2026 Guide to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of China’s major international hubs, welcoming over 70 million people in 2025. Opened in 1958, PEK is one of China's oldest major airports, and from 2010 to 2019 it was the world’s second busiest airport (after Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson), even overtaking London’s Heathrow.

These days, Beijing Capital Airport is one of two major airports in the Beijing metropolitan region, the second being the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) which opened in 2019. PEK is also the primary hub for Air China and Hainan Airlines. 

Whether you’re travelling through Beijing for business or pleasure, this guide to one of China’s largest airports will help you navigate PEK with ease on your next stop or layover. 

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) at a glance

Beijing Airport code: PEK

Location: Jichang West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Terminals: The airport operates three terminals: T1, T2, and T3.

Transport: The Airport Express runs from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 directly to Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen.

Parking: Parking is available at every terminal, with Garage 2 being the largest.

Lounges: Multiple lounges are available in Terminals 2 and 3, offering a space to relax, refuel, and unwind between flights.

Shops & Restaurants: PEK has hundreds of shops and restaurants to explore, including brand new Duty-free shopping areas and the famous “Global Kitchen” food hall in T3.

Nearby hotels: Multiple hotels for all different budgets and needs are available within 10 minutes of the airport.

Amenities: Amenities at PEK include complimentary WiFi, luggage storage, hourly sleeping areas, children’s play areas, paid showers, and more.

Where is Beijing Airport?

Address: Jichang West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.

Phone number: +86 (0)10 96158.

How do you get to Beijing Capital Airport?

Beijing Airport is located roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of central Beijing, in the Chaoyang District (with parts extending into Shunyi District). However, it’s possible to travel between the airport and the city center using the Airport Express or better yet, a private Blacklane Airport chauffeur service.

Traveling to Beijing Airport by train

Airport Express: If you want to travel from Beijing Airport to the city using public transport, there are some limited options. The best is the Airport Express train which runs from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 directly to hubs like Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen in about 20 minutes. The train departs every 15 minutes and costs around ¥30 CNY ($4.30 USD). The Airport Express station can be found south of Terminal 3 on level 2 with access to both Departures and Arrivals.

Please note that the Airport Express only runs between 06:00 AM and 11:00 PM, so if you land late at night or have an early flight, you will need to book your transfer in advance or hail a taxi.

Traveling to Beijing Airport by bus

Airport Shuttle Bus: Another option is to take the Airport Shuttle Bus which departs every 30 minutes from all terminals on Floor 1. The bus costs between ¥30-55 CNY ($4.30-8.00 USD) depending on how far into the city you're going. This option is the most time consuming, often taking up to 70 minutes. 

Traveling to Beijing Airport by car

If you wish to drive to PEK, the main road links are the Airport Expressway (首都机场高速), which connects directly from the 4th Ring Road, and the Beijing-Shenzhen Expressway as an alternative. It's a straightforward and well-signposted drive.

Blacklane Chauffeur Service: For the smoothest and most comfortable journey, book a Blacklane airport transfer to or from Beijing Airport. Founded in Berlin in 2011, Blacklane offers a door-to-door premium chauffeur service across Beijing, making your airport transfer effortless and stress-free.

Parking at Beijing Airport

Beijing Airport has four parking garages: Garage 1 (south of Terminal 1), Garage 2 (a six-level facility opposite Terminal 2), Garage 3 (south of Terminal 3), and Garage 5 (adjacent to Garage 1). 

The first 15 minutes in all parking garages is free of charge, after which rates are tiered by duration. Costs seem to vary, but can be anywhere between ¥6-10 CNY ($0.80-1.45 USD) per 30 to 60 minutes. Prices are capped at ¥80-140 CNY ($11.50-20.50 USD) per day. Air China offers a chauffeured valet service at all terminals across the PEK complex. 

Garage 1

Located directly in front of Terminal 1, Garage 1 is best for short stays as you can make a quick in-and-out without having to navigate a large multi-storey structure. With only 700 spaces, it’s one of the smaller parking garages in the airport complex.

