Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Traveler Essentials
- Terminals
- Terminal 1 (limited domestic), Terminal 2 (domestic and some international), Terminal 3 (T3A for international, T3B for Air China domestic, T3D for Air China international). Free shuttle between terminals takes 15–20 minutes.
- Distance to city
- 32 km / 25–30 min by Airport Express subway or taxi
Overview
Beijing Capital (PEK) is one of the world's busiest airports, with three terminals handling 80+ million passengers. Terminal 3 — designed by Norman Foster for the 2008 Olympics — is one of the world's largest and most impressive airport buildings. A second airport (Beijing Daxing, PKX) serves some low-cost and domestic carriers.
Transport to city center
Airport Express Train to Dongzhimen station (25 min, ¥25) — fastest option. Taxi to centre: 60–100 min, ¥100–130 (beware unlicensed drivers, use metered taxis only). Didi (Chinese Uber) from designated area. Airport buses serve multiple routes across Beijing.
Wi-Fi
Free WiFi at Beijing Capital requires registration — you'll typically need passport verification at a kiosk or an SMS code to a working number to get online.
Lounges
Air China First and Business Class lounges in T3. Multiple Dragon Pass/Priority Pass lounges. Samsung Lounge. The T3 lounges are particularly large and well-appointed.
Security & customs
Most foreign visitors need a visa, though 144-hour transit visa-free entry is available for eligible nationalities at Beijing — check the rules. Fingerprints are collected on arrival. Standard 100ml liquid rules apply at security; expect strict, thorough screening, and note that many Western apps require a VPN that must be set up before arrival.
Travel tips
Install VPN before arrival — most Western apps blocked in China. Exchange currency at bank counters (better rates than currency desks). Get a Chinese SIM for WeChat Pay/Alipay access. Allow 3+ hours for international departures — immigration can be lengthy.