Capital or Daxing Airport? The Ultimate Beijing Airport Guide
Beijing has two major international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel experience, including flight options, convenience, costs, and accessibility.
This guide provides an in-depth comparison of Beijing’s two airports to help travelers make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Overview of Beijing’s Two Airports
Beijing’s airports serve different purposes:
| Feature | Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) | Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 25 km northeast of Beijing | 46 km south of Beijing |
| Opened | 1958 | 2019 |
| Terminals | 3 (T1, T2, T3) | 1 large integrated terminal |
| Main Airlines | Air China, Hainan Airlines, most international airlines | China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines |
| Best for | International flights, business travelers, proximity to downtown | Domestic flights, high-tech facilities, fewer delays |
Both airports are world-class, but their strengths differ.
Airport Location and Transportation
Distance from City Center
- Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is closer to downtown (25 km), making it the preferred choice for travelers staying in central areas like Wangfujing, Sanlitun, or the Forbidden City.
- Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) is farther (46 km), but offers high-speed transport options.
Airport Express and Metro
| Transport Option | PEK (Capital) | PKX (Daxing) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Express Train | ¥25, 20 min to Dongzhimen | ¥35, 20 min to Caoqiao |
| Subway | Line 10 or Line 13 to Airport Express | Daxing Line connects to Line 4 |
| High-Speed Rail | No | Yes, to Beijing West Railway Station |
- PEK: The Airport Express is cheaper and connects to the subway network.
- PKX: The Daxing Express is more modern, and the high-speed rail offers faster transfers to other cities.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
| Route | PEK (Capital Airport) | PKX (Daxing Airport) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi to Tiananmen Square | ¥100-150, 40-60 min | ¥180-250, 60-80 min |
| Taxi to Beijing South Railway Station | ¥80-120, 30-50 min | ¥120-180, 40-60 min |
| Taxi to Wangfujing | ¥100-150, 45-60 min | ¥180-250, 70-90 min |
Daxing Airport taxis are more expensive due to the greater distance.
Flight Options: Which Airport Has Better Connections?
International Flights
- PEK is the main international hub for Air China, with more direct long-haul flights to Europe, North America, and other continents.
- PKX is expanding, but currently offers fewer international flights, mainly within Asia and select intercontinental routes.
Domestic Flights
- PKX has better domestic connections since it is the hub for China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines.
- PEK is still strong in domestic flights, but delays are more frequent.
Layovers and Transfers
- If you have a short layover, PEK is closer to downtown, making quick sightseeing possible.
- If you have a long layover, PKX offers a more relaxing experience with high-tech lounges and shopping.
Passenger Experience: Facilities and Comfort
Check-in and Security
| Feature | PEK (Capital) | PKX (Daxing) |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in Process | Traditional, often crowded | Self-service, high-tech |
| Security Wait Times | Longer, more congested | Faster, automated systems |
- PKX uses advanced facial recognition and automated check-in, reducing wait times.
- PEK can be crowded, especially in Terminal 3.
Shopping and Dining
| Feature | PEK (Capital) | PKX (Daxing) |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Options | More budget choices | High-end international brands |
| Shopping | Extensive duty-free, local brands | Luxury and designer stores |
- PEK offers more affordable dining options.
- PKX has newer, high-end shopping, catering to luxury travelers.
Lounge Access
- PEK has more traditional lounges, suitable for business travelers.
- PKX has newer VIP lounges with spacious seating and smart technology.
Flight Delays: Which Airport is More Reliable?
- PEK has more delays, especially in winter and peak travel seasons.
- PKX has better air traffic management, making it a more reliable option for on-time departures.
If punctuality is important, PKX is less prone to weather-related delays.
Cost Comparisons: Transportation, Dining, and Services
Transport Costs
- PEK Airport Express: ¥25, 20 minutes
- PKX Daxing Express: ¥35, 20 minutes
- Taxi from PEK to city center: ¥100-150
- Taxi from PKX to city center: ¥180-250
PKX transportation costs are higher, but it offers a more modern travel experience.
Airport Services and Dining
- PEK is more budget-friendly in terms of food and services.
- PKX is more luxurious, appealing to high-end travelers.
Which Airport is Best for Your Trip?
| Traveler Type | Best Airport | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Business Travelers | PEK | Closer to downtown, more international flights |
| Leisure Travelers | Either | PEK for accessibility, PKX for comfort |
| Domestic Travelers | PKX | Hub for China Southern, fewer delays |
| Layover Travelers | PEK | Closer to city, better for quick trips |
| Luxury Travelers | PKX | High-end shopping, premium lounges |
FAQ: Common Questions About Beijing Airports
1. Which Beijing airport is closer to the Forbidden City?
PEK (Beijing Capital Airport) is closer—about 40-60 minutes by taxi.
2. Is it cheaper to fly into PEK or PKX?
It depends on your airline, but PEK generally has more competitive international fares.
3. Which airport has better lounges?
PKX has newer and more advanced VIP lounges, but PEK has more variety.
4. How do I transfer between PEK and PKX?
There is no direct train. You need to take a combination of high-speed rail, subway, or taxi, which takes around 90-120 minutes.
Final Verdict: Capital or Daxing?
| Feature | PEK (Capital) | PKX (Daxing) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from City | 25 km | 46 km |
| Best For | International flights, business travel | Domestic flights, tech-savvy travelers |
| Transport Options | Cheaper, more choices | Faster, more expensive |
| Delays | More frequent | Fewer |
| Facilities | Good but older | New and high-tech |
If traveling internationally, check your airline’s hub. If flexibility is an option, PKX may offer a smoother experience, while PEK remains the safer choice for accessibility.
Would you choose Capital Airport for convenience or Daxing Airport for modernity?
