Flights to Beijing from the UK: Compare Fares with TravelApp UK
Explore flights from the UK to Beijing and discover China’s historic capital with Travelapp.
Compare flights to Beijing from the UK with TravelApp UK. Explore direct flights from London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and connecting routes from other UK airports, to Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX). Compare airlines, journey times, checked baggage allowances, and 30-day visa-free entry protocols to find a suitable flight.
Places to visit in Beijing
The Forbidden City
Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to explore one of the world's largest ancient palace complexes, the political heart of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Marvel at almost 1,000 preserved buildings, grand ceremonial halls and imperial gardens that were closed to the public for around 500 years. Read more about the Imperial Palaces on UNESCO.
The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
Ride a scenic cable car up to one of the wall's best-preserved sections, winding dramatically across forest-covered mountain peaks. Walk between historic stone watchtowers to enjoy panoramic views, and take the toboggan ride back down the mountain. See the Great Wall on UNESCO.
Temple of Heaven
Visit a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Watch local residents practise Tai Chi in the surrounding cypress park before standing before the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, famously built without nails. Learn more about the Temple of Heaven on UNESCO.
Summer Palace
Escape to a sprawling imperial retreat around the calm waters of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Stroll along the famous Long Corridor to admire thousands of hand-painted traditional scenes, or hire a dragon-headed boat to view the Seventeen-Arch Bridge from the water. Find out more about the Summer Palace on UNESCO.
Tiananmen Square
Stand at the heart of modern Beijing in one of the largest public squares in the world, bordered by grand monumental buildings. View the Monument to the People's Heroes and the National Museum of China, and watch the daily flag-raising ceremony held at sunrise. Entry usually requires an advance online reservation and your passport.
798 Art District
Explore a thriving artistic community housed in a complex of East German-designed electronics factories from the 1950s. Wander through high-ceilinged industrial workshops transformed into contemporary art galleries, outdoor sculpture spaces and independent coffee shops.
Best-Selling Flights to Beijing
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About Flights to Beijing
Compare cheap flights to Beijing from the UK with TravelApp UK, including London to Beijing flights and connecting services from major UK airports. Direct non-stop flights typically take around 10 to 11 hours, depending on the departure airport, airline and arrival airport.
Beijing has two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Travellers can explore departures from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Airport (MAN) and Edinburgh Airport (EDI), subject to current airline schedules.
Choose between non-stop services and connecting itineraries through major international hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Hong Kong. TravelApp UK helps you compare available airlines, journey times and baggage conditions to find a flight that suits your travel dates and budget.
Compare Flights to Beijing with TravelApp UK
Airlines Flying from the UK to Beijing
Several international airlines connect the UK with Beijing through direct and connecting services. Air China, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines operate non-stop UK to Beijing services on selected routes and schedules. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific provide additional connecting options.
Flight frequencies and departure airports can change between summer and winter schedules. Always check availability for your intended travel dates.
Direct and Connecting Airlines from the UK to Beijing
|
Airline |
UK departure airport |
Transit airport |
Flight type |
Beijing arrival airport |
|
London Heathrow (LHR) |
None |
Non-stop |
Beijing Capital (PEK) |
|
|
Air China |
London Gatwick (LGW) |
None |
Non-stop, subject to schedule |
Beijing Capital (PEK) |
|
London Heathrow (LHR) |
None |
Non-stop |
Beijing Daxing (PKX) |
|
|
Manchester (MAN) |
None |
Non-stop, subject to schedule |
Beijing Capital (PEK) |
|
|
Hainan Airlines |
Edinburgh (EDI) |
None |
Non-stop on selected days |
Beijing Capital (PEK), subject to schedule |
|
Selected UK airports |
Dubai (DXB) |
Connecting |
Beijing, subject to itinerary |
|
|
Selected UK airports |
Doha (DOH) |
Connecting |
Beijing, subject to itinerary |
|
|
London Heathrow (LHR) |
Hong Kong (HKG) |
Connecting |
Beijing Capital (PEK), subject to itinerary |
Airline schedules, operating days and arrival airports are subject to change. The table identifies route options, not guaranteed availability on every travel date. Confirm the complete itinerary before booking.
Direct Flights to Beijing from the UK
Non-stop flights are a convenient option for travellers who want to reach Beijing without an international stopover.
London Heathrow offers direct services with Air China and China Southern Airlines. Air China also operates a London Gatwick to Beijing service on published schedules. Hainan Airlines provides direct Manchester to Beijing services, with operating frequencies varying by season.
Edinburgh travellers should check the latest Hainan Airlines timetable for their intended departure date before assuming a non-stop service is available.
Benefits of direct flights include:
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Shorter journey: Reach Beijing without spending additional hours at a transit airport.
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Simpler connections: Avoid changing aircraft or transferring between separate connecting flights.
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Less disruption: Remove the risk of missing a connecting flight during a stopover.
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Convenient arrival: Travel directly to Beijing Capital or Beijing Daxing, depending on your airline and flight.
Connecting Flights to Beijing
Connecting flights provide more departure choices for travellers outside London and can offer alternative fares.
Popular connecting airlines include:
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Emirates: Connect through Dubai International Airport (DXB).
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Qatar Airways: Connect through Hamad International Airport in Doha (DOH).
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Cathay Pacific: Connect through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
A one-stop journey commonly takes around 15 to 22 hours, depending on the departure airport, transit time and onward flight schedule.
