Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Guide for Beginners
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the primary aviation hubs in Beijing, currently operating mainly out of Terminal 2 (T2) and Terminal 3 (T3). The two terminals are connected by a free terminal shuttle bus.
How to get from Capital Airport to downtown Beijing and surrounding areas?
City Rail Transit (Capital Airport Express) Taking the Airport Express subway is the fastest and most punctual way to reach the city.
- Route: It connects T3 and T2 to city stations including Sanyuanqiao (transfer to Line 10), Dongzhimen (transfer to Lines 2 and 13), and Beixinqiao (transfer to Line 5).
- Fare: A flat rate of 25 RMB per single trip.
City Airport Buses Capital Airport offers multiple daytime and nighttime bus routes heading to various parts of downtown Beijing.
- Main Routes: Lines heading to Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Gongzhufen, Zhongguancun, and Tongzhou. Fares are usually around 30 RMB depending on the specific route.
- Ticketing & Boarding: You can buy tickets and board the bus outside the first floor of T2 or T3.
Intercity Buses (Provincial Coaches) If you need to travel to cities around Beijing, the airport provides intercity coach services.
Boarding Locations: Usually outside Gate 15 on the first floor of T2, or Gate 1 on the first floor of T3.
Destinations: Cover Tianjin, as well as cities in Hebei Province such as Baoding, Langfang, Tangshan, Zhangjiakou, and Qinhuangdao.
What if my flight arrives too early or too late?
Night Buses: If you arrive late at night, the airport provides dedicated night bus routes (e.g., to Gongzhufen or Beijing West Station) that operate until the last domestic flight arrives.
Airport Hotels: The Cordis Beijing Capital Airport hotel is located near T3. There are also several hotels around T2 that offer free shuttle services to and from the terminals. Hourly lounges and sleeping pods are available inside the terminals for short stays.
Comprehensive Services at Capital Airport
Where can I eat at Capital Airport?
Terminals 2 and 3 offer a vast array of dining options. T3 has a massive food court featuring Chinese fast food, noodle shops, local Beijing delicacies (like Quanjude Roast Duck), and international chains such as Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald’s.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
There are Halal-certified restaurants inside the airport to meet specific dietary needs. Additionally, most standard Chinese restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian dishes on their menus.
Where can I shop at Capital Airport?
Besides convenience stores, bookstores, and Beijing specialty shops (like Daoxiangcun), both T2 and T3 feature Sunrise Duty Free shops in the international departure and arrival restricted areas. Travelers can buy tax-free cosmetics, perfumes, liquors, and luxury boutique items here.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
Telecommunication service counters are located near the exits of the international arrival halls. Overseas travelers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices directly at these booths.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters (like Travelex) are available in the international arrival and departure areas of both T2 and T3. ATMs from major Chinese banks are widely distributed across the terminals, allowing cash withdrawals in RMB using international Visa or MasterCard.
How do I store/check my luggage?
Luggage storage counters are available in the arrival and departure halls of T2 and T3. Travelers can securely store their baggage and pay by the hour or by the day, allowing for a hassle-free layover or a quick city tour without carrying heavy loads.
