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.
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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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Several rest areas have been set up for travellers to relax 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 in T2, airside, between Gates 36 – 39.
- Brilliant Colors Lounge – Take a rest on comfy seating amidst the colourful 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 precautions 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.
Beijing 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. Several nearby hotels are within walking distance or connected by free airport shuttles.
Hotels inside Beijing Airport
- Hourly Hotel – Inside the terminal 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 – The sleeping chair/pod has 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 6:00 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
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 learn how to gain 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: Pay at the door.
Terminal 2
- BGS Premier Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate 11. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- China Southern Airlines Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, multiple locations. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Air China First & Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- HNA Club – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
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 E9. Showers and Nap Rooms are available (200RMB). 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
Drinking 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.
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.
- All Terminals – Vending machines are available throughout the airport.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Left luggage storage is available at a rate of RMB20 – 50 per 24-hour period per piece of luggage (the 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 Charging
Free power outlets are located throughout the terminals and lockable charging spots where you can insert your device and return 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.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Locations:
- There may also be showers in Terminal 2, between Gates D5 and D6, for 50 RMB. This is unconfirmed. Click here to update this information.
- A few airport lounges also offer shower facilities. Each terminal’s Baggage Claim Hall also has free dressing rooms to make changing clothes easier.
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
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: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM) • T2, airside, Floor 2, near Gate 14 (Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM) • T3, landside, Floor 4, Check-in Area (Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM).
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 them 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 three pieces of luggage.
Massage – Le SPA offers Chinese foot massage. Location: T3, Domestic Departures, Gate 28 Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and 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: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Currency Exchange – Currency exchange agencies are located throughout all three terminals, with most locations open 24 hours.
Post Office – China Post offers postal services, as well as newspapers and books for purchase. Two locations: T2, Departure Hall, 1st Floor, Gate 2 • T3, east of the Arrivals Hall, 1st Floor. Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in the International waiting areas of Terminals 2 and 3. A wide variety of retail 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 11:30 PM – 7:00 AM must be requested in advance.
Transportation Carts – Free battery-powered carts are available for disabled, pregnant women and other passengers in need. This service is available in T3 only.
- 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 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM or feed the beautiful fish at two indoor gardens (Suzhou Garden and Royal Garden) at T3-E daily from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Fish food is 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: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Underwater World – A Corridor at the gate of T2 featuring an underwater landscape
- Starry Corridor – A 5.2m high/70m long glass screen wall painted with stars along the hallway to the gates of T3.
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 Hotel • CITIC Hotel Beijing Airport • Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport • Hilton Beijing Capital Airport • ibis 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 daily, 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 6:20 AM – 11:10 PM. Airport Express stations are located in Terminal 2 (B2 of Parking Garage 2) and Terminal 3 (F2 of Parking Garage 3).
Last updated: 2024-08-26
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.