Sleeping in Airports

Beijing Capital Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Beijing Capital Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

no matter where I tried to get some shut-eye, even if I was sleeping sat upright, a member of airport staff would shake me and declare ‘no sleeping! – Clipsham

PEK Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Beijing Capital Airport.

What to Expect

Beijing Capital Airport (code: PEK) is a huge, modern, and very busy airport consisting of three terminals.  T1 caters to domestic flights.  T2 caters to a mix of domestic and international flights. T3 is the largest and newest terminal, and has one main concourse, (T3C) and two satellite concourses (T3D and T3E). All terminals are connected by a landside shuttle bus.

There are a wide range of restaurants, many of which are open 24-hours a day.  WiFi is free and unlimited, but does require those without Chinese cell phones to scan their passports to get access.  For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first class lounges – some of which have showers – that economy class passengers can pay to access.  See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

beijing capital airport guide
(Photo courtesy of a Guest Traveller / May 2019)

Sleeping in Beijing Airport

This busy airport is fairly tolerant of airport sleepers – though, you should come prepared with earplugs or noise cancelling headphones or earplugs and a sleep mask, as the noise and light can be a nuisance.

The airport offers a series of rest zones in all terminals, which are definitely the best places to unwind. Otherwise, travellers have also said good things about the couches at the Terminal 3 Burger King. If you’re not able to access any of those spots, a bit of creativity will be required. It would seem that all the chairs with cushions have armrests – and those without armrests are nearly always wooden. If you’re trying to sleep landside, there are a good number of armrest-free benches, particularly near the A/B and L/K counters. That said, these areas can get crowded so you’ll want to snag a spot quickly!  Explore our guide to sleeping in Beijing Airport or read some traveller reviews for more tips.  If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep pods and an hourly hotel inside the terminal. There are also other hotels located nearby, and connected by shuttles.  See Airport Hotels in the guide for locations.

Good to Know

A number of travellers report that some airport staff struggle to communicate in English. Security checkpoints can also be quite slow and very busy, so you should make sure you give yourself more than enough time to get to your gate.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Beijing Capital Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

airport hotelsBeijing Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Beijing Airport in comfort.  If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there are hourly hotels in each terminal and sleep pods in Terminals 2 and 3.  A number of nearby hotels can be found within walking distance or connected by free airport shuttles.

Hotels inside Beijing Airport
  • Hourly Hotel – Inside the terminal, there are “hourly lounges” which feature standard rooms with bathrooms. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, 3F, West Side of Gate 8 • Terminal 2, Domestic Arrivals, B1, between Gate D6 and D7 • Terminal 2, International Arrivals, B1, middle of D2 and D3 • Terminal 3 – C, Landside, West Side of Arrivals Hall • Terminal 3 – E, Airside, International Departures, East Side. According to a reviewer in July 2017, the rates were RMB 500 (Terminal 2, 4-6 hours for a single standard with bathroom) • 380RMB (Terminal 2, 4-5 hours for a single standard without bathroom) • 300RMB (Terminal 1 – shared room without bathroom). Showers are 50RMB per person.
  • GoSleep Pods – Sleeping chair/pod equipped with a cover to block light/noise and storage under the seat to secure personal items. Electronic devices can be recharged inside the unit. Pods can be used for 1 hour or longer. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate 38 • Terminal 3 at Gates E19 and E27 • International Terminal, at Gates 10 and 11.
Hotels near Beijing Airport
  • Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Hotel – Free 24-hour shuttle bus runs 6:00AM to 12:59AM from Terminal 3/Gate 5 (every 20 min) and Terminal 2/Gate 3 (every 30 min). Contact hotel in advance for pick up from 1:00AM to 6:00AM. » Check Rates
  • Ramada by Wyndham Beijing Airport – Free airport shuttle is available.  » Check Rates
  • Cordis Hotel Beijing Airport – Free 24-hour airport shuttle.  From Terminal 3: go to 2nd lane of Gate No. 5, ground floor, runs every 20 mins. From Terminals 1 & 2: go to Gate No. 3, ground floor of T2, runs every 30 mins. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Beijing Airport, search deals and read traveller reviews.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

