Beijing Capital International Airport is one of two major airports serving Beijing, China, and was the country's busiest airport before the opening of Beijing Daxing International Airport in 2019. Located in Chaoyang District and Shunyi District, approximately 32 kilometers northeast of Tiananmen Square, PEK opened in 1958 and has undergone several major expansions. Terminal 3, designed by Foster + Partners and completed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world, with a distinctive dragon-shaped roof spanning over one million square meters. The airport handles approximately 100 million passengers per year across three terminals. Terminal 2 serves domestic carriers including China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, while Terminal 3 handles Air China and Star Alliance partners along with other international carriers. Beijing Capital is the primary hub for Air China and a major base for Hainan Airlines. The Airport Express line of the Beijing Subway connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 to the city's subway network in approximately 25 minutes. PEK operates three runways. Since the opening of Beijing Daxing, some airlines have relocated operations, particularly SkyTeam carriers, but Capital Airport remains the primary hub for Star Alliance carriers and continues to handle significant domestic and international traffic. The airport is one of the busiest in the world by aircraft movements and total passenger throughput.

Aviation Terms

机场灯光系统 (AGL: Airfield Lighting) 机场类别 (Airport Category) 机场标高 (ELEV: Airport Elevation) 机场消防站 (ARFF: Airport Fire Station) 机场贵宾室 (Airport Lounge) 机场基准点 (ARP: Airport Reference Point) 停机坪 (Apron) 自动护照查验 (APC: Automated Passport Control)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Beijing Capital Airport to downtown Beijing?

The Airport Express train runs from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 to Dongzhimen station in central Beijing in about 25 minutes, costing CNY 25. From Dongzhimen you can transfer to Metro Lines 2 and 13. Airport buses also serve multiple city routes, and a taxi to the city center costs approximately CNY 100-120 for the 30 km journey.

How many terminals does Beijing Capital Airport have?

PEK has three terminals. Terminal 1 is the oldest and handles some domestic carriers including Hainan Airlines. Terminal 2 serves China Southern, China Eastern, and SkyTeam alliance partners. Terminal 3, designed by Norman Foster, is one of the largest airport buildings in the world and serves Air China and Star Alliance carriers.

What is special about Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3?

Terminal 3 was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was the world's largest airport terminal at the time of its opening. Designed by Foster + Partners, its dragon-shaped roof features a distinctive red and gold color scheme inspired by traditional Chinese design. The terminal covers over 1.3 million square meters.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Beijing Capital Airport?

Yes, PEK offers free Wi-Fi in all terminals. The network requires registration using a Chinese mobile number or passport scan at dedicated kiosks located throughout the terminals. Session duration is unlimited once registered. Speeds are generally suitable for browsing and messaging.

Which airlines have a hub at Beijing Capital Airport?

Air China, a Star Alliance member, operates its primary hub from Terminal 3. China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines also have significant operations from Terminal 2. PEK was the busiest airport in China until Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) opened in 2019 to share the traffic load.