Beijing Capital International Airport was China's main airport for decades (67.3 million passengers in 2024), located approximately 25 km northeast of downtown.
Since 2019 it shares the role of the capital's hub with the new Daxing Airport, but Capital remains the historic base of Air China and still handles the majority of international connections to Beijing.
How to get to Beijing Capital International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PEK
Parking near Beijing Capital International Airport
The official parking area, on multiple levels, is positioned in front of the terminal.
It is not staffed but is video-monitored; roughly 6-10 CNY every 30-60 minutes, with a daily maximum rate between 80 and 140 CNY.
How to get to Beijing from PEK
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Beijing: Private Transfer to Great Wall with Entry Tickets
Beijing: Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel
Beijing: Private Transfer to/from Capital Airport (PEK)
Beijing: One-Way Private Transfer to Beijing Airport
From PEK to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Airport Bus (direct lines to main railway stations) | ~20–30 CNY |
| Reach the northeast quadrant of the city as quickly as possible (Sanyuanqiao/Dongzhimen) | Capital Airport Express Line | 25 CNY |
| Reach a railway station without transfers | Direct airport bus to Beijing West or Beijing South | ~20–30 CNY |
| Have heavy luggage or a late flight | Official metered taxi (regulated queue at airport) | ~130–180 CNY |
Beijing Capital → Beijing West Station
Those who need to catch a high-speed train to Xi'an, Chengdu or Hong Kong find it convenient to use a dedicated airport bus that arrives directly at Beijing West without transfers, with departures every 20 minutes during peak hours and a journey of about an hour depending on traffic on the Third Ring Road.
Beijing Capital → Beijing South Station
For high-speed trains to Shanghai the quickest route remains the Airport Express to Sanyuanqiao, then lines 10 and 14 of the metro: altogether about an hour and ten minutes for 30 CNY, versus a direct taxi that costs around 150 CNY for a similar journey time.
Beijing Capital → Sanlitun
The neighbourhood of nightlife and international brands is reached by getting off the Airport Express at Sanyuanqiao or Dongzhimen and completing the last few kilometres by taxi or with metro line 10, for a total of about 40–45 minutes.
Beijing Capital → Wangfujing
The historic shopping street next to the Forbidden City requires the Airport Express plus a transfer on metro line 2, for a total journey of about 50–60 minutes.
Car rental at Beijing Capital International Airport
Some car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, although self-drive rental is rare among foreign visitors: a foreign driving licence is generally not valid in China, a temporary Chinese licence or a driver service is required.
Most visitors rely on taxis, Didi, or organised transfers.
Hotels near Beijing Capital International Airport
T3 area and airport zone
The hotels have a free shuttle running 24 hours a day, departing every 20 minutes from the T3 arrivals level; the ride takes a few minutes.
Best for: Dawn or late-evening flights, and one-night layovers when you don't want to cross Beijing.
- The shuttle runs at night too, so you reach T3 without depending on taxis
- From terminal to bed in a few minutes after a long or delayed flight
- Around you there are only roads and logistics: seeing Beijing takes 40-60 minutes
- Dining is almost only inside the hotel
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Free shuttle every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, from T3; it also has a pool and gym, useful for a long wait before the next flight. View availability
- Cordis, Beijing Capital Airport by Langham Hospitality Group About 500 metres from T3, with a free shuttle running around the clock from the exit between gates 5 and 7; indoor pool and a breakfast guests praise in reviews. View availability
Dongzhimen (Airport Express)
From Dongzhimen station the Airport Express reaches T3 in about 30-40 minutes, with no intermediate stops other than Sanyuanqiao; the hotel is about 1.2 km from the stop.
Best for: Those who want a direct train to the terminal and a station that also serves metro lines 2 and 13.
- A dedicated train that doesn't depend on traffic: the journey time is predictable
- Metro lines 2 and 13 nearby, with Workers' Stadium and Sanlitun a short distance away
- The evening service ends early: after the last run you need a taxi
- To reach the hotel from the station, a short taxi ride with luggage is advisable
Sanlitun
Get off the Airport Express at Sanyuanqiao or Dongzhimen and finish with line 10 or a taxi: about 40-45 minutes in all.
Best for: Those landing with one or two evenings free who want bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance.
- Restaurants open late, handy after an evening flight
- Dongzhimen, with the direct train to the airport, is nearby
- You need a change or a taxi for the last stretch, with luggage
- The area is lively in the evening: street-facing rooms can be noisy
Wangfujing and the Forbidden City
Airport Express to Dongzhimen and then metro line 2: about 50-60 minutes overall; by taxi, 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those devoting their stay to sightseeing: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are less than 2 km away.
- The main sights are reachable on foot or with a few minutes of metro
- Plenty of restaurants and shopping centres in the pedestrian zone
- The journey from the airport requires a change or a long taxi ride
- Streets and metro are very crowded at rush hour and on weekends
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 10
- with Priority Pass
- 6
- open 24 hours
- 5
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
Three terminals (T1, T2, T3), with T3 among the world's largest, handling most international flights and Air China flights. From check-in to gate you generally walk 15–25 minutes in T3.
Customs and security may require extra time: for international flights, it is better to arrive 3 hours in advance.
Map of Beijing Capital International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for China?
It depends on nationality: since 2023 China has extended visa-free entry to 77 countries (including most of the EU) for stays of up to 30 days, a policy renewed through the end of 2026. Always check updated eligibility before departing.
Q. How does payment work in China for tourists?
Alipay and WeChat Pay now support direct linking of international Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards: activating them as soon as you arrive greatly simplifies payments, since pure cash is used less and less in everyday practice.
Q. Do you need a VPN in China?
Yes, to access blocked Western services such as Google, WhatsApp or Instagram; it's not needed for Alipay/WeChat Pay, however, which may actually give errors if the VPN is active during a payment.
Q. Beijing Capital or Daxing: which is better for the Chinese capital?
Capital (PEK) remains Air China's historic base with more established international connections; Daxing, newer, is a growing second hub: always check which airport your flight operates from.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
BGS Premier Lounge (T2), BGS Premier Lounge (T3), Joy Rest Lounge (T3), Air China First and Business Class Lounge (T2), China Eastern V2 Lounge (T2) and Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Lounge (T2).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: BGS Premier Lounge (T2), Comfort Zone (T2), BGS Premier Lounge (T3), Comfort Zone (T3) and Joy Rest Lounge (T3).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
