PEKBeijing·Capital·Beijing, China
Recommended minimum1 hour
Concourses
3
Terminal 2, Terminal 3C/3D, Terminal 3E
Max Transit
45m
via walking
Avg. Security
25m
Primary Hub
Air China
Domestic → Domestic
60min
Domestic → International
90min
International → Domestic
100min
International → International
90min
Beijing skylinePhoto by zhang kaiyv on Pexels
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Within Terminal 3, an automated people mover (APM) links the 3C/3D domestic/Star Alliance zone with the international 3E concourse in about 5–8 minutes, though queuing for the connected security and immigration checks adds significant time. Moving between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 requires a free inter-terminal shuttle bus (15–20 minutes) plus a fresh security screening on arrival, as there is no landside walkway between them.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Massive Terminal 3 footprint
Air China mega-hub
Mandatory security re-screening for all transfers
APM train links international and domestic zones
Air ChinaAir China Cargo
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at PEK?

Still insufficient given security re-screening queues that apply to every connecting passenger at PEK. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at PEK?

Close to the theoretical minimum for domestic-domestic but leaves no margin for delays or long walks in Terminal 3. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at PEK?

Meets the domestic-domestic MCT, comfortable if you avoid a Terminal 2–Terminal 3 transfer. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at PEK?

Comfortable for domestic-domestic and workable for domestic-international connections within Terminal 3. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at PEK?

Enough time to clear immigration and security for most international connections via the 3E-3C/3D APM link. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at PEK?

Comfortable for any combination of connections, including a Terminal 2–Terminal 3 shuttle transfer. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at PEK?

Ample time even accounting for peak-hour congestion and terminal shuttle waits. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at PEK?

Generous buffer allowing for slow immigration lines or a delayed inbound flight. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at PEK?

Long enough to also consider a visa-free transit excursion into Beijing if eligible, though not required. See full 4 hr guide →

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER