[Official Guide] China's Major Airports: Terminal Maps, Transfers & Transit Hotels (2026)

Kurokun

Stay2CN Official Guide | Airport Survival Guide | May 2026

Navigating Chinese airports is straightforward if you know the layout in advance. Here's what you need to know about the busiest hubs.

Beijing Capital (PEK)

Terminals: T1 (domestic), T2 (domestic/international mix), T3 (international & major domestic)
Transit between terminals: Free shuttle bus, runs every 10 mins, 15–20 min ride
To city center: Airport Express train to Dongzhimen (30 mins, ¥25), taxi (¥100–150, 45–60 mins)
Transit hotel: Hilton Beijing Capital Airport (connected to T3), Cordis (5 mins by shuttle)

Beijing Daxing (PKX)

Design: Single terminal — impossible to get lost
To city center: Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao (20 mins, ¥35), high-speed rail to Beijing West (30 mins)
Note: Further from downtown than Capital, but faster rail connection makes up for it

Shanghai Pudong (PVG)

Terminals: T1 (domestic + some international), T2 (international + domestic), S1/S2 Satellite (international)
Transit: Automated people mover between main terminals and satellite (3–4 mins)
To city center: Maglev to Longyang Road (8 mins, ¥50), Metro Line 2 to downtown (60 mins, ¥7), taxi (¥150–200)
Transit hotels: Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel (in-terminal), Novotel (5 mins)

Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)

Terminals: T1 (domestic), T2 (domestic + international)
To city center: Metro Line 2/10 to downtown (30–40 mins, ¥4–6), taxi (¥50–80)
Advantage: Much closer to downtown than Pudong — preferred for domestic flights

Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)

Terminals: T1 (domestic), T2 (international + domestic)
Transit: Free shuttle between terminals
To city center: Metro Line 3 (40 mins, ¥7), taxi (¥100–120)

Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX)

Terminals: T3 (all flights — single terminal)
To city center: Metro Line 11 (30 mins, ¥7), ferry to Hong Kong Airport (40 mins)
Unique feature: Direct ferry to HK Airport with baggage transfer — great for international connections

International Transfer Tips

• 240-hour visa-free transit: Follow signs to "International Transfer" or "Transit without Visa" — don't go through regular immigration
• Luggage: If your bags aren't checked through, you may need to collect and re-check — ask at your first check-in
• Time needed: Allow minimum 2 hours for domestic→international, 3+ hours for international→international
• Airport WiFi: Generally free but requires phone number or email registration

Flying through an airport not on this list? Ask below and we'll add it.

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