Beijing Airport Terminals
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the largest and busiest airports in Asia and serves as a major gateway to China’s capital. Located about 32 km northeast of downtown Beijing, the airport handles hundreds of daily flights connecting more than 200 destinations worldwide operated by dozens of airlines.
The airport opened in 1958 with a small terminal building. As Beijing grew into a global hub, the airport expanded several times. Terminal 2 opened in 1999 to accommodate the surge in domestic aviation, while the spectacular Terminal 3 was inaugurated in 2008 ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games, dramatically increasing capacity and making the airport one of the largest aviation complexes in the world.
Even though Beijing now has a second airport (Daxing), many international and legacy airline routes still operate from PEK.
Terminal overview
Terminal 1 (West Wing Satellite Terminal)
Originally opened in 1980, Terminal 1 was the airport’s main passenger building for many years. Today it no longer operates as an independent terminal and functions as a satellite extension of Terminal 2, providing additional boarding gates and operational space.
Key characteristics
- Mainly supports domestic flight operations
- Used as an auxiliary concourse to reduce congestion
- Connected internally to Terminal 2 facilities
Even if your gate is located in the satellite area, check-in and security procedures are usually done in Terminal 2.
Terminal 2
Opened in 1999, Terminal 2 significantly expanded the airport’s capacity and still handles a large number of domestic and regional flights.
Airlines commonly operating here
- China Eastern Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Several SkyTeam and Oneworld partners
Terminal layout (simplified)
- Level 1: Arrivals and baggage claim
- Level 2: Departures check-in counters
- Level 3: Restaurants, lounges and shops
Facilities include airline lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, and direct access to the Airport Express train.
Terminal 2 is often less crowded than Terminal 3, making it slightly faster for domestic departures.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the largest terminal at PEK and one of the biggest airport terminals in the world. It opened in 2008 and serves as the main hub for Air China, handling the majority of international flights.
The terminal complex is divided into three main sections:
- T3C – Main terminal building (check-in and domestic flights)
- T3D – Charter and special flights
- T3E – International departures and arrivals
Terminal levels
- Level 1: Arrivals and baggage claim
- Level 2: Domestic departures
- Level 3: International check-in and security
- Upper levels: Restaurants, lounges and services
An automated train system connects the different concourses.
Terminal 3 is huge. Allow at least 30–40 minutes to reach distant gates.
Restaurants, cafés and bars
Beijing Airport offers a wide variety of dining options ranging from Chinese cuisine to international chains. You will find noodle bars, cafés, fast-food outlets and sit-down restaurants across both main terminals.
In Terminal 3 alone, there are more than 15 restaurants in the public area and many others after security across several floors.
Popular restaurants and cafés
Crystal Jade Kitchen – Terminal 3
- Cantonese and Asian cuisine
- Known for dumplings and noodle soups
- Located in the departures area
Ajisen Ramen – Terminal 3
- Japanese ramen chain
- Fast service, good for short layovers
Kungfu Restaurant – Terminal 2
- Chinese fast-food style meals with rice dishes
- Affordable and quick for travelers in transit
Costa Coffee / Starbucks – Terminals 2 & 3
- Coffee, pastries and sandwiches
- Ideal for early morning departures
Restaurants on the upper floors of Terminal 3 often offer better views and quieter seating areas.
Shops and Duty Free
Passengers will find a large selection of shops before and after security.
Main shopping categories
- Fashion and luxury brands (Calvin Klein, Timberland)
- Cosmetics and beauty products (Dior, Clinique, Origins)
- Electronics and travel accessories
- Books and convenience stores
- Local Chinese souvenirs and crafts
Duty Free
Duty-free stores are mainly located in international departure areas in Terminal 3 and sell:
- Perfumes and cosmetics
- Wines and spirits
- Luxury fashion items
- Tobacco products
- Chinese specialty gifts
Prices for Chinese tea, silk products and local snacks are often cheaper here than in downtown tourist areas.
Airport facilities
PEK provides a wide range of passenger facilities.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
- Free airport Wi-Fi network available throughout terminals
- Login requires a code sent via SMS or obtained at kiosks using a passport.
ATMs and banking
- Banks and currency exchange offices in arrival and departure halls
Luggage storage
- Lockers available in Terminals 2 and 3 arrivals halls
- Approximate cost: about 100 CNY for 24 hours.
Lounges
Several airline and independent lounges are available, especially in Terminal 3, offering food, drinks and relaxation areas.
Services for families and passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)
PEK airport provides accessibility services including:
- Elevators and step-free access
- Wheelchair assistance
- Priority security lanes
- Family restrooms and baby-care rooms
Families traveling with children will also find play areas and family lounges in some parts of Terminal 3.
Request mobility assistance at least 48 hours before departure through your airline.
Security, baggage and passenger procedures
Security screening
Passengers must pass standard aviation security checks including:
- Hand luggage scanning
- Liquid restrictions
- Passport control for international flights
Arrive 2–3 hours before international departures due to the size of the airport.
Check-in and boarding
- Most airlines open check-in 3 hours before departure
- Online check-in is widely available
- Boarding gates close about 15–20 minutes before departure
Lost and found
Lost property services are available in Terminal 3.
Location:
- Arrival hall information counters and security zones
Hotline:
+86 010-96158
The service operates 24 hours a day.
If you lose an item on the aircraft, contact the airline first, as cabin items are usually handled separately.
Most popular routes from Beijing Capital Airport
Beijing Capital Airport currently offers flights to over 200 destinations with more than 40 airlines.
Because the airport is extremely large, always check terminal, airline and gate information before arriving, and allow extra time for transfers inside Terminal 3.
Transfer between terminals
Terminal 1 and 2 are close to each other, whilst Terminal 3 is located away from the other two (about 5 km). It is important to keep in mind this information if passengers need to go from one terminal to another since it can take some time.
Distances between Beijing’s Terminals are large. It is strongly recommended to have enough time to go from one terminal to another.
To transfer between Beijing Airport Terminals, passengers have at their disposal inter-terminal shuttles that run between terminals from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm, every 10 minutes, and also between 11:00 pm and 06:00 am every 15-30 minutes.