Beijing Airport Guide (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport

Airport Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100621, China

PEK

86

(010) 6456 1100

3

GMT + 8

The airport is situated 25km (16 miles) northeast of Beijing.

The huge new US$2 billion, Norman Foster-designed, Terminal 3 opened in early 2008, ahead of the Beijing Olympics. The vast majority of international and domestic flights now leave from this terminal. A new direct metro line from the airport to the city centre is also set to open in 2008.

Regular shuttle buses run between the three terminals.

A dedicated Airport Expressway links PEK with the city centre. Several new airport roads are also scheduled for completion by the end of 2008.

Extensive parking facilities are offered on six levels in a multi-storey car park. It is equipped with electronic guide screens to assist with locating a space, but it is generally recommended that spaces are reserved in advance, as it is very busy.

Driving in China requires a Chinese-issued driving licence, so car rental usually includes a driver. A number of local agencies offer this service, and there is a car rental booth within the airport terminal. Recent legislation enables non-nationals to obtain temporary licences, but the major international car rental agencies are only just beginning to establish a foothold in the country. More information can be obtained from Avis China (website: www.avischina.com).

Rail
A new metro link to the city centre is due to open in 2008.

Road
Bus: The Airport-City Shuttle Bus departs from outside Arrivals and takes five routes into the city: Xidan, Gongzhufen, Fangzhuang, Beijing Railway Station and Zhongguancun. The most popular route is to Xidan in central Beijing, a short walk from the Forbidden City. The shuttle also stops at some major hotels.
Taxi: Metered taxis are available at the officially designated taxi ranks. Journey time to the city centre is between 45 and 60 minutes, dependent on traffic conditions. Passengers are advised to have the destination address either written in Chinese or marked clearly on a map.

Tourist information (tel: (010) 6456 1100) is available in the Arrivals lounge from 0830 until the end of flight operations. Hotel booking assistance is available in the arrivals hall.

Money and communications: Facilities include banks, several bureaux de change, ATMs, telephones and a post office.
Eating and drinking: There are cafes and restaurants throughout the airport.
Shopping: There are shops in all the terminals, including tax and duty-free.
Luggage: Left luggage facilities are available in both Arrival and Departure halls (tel: (010) 6459 8151).
Other facilities: There is a 24-hour medical centre at the airport, and a passenger changing room is available.

The airport has a business centre with Internet access, fax and computer facilities. Business services, including fax, photocopying and computer facilities, are also available in the VIP lounges. Alternatively, there are hotels close to the airport which provide business services. These include the Airport Garden Hotel (tel: (010) 6456 3388) and the Capital Airport Hotel (tel: (010) 6456 4466).

The airport is accessible to disabled travellers. The Beijing Airport Ground Service Corporation can provide assistance for travellers with physical disabilities.

The Airport Garden Hotel (tel: (010) 6456 3388), the Capital Airport Hotel (tel: (010) 6456 4562), the Jinglin Hotel Beijing (tel: (010) 6457 2626), the Sino-Swiss Hotel Beijing (tel: (010) 6456 5588; website: www.sino-swisshotel.com) and the Airport Lantian Mansion Hotel (tel: (010) 8048 9108) are located within easy reach of the airport.