Question 1

Which terminal does my airline use at Beijing Capital (PEK)?

Accepted Answer

Terminal 1: Hainan Group (Hainan, Capital, HX, Suparna). Terminal 2: SkyTeam carriers (China Southern, China Eastern, KLM, Korean Air, Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Garuda). Terminal 3: Air China + Star Alliance (Lufthansa, United, Singapore, ANA, Thai, Asiana) + most oneworld (BA, Cathay, JAL, Finnair, AA, Qantas) + Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Turkish).

Question 2

Should I fly into Beijing Capital (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX)?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your airline. PEK is closer to central Beijing (32 km vs 46 km) + serves most legacy carriers + Air China. PKX is newer (2019), larger eventually, currently dominated by China Eastern + China Southern + some foreign carriers (British Airways, Finnair, Royal Brunei). Always confirm IATA code on your ticket — PEK ≠ PKX.

Question 3

How do I get from Beijing Capital to the city?

Accepted Answer

Airport Express train — CNY 25, 20-25 min direct to Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao (Beijing Subway transfer). Best option. Taxi CNY 100-150 (40-90 min, traffic-dependent). DiDi ride-hail CNY 80-150. Airport shuttle bus CNY 30-40 with multiple routes. Subway Line 15 — cheap (CNY 3-7) but slow + requires transfer.

Question 4

How long do I need for a Beijing Capital terminal transfer?

Accepted Answer

T1 ↔ T2: short walk + free inter-terminal shuttle bus (5-10 min). T2 ↔ T3: bigger gap — free shuttle bus 15-20 min ride. T1 ↔ T3: 25-30 min total via shuttle. Within T3: T3C ↔ T3D ↔ T3E connected by internal APM (3-min ride). Minimum connection times: 60 min same terminal, 120 min for inter-terminal + re-security.

Question 5

Can I leave Beijing Capital during a layover?

Accepted Answer

Yes via the 144-Hour Transit Without Visa scheme — most major nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore + 50+ others) can enter Beijing visa-free for up to 144 hours as a transit passenger. Apply on arrival at the special "144-Hour Transit Visa" desk. Take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, then subway to Tiananmen/Forbidden City. Allow 5-6 hours minimum round trip.

Question 6

How early should I arrive at PEK?

Accepted Answer

Domestic: 2 hours. International: 3 hours. Beijing security is thorough — bag checks include full screening of all electronics. Immigration on arrival can take 30-60 min at peak. Plan extra walking time at T3 (a 25-30 min walk from T3E security to a far gate). Air China Business passengers + Star Alliance Gold get premium security.

Mode	To	Cost	Time	Notes
Airport Express	Sanyuanqiao / Dongzhimen (subway transfer)	CNY 25	20-25 min	Stops at both T2 and T3.
Subway Line 15	Various NE Beijing	CNY 3-7	40+ min	Cheaper but slower; connects to Capital Airport station.
Taxi (metered)	Central Beijing	CNY 100-150	40-90 min	Use official taxi rank. Traffic-dependent.
DiDi (ride-hail)	Anywhere	CNY 80-150	40-90 min	China's native ride-hail. App in English.
Airport shuttle bus	Hotels + central districts	CNY 30-40	60-90 min	Multiple routes; check destination at airport.

Beijing Capital International Airport

At a glance

Terminals + flights

Terminals

Notable flights

Lounges

To / from Beijing

PEK — Frequently asked

Other major airports