Garage 2

In terms of size Garage 2 is vast, with well over 4,300 spaces, including 20 adapted for passengers with disabilities, across 6 levels; 2 above ground and 4 underground, with 16 entrances and exits. It can be found opposite Terminal 2.

Garage 3

Garage 3 can be found at Terminal 3 and has 6,642 spaces across 4 levels. Here you can also find the Airport Express station.

Garage 5

Garage 5 essentially functions as a small overflow garage for Garage 1, serving the Terminal 1 area. Given that Terminal 1 is now the quietest terminal at PEK, both garages are likely much less busy than those serving T2 and T3.

Beijing Airport: Terminal Overview

Beijing Airport had three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. T1 is the smallest and oldest terminal, originally opened in 1958 and renovated in 2004. It was reconfigured in 2023 and now operates as the West Wing Satellite Terminal, supporting T2 operations rather than functioning as a standalone terminal. T2 is a three-level building handling both domestic and international flights. It's the main hub for Hainan Airlines and SkyTeam alliance partners (except China Airlines). 

Terminal 3, which was opened in 2008 for the Beijing Olympics, is one of the largest terminal buildings in the world. It has a distinctive dragon-shaped roof with red and yellow colors—a nod to traditional Chinese design. It serves Air China, Star Alliance, and Oneworld carriers (except SriLankan Airlines).

If you need to connect between PEK’s terminals, a free shuttle bus runs every 10–15 minutes connecting all three, which takes around 10 to 15 minutes between stops. T1 and T2 are also connected by a covered walkway. T2 and T3 are linked by a pedestrian walkway of about 1.5 km (roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk), though it’s much easier to take the shuttle, especially if you have luggage.

Which airlines fly from Beijing Airport (PEK)?

Terminal 1

Hainan Airlines (domestic only)

Terminal 2

Hainan Airlines (international)

Capital Airlines

China Eastern Airlines

China Southern Airlines

SkyTeam:

Air France

China Airlines

EgyptAir

Ethiopian Airlines

KLM

Korean Air

Other:

Hong Kong Airlines

SriLankan Airlines (Oneworld exception — uses T2 not T3)

Terminal 3 

Air China (primary hub)

Sichuan Airlines

Shenzhen Airlines

Shandong Airlines

Star Alliance:

Air Canada

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Asiana Airlines

Austrian Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines

Lufthansa

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)

Singapore Airlines

Thai Airways International

Turkish Airlines

United Airlines

Oneworld:

American Airlines

British Airways

Cathay Pacific

Japan Airlines

Finnair

Qatar Airways

Other International:

Emirates

EVA Air

Swiss International Air Lines

Lounge access at Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital Airport has numerous lounges, particularly across Terminal 2 and 3. 

BGS Premier Lounge: BGS Premier has three lounges at PEK: T2 (Airside, near Gate 5), T3 (Airside, T3E International Departures, near Gate E19), and again in T3 (Airside, T3C Domestic Departures, near Gate C30). While each lounge offers varying amenities, you may enjoy showers, a hot buffet (Chinese & Western), spa and complimentary massage chairs, children’s play areas, dedicated rest/slumber zone, and sleep pods.

Access & price:

• Access is available for Priority Pass, Diners Club, prepaid lounge passes.

• A lounge pass costs roughly ¥350-450 CNY ($50-65 USD) USD per person.

• A maximum 3 hour stay and children under 2 years are admitted free.

• Open daily between midnight and 6:00 AM.

China Eastern Lounge: Operated by China Airlines, the China Eastern Lounge is located in T2 above the escalator on the east side of the food court, serving domestic flights. Lounge access is available for two hours and in that time you have access to complimentary showers, day beds, and luggage storage.

Access & price

• Access is only available to passengers flying with China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines.

• Children under 2 years old are admitted for free with an adult.

