Beijing

✈️

Airports

Sections

1. Overview of Beijing Airports

A. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

  • Location: 32 km (20 miles) northeast of central Beijing in the Chaoyang District.
  • Terminals:
    • Terminal 1: Domestic flights (mainly operated by Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries).
    • Terminal 2: Domestic and international flights (used by airlines like China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines).
    • Terminal 3: One of the largest airport terminals in the world, handling most international flights and some domestic flights (used by Air China and Star Alliance members).
  • Passenger Volume: One of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for international and domestic travel.

B. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

  • Location: 46 km (29 miles) south of central Beijing, straddling the Daxing District of Beijing and Langfang in Hebei Province.
  • Design: Known as the "Starfish" for its unique architecture, it is one of the most advanced airports globally.
  • Passenger Volume: Primarily serves as a hub for China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and other SkyTeam members.
  • Focus: Designed to alleviate congestion at PEK and cater to growing passenger demand.

2. Transportation Options to and from the City

A. From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

  1. Airport Express Train (Beijing Subway)

    • Route: PEK → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen (connects to Subway Lines 2 and 13).
    • Travel Time: ~20-30 minutes to Dongzhimen.
    • Cost: CNY 25 (approx. USD 3.50).
    • Tips: Convenient for travelers heading to central Beijing.

  2. Taxi

    • Travel Time: ~40-60 minutes (depending on traffic).
    • Cost: CNY 100-150 (approx. USD 14-21) to central Beijing.
    • Tips: Use official taxi stands and ensure the driver uses the meter. Avoid touts offering rides inside the terminal.

  3. Airport Shuttle Buses

    • Routes: Multiple routes to key areas like Beijing Railway Station, Wangfujing, and Zhongguancun.
    • Travel Time: ~1-1.5 hours.
    • Cost: CNY 20-30 (approx. USD 3-4.50).
    • Tips: Check the route map at the airport to find the bus that suits your destination.

  4. Private Car Services/Ride-Hailing Apps

    • Options: Didi Chuxing (China’s Uber equivalent) or pre-booked private cars.
    • Cost: CNY 150-300 (approx. USD 21-42), depending on distance and time of day.
    • Tips: Download the Didi app and set it to English for ease of use.

  5. Car Rentals

    • Cost: Varies by provider, starting at CNY 300/day (approx. USD 42).
    • Tips: Driving in Beijing requires a Chinese driver’s license. Foreign licenses are not accepted.

B. From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

  1. Daxing Airport Express Train

    • Route: PKX → Caoqiao (connects to Subway Line 10 and the Daxing Line).
    • Travel Time: ~20 minutes to Caoqiao.
    • Cost: CNY 35 (approx. USD 5).
    • Tips: Fastest and most convenient option for reaching central Beijing.

  2. Taxi

    • Travel Time: ~50-90 minutes (depending on traffic).
    • Cost: CNY 150-250 (approx. USD 21-35) to central Beijing.
    • Tips: Same as PEK—use official taxis and avoid touts.

  3. Airport Shuttle Buses

    • Routes: Multiple routes to key areas like Beijing West Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station.
    • Travel Time: ~1-1.5 hours.
    • Cost: CNY 30-40 (approx. USD 4.50-6).
    • Tips: Check the schedule and route map at the airport.

  4. High-Speed Rail

    • Route: Daxing Airport → Beijing West Railway Station.
    • Travel Time: ~20 minutes.
    • Cost: CNY 30-40 (approx. USD 4.50-6).
    • Tips: Ideal for travelers connecting to other cities via train.

  5. Private Car Services/Ride-Hailing Apps

    • Cost: CNY 200-400 (approx. USD 28-56), depending on distance and time of day.
    • Tips: Same as PEK—use Didi or pre-book a car.

3. Facilities Available at Beijing Airports

A. General Facilities

  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at both airports. You may need to verify your identity using a Chinese phone number or passport.
  • Currency Exchange: Available in all terminals, but rates may be higher than in the city.
  • ATMs: Widely available and accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
  • Luggage Storage:
    • PEK: CNY 20-50/day (approx. USD 3-7), depending on luggage size.
    • PKX: Similar pricing.
  • Lounges: Both airports have VIP lounges and pay-per-use lounges (CNY 200-400, approx. USD 28-56).
  • Food and Shopping: A mix of international and Chinese restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops.

B. Special Facilities

  • PEK:
    • Business centers, children’s play areas, and medical services.
  • PKX:
    • Smart check-in kiosks, facial recognition for boarding, and eco-friendly design features.

4. Procedures for Arrivals and Departures

A. Arrivals

  1. Immigration

    • Documents Required: Passport, visa (if applicable), and arrival card (distributed on the plane or available at the airport).
    • Tips: Have your hotel address and contact information ready for immigration officers.

  2. Customs

    • Duty-Free Allowance: Limited to 1.5 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes.
    • Tips: Declare any items exceeding the allowance or restricted items.

  3. Baggage Claim

    • Tips: Check the baggage carousel number on the screens. Use porters if needed (CNY 10-20 per bag).

  4. Transportation

    • Follow signs to the transportation area (train, taxi, or shuttle bus).

B. Departures

  1. Check-In

    • Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
    • Use self-service kiosks if available.

  2. Security Check

    • Tips: Remove electronics and liquids from your bag. Follow the 100ml liquid rule for carry-ons.

  3. Immigration

    • Present your passport, visa, and departure card (if required).

  4. Boarding

    • Arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language Barrier

    • Most airport staff speak basic English, but having key phrases or a translation app (like Google Translate or Pleco) can be helpful.

  2. Mobile Payments

    • Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in China, but international cards are accepted at most airport facilities.

  3. Air Quality

    • Beijing can experience poor air quality. Consider wearing a mask if you are sensitive to pollution.

  4. Peak Travel Times

    • Avoid traveling during Chinese holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, National Day) as airports can be extremely crowded.

  5. Cultural Etiquette

    • Be patient in queues and follow instructions from airport staff.

By following this guide, you should have a smooth and stress-free experience navigating Beijing’s airports. Safe travels!