Terminal 1
  • Fortune Wings Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • HNA Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside,  Domestic Departures Area, 2nd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Unknown.
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
  • Air China First & Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3C Domestic, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Air China Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 3D Domestic, Airside, Gate D10. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • BGS Premier Lounge – Location: Terminal 3E, Airside, near Gate E19. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
  • Air China First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3E International, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • BCAT Hourly Hotel / Lounge – Location: Terminal 3E, Airside, across from Gate E10. Showers and Nap Rooms are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
  • Business Travelers Lounge – Location: Terminal 3E International, Airside, across from Gate E10. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Air China Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3E International, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Beijing Capital Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Thirsty? Drinking water dispensers are available free of charge. The machines provide cold, warm and hot water (some with disposable cups). Location: throughout all terminals.

foodFood & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours

  • Terminal 1: Comfort Garden • KFC • Starbucks • Urban Food Market.
  • Terminal 2: Acasia Deli Cafe • Costa Coffee • Du Hsiao Yueh • Grab & Fly • Heineken • Kafelaku Coffee • KFC • Lei Cafe • Malan • Qing Feng Bun Shop • Starbucks (3 locations) • Urban Food Market • Xiaoyue • Yahui Cuisine • Yang Guo Fu • Yoshinoya.
  • Terminal 3: Ajisen Ramen • C. Straits Cafe • Celestial Cuisine • Costa Coffee (2 locations) • Crystal Jade Kitchen (2 locations) • Gourmet Noodle House • Lei Cafe • McDonalds • O’Leary’s • Paris Baguette • Shangdo Coffee • Starbucks (3 locations) • Thai Express • UBC Coffee • Zkungfu.
  • All Terminals – Vending machines are available throughout the airport.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage storage is available at a rate of RMB20 – 50 per 24-hour period, per piece of luggage (rate depends on size). Three locations: T1, corridor between T1 and T2 • T2, Arrival Hall, 1st Floor, Gate 9 • T2, Departures Hall, 2nd Floor, Gates 8 and 10 • T3-C, landside, east side of Arrival Hall, 2nd Floor • T3-C, landside, west side of Arrival Hall, 2nd Floor. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Free winter clothes storage is available in T2 and T3.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

There are free power outlets located throughout the terminals and lockable charging spots where you can insert your device and come back later when the device is charged. Location: Terminal 1, 1st and 2nd Floors, Airside and Landside • Terminal 2, near certain boarding gates • Terminal 3, Landside and Airside.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

Several rest areas have been set up for travellers to relax in between flights.

Terminal 2
  • Window Lounge – Relax among the china doll trees in one of six comfy lounge chairs, as you watch planes take off and land through a panoramic 10 meter window. This cozy, carpeted area is located in T2, airside, between Gates 36 – 39.
  • Brilliant Colors Lounge – Take a rest on comfy seating amidst the colorful grid art of Piet Mondrian. Location: T2, airside, Gate 23 (Domestic).
  • Oasis Lounge – Mobile-charging, comfy couches, and TVs are available in this carpeted, green-toned waiting lounge. Location: T2, airside, Transfer Hall on F1.
Terminal 3
  • Digital Forest Lounge – This eco-themed lounge has comfy leather chairs, power sockets with USB ports, interactive photography equipment, e-book devices, and more. Location: Airside at Domestic Gate C10.
  • Tulip Lounge – A whimsical tulip-themed lounge with four functional zones, where you can relax in a cozy lounge chair, charge your devices, chat with friends in eggshell-shaped chairs, or buy snacks, juices, and WiFi access. Location: Airside at Domestic Gate C30.

