# Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

> Beijing, CN · 25 km (16 mi) northeast of central Beijing

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/pek
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/pek.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: PEK
- **ICAO**: ZBAA
- **Timezone**: Asia/Shanghai
- **Runways**: 3
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 35.8M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #13
- **Hub for**: Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines
- **Official site**: https://en.bcia.com.cn

## Overview

## Welcome

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers a contrasting experience depending on your terminal. T3C feels like a bustling shopping mall with abundant options, highlighted by the sprawling "Global Kitchen" food court housing 72 outlets. Conversely, parts of T3E are undergoing renovations and can feel eerily empty late at night, offering limited dining choices like KFC and Pizza Hut. For those on long layovers, the airport resembles more a transit camp, with features such as hourly rooms and ubiquitous hot-water fountains for preparing instant noodles.

## At a glance

Handling 35.8 million passengers yearly, Beijing Capital is 25 kilometers northeast of central Beijing and serves as a hub for Air China, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. The airport's three runways support a vast network of domestic and international flights.

## Terminals & layout

PEK is organized mainly into two terminals: T2 and T3. Terminal 2 is home to China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. Terminal 3, serving Air China, Emirates, and Lufthansa, spreads into multiple concourses (3C, 3D, 3E), each offering a different experience. Notably, T3C offers extensive dining and shopping, while T3E is more sparse amidst renovations.

## Getting to and from the city

For those traveling to Beijing, the Airport Express Line is a popular choice, taking about 20 minutes from T3 to Dongzhimen for CNY 25. Alternatively, licensed Beijing taxis make the trip in about 40–90 minutes, costing CNY 90–130 plus tolls. If you prefer buses, expect a ride of 60–100 minutes, with fares set at CNY 25 for various routes, including Fangzhuang and Olympic Village. Didi Chuxing rides are also available, with prices averaging CNY 70–120, variable due to traffic and surge pricing.

## Traveller essentials

Wi-Fi access can be temperamental, often requiring a code via SMS or from a passport-scanning kiosk. USB and power outlets are available, mostly near central atriums. Security lines and immigration can be unpredictable, so pack electronics accessibly to streamline the process. Lastly, refill water bottles at the hot/cold water dispensers to cut down on unnecessary purchases.

## Dining & shopping highlights

You'll find 25 restaurants, including MANNER COFFEE, Starbucks, and Yoshinoya in T3, along with McDonald's and Dico's in T2. The Global Kitchen in T3 stands out for its massive variety and lively atmosphere. On the shopping front, T3 offers everything from duty-free giants like Sunrise and DFS Beauty to luxury brands such as Bvlgari and Gucci.

## Lounges

PEK boasts 14 lounges, notable ones being the BGS Premier Lounges in T2 and multiple T3 zones, accessible with Priority Pass. The Air China Business Class Lounge in T3E with its two-level layout, showers, and dedicated noodle bar, is highly recommended for Star Alliance travelers. Many lounges offer showers, massages, and play areas for families. Lounge access typically costs ¥350–450 for three hours if booked directly.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** In T3E, use a hidden route to T3C for better food and shops by going up one level at the pier's end and asking to enter T3C.

- **Time:** Central seating areas in T3 have more charging stations, so charge up before heading to busier remote gates.

- **Avoid:** To dodge Wi-Fi issues, scan your passport at an information desk machine upon arrival for a login code.

- **Quiet:** For a proper rest in T3, use the "hourly lounges" or sleep cabins instead of the general seating.

- **Local:** PEK's Global Kitchen in T3 is a top spot for exploring Chinese regional cuisines and Western favorites.

- **Money:** Lounge memberships like Priority Pass are valuable at PEK, offering access to facilities and amenities.

- **Local:** Check out Costa Coffee outlets in T3 for snacks and seating when other food options close early.

- **Quiet:** Use the free massage chairs scattered around T3 for comfort if you're waiting without lounge access.

## Terminals (2)

- **Terminal 2** — China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- **Terminal 3** — Air China, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways

## Dining (25)

- **Ajisen Food Court Outlet** — T2 · $$
- **Ajisen Ramen** — T3
- **Burger King** — T3 · $
- **Costa Coffee** — T3
- **Da Niang Dumpling** — T2 · $
- **Dadong** — T3
- **Dico's** — T2 · $
- **Element Fresh** — T3
- **Global Kitchen Food Court** — T3 · $$
- **Häagen-Dazs** — T3
- **KFC**
- **Kungfu** — T2
- **Lakers** — T3
- **Little Sheep** — T3
- **MANNER COFFEE (No.1)** — T3 · Coffee · Café · $
- **McDonald's** — T2 · $
- **Ming Court** — $$$
- **Pacific Coffee** — T2 · $$
- **Pacific Coffee** — T3
- **Pizza Hut**
- **Quanjude** — T3
- **Starbucks** — T3
- **Subway** — T2 · $
- **Tai Hing Restaurant** — T3
- **Yoshinoya** — T3

## Lounges (14)

- **Air China Business Class Lounge** — T3E · Terminal 3E, airline lounge
- **Air China Domestic Lounge** — Terminal 3C, airline lounge
- **Air China First Class Lounge** — T3E · Terminal 3E, airline lounge
- **Air China PhoenixMiles Lounge** — Terminal 3C, airline lounge
- **Air China VIP Room** — Terminal 3E, airline lounge
- **BGS Premier Lounge** — Terminal 3E, Priority Pass
- **BGS Premier Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Priority Pass
- **Cathay Pacific Lounge** — Terminal 3E, oneworld
- **China Eastern Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, airline lounge
- **China Southern Sky Pearl Club Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, airline lounge
- **First Class Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, pay-in
- **Fortune Wings Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Hainan Airlines
- **Hainan Airlines Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, Priority Pass
- **VIP Lounge** — T3 · Terminal 3, pay-in

