Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing, China
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.