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.
Airport 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.
Security and arrival
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.
Distance to city
32 km / 25–30 min by Airport Express subway or taxi