Beijing now operates both Capital (PEK) and the star-shaped Daxing (PKX), splitting airlines by alliance.
Beijing Capital (PEK) has served the city since 1958 and remains the base for Air China and most Star Alliance partners. Daxing (PKX), opened in 2019, handles China Southern, China Eastern, and SkyTeam carriers in a massive starfish-shaped terminal designed by Zaha Hadid. Which airport you use depends almost entirely on your airline alliance — check carefully before booking ground transport.
Post-pandemic recovery has reshaped Beijing's fare calendar. European long-haul routes are rebuilding frequency but pricing remains higher than pre-2019 benchmarks on many corridors. April through May is the cheapest window for most international departures — the weather is pleasant and the big holiday rushes (Labour Day, National Day) haven't started. Avoid early October Golden Week entirely unless you enjoy paying double.
Daxing sits 46 km south of Tiananmen and connects via a dedicated express train (19 minutes to Caoqiao station) and metro line. Capital is closer to the northeast districts and uses the Airport Express to Dongzhimen in 25 minutes. Transferring between the two airports takes about two hours by public transport, which makes same-day connections risky. If your itinerary mixes carriers from different alliances, plan an overnight in Beijing.
It depends on your airline. Star Alliance carriers (Air China, Lufthansa, ANA) use Capital (PEK). SkyTeam carriers (China Southern, China Eastern, Korean Air) use Daxing (PKX). Confirm before booking ground transport.
April through May offers the best combination of comfortable weather and lower prices. September is also reasonable. Avoid Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), Labour Day (early May), and National Day Golden Week (early Oct).
The Daxing Airport Express train reaches Caoqiao station in 19 minutes. From there, transfer to metro Line 10 for central Beijing. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes door-to-door. Taxis cost roughly 150-200 CNY.
