How early should I arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)? When does check-in close?

Domestic check-in at Beijing Capital International Airport usually closes 45 minutes before departure and boarding gates close 15-20 minutes before. Arrive 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international flights; add 30 minutes during holidays.

How do I get to Beijing Capital International Airport? Is there a metro or airport bus?

You can reach Beijing Capital International Airport by airport shuttle bus, taxi/ride-hailing, or urban rail transit. See the transport guide section on this page for routes, fares and schedules, or search "Beijing Capital International Airport" in your navigation app for live directions.

Which city is Beijing Capital International Airport in? What is its IATA code?

Beijing Capital International Airport serves Beijing, with IATA code PEK and ICAO code ZBAA.

How many terminals and runways does Beijing Capital International Airport have?

Beijing Capital International Airport currently has 3 terminal(s) and 3 runway(s), serving around 57.0 million passenger-trips per year.

Does Beijing Capital International Airport offer unaccompanied minor service? How to apply?

Beijing Capital International Airport provides unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-12, including dedicated check-in counter, full-time escort and handover confirmation. Parents must apply in advance through the airline, fill out the Unaccompanied Minor Form, and arrive at the dedicated counter on departure day with valid ID.

What to do with prohibited items at Beijing Capital International Airport? Is there storage or mailing?

Beijing Capital International Airport has prohibited items storage lockers and express mailing service. Items like lighters or excess liquids can be stored at security (usually free for 7 days) or mailed to your destination. Lithium batteries must be carried on, not checked.

What lounges are available at Beijing Capital International Airport? How to access?

Beijing Capital International Airport offers airline-operated lounges (e.g. Air China First/Business), alliance lounges (e.g. Star Alliance) and third-party paid lounges (Priority Pass/DragonPass). Access via first/business class tickets, airline elite status, or paid lounge entry.

Does Beijing Capital International Airport provide wheelchair service? How to assist special passengers?

Beijing Capital International Airport offers wheelchair service, guide for visually impaired, elderly assistance and pregnant passenger care. Wheelchair users should book 48 hours in advance with the airline. Upon arrival, contact the information desk or call the airport hotline for assistance.

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PEK

Beijing Capital International Airport

China · 北京市 · PEK

PEKZBAA✓ 144h transit visa-free

Runways

Terminals

5700

Annual pax

35m

Elevation

Airport Overview

Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK) is located in Beijing, China and serves as a major trunk airport in China. It currently operates 3 terminal(s) and 3 runway(s) with approximately 5700 million annual passengers, at an elevation of about 35m. Travelers can reach the city via options such as Airport Express, Airport Shuttle Bus, Taxi, and more. The airport supports transit visa-free entry for eligible international transfer passengers, making it a convenient transfer point. Our site provides one-stop references for check-in, transport, lounges, dining, shopping and refund/change policies.

Airport Guide

Must read

Step-by-step flight guide and signature services at Beijing Capital International Airport.

✈️Step-by-step flying guide

Confirm Terminal

Capital Airport has T1, T2 and T3. Air China/Star Alliance use T3; China Eastern/Southern use T2. Confirm your terminal; cross-terminal shuttle takes ~15 min.

Arrive Early

Arrive 2h before domestic and 3h before international flights. T3 check-in is on Level 4; security can take 20-30 min at peak.

Fast Security

T3 has fast-track and VIP security lanes for business class and elite frequent flyers. Mobile boarding passes are accepted.

Lounge & Boarding

Gates close 15 min before departure. T3 has an automated people-mover to remote concourses; walking can take up to 20 min.

⭐Signature services

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Airport Express

The Airport Express runs from T2/T3 to Dongzhimen (Metro Lines 2/13) in ~25 min, 6:00-23:00.

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Trolley & Storage

Free luggage trolleys throughout terminals; baggage storage and wrapping available on arrivals level.

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Family Facilities

Nursing rooms, kids' play areas and baby-changing stations; families with infants get priority boarding.

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Accessibility

Wheelchairs, accessible restrooms and assistance lanes; call 96158 24h ahead to book special assistance.

💡 Good to know

•T3 is huge—remote gates require the people-mover; watch for gate-change announcements.
•The Airport Express ends early; pre-book a ride-hailing car for late-night arrivals.