Beijing Airport Guide: Terminals, Transportation & Parking

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)

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

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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

🚄 Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) - 46km S of City

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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