Beijing Airport Arrival Guide (PEK & PKX)

Landing in a new country can be overwhelming, especially when you’re arriving at one of the world’s busiest airport hubs. Beijing, served by two massive international airports—Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX)—is an exciting entry point to China. This guide will walk you through the entire arrival process, from the moment you step off the plane to the moment you check into your hotel, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your adventure.

We’ll cover everything you need to know for both airports, so you can navigate immigration, baggage claim, and ground transport like a seasoned traveler. This guide is a crucial companion to our broader **China Travel Preparation Guide ** and our detailed China Visa Application Guide.

1. PEK vs. PKX: An Overview for First-Timers

Beijing has two main international airports, and your arrival experience will depend on which one you fly into.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Located northeast of the city center, PEK is one of the world’s busiest airports. Most international flights arrive at Terminal 3 (T3), a massive, modern facility, while some arrive at Terminal 2 (T2). It’s well-connected to the city via the Airport Express train.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Located south of the city, PKX is a newer, architecturally stunning airport that opened in 2019. Known for its futuristic starfish design, it’s designed for efficiency, with shorter walking distances from security to gates. It also has excellent high-speed rail and metro connections.

Both airports are modern and equipped with bilingual signage (Mandarin/English), making them relatively easy for international visitors to navigate.

2. Before You Land: Get Your Documents Ready

A smooth arrival starts before the plane even touches down. While in the air, flight attendants will hand out an arrival/departure card.

Key Documents to Have in Hand:

Valid Passport and Chinese Visa: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. Your visa should be for the correct purpose of your visit.
Completed Arrival/Departure Card: Fill this out completely and legibly. You will need your flight number and passport details.
Proof of Onward Travel: Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket. Immigration officers may ask to see it.
Hotel Address in Chinese: This is crucial. Have a screenshot of your hotel’s name, address, and phone number in Chinese characters.
Health & Customs Declaration: You may need to complete a health declaration via a QR code or paper form. Be honest about what you are carrying.

Currency Tip: It’s wise to have a small amount of Chinese Yuan (CNY) cash on hand for immediate expenses like a taxi, but avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport due to less favorable rates.

3. The Arrival Flow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to navigate the arrival process at either PEK or PKX. The process is linear and well-signed.

Deplaning: Follow the signs for “Arrivals” and “Immigration/Passport Control.”
Health & Quarantine: You may pass through automated temperature scanners. If required, present your completed health declaration form or QR code.
Immigration: This is the main checkpoint. Get in the queue for “Foreigners.” Present your passport, visa, and completed arrival card to the officer. They will take your photo and fingerprints. They might ask simple questions like “What is the purpose of your visit?” or “How long will you stay?”
Baggage Claim: After clearing immigration, check the large screens to find your flight number and the corresponding baggage carousel. Grab a free luggage trolley to make things easier.
Customs: Once you have your bags, proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, take the “Green Channel.” If you are carrying items that need to be declared, use the “Red Channel.” All bags will go through a final X-ray scanner.
Arrival Hall: Congratulations, you’ve officially entered China! The arrival hall is a bustling area where you’ll find transport options, currency exchange, and SIM card counters.

4. Connectivity & Payments on Arrival

Getting connected and setting up payments is your first priority in China’s digital-first environment.

Getting Online

Airport Wi-Fi: Both PEK and PKX offer free Wi-Fi. You can get an access code by scanning your passport at a designated kiosk. Note that this Wi-Fi is behind the “Great Firewall,” so sites like Google and Instagram will be blocked.
eSIM vs. Local SIM:
- eSIM: The easiest option. You can purchase and install an eSIM before you travel, activating it upon landing for immediate internet access. Our guide to internet access in China has more details.
- Local SIM Card: You can buy a physical SIM card from counters like China Unicom or China Mobile in the arrival hall. You will need your passport for registration. This is a reliable option but involves queuing. See our * expat SIM card guide* for tips.

Setting Up Payments

Once you are online, you can set up Alipay or WeChat Pay by linking your international credit card. This is essential for paying for nearly everything, from subway tickets to street food.

5. Getting into the City: PEK & PKX Transport

Avoid the touts offering private cars in the arrival hall. Only use official, marked transportation options.

From Beijing Capital (PEK)

Airport Express Train: The best option. It connects T2 and T3 to the city’s subway system at Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) and Dongzhimen (Lines 2 & 13). Cost: 25 CNY. Time: ~20-30 mins.
Airport Bus: A cheaper but slower option with multiple routes serving different parts of Beijing. Cost: 20-30 CNY. Time: 60-90+ mins.
Licensed Taxi: Follow signs to the official taxi queue. The ride is metered. Cost: ~100-150 CNY to the city center. Time: 45-70 mins.
Ride-Hailing (Didi): Use the Didi app to call a car. You will meet your driver at a designated ride-hailing pickup point.

