Beijing Airport Review

Located 32km in the Northeastern of Beijing city centre, there lies the Beijing Capital International Airport which is the main international airport.

Getting There

There are many ways getting into Beijing International Airport, from taking taxis to airport shuttle bus to using the subway trains.

To avoid heavy traffic often seen across Beijing roads leading to the airport, the recommended way is to take the subway trains.

Subway Trains: 

Sanyuanqiao Station connects to Subway Line #10.
Dongzhimen Station connects to Subway Line #2 and Subway Line #13

Fare: RMB25 per person (20 minutes travel time from Dongzhimen to Airport)

More often than not, many travellers including me took the domestic train linking other parts of China cities to Beijing. Thus, when arriving at Beijing Main Railway station, take subway line #2 to Dongzhimen station and from there, one can take the express airport train easily to the airport. Total distance from Beijing Main Railway station to Airport is about 28km, taking an hour to reach.

Beijing Airport consists of 3 main terminals. Sitting in the direction from  city to airport, Terminal 3 is the first stop followed by Terminal 2. You should know your terminal that you are departing from. Below is the list of airlines departing from different terminal, accurate as of 01 March 2016.

Beijing Airport 

As like many airports in China, the air traffic in these airports are heavy with Beijing Capital Airport being no exception. My flight was delayed for 2 hours with the reason being heavy air traffic. With so many flights departing at each time and the airport being so huge, do not be late for your flight yet at the same time, to have mental preparation that you may not be departing on time.

Things to do at the Airport

Free mobile phone charging counters are available within the airport. However, it is often crowded, so make sure if you want to recharge your mobile, go early to snatch a spot!

Newspaper on China Aviation are readily available as well to while away your time. If not, TV shows are the next good companion during your wait at the airport.

Massage chairs are limited but it will be nice to get some needed relaxation before the next flight out.

WiFi is easily available with the registration on the mobile phone. Unlike many other airport free WiFi which is usually not usable, the WiFi in Beijing Airport is good. So go on and get connected to the social media while waiting for aircraft. However, gentle reminder that China blocked access to popular social media such as Facebook.

Categories: Asia Region, Travel Tips