7hr and 15min layover in Beijing Capital.

Question

Does anyone have up to date information on the sleeping facilities at Beijing Capital - Terminal 2?

I'm just wondering if there are other options besides sleeping by the gates or trying to leave to an airside hotel which by the time I have gone through immigration and security etc would give me around 3.5 hours sleep. I'm just don't know what's best with two kids in tow.

Answer

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Terminal 2, offers several options for resting during a long layover, especially if you have children and want to maximize comfort without leaving the airport for an airside hotel. Here’s an up-to-date overview based on recent traveler experiences:

1. Sleeping Pods and Nap Zones:

Terminal 2 has a few dedicated rest areas and capsule-style sleeping pods in both the domestic and international departure areas. These are often coin- or card-operated and provide privacy and comfort for short naps.
The International area sometimes has reclining lounge chairs, but availability can be limited during peak times.

2. Airport Lounges:

Several pay-per-use lounges are available in Terminal 2, both pre-security and post-security. Lounges like Air China First/Business lounges and Plaza Premium Lounge offer comfortable seating, showers, snacks, and sometimes quiet zones suitable for sleeping. Access can be purchased even if you are flying economy.
These lounges are especially convenient when traveling with children, as they provide a controlled, quieter environment.

3. General Tips for Sleeping in Terminal 2:

Bring a travel blanket or light pillow for more comfort on chairs or at pod areas.
Earplugs and eye masks are useful, as the terminal can be bright and noisy at night.
Keep an eye on boarding times and gate locations to avoid missing flights while napping.
For a 7-hour layover, plan roughly 3–4 hours for immigration, security, and moving to your gate if you were to leave for an airside hotel, so staying inside the terminal may give you more sleep overall.

Overall, for a layover of about 7 hours with children, using a combination of a lounge and/or sleeping pods in Terminal 2 is usually the most practical approach. Airside hotels exist but would only leave you a short rest period after factoring in travel and security time.