• Open daily from 05:00 AM until the last flight.

Air China Lounges: Air China has several dedicated lounges all located in Terminal 3. Paid access to all the following lounges can be accessed through the Air China app for eligible passengers.

Air China First Class Lounge (Airside, T3E International Departures, near Gate E20) offers private (VIP) rooms, complimentary Chinese buffet, and several private sleeping rooms. 

Access & price

• Access available to Air China First Class passengers, Star Alliance First Class travelers. The lounge is also available to Priority Pass members.

• Open daily from 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Air China Business Class Lounge (Airside, T3E International Departures, near Gate E19) is a large, two-story complex offering complimentary buffet (dumplings, noodle soup, snacks, ice cream), shower rooms on request, a spa area, rest zone, and workstations.

Access & price

• Access available to Air China/Star Alliance Business Class and Gold members, with limited Priority Pass access.

• Open daily 05:00 AM to the last flight.

Air China Domestic First & Business Class Lounge (Airside, T3C Domestic Departures, near Gate C19) offers all the similar facilities to the other Air China Lounges, including hot/cold buffets, noodle stations, quiet areas, workstations, and showers.

Access & price

• Access available to domestic, First, and Business Class passengers, Phoenix Miles Platinum/Gold members, and Star Alliance Gold members flying with Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, or Shandong Airlines.

• Open daily from 05:00 AM - 23:00 PM.

Cathay Pacific Lounge: Operated by Cathay Pacific Airlines, their lounge is located in Terminal 3 upstairs (Level 3), next to Gate E20. Arguably one of the best lounges at PEK, the Cathay lounge features a made-to-order noodle bar, quiet workstations, printing facilities, shower suites with premium toiletries, and a modern design with unique artworks.

Access & price

• Access is available to Cathay Pacific and Oneworld Business/First Class passengers, and selected Cathay Pacific members.

• Open daily from 05:00 until the last Cathay Pacific departure.

Emirates Lounge: Located at Terminal 3E, the Emirates Lounge welcomes premium passengers departing on Emirates. As usual you have access to a complimentary hot buffet, shower, or stop by the bar for a drink before your flight.

Access & price

• Access available to Emirates First Class and Business Class passengers, and Emirates Skywards Platinum or Gold members.

• Open daily between 04:25 - 07:25 and 20:40 - 00:40

HNA Club: Located Airside in Terminal 2 near Gate 212, Hainan Airlines’ HNA Club is a 1,400-square-meter lounge inspired by Hainan Island’s pristine and tropical environments. Complete with an international buffet featuring a selection of hot and cold dishes, relaxing area, and open French windows for passengers to enjoy an unobstructed view of the airport, the HNA Club is one of PEK’s most unique lounge spaces.

Access & price

• Access available to Business class passengers, Fortune Wings Club Elite members (Platinum/Gold), and eligible Alaska Airlines members (MVP Gold/Gold 75K).

• Open daily from first flight to last flight.

Fortune Wings Club: Located in T2 on the 2nd Floor near Gate 33, the Fortune Wings Lounge is also part of the Hainan Airlines lounge group, features complimentary refreshments, newspapers, and luggage storage. 

Access & price:

• Access only available to Priority Pass, Hainan Airlines Business Class passengers, Fortune Wings elite members (Platinum/Gold and Silver).

• One child under 12 admitted free per cardholder. Fortune Wings Platinum Card Members may invite two guests free of charge. Fortune Wings Gold and Silver Card Members/Alaska Airlines members may invite one guest free of charge.

• Open 90 minutes before the first flight and closes 90 minutes before the last flight.

Joy Lounge: Found in Terminal 3E, opposite Gate E10, this third-party operated lounge offers a more limited experience, with food served until 8:00 PM, private lounge areas for sleeping between flights, and shower facilities. 

Access & price:

• Access is available through a paid pass, costing around ¥130 CNY ($20 USD) per hour. It is possible to stay for a 2-hour, 3-hour, or longer stay.