Take precaution even when sleeping in the rest zones.  In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them.  Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

showersShowers

A reader tells us there are two free showers in the E Gate Terminal. One is located between the Bally and Montblanc stores. The other is between the Ferragamo and Hugo Boss stores. The shower is said to be roomy and has a storage locker and good water pressure.  You will need to bring your own towels or be prepared to dry off using paper towels.  You can also find showers in the hourly lounges. [ see Airport Hotels above ]. In July 2016, a reviewer told us that shower-only service is available in Terminal 2, Domestic Arrivals, B1, between Gate D5 and D6. The rate is 50RMB.

wifiWiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Beijing Airport. Connect to the “AIRPORT-FREE-WiFi” network. You will need a Chinese mobile phone number in order to receive your User ID and password via SMS, or you can scan your passport information at any information desk in order to receive your User ID and password. Boingo account holders should be able to automatically access Boingo hotspots in the airport.

Workstations with internet access are available at the Business Center in Terminal 3, Airside.

Pro-Tip: A reader tells us “In terminal 3, you do not need a Chinese phone number I connect to free wifi but can use any phone number as long you can receive the confirmation code.” (January 2020)

airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Baby Care Services – If you are travelling with an infant, there is a baby care room for breastfeeding and diaper-changing. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside, 2nd Floor, East and West Halls • Terminal 2 • Terminal 3.

Business Center – Printing, faxing, computers with internet access, mobile charging and more are available in the airport’s business centers. There are three locations: T1, airside, Floor 2, near Gate 2 (Hours: 7:00AM – 9:30PM) • T2, airside, Floor 2, near Gate 14 (Hours: 6:30AM – 9:30PM) • T3, landside, Floor 4, Check-in Area (Hours: 6:00AM – 9:00PM).

Children’s Play Area – Several areas have been set up for children to burn off some steam, before their flights:

  • Terminal 1: A forest and jungle-themed playground is available in the Eastern Gallery.
  • Terminal 2: Comfy sofas and a large toy are available at kid-friendly mini lounges available throughout T2. You can find them in these locations: International Departures Gate 13 • Domestic Gates 21, 24, 26, and 34.
  • Terminal 3: Colorful climbing toys are available at a car and turtle-themed playground located near Gate C09, and at a panda-themed playground near Gate E21. Young children will enjoy the digital interactive zone at Gate C04, while a digital interactive zone for all ages is available at Gate C08.

Dressing Rooms – The Luggage Claim Lobby has six dressing rooms equipped with mirrors, tables, chairs and additional amenities to make changing clothes quick and easy. Three locations: T1, 1st Floor, west of the Luggage Claim Hall in the Quarantine Area • T2, Luggage Claim Hall, east of Carousel 14 • T2, International Luggage Claim Hall, near Carousel 4 • T3-C, south of East Luggage Claim Hall • T3-C, south of West Luggage Claim Hall • T3-C, south of International Luggage Claim Hall.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge throughout the airport.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having your bags wrapped in plastic. Rates: RMB30 per piece of luggage. Location: Available at the luggage storage locations.

Porters – Need help with your luggage? Porters are available in T2 and T3. Rates start at RMB10 for 3 pieces of luggage.

Massage – Le SPA offers Chinese foot massage. Location: T3, Domestic Departures, Gate 28 Hours: 7:00AM – 11:30PM

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
  • Banking Services – Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank operate full-service branches on the 2nd and 4th floors of Terminal 3. Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM.
  • Currency Exchange – Currency exchange agencies are located throughout all three terminals, with most locations open 24 hours.

