Beijing Airport: Navigating China's Busiest Aviation Hub

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the main hub for major airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. With three terminals, it is located about 20-32 miles northeast of Beijing's city centre. The airport is easily accessible, with transportation options including taxi, bus, and the Airport Express Train, which connects the airport with the city centre in less than 40 minutes. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), the newer airport in Beijing, is also a significant hub, located 29-46 miles from downtown Beijing and designed to handle up to 100 million passengers annually. Combined, these airports offer a wide range of facilities and amenities, contributing to a comfortable and efficient travel experience for the large volume of passengers they serve.

Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world

The airport has three terminals, all interconnected with a shuttle bus service. Terminal 2 serves SkyTeam airlines and Hainan Airlines, while Terminal 3 serves Air China, Star Alliance, and Oneworld members. Terminal 3 is particularly notable for its wide range of amenities, including fine dining, comfortable seating, and facilities for mailing postcards. It also offers a yoga room, luggage storage, and a 144-hour visa program for travellers from 53 countries.

Beijing Capital International Airport is the main hub for major airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. It is designed to handle a large volume of passengers, with Terminal 3 being the second-largest terminal in the world. The airport is known for its efficient customs and security processes, facilitated by high-tech features like facial recognition technology.

The airport also showcases impressive architecture, with Terminal 3 bearing a dragon-like design by Foster & Partners for the 2008 Olympic Games. It has been nicknamed "the starfish" due to its five-pronged terminal layout. Beijing Capital International Airport's combination of architectural grandeur, efficient facilities, and convenient location solidifies its reputation as one of the busiest and most impressive airports globally.

Beijing Capital International Airport's architectural design

Beijing is served by two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in China, handling 83 million passengers in 2013, the second-most in the world that year. The airport was running near its full design capacity in 2012, which prompted the construction of a third airport for Beijing, Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Beijing Daxing International Airport Architectural Design

Beijing Daxing International Airport was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture firm, in collaboration with French planners ADP Ingénierie (ADPI) and executed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD). The airport is nicknamed "the starfish" and is located on the border of Beijing and Langfang, Hebei, 46 kilometres south of the city centre.

The design of the terminal building is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with interconnected spaces organised around a central courtyard. The courtyard acts as a multi-layered meeting space, with natural light flooding in through the vaulted roof and a network of skylights. The radial configuration of the terminal allows passengers to walk to their gates in under eight minutes, without the need for automated shuttle trains.

The airport is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring rainwater collection, a waste heat recovery system, and photovoltaic power generation. It also includes modern technological features such as facial recognition security and radio frequency identification for baggage tracking.

Transport to and from Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main airport in Beijing, serving more than 100 million passengers per year. The new Daxing airport, built outside Beijing, is the biggest airport in the world and is expected to handle over 72 million passengers annually.

Transport from the Airport to Beijing City Centre

By Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at Beijing Capital International Airport and are a good option if you have ample luggage. Official Capital Airport taxis are dark blue with gold stripes along the side. The cost to downtown Beijing is typically around 70 yuan, plus 15 yuan for the highway toll. The journey to the city centre should take around 40 minutes but can take twice as long during rush hour (08:00–09:00 am and 06:00–07:30 pm).

By Airport Shuttle Bus

The Airport Shuttle bus is a cheap option for travelling to the city centre if you don't have much luggage. Tickets to Beijing Railway Station cost 3.30€ (CNY 25) and the journey should take 70 minutes without traffic. The bus has many stops inside and outside the city centre, so ticket prices vary depending on your final destination.

By Airport Express Line Train

The Airport Express Line train is the fastest way to travel to the city centre, taking only 20–36 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 3.30€ (CNY 25) and you can stop at either Sanyuanqiao or Dongzhimen station. From there, it costs 0.30€ (CNY 2) to transfer to another subway line. The train is available from Terminals 2 and 3, and passengers arriving at Terminal 1 can take the free airport shuttle to one of the other terminals.