• Open 24 hours a day.

What restaurants are available at Beijing Airport?

As expected, Beijing Airport has an enormous variety of restaurants across its terminals, but none of them more popular than Terminal 3’s “Global Kitchen”, which features 72 outlets offering a blend of Chinese and Western dishes. Alongside the Global Kitchen are sit-down venues like Bianyifang (便宜坊), a historic Beijing Roast Duck restaurant chain and a must-try for travelers seeking authentic Peking Duck before they fly. Other great Chinese eateries include Celestial Cuisine for traditional dishes and Crystal Jade Kitchen for delicious dim sum and broth-based noodle dishes. 

For Western favorites, the airport has a Burger King, KFC, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Paris Baguette. And of course, even in Beijing Capital International Airport, you will find an Irish Pub — The Shamrock Bar — located in T3E, serving Tsingtao on draft and Guinness in cans. While most restaurants close around 10:00 PM, some, such as Xiao Mian (T3, 2nd floor), Dagu Rice Noodle (T3, 4th floor), and Bassam (T3, 5th floor) are open 24 hours a day. While T1 and T2 have food options, the best restaurants and eateries are found in T3, so it is worth visiting if you have time before your flight.

Shopping at Beijing Airport

Much like its dining options, Beijing Airport also has a fantastic selection of stores. These include brand new Duty-free shopping areas offering a mix of international luxury brands and domestic "guochao" (national trend) labels, alongside traditional categories of beauty, tobacco, wines & spirits, and confectionery. 

As of February 2026, the duty-free concessions across T2 and T3 are operated by China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and Wangfujing Group, who simultaneously opened newly built stores spanning approximately 14,200 sqm of retail space. Beyond duty-free, T2 and T3 both have a wide range of retail outlets such as Omega, Burberry, Lacoste, Bulgari, Swarovski, Montblanc, Shanghai Tang, etc.

Prices on cosmetics and perfume are typically 10-20% lower than downtown Beijing’s department stores, making the duty-free area genuinely worthwhile for those purchases. For last-minute essentials, convenience stores Family Mart, Lawson, and Bilibee are dotted throughout the terminals.

Hotels near Beijing Airport

When it comes to booking a hotel close to Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be spoiled for choice. In fact, the airport has over 25 hotels within a 3.1 mile (5 kilometer radius) of the airport, so there will be something here to suit every traveler and budget. However, here are our top picks for the best and closest Beijing Airport hotels

Hilton Beijing Capital Hotel

Location: Terminal 3, 1 SanJing Road, Beijing, 100621, China. (Located near Terminal 3, approximately 0.5 km away)

Shuttle Bus: Free 24-hour shuttle running every 20 minutes to Terminal 3 (stopping at Gate 5, 1st floor) and every 30 minutes to Terminal 2 (stopping at Gate 3, 1st floor).

A 5-star hotel option just 5-minutes by shuttle from Terminal 3, the Hilton at Beijing Capital Airport is a great choice for comfort and luxury. Alongside comfortable rooms, the hotel features six on-site dining venues, rooftop health club, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and spa. Half-day bookings are also available if you wish to freshen up before your flight.

Cordis Beijing Capital Airport

Location: 1 Yijing Rd, Shunyi District, Beijing, China, 100621 (500 metres from Terminal 3).

Shuttle Bus: Free 24-hour shuttle every 20 minutes from Terminal 3 (Gate 5, ground floor, 2nd road) and every 30 minutes from Terminal 2 (Gate 3, ground floor).

Featuring ​​their signature "Dream Big Beds" and award-winning dimsum, the Cordis is another 5-star hotel option a mere stone’s throw from Beijing Capital Airport. Here you can fully unwind on a long layover, complete with a lakeside park, gym, indoor pool sauna, and in-hotel gallery showcasing contemporary art from local Beijing artists.

