Beijing Capital International Airport

Completed in 1999 as part of the celebrations for China's 50th birthday, Beijing Capital International Airport is the city's largest air travel terminus. Almost without exception, all domestic and international flights to and from Beijing use this airport. Layout is simple: the single terminal arrivals hall is on the ground floor, departures on the second; international at one end and domestic at the other. Facilities include a limited range of cafes and shops, and a small duty-free selection. Long- and short-term parking is available in the airport's multi-story car park. Passenger drop-off is right outside the terminal. The most straightforward method of getting to the city is to take a taxi from the rank outside the arrivals hall (do not accept offers from touts inside the airport, and make sure your driver uses the meter). Regular buses to a number of city destinations take up to an hour. Tickets are available from transport desks inside the airport. Buses to the airport leave from the International Hotel on Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue. At present only one terminal is operational, although when the old airport has been renovated it will serve as a second terminal. Small shops and cafes in the arrival and departure halls sell refreshments, snacks, newspapers and a few tourist items. There is also a Western/Chinese restaurant, but the prices are high and the quality low compared to alternatives in town, so eating here is not recommended.