โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
International โ Domestic
120
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Beijing Capital International Airport features three distinct terminals connected by an efficient shuttle bus system. Terminal 1 primarily serves domestic flights operated by various Chinese carriers, offering basic amenities and services with compact gates clustered around a central departure hall.
Terminal 2 handles a mix of domestic and select international flights, featuring improved facilities including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and business lounges, with immigration and security processing designed for moderate passenger volumes.
Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport terminals, serving as Air China's primary hub and handling most international flights, featuring an advanced automated people mover system, extensive duty-free and luxury shopping areas, multiple business and first-class lounges, diverse dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining, comprehensive passenger services including medical facilities and children's play areas, and streamlined immigration and customs processing with dedicated lanes for various passenger categories.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) requires careful logistical planning, especially when transferring between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, which are located approximately 3.5 kilometers apart and are not connected airside. The 24-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) is available to almost all nationalities. Look for the dedicated visa-free transit lanes before reaching the main immigration desks.
For international-to-domestic transfers, you must collect all checked baggage and clear customs at PEK before re-checking your luggage at the domestic transfer desk, even if your bags were tagged to your final destination. In practice, PEK rewards travelers who keep the transfer sequence simple: collect baggage, clear customs, and re-enter the domestic side with your documents already in hand.
A free 24-hour shuttle bus operates between the terminals, departing every ten minutes during the day and every 15 to 30 minutes at night; the journey typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. For those wishing to leave the airport during a longer layover, or those who must change terminals, a 'Temporary Entry Permit' can be applied for at the border inspection counter upon arrival. A minimum connection time of at least two hours is recommended for same-terminal transfers, while at least four hours is advisable for inter-terminal connections or if you are traveling on separate tickets.
If your connection involves a terminal change, you must clear immigration and customs, exit the secure area, and take the shuttle bus before re-clearing security at your next terminal. Keep your passport, baggage tags, and domestic boarding pass together before you re-enter security, because the shuttle transfer is reliable but the terminal change still takes time.
Most international travelers can take advantage of Chinaโs visa-free transit policies. Additionally, citizens of over 50 countries may be eligible for a 144-hour visa-free transit if they have a confirmed ticket to a third country destination. To expedite your arrival, complete the digital Health Declaration via the WeChat mini-program before landing to obtain a required QR code.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ar Horqin Airport (AEQ) is a Class A1 general aviation airport located in Ar Horqin Banner, within the city of Chifeng in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Opened to serve the regional needs of this vast and culturally rich area, the airport primarily handles short-haul domestic flights using aircraft with up to 30 seats. The terminal is a modern, compact facility that provides a streamlined gateway for travelers visiting the famous Ar Horqin grasslands or engaging in local commercial activities.
The terminal layout is designed for maximum efficiency, featuring a single level that integrates all passenger services from check-in to boarding. Within this space, travelers will find a comfortable waiting area equipped with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected while enjoying views of the surrounding Inner Mongolian landscape. The airport's focus on general aviation means that walking distances within the terminal are exceptionally short, often taking just a few minutes to navigate from the main entrance to the departure gate.
Amenities at Ar Horqin Airport include a small restaurant where passengers can sample regional cuisine, as well as essential facilities such as a first aid station and a smoking zone. While the airport does not feature large-scale shopping malls, its small retail presence offers a selection of local products and traditional Inner Mongolian items. For ground transportation, the airport is well-served by local taxis and bus services that connect the terminal to nearby towns and cities. Dedicated parking areas for both short-term and long-term stays are also available directly outside the terminal building.
๐ Connection Tips
Ar Horqin Airport operates as Inner Mongolia's specialized Class A1 general aviation facility serving the UNESCO Global Important Agricultural Heritage System of Ar Horqin Banner, located 8 kilometers northeast of Tianshan Town between Shenglong and Shuangshan villages, accommodating aircraft with up to 30 seats including Cessna 208B and Harbin Y-12 for regional connectivity. The facility primarily serves tourism access to traditional Mongolian nomadic culture where 15,000 people maintain seasonal migrations across the grasslands, supporting 3,000 households engaged in sustainable livestock management of 190,000 sheep and goats plus 81,000 cattle.
Connections through AEQ enable access to one of Inner Mongolia's last authentic nomadic regions where traditional seasonal movements continue unchanged, connecting travelers to summer camps, winter settlements, and cultural heritage sites across the 3,375-square-kilometer banner territory. The airport's compact design facilitates rapid transit between limited daily operations, while its strategic position supports government services, livestock industry logistics, ecological research, and cultural tourism focused on the region's status as China's first nomadic agricultural heritage site.
Domestic connections typically route through major Inner Mongolia hubs including Chifeng Yulong Airport (CIF) for commercial airline access, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) for national connectivity, or regional airports throughout the autonomous region supporting the grassland economy. The facility's role extends beyond traditional aviation to support seasonal migration logistics, veterinary services for livestock operations, emergency medical evacuations for nomadic communities, and research access to the restored grassland ecosystems where scientific management reduced sheep populations while increasing cattle numbers for environmental sustainability.
Travel planning requires coordination with local authorities and nomadic community schedules, particularly during the three-month summer migration period when thousands of herders move to traditional camps, creating unique tourism opportunities for visitors seeking authentic Mongolian cultural experiences. The airport serves as gateway to homestay tourism development, traditional crafts markets, and ecological restoration projects while maintaining essential connectivity for one of the world's few remaining nomadic societies recognized by the FAO for its sustainable agricultural heritage practices.
โ Back to Beijing Capital International Airport