## Shops (21)

- **Apple Reseller** — T3
- **Beijing Gifts** — T2
- **Bosideng** — T2
- **Bvlgari** — T3
- **China Bookstore** — T3
- **Chinese commodities (No.5)** — T3 · Travel Essentials
- **DFS Beauty** — T3
- **Estée Lauder** — T3
- **Gucci** — T3
- **Hermes** — T3
- **La Prairie** — T3
- **Lenovo** — T3
- **Li-Ning** — T3
- **Montblanc** — T3
- **Relay** — T2
- **Relay** — T3
- **Sunrise Duty Free** — T2
- **Sunrise Duty Free** — T3
- **Swarovski** — T3
- **Wangfujing Gifts** — T3
- **Watsons** — T3

## Parking (10)

- **Economy Parking Lot** — Long-stay · ¥60/day
- **EV Charging Area T2** — EV parking
- **EV Charging Area T3** — EV parking
- **Hotel Shuttle Parking Area** — Off-site connection
- **Long-term Parking Lot A** — Long-stay · ¥60/day
- **Long-term Parking Lot B** — Long-stay
- **Parking Garage 1** — Short-stay · ¥80–140/day
- **Parking Garage 2** — Short-stay · ¥80/day, 10/hr
- **Parking Garage 3** — Short-stay · ¥80–140/day
- **Valet Parking Zone T3** — Valet

## Ground transport (17)

- **Airport Express Line** — Metro · About 20 min T3–Dongzhimen (train only) · CNY 25 · Every ~10 min · roughly 06:00–23:00
- **Airport Intercity Coach to Baoding** — Coach · Around 2.5–3 hours · Approx. CNY 90–110 · Infrequent, typically a few buses/day
- **Airport Intercity Coach to Qinhuangdao** — Coach · Around 3.5–4.5 hours · Approx. CNY 140–160 (range reported in forums) · Sparse, often 1–2 departures/day
- **Airport Intercity Coach to Tianjin** — Coach · About 90–120 min depending on traffic · Around CNY 80–90 one way · Roughly every 60–90 min · daytime/early evening
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1** — Bus to Fangzhuang · About 60–90 min depending on traffic · CNY 25 · Every 15–30 min · roughly early morning–last flight
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 2** — Bus to Beijing Railway Station · About 60–90 min depending on traffic · CNY 25 · Every 15–30 min · roughly early morning–last flight
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 3** — Bus to Beijing South Railway S · Roughly 60–90 min depending on traffic and route · CNY 25 · Every 15–30 min · roughly early morning–last flight
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 4** — Bus to Gongzhufen · About 70–100 min depending on traffic · CNY 25 · Every 30 min · roughly early morning–evening
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 5** — Bus to Zhongguancun · Around 70–100 min depending on route/traffic · CNY 25 · Every 30 min · roughly early morning–evening
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 6** — Bus to Olympic Village · Roughly 60–90 min depending on traffic · CNY 25 · Every 30 min · roughly early morning–evening
- **Airport Shuttle Bus Line 7** — Bus to Beijing West Railway St · Often 70–100 min depending on distance/traffic · CNY 25 · Every 30–60 min · daytime/early evening only
- **Didi Chuxing** — Rideshare · About 40–90 min depending on traffic · Typical PEK–central Beijing CNY ~70–120 (varies with surge) · On demand · 24/7 (subject to driver availability)
- **DiDi Premier** — Rideshare premium · About 40–90 min depending on traffic · Typical PEK–central Beijing CNY ~120–180 (varies with surge) · On demand and pre‑book · 24/7
- **Hotel Shuttle Bus** — Shuttle
- **Licensed Beijing Taxi** — Taxi · About 40–90 min depending on traffic · Typically CNY 90–130 + ~CNY 10 toll to central Beijing · On demand · 24/7 at official ranks
- **Subway Line 10 connection** — Metro · Sanyuanqiao–Guomao about 15–20 min in train · Typical subway fare from Sanyuanqiao CNY 3–6 depending on distance · Every 2–3 min · roughly 05:30–23:30
- **Subway Line 2 connection** — Metro · Dongzhimen–Beijing Railway Station about 20 min in train · CNY 3–6 depending on distance (standard Beijing subway fare) · Every 2–3 min · roughly 05:00–23:30

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: In T3E, use a hidden route to T3C for better food and shops by going up one level at the pier's end and asking to enter T3C.
- _Time_: Central seating areas in T3 have more charging stations, so charge up before heading to busier remote gates.
- _Avoid_: To dodge Wi-Fi issues, scan your passport at an information desk machine upon arrival for a login code.
- _Quiet_: For a proper rest in T3, use the "hourly lounges" or sleep cabins instead of the general seating.
- _Local_: PEK's Global Kitchen in T3 is a top spot for exploring Chinese regional cuisines and Western favorites.
- _Money_: Lounge memberships like Priority Pass are valuable at PEK, offering access to facilities and amenities.
- _Local_: Check out Costa Coffee outlets in T3 for snacks and seating when other food options close early.
- _Quiet_: Use the free massage chairs scattered around T3 for comfort if you're waiting without lounge access.