Beijing Capital International

Free Wi-Fi is available, but travelers report it can be a little unreliable. Anyone with a Chinese mobile number can get a user ID and password by text. Alternatively, you can scan your passport at a self-service machine or visit an information desk to get a user ID and password. If you're planning on travelling throughout China, you can get a portable Wi-Fi router delivered to the airport - visit klook.com. Some sites you may use to store online information or contacts such as Google or Facebook may not be accessible in China - make sure you have back-ups or printouts of important information.

The airport is roughly 30km from central Beijing.

Taxi - taxi ranks are found outside all 3 terminal buildings (Terminal 1, 1st floor, outside Gate 1; Terminal 2 1st floor, outside Gates 5-9; Terminal 3, outside exit, level B1). Only use metered taxis from the official waiting line. Licensed taxis in Beijing all have a plate that starts with “京 B” and offer printed receipts - most have a yellow stripe along the middle of the car. If you don't speak Mandarin, consider getting the name of your destination written in Simplified Chinese or have a map handy - if you are unable to do this prior to arrival, the information or hotel desks may be able to help you.

Bus - city buses and long-distance services are available to and from the airport. There are ticket offices on the first floor of all 3 terminals.

Train - the Airport Express line of the Beijing Subway (also known as ABC) has stations at Terminals 2 and 3, and provides services roughly every 10 minutes to Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen Metro stations. Trains run 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and are the fastest route into the city. Note that the journey times are different depending on the direction of travel - this is because the trains reverse at Terminal 3 and wait at Terminal 2. Although it's a subway line, the journey to and from the airport is on an elevated line above ground. Taking substantial luggage on subway connections from the Airport Express line is not recommended as trains can be standing room only.

Hotel shuttle - free shuttle buses run from the airport to nearby hotels including the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Hotel, the Ibis Beijing Capital Airport Hotel and the Langham Place. There are around 30 hotels in the vicinity of the airport ranging from budget to 5-star.

Car rental - you'll find car rental desks in Arrivals at Terminals 2 and 3. At Terminal 1, cars can be hired from the hotel information desk between Gates 1 & 3 on the first floor.

There are parking lots next to all 3 terminals. Garages 2 & 3 offer a round-the-clock finding service; if you've forgotten where you parked your car, just ask an attendant with a yellow vest or enquire at the information desk. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available at Garage 5 near Terminal 1.

Free shuttle buses connect all three terminals 24 hours a day, with services running up to every 10 minutes. The buses stop outside Gates 3-5 (T1), Gate 11 (T2) and Gate 5 (T3). To walk between Terminals 1 & 2 on the second floor corridor takes around 10 minutes; the shuttle takes around 5 minutes. The ride from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 is about 8 minutes and to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 you'll need about 15 minutes.

If you are transiting through Beijing airport, you'll need to allow at least 90 minutes to get through customs and check back in for your new flight.

'Hourly hotels' offer rooms with bathrooms in all 3 terminals, but Traveller reviews are not flattering. In Terminals 2 & 3 after Security you'll also find GoSleep rest pods.