Beijing has two major international airports, and knowing which one you’re landing at matters because distances and transport options are different. Both airports are modern and easy to navigate, but they serve different airlines, so it’s important to check before you fly.
For general transportation guidance in Beijing, you can also visit the official multilingual site here:
👉 https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/service/transportation
Here’s a simple breakdown to help travellers immediately know where they will land or depart.
PEK handles most international airlines, and it’s the main hub for Air China.
You can see the full, updated airline list on the official Capital Airport website here:
👉 https://www.beijing-airport.com/pek-airlines
| Region | Airlines at PEK |
|---|---|
| China | Air China (main hub), Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines |
| United States | United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines |
| Canada | Air Canada, WestJet (seasonal/charter), Air Transat (occasional) |
| Europe | Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Finnair, Aeroflot, Swiss |
| Asia | ANA, JAL, Korean Air, Asiana, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways |
| Middle East | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways |
| Oceania | Qantas (some seasonal routes) |
➡️ Rule of thumb: If you’re flying Air China, United, American Airlines, or most Japanese/Korean carriers, you will almost always arrive at PEK.
Daxing is Beijing’s newest airport and the main hub for China Southern and many SkyTeam partners. You can check the full, up-to-date airline list on the official airport site here:
👉 https://daxing-pkx-airport.com/flights/airlines/
| Region | Airlines at PKX |
|---|---|
| China | China Southern (main hub), China Eastern, China United Airlines |
| Europe | LOT Polish Airlines, Finnair (some flights), ITA Airways (expanding), Royal Brunei |
| Asia | Malaysian Airlines, Royal Brunei, Indigo Airlines |
| Future Expansion | More SkyTeam carriers expected |
➡️ Rule of thumb: If you’re flying China Southern, you will almost definitely arrive at Daxing (PKX).
The Beijing Airport Express is fast and simple — and avoids traffic.
And because this train connects directly to Line 2, you can easily reach Wangfujing, Sanlitun, Dongcheng, and Dongzhimen.
For official transit information, including metro maps and bus routes, check the city’s transportation page:
👉 https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/service/transportation
Always follow signs for official taxi queues. If you use Didi, choose the pickup zone shown on your map so your driver can find you easily.
More bus route info:
👉 https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/service/transportation
This is the fastest way to central Beijing.
From Caoqiao, you can easily connect to Line 10 or grab a taxi into Qianmen, Wangfujing, or the hutongs.
Full transport reference:
👉 https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/service/transportation
Because Daxing is farther from the city, leave extra time when heading to the airport for departures.
Daxing also connects to the national rail network.
This is useful if you’re connecting from cities like Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, or Baoding.
Official city transit help:
👉 https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/service/transportation
Whether Beijing is your arrival city or your departure point, both airports offer smooth connections into the city center. Choose the Airport Express if you travel light, or use Didi for convenience and comfort.
And because Beijing’s traffic can be unpredictable, always plan ahead and check live route updates. Your Beijing adventure truly begins the moment you step into the city — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
👉Ready to explore more routes, food spots, and local adventures? We’ve got you covered with some recommendations. If you’re staying near Wangfujing, check out the Top Things To Do Near Wangfujing, Beijing.
Want to dive into local life? Visit Our Beijing Experiences for Bike Tours, Foodie Tours and more.
