As one of the busiest and most dynamic aviation hubs in the world, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) can easily overwhelm travelers with its massive scale and multi-terminal layout. Whether you are planning to explore China's dynamic capital or catching a connecting flight through this major global gateway, knowing your terminal in advance is crucial for efficient time management.
Heading to the wrong terminal can lead to major delays, especially given the sheer size of the complex and Beijing's bustling surroundings. To help you navigate seamlessly and ensure a stress-free travel experience, we have put together a clear breakdown of which airline operates from which terminal.
PEK Terminals at a Glance
Terminal 1
Primarily Domestic Services
Terminal 2
SkyTeam & Select International / Domestic
Terminal 3
International Hub & Star Alliance
Airline Terminal Directory
Find your airline in the table below to see its terminal, the type of flights it operates there and its alliance membership.
| Airline | Terminal | Flight Type | Alliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (T1) – Primarily Domestic Services | |||
| Beijing Capital Airlines | T1 | Domestic | – |
| Grand China Air | T1 | Domestic | – |
| Hainan Airlines | T1 | Domestic | – |
| Lucky Air | T1 | Domestic | – |
| Spring Airlines | T1 | Domestic | – |
| Tianjin Airlines | T1 | Domestic | – |
| Terminal 2 (T2) – SkyTeam & Select International / Domestic | |||
| Air China | T2 | Select Domestic | Star Alliance |
| China Eastern Airlines | T2 | Domestic & International | SkyTeam |
| China Southern Airlines | T2 | Domestic & International | – |
| Xiamen Airlines | T2 | Domestic & International | SkyTeam |
| Hainan Airlines | T2 | International / Select | – |
| Air France | T2 | International | SkyTeam |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | T2 | International | SkyTeam |
| Delta Air Lines | T2 | International | SkyTeam |
| Korean Air | T2 | International | SkyTeam |
| S7 Airlines | T2 | International | – |
| Hongkong Airlines | T2 | International | – |
| Terminal 3 (T3) – International Hub & Star Alliance | |||
| Air China | T3 | Main International & Hub | Star Alliance |
| Shenzhen Airlines | T3 | Domestic | Star Alliance |
| Shandong Airlines | T3 | Domestic | – |
| Tibet Airlines | T3 | Domestic | – |
| Turkish Airlines (THY) | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| Lufthansa | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| British Airways | T3 | International | Oneworld |
| United Airlines | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| Air Canada | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| Singapore Airlines | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| Asiana Airlines | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
| Emirates | T3 | International | – |
| Qatar Airways | T3 | International | Oneworld |
| Cathay Pacific | T3 | International | Oneworld |
| Finnair | T3 | International | Oneworld |
| Swiss International Air Lines | T3 | International | Star Alliance |
Good to know: Some airlines, such as Air China and Hainan Airlines, operate from more than one terminal depending on whether your flight is domestic or international. Always check the terminal code on your ticket.
Essential Travel Tips for PEK
Beijing Capital International Airport features vast physical distances, particularly between Terminal 3 and the T1/T2 complex. Keep these quick tips in mind for a smooth journey:
Double-Check Your Ticket
Always verify your terminal code (T1, T2 or T3) before heading to the airport. The same airline might operate domestic and international flights out of completely different terminals.
Inter-Terminal Shuttles
If you need to move between terminals, take advantage of the airport's free inter-terminal shuttle buses, but always factor in extra transit time.
Arrive Early
Especially for international departures from the sprawling Terminal 3, allow extra time for security, immigration checks and walking distances to your boarding gate.
Armed with the right terminal information, you are ready for a smooth and effortless journey through Beijing!