Beijing Capital Airport Guide

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 with three terminals. T1 caters to domestic flights. T2 caters to a mix of domestic and international flights. T3 is the largest and newest terminal, with one main concourse (T3C) and two satellite concourses (T3D and T3E). All terminals are connected by a landside shuttle bus.

There is a wide range of restaurants, many of which are open 24 hours a day. WiFi is free and unlimited, but it requires 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.

Sleeping in Beijing Airport

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

The good news is that there is plenty of seating throughout, though many benches are wooden and padded seats often have armrests. Terminal 3 is said to be the most comfortable terminal for finding a decent place to sleep, but also extremely cold.

Here are a few sleep spots that travellers have reported:

• Burger King, in Terminal 3’s mezzanine level, has comfortable couches. Other restaurants, especially closed ones, may be good spots, too.
• The landside check-in halls have benches without armrests, especially near the A/B and L/K counters.
• The airport offers a series of rest zones in all terminals, which are definitely the best places to unwind.  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!
• Terminal 3, Airside, E Gates – Padded, armrest-free benches throughout T3E; each bench typically has three lightly padded seats with small gaps between them.Multiple benches have been spotted near the fountain. Gates E14–E19 are said to be quiet, but expect mostly floor-sleeping.
• Terminal 2, Airside – Travellers consistently report very limited sleepability, with uncomfortable seating and few areas suitable for lying down.

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.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Beijing Capital Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Several themed rest areas are available for travellers looking to sit, recharge devices, or rest quietly between flights. These spaces offer seating rather than sleeping facilities and can be busy during peak periods.

Terminal 2

• Aquarium Seating Area – A themed public seating area with an aquarium display and standard airport seating that some travellers use as a quiet place to sit or rest between flights. This is not a dedicated sleep area and does not offer recliners or beds. Location: Terminal 2, airside, near Gate 81 (2nd Floor).
• Brilliant Colors Lounge – Colourful seating inspired by abstract art. Location: Airside, Gate 23 (Domestic).
• Oasis Lounge – A green-toned waiting area with couches, TVs, and charging points. Location: Airside, Transfer Hall, Floor 1.
• Window Lounge – A small carpeted seating area with lounge chairs facing a panoramic window overlooking the runway. Location: Airside, between Gates 36–39.

Terminal 3

• Digital Forest Lounge – Eco-themed seating with leather chairs, power outlets with USB ports, and interactive displays. Location: Airside, Domestic Gate C10.
• Tulip Lounge – A tulip-themed seating area with multiple zones for relaxing, charging devices, and purchasing snacks and drinks. Location: Airside, Domestic Gate C30.

Travellers should take standard precautions when resting in public seating areas. Keep valuables secured and bags within reach at all times.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Beijing Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms

Quick Facts

• Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
• Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
• Day Rooms: No
• Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

If sleeping on the floor or in a chair isn’t appealing, options inside Beijing Capital Airport are limited and vary by terminal. There are currently no confirmed sleep pods in any terminal. What is available are paid, time-based rest lounges, which are closer to quiet waiting areas than proper airport hotels.

Hotels inside Beijing Airport

• Terminal 1 – There are no confirmed hourly hotels, sleep pods, or dedicated rest lounges currently operating in Terminal 1.
• Terminal 2 – Paid hourly rest lounges (often called “计时休息室”) located on B1 between Gates D5–D6 (domestic) and B1 between Gates D2–D3 (international) offer time-based private or semi-private rest spaces. Travellers pay by the hour for basic rooms or quiet areas, typically with bathrooms and showers, and sometimes snacks or simple meals. These facilities are rest lounges rather than true hotels, and should not be confused with sleep pods or full hotel rooms. Rates are unknown. If you know, click here to update the guide.
• Terminal 3 – A traveller reports a paid hourly rest lounge near Gate E10 (airside), sometimes called “Joy Rest”. This is not a hotel and does not have beds; instead, it offers sofa-style seating, low lighting, and separate quiet rooms where some travellers manage short naps. Showers are available, and some time-based packages include basic meals, snacks, and drinks. Pricing is per person and by the hour and may vary on-site or differ from posted menus. Reported rates (January 2026) include CNY 150 for 1 hour (with shower) and CNY 360 for 3 hours (with shower and a meal). Longer stays (e.g., 5 or 8 hours) may be available and sometimes discounted; inquire at the entrance.

Hotels near Beijing Airport

• Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Hotel – Free 24-hour shuttle bus runs 6:00 AM to 12:59 AM from Terminal 3/Gate 5 (every 20 min) and Terminal 2/Gate 3 (every 30 min). Contact the hotel in advance for pick-up from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM. » 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 the 2nd lane of Gate No. 5, ground floor, runs every 20 mins. From Terminals 1 & 2: go to Gate No. 3, the ground floor of T2, which runs every 30 mins. » Check Rates

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

Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Free drinking water dispensers are available throughout all terminals. Machines provide cold, warm, and hot water; some include disposable cups.

Food & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep, check out these 24-hour food vendors:

• 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.
• Vending machines are available throughout all terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage storage is available for RMB 20–50 per 24 hours per item, depending on size. Hours: Open 24 hours. Locations include:

• Terminal 1: Corridor between Terminals 1 and 2
• Terminal 2: Arrivals Hall, 1st Floor, Gate 9 • Departures Hall, 2nd Floor, near Gates 8 and 10
• Terminal 3-C: Landside, Arrivals Hall, 2nd Floor (east and west sides)

Seasonal free winter clothing storage is available in Terminals 2 and 3.

Mobile Charging

Free power outlets are available throughout the terminals. Lockable charging stations allow travellers to secure devices while charging. Locations include:

• Terminal 1: 1st and 2nd Floors, airside and landside
• Terminal 2: Near selected boarding gates
• Terminal 3: Airside and landside areas

Showers

Some paid rest lounges and airline lounges offer shower facilities. See Airport Lounges above. In addition, dressing rooms are available in each terminal’s baggage claim area for changing clothes.

Reports suggest showers may be available in Terminal 2 near Gates D5–D6 for a fee, but this has not been confirmed.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Beijing Airport. Connect to the “AIRPORT-FREE-WiFi” network. You will need a Chinese mobile phone number to receive your User ID and password via SMS, or you can scan your passport information at any information desk 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)

Security & Safety

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Beijing Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers begin arriving for morning flights.

More Airport Information