Flight to Beijing (PEK)

For most of the past few decades, landing in Beijing meant landing at Capital. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) remains one of the busiest airports in Asia and the gateway most Malaysians still picture when they book a flight to Beijing. It is closest to the city's north-eastern districts, the embassy quarter and the Central Business District, which makes it a practical arrival for first-time visitors and business travellers alike. Search for a cheap flight ticket to Beijing here, from KUL or any other Malaysian airport, and compare what is on offer for your dates.

About Beijing Capital International Airport

PEK is the older and more central of the two airports serving Beijing. The other is Beijing Daxing (PKX) in the far south of the city. If you want to compare both at once, the Beijing city page shows fares into either airport.

Location

Capital sits north-east of the city centre, beyond the Fifth Ring Road, on the edge of Shunyi district. The airport expressway runs straight into Chaoyang, so the drive to Sanlitun, Dongzhimen or Guomao is reasonably direct outside rush hour. It is noticeably closer to the northern and eastern parts of Beijing than Daxing is.

Terminals

The airport has three terminals. T3, a vast building with a sweeping red and gold roof, is split into halls C, D and E, linked by an automated train, and it handles a large share of international traffic. T2 also handles a mix of international and domestic flights. Terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus, and your e-ticket or booking details on Traveloka show which terminal to use, so check it before you set off for the airport on your way home.

Getting to and from Beijing Capital

The Capital Airport Express train leaves from T3 and T2 and calls at Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen before ending at Beixinqiao, and all three connect with the Beijing metro. Airport coaches cover several central districts and major railway stations. Official taxis wait at the ranks outside arrivals; always use the queue rather than accepting a ride inside the hall. Ride-hailing apps also have signposted pick-up points.

Direct and connecting flights to Beijing Capital

On the Kuala Lumpur to Beijing route you will usually find non-stop options alongside itineraries with one stop in another regional hub. Use the Direct filter on the results page to see only non-stop flights, and check the arrival airport code on each result so you know it lands at PEK and not PKX. If you are starting from East Malaysia or Penang, a connecting ticket booked as one itinerary protects you if the first leg is delayed.

Should you pick Capital or Daxing? Capital tends to suit trips centred on Chaoyang, Dongcheng and the northern suburbs, including the Great Wall sections at Mutianyu and Badaling. Daxing makes more sense for the southern districts and for rail links into Hebei. When fares are similar, the shorter transfer is usually worth it.

When to fly to Beijing

The weather in Beijing swings hard between seasons. Winters are dry and bitterly cold, with sub-zero mornings and bright, clear skies. Spring warms quickly but brings gusty winds. July and August are hot, sticky and the wettest part of the year. Autumn is short and lovely, with blue skies and golden ginkgo trees across the city's parks.

Demand spikes around Chinese New Year and China's National Day Golden Week in early October, when domestic travel peaks and major sights are crowded. On the Malaysian side, school holidays and festive breaks such as Hari Raya, Deepavali and the Chinese New Year period bring more travellers to the route. Use the price charts on this page to spot the months and weekdays that have tended to be better value, and set a Price Alert if your dates are fixed.

Popular places in Beijing

Forbidden City

Allow at least half a day for the palace museum. Tickets are released online and sell out on busy days, so reserve before you travel and bring the same passport you booked with, as it is checked at the gate.

Mutianyu Great Wall

North of the city, Mutianyu is one of the easiest restored sections to reach from Capital's side of Beijing. The watchtowers are well preserved, the surroundings are forested, and a cable car saves the steep climb.

Lama Temple

Yonghegong is an active Tibetan Buddhist temple with incense-filled courtyards and a towering sandalwood Buddha. It is a short walk from Beixinqiao, where the airport express ends, so it makes an easy first stop.

Olympic Park

The Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube stand in the north of the city, lit up beautifully at night. The surrounding park is a pleasant place for an evening walk.

798 Art District

Former factories in Chaoyang now house galleries, studios and cafés. It is on the way to the airport, so it works well as a final afternoon before an evening flight home.

Where to stay near Beijing Capital and in the city

Sanlitun is the most convenient lively base for PEK arrivals, with shopping, restaurants and bars in walking distance. Dongzhimen and Beixinqiao put you right on the airport express line. Guomao and the CBD suit business travel. Wangfujing and the lanes of Dongcheng are better if your priority is the Forbidden City and historic sights. For a very early departure, areas around the airport itself and Shunyi keep the morning journey short.

Food to try in Beijing

Roast duck

Order a whole bird for the table. The carver slices crisp skin and meat in front of you, and you roll them in delicate pancakes with scallions and sweet sauce.

Jiaozi

Boiled dumplings are northern China's everyday staple. Fillings range from pork and cabbage to lamb or egg and chives, dipped in black vinegar with a little chilli.

Tanghulu

Hawthorn berries or other fruit skewered and coated in a glassy sugar shell. You will see the bright red sticks sold on almost every busy lane, especially in the colder months.

Hand-pulled beef noodles

Halal noodle shops run by Hui Muslim cooks are easy to find all over Beijing. Watch the dough stretched to order and served in a clear, fragrant beef broth.

Found the dates that work for you? Book your flight to Beijing Capital on Traveloka, keep your e-ticket in the app, and reach our 24/7 customer service if your plans change.