Beijing soars with two world-class airports. Capital Airport (PEK), the city's aviation heavyweight, is located about 25km northeast of downtown – hop on the Airport Express train for a swift and convenient 25-minute ride! It handles the vast majority of international flights and numerous domestic routes across its expansive Terminals 2 & 3.
Located a mere 20km south of the city center, the newer Daxing International (PKX) is a modern marvel with advanced facilities. It serves as a major hub for international and domestic travel, designed for efficiency and seamless connections, all within its spacious and starfish-shaped terminal.
Together, PEK and PKX connect you across China and to nearly anywhere on earth. Below, find the key intel on navigating their layouts, and the smartest ways in and out.
Beijing Airports & Terminals
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Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic Hub
- Primarily handles domestic flights from airlines like China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and Juneyao. Features efficient check-in areas, basic retail and dining options, and convenient access to the Airport Express line and taxi stands.
Terminal 2 (T2): Mixed-Use Terminal
- Handles both international flights (e.g., Delta Air Lines, Aeroflot, Korean Air) and domestic routes (including China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines). Offers duty-free shopping, airline lounges, and connects to the Airport Express and metro Line 10.
Terminal 3 (T3): Main International & Domestic Hub
- The largest terminal, hosting major international carriers (such as Air China, Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines) and key domestic operations. Includes extensive amenities: high-end duty-free, multiple lounges, a indoor people mover, and direct links to the Airport Express.
Satellite Hall (T3-E): International Gates
- An extension of T3 used exclusively for international departures and arrivals. Passengers clear security in T3 and take an automated people mover to reach the gates. Limited facilities beyond restrooms and light refreshments.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Terminal Building: Integrated International & Domestic Hub
The single, massive terminal handles both international (e.g., China Southern, British Airways, KLM) and domestic flights (China United Airlines, Hebei Airlines). Designed for high efficiency with five concourses (A–E) connected by a central courtyard. Features state-of-the-art amenities, numerous lounges, abundant shopping and dining, and direct access to the Daxing Airport Express, high-speed rail, and taxis.
Beijing Airport Parking
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Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Parking Lot | Location | Rate (First Hour) | Daily Max | Best For | Key Features |
P1 & P2 | Opposite T1/T2 | ¥10 | ¥80 | Short-term, Pick-up/Drop-off | Closest to T1/T2; covered parking |
P3 | Between T2 & T3 | ¥10 | ¥80 | General purpose | Large capacity; connects to all terminals via walkways |
Long-Term | Near Terminal 3 | ¥8 (per ½ hr) | ¥60 | Long trips, Economy | Free shuttle bus to terminals; most economical |
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Parking Lot | Location | Rate (First Hour) | Daily Max | Best For | Key Features |
P1 & P2 | Adjacent to terminal | ¥10 | ¥80 | Short-term, Convenience | Direct access to terminal; premium service |
Long-Term | Perimeter of grounds | ¥6 (per ½ hr) | ¥50 | Long trips, Budget | Free 24/7 shuttle to terminal; massive capacity |
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Beijing Airports to City
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Beijing is served by two major international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Here's how to reach the city center from each airport.
🚇 Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) - 32km NE of City
Method | Duration | Cost (One-Way) | Key Details |
Airport Express | 20-30 min | ¥25 | Fastest & most reliable. Connects T2/T3 to Dongzhimen (transfer to Lines 2/13) and Sanyuanqiao (Line 10). |
Taxi | 40-70 min | ¥100-150 | Metered. Official queues outside arrivals. Use Didi app for similar pricing (~¥90-130). |
Airport Shuttle Bus | 60-90 min | ¥20-55 | Multiple routes to key areas (Beijing Station, Xidan, etc.). Slower due to traffic. |
Public Bus | 60-90 min | ~¥20 | Cheapest but slow. Several routes to different city sectors. |
50-80 min | ~¥200 | For private service, some one will pick you up, and you don't need to wait |
🚄 Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) - 46km S of City
Method | Duration | Cost (One-Way) | Key Details |
Daxing Airport Express | 20 min | ¥35 | Top recommendation. High-speed rail to Caobridge Station (transfer to Metro Line 10). |
Intercity Train | 30 min | ¥25-30 | To Beijing West Railway Station. Ideal if it's near your final destination. |
Taxi / Didi | 50-80 min | ~¥200 | Metered. Significantly more expensive from PKX due to distance. |
Airport Shuttle Bus | 70-100 min | ¥40 (Day) | 6 daytime & 4 nighttime routes to major transport hubs. |
50-80 min | ~¥200 | For private service, some one will pick you up, and you don't need to wait |
Trip.com Car Hire Beijing Airport
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Trip.com Car Hire Beijing Airport | Booking & Basics
Coverage: Available at both PEK (Capital Airport) and PKX (Daxing Airport).
Biggest Hurdle: You ABSOLUTELY NEED a Chinese International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license. Agencies won’t rent without it.
Trip.com Car Hire Beijing Airport | The Process
Pickup Location:
- PEK: Desks are located inside T2 or T3 arrivals halls. Note: After completing paperwork, a shuttle bus (5‒10 mins) will take you to an off-site car depot. Can be inconvenient with luggage.
- PKX: More convenient. Select counters (e.g. Hertz) are situated inside the parking garage – accessible via indoor walkways. Smaller desks may require a shuttle.
Trip.com Car Hire Beijing Airport | Required Docs
- Passport with valid visa
- Home driver’s license
- Chinese IDP (must have physical copy)
- Credit card under driver’s name for payment and deposit
Trip.com Car Hire Beijing Airport | Insurance & Fees
- Basic insurance included. Add Super CDW to reduce excess/deductible to ¥0.
- Deposit hold: ¥3,000–15,000 (higher for luxury models) blocked on your card. Use a credit card.
- Extra fees: Optional daily “toll pass” fee (¥50–80) for ETC device – can decline if staying within city center.
Trip.com Car Hire Beijing Airport | Return
- Return with full tank or pay agency markup rates + refueling fee.
- Gas stations are located near both PEK and PKX depots – fill up beforehand.
- Deposit refund may take 7–14 days to process.
The Map of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Source from ChinaAirline Travel
The Map of Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Source from ChinaAirline Travel
Hotels Near Beijing Airports
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FAQs about Beijing Airport
What is the difference between PKX and PEK?
The choice between Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) depends on your destination and preference for proximity to the city center versus newer facilities. PEK is the older, larger, and more central airport, ideal for reaching downtown areas, while PKX is a newer, more technologically advanced airport located further south. For most travelers to Beijing, PEK is generally more convenient due to its shorter distance to the city center.Which Beijing airport is closer to the city?
PEK is much closer to the city. You can take Airport express Subway just 30 to 40 mins. Then go down to Dong zhi Men station the last stop. Beijing Capital Airport is close to the urban area, and transportation such as the Airport Express, airport buses, and private airport charters is very convenient.What are the two airports in Beijing?
Beijing Daxing International Airport (IATA: PKX, ICAO: ZBAD) is one of two international airports serving Beijing, the capital of China (the other being Beijing Capital International Airport).How to transfer from PEK to PKX?
The best way to get from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) without a car is to subway and line 10 subway and train which takes 1h 15m and costs ¥65 - ¥67.