Transport from Beijing City Centre to the Airport

By Taxi

Taxis in Beijing are affordable and plentiful, and many have a translation app to help overcome the language barrier. Make sure the driver puts down the "flag" (the lighted sign) at the start of your journey, or you may be overcharged. The cost from downtown Beijing is usually around 70 yuan, plus 15 yuan for the highway toll.

By Airport Express Line Train

The Airport Express Line train is a rapid rail transfer from downtown Beijing to Beijing Capital International Airport, with a single journey of 30–40 minutes. The train stops at Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, and Beixinqiao stations in the downtown area, and Terminals 2 and 3 at the airport. Be aware that these stations don't allow in-town check-in, and there is no station at Terminal 1.

Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing's newest airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), also known as Beijing New Airport, is Beijing's newest airport. It is one of two international airports serving Beijing, the capital of China, the other being Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Beijing Daxing Airport is located on the border of Beijing and Langfang, Hebei, in the southern suburbs of Beijing. It covers an area of 2,679 hectares (6,620 acres) and features four civilian runways and one military runway. The airport was designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid and boasts the second-largest single-building terminal in the world, covering 700,000 square metres (7,500,000 square feet).

The airport began operations on 26 September 2019 and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. It aims to become the main airport hub of the region, with convenient transport options to the city centre, including the Daxing Airport Express, which takes only 19 minutes to reach Caoqiao Station.

The terminal building at Beijing Daxing Airport is a state-of-the-art structure that combines Chinese design concepts with advanced technology. It features a unique star-shaped design, earning it the nickname "the starfish." The terminal offers a range of shopping and dining options, covering 52,000 square metres and boasting 123 fashionable brands. It also incorporates technological features such as radio-frequency identification for baggage tracking and geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling.

The airport is designed to handle a large volume of passengers, with a target of 72 million passengers in the first phase of the project. It is expected to become one of the busiest airports in the world, with a capacity to handle 120 to 200 million passengers annually. The opening of Daxing Airport has led to a redistribution of airlines, with some carriers relocating their routes and operations to the new airport.

Tips for a smooth journey through Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the main hub for Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is the newer airport in Beijing, having opened in 2019. Both airports offer a wide range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers. Here are some tips to help you navigate them smoothly:

Planning and Timing:

Arrive at the airport early, especially during peak travel times. As a general rule, aim to be at the airport 2.5 hours before your departure time, and add extra time if you're travelling during holidays, checking baggage, or departing from a busy airport. For international flights from Beijing Airport, it's recommended to complete check-in 60-75 minutes before departure and be at the gate 10-15 minutes before scheduled departure. During busy times such as National Day, May 1st, or Chinese New Year, consider adding an extra hour to your travel time.

Transportation:

Beijing Capital International Airport is located about 20 miles northeast of the city centre and is easily accessible by various means of transportation. You can use a taxi, rideshare, or car service, which typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, the Airport Express Train connects PEK and Beijing city centre, taking less than 40 minutes and offering a very inexpensive and convenient option. The metro line, completed in 2008, provides another option with four stations: Dongzhimen Station (for subway lines 2 and 13), Sanyuan Station (for Line 10), Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

Navigation and Services:

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the airport and its terminals. Beijing Capital International Airport has three interconnected terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest and offering a variety of dining and relaxation options. Make use of services like online check-in, self-service kiosks, and airport lounges to reduce wait times and improve your overall comfort.

Documents and Etiquette:

Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, ID, boarding pass, and visa (if required). Keep them easily accessible and verify that they are up-to-date. Follow instructions from airport staff, remain polite, and be mindful of basic airport rules and customs.

Airport Facilities:

Both Beijing airports offer a range of facilities to enhance your comfort and convenience. These include duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Beijing Daxing International Airport, in particular, features a high-tech design with facial recognition technology, expediting customs and security processes.

Frequently asked questions