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Beijing Capital International Airport Insider Guide

PEK

PEK is a large, older hub (T1/T2/T3). Plenty of lounges, long walks, frequent queues.

🚇 75min Transit to city
🛂 70min Immigration
🔒 60min Security buffer
Leave with 10+ hours+ Leave the airport?
OK to leave: 10h+
🛋️

Lounges

TerminalLoungeAccessShowersGood forPrice (paid)
T3Airline/PP loungesAlliance/PP/PaidSomeBuffet/snacksAbout $30–50 USD
T1/T2Airline/contract loungesAlliance/PP/PaidLimitedSnacks/drinksAbout $25–45 USD

Best options in T3; showers in some lounges.

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Traveler notes

  • Security/immigration can be slow; add buffer.
  • Long walks and train/shuttle within T3; check gate early.
🛏️

Sleep / Rest

  • Basic seating; lounges/hotels better.
🍽️

Food

  • Chinese and international options; quality mixed.
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Showers

  • In select lounges.
🧳

Luggage Storage

  • Available; about $5–10 USD per item/day.
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Transit to City

  • Airport Express: ~20–30 minutes to city connections; reliable.
  • Taxi: 30–70 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Buffer: Back at PEK 3h intl, 2h domestic.
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Essentials

  • SIM/eSIM: Airport counters; eSIM cheaper beforehand.
  • ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD/CNY via bank.
  • Wi‑Fi: Free (may require phone/email login).

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