taxi or accessible vehicle transfer. Both airports have assistance services if pre-arranged.