From Beijing Daxing (PKX)

Daxing Airport Express: A fast, new metro line connecting PKX to Caoqiao station (Line 10). Cost: 35 CNY. * Time:* ~20 mins.
High-Speed Rail: The airport has an integrated high-speed rail station connecting to Beijing West Railway Station. Cost: ~30 CNY. Time: ~25 mins.
Licensed Taxi: Follow signs to the official taxi stand. Cost: ~180-250 CNY to the city center. Time: 60-90 mins.

Late-Night Tip: The Airport Express and metro lines stop running around 11:00 PM. If you arrive late, a licensed taxi or Didi is your best option. Be aware of scams, especially at night; read our guide on the most common scams in Beijing. For a full transport overview, see our **transportation in China guide **.

6. Finding Your Hotel Smoothly

The final leg of your journey is getting to your hotel.

Show the Chinese Address: This is the golden rule. Show the screenshot of your hotel’s address in Chinese to your taxi or Didi driver.
Notify for Late Arrival: If you have a late flight, inform your hotel in advance to ensure they hold your room.
Prepare for a Deposit: Hotels in China require a cash security deposit upon check-in, which is refunded upon departure after a room check.
PSB Registration: The hotel staff will scan your passport to register your stay with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). This is a mandatory and routine procedure.

For more details on booking and check-in, consult our guide on How to Book a Hotel in China.

7. Airport Luggage & Services

Both PEK and PKX are well-equipped to handle traveler needs.

Luggage: Free trolleys are abundant. Porter services are available for a fee. Luggage storage counters are located in the arrival and departure halls.
Money: ATMs that accept international cards and currency exchange counters are available, though rates are better in the city.
Amenities: You’ll find free drinking water dispensers (hot and cold), clean restrooms, nursing rooms, and excellent accessibility for travelers with disabilities.

8. Common Arrival Issues and How to Fix Them

Missed Connection: Go directly to your airline’s transfer desk for assistance.
Lost Baggage: Proceed to the Lost & Found or your airline’s baggage service counter in the baggage claim area.
No Cash for a Taxi: Most taxis now accept Alipay/WeChat Pay. If not, use your card at an ATM in the arrival hall.
Phone Not Connecting: Restart your phone. Ensure data roaming is enabled on your eSIM or that your physical SIM is correctly installed.
Language Barrier with Taxi Driver: Use your translation app and the screenshot of your hotel’s Chinese address.
Taxi Disputes: Insist on using the meter. Take a photo of the driver’s license display card and ask for a printed receipt (fāpiào).

Quick Arrival Checklist

Fill out your arrival card completely on the plane.
Have your passport, visa, and hotel booking copies ready.
Get in the “Foreigners” line at immigration.
Connect to airport Wi-Fi by scanning your passport.
Grab a free luggage trolley before heading to the carousel.
Walk through the “Green Channel” at customs if you have nothing to declare.
Activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM card in the arrival hall.
Withdraw a small amount of cash from an ATM for backup.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international card.
Follow signs to official transport: Airport Express, metro, or the licensed taxi queue.
Avoid all unsolicited offers for rides or tours in the arrival hall.
Show your driver the hotel address in Chinese characters.
Ask for a printed receipt (fāpiào) at the end of your taxi ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use the 144-hour transit-without-visa (TWOV) in Beijing?
Yes, citizens of eligible countries can use the 144-hour TWOV program at both PEK and PKX. You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country or region.

How long does it take to get through immigration?
It typically takes 30-60 minutes, but it can be longer during peak hours. PKX is often slightly faster than PEK.

Where is the best place to get a SIM card at the airport?
Look for official China Unicom or China Mobile counters in the arrival hall. However, purchasing an eSIM online before you travel is often easier and more convenient.

Can I drink the tap water at the airport?
No. Do not drink tap water in China. Use the free filtered drinking water dispensers available throughout the terminals.

How much does a taxi cost to areas like Wangfujing or Sanlitun?
From PEK, expect 100-150 CNY. From PKX, expect 180-250 CNY. Prices will be higher in heavy traffic or late at night.

What are my transport options if I land after midnight?
Official taxis and Didi (ride-hailing) run 24/7. Some overnight airport bus routes may also be available.

Do I need to pay for tolls in a taxi?
Yes, tolls for airport expressways are automatically added to the final metered fare.

Is there a size limit for luggage on the Airport Express train?
No, there are no strict size limits. Both the PEK and PKX express trains have ample dedicated space for large suitcases.