Beijing Airport departure hall domestic flights. On the picture there are a lot of Chinese characters but in reality it is quite easy to find your counter. The monitors with the departures times (in the middle of the picture) are in English.
Beijing Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in China. In 2014 Beijing Airport had more than 86 million passengers. There are 3 terminals. Between the terminals are free shuttle buses. Distance to Beijing city centre is 32km.
Taxi and airport bus
Most convenient is to take a taxi to your hotel. Fare is about 100 Yuan. Travel time depends of the traffic. It can be 45 minutes but also 1.5 hour. The official taxi stands are outside each terminal. Don’t go with people who can approach you in the arrival hall to take you to their car. Cheapest transportation is the airport shuttle bus. A ticket for the airport shuttle is between 15-30 Yuan.
Airport train
The Airport Express is the airport train to the centre of Beijing. A single ticket is 25 Yuan. Departure is from Terminal 2 and 3 between 6.00 and 23.00 every 10 minutes. The Airport Express is a fast transportation to two stations (Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao) at the border of the city centre. From there you have to travel with the subway to your final destination. Sanyuanqiao Station connects to subway line 10. Dongzhimen Station connects to subway line 2 and line 13.
Domestic flights
If you book your domestic flight online you can check all available rates and times behind your own computer. The largest Chinese travel provider is Ctrip. You will get a direct confirmation of the flight if you book online. A passport and creditcard is necessary to book a flight with them. Air China is the largest commercial airline in China and offers a direct booking service.
Beijing Airport self check-inn service. The woman in the blue uniform (between the two passengers) is staff from Beijing Airport and can help with the check-in.
Hotel travel desk
Most 4 and 5 star hotels in Beijing can make a reservation for their guests. The hotel will receive a small commission for this. The cheapest flights leave early in the morning or late in the evening.