Car Hire Beijing Capital International Airport

Car Hire

Found 20 miles from Beijing, Asia’s busiest airport offers easy entry to Beijing and other locations nearby. Public buses and faster express buses run between the airport and Beijing, while trains arrive in the city even faster, taking just 20 minutes. However, the best way to access other locations in the area is with car rental in Beijing Airport, with central Beijing a 20-minute drive to the southwest.

Who to Book With
Car hire suppliers have counters in terminals 2 and 3. International supplier Avis as well as Chinese firms Shou qi car rental, China auto rental and Top one auto rental can be found in the Auto Leasing Service area in Terminal 2, while Hertz has a counter in the Auto Leasing Service hall in Terminal 3.

Need to Know Essentials
The following documents are needed at vehicle collection:

- Both parts of your UK licence
- A passport to verify your ID
- The credit card that was used to make the reservation
- Proof of booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Driving in China can be chaotic, with major cities congested though road conditions are good. Some motorways are toll routes though around the capital city, all routes are toll-free. Signage in popular cities is in English, while in the countryside it is non-existent. Parking restrictions are enforced with warnings given for violations followed by a hefty fine. Credit cards are not well liked in China outside of major hotels and restaurants, so petrol stations expect payment only in cash.

See our guide to China for more information on driving here.

Transport

Self-drive is a quick and comfortable way to access the city from the airport. Trains arrive into the city just as fast, while public buses are cheaper but much slower. Shuttle buses are also available but stop running by 23:00, leaving expensive taxis the only other option for late arrivals.

Trains
The Beijing Subway’s Airport Express trains operate between terminals 2 and 3, and the city’s Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen subway stations. These two stations connect passengers to other metro lines, giving access to the entire city. Trains run between 06:21 and 10:51 from Terminal 3 and between 06:35 and 11:10 from Terminal 2. A one-way journey costs around £2.50.

Taxis
Taxi stops occur between gates 3 and 5 outside of Terminal 1, outside gates 3 to 7 of Terminal 2, and at the exit of Terminal 3. Taxi rates increase between 23:00 and 05:00.

Taxi prices:
Beijing Airport to central Beijing is around £10

Buses
Bus tickets for the Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus to Beijing can be purchased in each terminal. There are nine bus routes, with the most common being the number 1 that takes passengers from the airport to Guiyou Shopping Mall, the number 2 that goes to the Civil Aviation Building, the number 3 that serves Beijing Railway Station and the number 4 which takes passengers to Gongzhufen. Buses run every 15 minutes and a single journey costs around £1.50. Shuttle buses also operate between the airport and Tianjin, Qinhuangdao and Tanggu.

Facilities

Terminals
A free shuttle bus connects the airport’s 3 terminals. Terminal 1, the smallest of the three terminals, serves HNA Group domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves domestic travel with China Southern and Eastern Airlines, Air Koryo and Skyteam, as well as international flights. Terminal 3, the largest of the three, is the base of Air China, and most One World and Star Alliance carriers operate from here. Flights arrive here from all over the globe, giving the airport an annual passenger throughput of over 78 million.

Parking
There are three car parks on site, with one dedicated to each terminal. All car parks are accessible from their dedicated terminal on foot. Garage T1 has the cheapest tariffs, at around £5 per day, while tariffs at garages T2 and T3 are around £8 a day.

Wi-Fi
Wireless internet can be accessed free of charge in all three terminals. In addition, work stations with internet access are located in the Business Centre in Terminal 3.

Information Services
There are information desks at Terminal 1 central hall on 2F, Terminal 2 central area on 1F and 2F, and in the entrance hall of Terminal 3.

Useful Numbers
Call Centre: +86 10 6454 1100

Accessibility
The airport offers plenty of obstacle-free facilities, including ramps, low counters, lifts and washrooms. Shuttle buses between terminals are wheelchair-friendly and electric trucks are available in Terminal 3 for passengers with reduced mobility. To avail of assistance, go to any information desk or the BCIA Customer Service Center.

Restaurants and Bars
All three terminals have a Chinese restaurant, while Terminal 3 also has a Pizza Hut and a Kenny Rogers Roasters. Each terminal has a variety of cafés and both Chinese and Western fast food options. Passengers using terminals 2 and 3 will find a cocktail lounge in each of these terminals.

VIP Lounges

Terminal 1:
Red Carpet Lounge

Terminal 2:
BGS Premium Lounge
Air China Business Class Lounge

Terminal 3:
BGS Premium Lounge
Air China First and Business Class Lounge
Air China Business Class Lounge
Air China First Class Lounge
Business Traveller's Lounge

Money and ATMs
ATMs are available in Terminal 1’s 2F Departures hall and near Gate 2, while in Terminal 2, they can be found in the Departures area, the International Baggage Claim area and the International Arrivals hall. Terminal 3 has ATMs in the Arrival hall, the lounge areas and near the security area. There are bank branches in terminals 2 and 3 that offer a variety of services, including cashing traveller’s cheques and currency exchange, while currency exchange counters can be found in all three terminals.

Shopping
Shopping is available in all three terminals, with everything from jewellery to toys stocked. Duty-free alcohol, tobacco, jewellery, cosmetics and handbags are available in terminals 2 and 3, while jewellery is featured in Eva Jewellery (Terminal 1) and China Red (Terminal 2). Speciality food products are featured at Yushiyuan (Terminal 1) and Quanjude (Terminal 3), while local handicrafts are available at Tibetan Artefacts (terminals 2 and 3). Known fashion brands such as Ferragamo, Bvgari, Burberry and Lacoste also have presence.