By Plane
As one of five major international airports in China, Capital International Airport (PEK) services the largest number of international and domestic airlines, about 200 in total. The main cities of every province and autonomous region within China (excluding Taiwan Province) and over 60 foreign cities throughout the world are accessible from this airport. Most foreign visitors choose Beijing as their first port of call, with over 50 foreign airlines having established offices here and in excess of 5,000 flights weekly, to every corner in the world.

On March 29th, 2007, United Airlines (UA) began a non-stop service between Beijing and Washington. Since then, passengers in Beijing can fly to Washington direct without changing planes in Germany or Japan. Now the planes (Boeing 747-400) fly between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Washington Dulles International Airport every day, offering a great convenience to passengers. As well as Washington, flights to Chicago and San Francisco started at the same time.

Furthermore, United Airlines has connecting flights for passengers who are going to some other big cities in eastern United States. At Beijing Airport, passengers from the United States can get connecting flights to Xian, Guangzhou, Shenyang and other 13 Chinese cities on the same day.

The airport lies to the northeast of downtown Beijing in Shunyi District, some 25 km (16 miles) from city center, Tian'anmen Square. A convenient, comfortable and regular shuttle service operated by the civil aviation authority runs once every 30 minutes from the airport to downtown Beijing at a cost of 16 Yuan per person. Alternatively, taxis are available for approximately 120 Yuan to the city (not including suburbs). Though taxis in Beijing charge according to meters, experienced travelers can usually bargain with the driver for a lower price.

Important notice: The 10 Yuan airport expressway taxi toll is your responsibility.

Ticket Booking Office of CAAC is located at No. 15, Changan Xi Jie. There are special windows for foreign passengers (you must present valid documents when buying tickets).

Capital International Airport Consultation: (010) 64563604

NanYuan Airport
Located in the southern suburb of Beijing, NanYuan Airport is a new and smaller airport operated by China United Airlines. Although there are only three flights every day from the airport, comparatively, it is more convenient for tourists who plan to visit Harbin (departing at 08:00), Wuxi (departing at 12:40) and Dalian (departing at 17:10). Generally, it is essential for passengers to arrive at Capital International Airport at least one hour prior to departure so as to negotiate the boarding procedure, this is not necessary in NanYuan Airport. Tourists can buy flight tickets at NanYuan Airport at any time or in Xidan Civil Aviation Mansion prior to departure.

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