Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Arriving internationally at PEK involves disembarking, completing entry documentation, clearing immigration, collecting luggage, and passing through customs inspection.

• Complete the arrival card provided onboard or available at tables before the border control area.
• Proceed through National Immigration Administration passport control with your passport, visa, and landing card ready.
• If arriving at Terminal 3E, board the automated people mover (APM) train to Terminal 3C to reach the baggage reclaim hall.
• Locate your flight's assigned luggage belt on the arrival display screens and collect your checked baggage.
• Pass through China Customs: select the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare, or the Red Channel if carrying items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted goods.

• Train

  Subway Rail (Capital Airport Express)

  Connects Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 directly to Sanyuanqiao (Line 10 transfer) and Dongzhimen (Line 2 and Line 13 transfers).

  Time:

  Roughly 20–30 minutes to Dongzhimen.

  Typical cost:

  Typically CNY 25.

• Bus

  Airport Bus

  Express bus routes operate to major destinations across Beijing, including Beijing Railway Station and West Railway Station.

  Time:

  Roughly 45–75 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  Typical cost:

  Typically CNY 20–30 depending on destination.

• Taxi

  Official Taxi

  Metered taxis are available from designated ranks outside the arrival halls of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Ignore unmetered driver solicitations inside the terminal.

  Time:

  Roughly 45–70 minutes to central Beijing.

  Typical cost:

  Typically CNY 100–150 including highway toll fees.

• Ride-hailing

  Ride-Hailing (Didi)

  Bookable via app, with designated pick-up points located in the parking structures adjacent to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

  Time:

  Roughly 45–70 minutes to central Beijing.

  Typical cost:

  Typically CNY 100–160 depending on distance and service tier.

Transfer pathways depend on whether your onward flight is domestic or international, and whether it departs from the same terminal.

• A complimentary inter-terminal shuttle bus operates between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 outside the arrival areas.
• In Terminal 3, the underground APM train transfers passengers between the main hall (T3C) and international gates (T3E).
• International-to-domestic transfers require clearing immigration, reclaiming checked baggage, passing customs, and re-checking luggage at the main departure check-in counter.
• Allow a minimum connecting time of 2 to 3 hours for domestic-to-international or inter-terminal transit.

Free Wi-Fi access is available across all terminal areas.

• Connect to the network network named 'AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI'.
• Authentication is completed by entering a mobile phone number to receive a verification SMS, or by scanning your passport at automated Wi-Fi kiosks inside the terminal.
• Internet access in mainland China operates under national network regulations; certain foreign websites and messaging platforms may not be directly accessible.

The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB). Digital mobile payments are dominant, though cash remains accepted for standard services.

• ATMs supporting major international cards (Visa, Mastercard) are located in the arrival and departure halls of both terminals.
• Currency exchange counters operate landside and airside in both T2 and T3.
• Foreign visitors can link international credit cards to mobile payment platforms such as Alipay or WeChat Pay prior to or upon arrival.
• Tipping is not traditional or expected in taxis, restaurants, or general service sectors in China.

A wide variety of Chinese regional restaurants, international fast food, coffee shops, and grab-and-go outlets are available in T2 and T3.

• Dining options are located both landside (before security) and airside (after security).
• Free drinking water dispensers providing both hot and room-temperature filtered water are situated near restrooms throughout all concourses.
• Certain food outlets operate 24 hours to accommodate late-night and early-morning arrivals.

Airline flagship lounges and independent pay-per-use lounges are available in both active terminals.

• Air China lounges serve premium passengers and Star Alliance status holders in Terminal 3.
• Pay-per-use lounges (such as BGS Premier Lounge) accept lounge membership cards and single-entry walk-in passes subject to capacity.
• Lounges offer seated rest areas, light refreshments, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities in select locations.

On-site hourly lounge rooms and nearby airport hotels provide rest options for transiting passengers.

• Hourly rest lounge hotels are located inside Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 landside and airside for short layovers.
• Numerous hotel properties operate within 5-10 minutes of the airport perimeter, offering complimentary shuttle buses from arrival curbs.
• Desk reservations for short-stay rooms can be booked directly at information counters in the arrivals area.

Left luggage, luggage wrapping, and delayed baggage services are established in T2 and T3.

• Left luggage facilities operate in both main terminals offering short-term and multi-day baggage storage.
• Luggage wrapping stations are positioned near departure check-in counters.
• For lost or damaged luggage, contact your operating airline's baggage service desk in the reclaim hall prior to passing customs.

Facilities for passengers travelling with children are provided throughout the terminals.

• Baby care and nursing rooms equipped with changing tables are situated near main toilet blocks.
• Complimentary strollers are available for use airside within departure areas.
• Children's play areas are located in Terminal 3 airside concourses.

• Free Wi-Fi
• ATMs & Currency Exchange
• Left Luggage / Storage
• Baby Care Rooms
• Hot & Cold Water Dispensers
• Medical First Aid Clinics
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Postal Services

Local emergency number: 110 (Police), 120 (Medical Ambulance), 119 (Fire).

• For medical issues within the terminal, contact terminal staff or locate the 24/7 medical first-aid stations in T2 and T3.
• If you experience passport or immigration complications, report immediately to the National Immigration Administration counter at border control.
• Airport police stations are present inside the public landside halls of both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Beijing Capital International Airport Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
• National Immigration Administration of the People's Republic of ChinaGovernment source
• General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of ChinaGovernment source
• Beijing Subway Official WebsiteOfficial transit source
• National Health Commission of the People's Republic of ChinaGovernment source