Post Office – China Post offers postal services, along with newspapers and books for purchase. Two locations: T2, Departure Hall, 1st Floor, Gate 2 • T3, east of the Arrivals Hall, 1st Floor. Hours: 7:00AM – 8:00PM.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in the International waiting areas of Terminals 2 and 3. A wide variety of retails shops selling souvenirs, local specialties, teas and more are available in all three terminals.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Swimming Pool – While not on airport grounds, a free 24-hour shuttle bus will take you to the Hilton Beijing Airport, where you can use the fitness center, spa and indoor heated swimming pool. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes to go to T3 (Gate 5 on ground floor), and every 30 minutes to go to T1 and T2, stopping to pick up passengers at T2 (Gate 7 on ground floor). Shuttle service between 11:30PM – 7:00AM must be requested in advance.

Transportation Carts – Free battery-powered carts are available for disabled, pregnant woman and other passengers in need. This service is available in T3 only.

Things To Do & See
  • Art in the Airport – Art, breathtaking themes, interactive displays, and live entertainment acts are on display throughout the airport. Airplane-shaped bench seating, lush garden areas, water features, a “Starry Night”-themed corridor, and more make Beijing Airport a fun and interesting place to explore! Check out a performance of the Staff Art Troupe, live at T3-E Fountain daily from 10:00AM – 2:00PM, or feed the beautiful fish at two indoor gardens (Suzhou Garden and Royal Garden) at T3-E, daily from 9:00AM – 3:00PM. Fish food provided free of charge at the gardens.
  • Gardens – There are two gardens with ponds. The staff will hand out fish food for travellers to feed the fish. Location: Terminal 3, E Suzhou Garden and Royal Garden. Feeding time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM.
  • Underwater World – A Corridor in gate of T2 featuring underwater landscape
  • Starry Corridor – A 5.2m high/70m long glass screen wall painted with stars along the hallway to gates of T3.
Airlines
Beijing airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroflot • Air Algérie • Air Astana • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air Guilin • Air Koryo • All Nippon Airways • Asia Airlines • Asiana Airlines • Austrian Airways • Azerbaijan Airlines • Cambodia Angkor Air • Capital Airlines International • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Pacific • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • • Delta Air Lines • Da Lian Airlines • Donghai Airlines • Dragonair • Dynamic Airways • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian Air • Etihad Airways • EVA Air • Finnair • Garuda Indonesian • Grand China • Hainan Airlines • Hong Kong Airlines • Israel Airlines • Japan Airlines • Jeju Air • Jiangxi Airlines • JSC Airlines • KLM • Korean Airlines • Kunming Airlines • LOT • Lucky Air Company • Lufthansa • Mahan • Mongolian Airlines • Philippine Airlines • PIA • Qatar Airways • Qingdao Airlines • Scandinavian • Shandong Airlines • Shenzhen Airlines • Singapore Airlines • Sky Angkor • Sri Lankan Airlines • Swiss • TAAG • Thai Airways International • Tibet Airlines • Turkish Airlines • Turkmenistan Airlines • Ukraine International Airlines • United Airlines • Uzbekistan Airlines • Vietnam Airlines • Zhejiang Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Numerous local city buses and interprovincial coaches are available to passengers needing rides to and from PEK airport.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near Beijing Airport provide shuttle service: Capital Airport International HotelCITIC Hotel Beijing AirportCrowne Plaza Beijing International AirportHilton Beijing Capital Airportibis Styles Beijing Airport • Cordis Hotel Beijing Capital Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

Passengers can travel between the terminals via free shuttle bus service. Buses run 24 hours a day, as often as every 10 minutes during peak times.

Taxi

Taxi ranks are located at Terminal 1 (Gate 1, outside on F1), Terminal 2 (Gates 5 – 9 on F1) and Terminal 3 (follow signs).

Train

The Airport Express railway runs between Terminals 2 and 3, and Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao Metro stations in 10 – 12 minute intervals daily from as early as 6:20AM – 11:10PM. There are Airport Express stations located in Terminal 2 (B2 of Parking Garage 2) and Terminal 3 (F2 of Parking Garage 3).

Beijing Airport Photo Gallery

Related pages: Beijing Airport Photos

Last updated: 2024-02-20

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.