Voyage International Hotel

Location: No.1 Fuqian two stree Capital Airport, Beijing, China (1.8 km from the terminal building)

Shuttle Bus: Free shuttle service available, running 24 hours. Please check at the front desk what times the shuttles run.

A 4-star hotel located roughly 10 minutes’ drive from the airport terminals, the Voyage International is for those looking for comfort and convenience. The hotel features a restaurant led by internationally acclaimed chefs offering Beijing duck using centuries-old techniques alongside fusion dishes with a buffet available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel is popular with business travelers as it is also located close to the New International Exhibition Center.

Fairfield By Marriott Beijing Capital Airport

Location: Building 1, No. 17, Fuqian 1st Street, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District, Beijing, 101312, China (approximately 3.2 km from PEK).

Shuttle Bus: Complimentary 24-hour shuttles running exclusively between the hotel and both Terminal 3 and Terminal 2.

For those seeking affordability and comfort, the Fairfield By Marriott is a solid midscale option with plenty of amenities, including 24-hour fitness centre, self-service laundry, and breakfast served with courtyard views.

JI Hotel

Location: Building B, No. 12, Tianzhu Street, Beijing, Beijing. (Located directly inside Terminal 2 on the ground floor (Level B1).

Shuttle Bus: Not needed, as the hotel is directly inside the airport terminal.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, there’s no better option than the JI Hotel, located right inside Terminal 2. With its unbeatable location, guests can take the elevator directly from the hotel up to the Departures level (Level 2). What’s more, the Airport Express exits nearby, making city access straightforward and convenient.

Amenities at Beijing Airport

WiFi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport (network: AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI) — requires verification via SMS to a phone number or passport scan at an automated kiosk.

Sleeping Areas: PEK has dedicated rest and sleep areas, including 4 hourly lounges across T2 and T3 operated by BCAT Hourly Hotel. Prices start at roughly ¥120/hour ($17.50 USD). Note: Airport staff tend to wake sleeping passengers in public areas.

Business services: Business centers in T2 and T3 offer computer workstations, printing, photocopying, faxing, and mobile phone charging (pay-per-use).

Post Office: A full-service post office in T3, open 7:00 AM-8:00 PM, offering express delivery and parcel posting.

ATMs and currency exchange: PEK has seven manned currency exchange counters and over 24 ATMs operated by banks like Hang Seng and ICBC across terminals.

Showers: Paid shower facilities available throughout the airport (approx. ¥50 ($7 USD), and in many of the lounges.

Luggage Storage: Luggage storage available at five locations across T2 and T3, open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM, costing ¥20-50 CNY ($3-7 USD) per item per 24 hours.

Kids play areas: Specially designed, safe, and soft play areas (Panda Paradise and Kids Airfield) are available in T3, and in some lounges (such as the BGS Premier Lounge in T2)

Baby facilities: Dedicated baby care rooms and nursing rooms are located close to the bathrooms in T2 and T3.

Accessibility: Beijing Airport is fully accessible with lifts, handrails, Braille signage, adapted toilets, accessible counters, telephones, seating, and drinking fountains. 

Pharmacy & Medical services: Medical service points in all three terminals (T1 near arrivals, T2 near Gate 2 on Level 2, T3 arrivals hall on Level 2, available around the clock at T3). 

Smoking/Vaping Areas: Smoking is not permitted anywhere in PEK, with no indoor smoking lounges available in any terminal. Smoking and vaping is banned indoors. Smokers must use designated outdoor smoking areas located outside the terminal building.

The best way to get to Beijing Capital International Airport

Traveling to or from Beijing Airport is easy when you leave the logistics to professionals. When you book a Blacklane, you can leave behind the hassle of flagging down taxis, downloading foreign ride-hailing apps, or dealing with unpredictable traffic. A professional Blacklane chauffeur will be there to greet you upon arrival or departure, can assist with your luggage, and provide a quiet, comfortable ride. It’s travel made effortless, just the way it should be.