Information and Travel Guide for Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport, or BCIA, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. When the Olympic Games arrived in Beijing for 2008, the airport was completely revamped and today is considered the second busiest international airport in the world. Currently the airport houses three terminals and offers a wide variety of amenities to suit any traveller's needs.

History

Beijing Capital International Airport opened in March 1958. When it initially opened it has just one small terminal building, which still operates today for VIPs and charter flights. In 1980, a larger, newer building was constructed and opened to house up to 12 aircraft docks. By 1990s this new terminal was too small and it was finally closed for renovations. In 1999, the airport started to expand once again and a new terminal was constructed in 2004. Terminal 3 was expanded and revamped in 2008 to accommodate the additional flight traffic for the Olympic Games in 2008 and since then the airport has evolved into the country's busiest air-hub.

Services and Amenities

BCIA offers travellers multiple amenities including a currency exchange and other financial service options as well as public phones. Luggage carts are available throughout the airport terminals and are free of charge to use. All lost luggage concerns are handled by the airlines. VIP lounges are available as well as other business services for corporate travellers. Duty-free shopping is available throughout the airport as well as specialty shops offering perfumes, Chinese teas and jewellery. There are sit-down, fast-food and coffee shop facilities all over the airport for those looking to eat. Wi-Fi is free for all users throughout the airport, but an authentication terminal is required before accessing.

Parking

A garage is located next to Terminal 3 and the airport subway travels to and from it every 20 minutes. The first 30 minutes of parking is free and then charged in hourly increments after that. Daily and long-term parking is available as well.

Surrounding Area

Those looking to enter into the city can do so by taking the Airport Express Train Line or taxis and buses available at the arrival terminals. Once in the city there are numerous attractions for tourists to experience simply by walking down the streets of Beijing and sampling the Chinese cuisine. Street vendors located at Wangfujing are some of the most popular in the country. The Beijing Aquarium, which is the largest in the world, is more exciting to see than the local zoo. Another famous attraction is the Underground City, which was the bomb shelter created for the country in the 1970s. Getting around the country is relatively easy. The city is enormous; therefore, it is hard for tourists to walk unless their destination is within a few blocks. Buses will be very crowded and taxis are available, but they can be expensive after long distances.

Contact Information:

IATA Code: PEK
Telephone: +86 (0)10 6456 3220/47247/3604
Fax: (0)10 6457 0487
Address: Beijing Capital International Airport, Airport Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100621, China
Website: www.bcia.com.cn/en/index.html
Time Zone: GMT + 8
Location: The airport is located 28km (18 miles) northeast of Beijing