Connecting flights can sometimes cost less than non-stop services, although this is not guaranteed. Compare the total journey time, baggage allowance, layover duration and ticket conditions before choosing. Our guide to direct vs connecting flights explains the trade-offs.
Tell TravelApp UK your preferred dates and departure airport, and we will compare direct and connecting itineraries for you.
Flights to Beijing from Different UK Airports
Flights from London (LON) to Beijing (PEK)
London offers the widest selection of direct flight options from the UK.
Air China operates services from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Beijing Capital (PEK), subject to its published schedule. China Southern Airlines operates non-stop flights from Heathrow to Beijing Daxing (PKX).
Travellers can compare both Beijing arrival airports when selecting their London departure.
Explore our flights from London and enquire about available dates and fares.
Book Flights from London (LON) to Beijing (PEK)
Flights from Manchester to Beijing
Hainan Airlines operates non-stop Manchester to Beijing Capital (PEK) services on its published schedules. Flight frequency varies, so check the operating days before selecting your travel dates.
If a direct flight is unavailable, travellers can consider connecting options through Dubai, Doha or other international hubs.
Explore our flights from Manchester and ask TravelApp UK to compare available itineraries.
Book Flights from Manchester (MAN) to Beijing (PEK)
Flights to Beijing from Edinburgh (EDI)
Travellers departing from Edinburgh should check Hainan Airlines' latest timetable for direct Beijing services.
Availability can vary between seasonal schedules and individual travel dates. Connecting itineraries provide an alternative when a suitable non-stop flight is unavailable.
Compare available departures on our flights from Edinburgh page.
Book Flights from Edinburgh (EDI) to Beijing (PEK)
Flights from Birmingham to Beijing
Birmingham has no direct flights to Beijing.
Travellers can explore connecting flights through Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways, subject to the airline's current network and ticket availability.
Compare our flights from Birmingham with TravelApp UK.
Book Flights from Birmingham (BHX) to Beijing (PEK)
Flights to Beijing from Glasgow (GLA)
Travellers departing from Glasgow can explore connecting itineraries through international hubs such as Dubai or other available European and Asian gateways.
The best option depends on the departure date, airline schedule, total journey time and fare.
See our flights from Glasgow and contact TravelApp UK to compare available Glasgow to Beijing itineraries.
Book Flights from Glasgow (GLA) to Beijing (PEK)
Why Compare Your Beijing Flight with TravelApp UK?
Finding the right flight involves more than comparing the advertised ticket price. Departure airports, baggage allowances, stopovers and arrival terminals can all affect your journey.
TravelApp UK helps you explore suitable options before confirming your booking.
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Multiple airlines: Compare direct and connecting flights from available UK departure airports.
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Flexible departure choices: Explore options from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK cities.
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Baggage information: Check the baggage conditions attached to your selected fare.
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Journey comparisons: Consider flight duration, stopovers and arrival airports before booking.
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Personal assistance: Get help comparing itineraries and selecting a suitable travel arrangement.
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Flexible payment options: TravelApp UK offers instalments, Klarna and Fly Now Pay Later on eligible bookings. Klarna runs its own eligibility checks, and missed payments can lead to a booking being cancelled or affect your credit. See our payment policy and guide to book now, pay later holidays and deposit schemes.
TravelApp UK is an ATOL holder, and eligible flight bookings receive an ATOL Certificate. Read our booking conditions, check an ATOL number on the CAA website and learn how to spot a fake travel agency online.
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Baggage Allowance on Flights to Beijing
Baggage allowances on flights from the UK to Beijing depend on the airline, cabin class, route and ticket type.
Many standard Economy international fares include approximately 23kg of checked baggage per passenger or per permitted bag. However, this is not a universal allowance. Some fares have different weight limits or baggage conditions.
What to Check Before Booking
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Checked baggage: Confirm the permitted number of bags and the maximum weight for each bag.
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Economy Class: Check whether your selected fare includes checked baggage or charges separately.
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Premium Economy and Business Class: Higher cabin classes generally offer more generous baggage allowances.
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Cabin baggage: Check the permitted hand luggage weight, dimensions and number of items.
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Connecting flights: Confirm which baggage rules apply to your complete itinerary, particularly when different airlines operate the journey.
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Additional baggage: Check the airline's excess baggage charges and whether extra baggage can be purchased in advance.
For connecting journeys, baggage rules can depend on the ticketing arrangement, operating carriers and applicable interline baggage regulations. Separate tickets may require passengers to collect and recheck their luggage.
Always check the baggage allowance shown on your final e-ticket before departure.
For more preparation advice, read our UK hand luggage size guide.
Check Your Baggage Before You Book
Beijing Capital vs Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing is served by two major international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
Your arrival airport depends on the specific flight you book. Check the airport code on your ticket before arranging accommodation or airport transfers.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
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Location: Approximately 25km northeast of central Beijing.
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Role: Beijing's long-established primary international gateway.
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Terminals: The airport has three main passenger terminals.
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Rail connection: The Capital Airport Express connects Terminals 2 and 3 with Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen.
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Other transport: Travellers can use airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing services.
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UK connections: Air China and Hainan Airlines operate UK to Beijing services to Capital on applicable schedules.
PEK can be convenient for travellers staying in northern and eastern parts of Beijing, depending on their final destination.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
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Location: Approximately 46km south of central Beijing.
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Role: A modern international aviation hub serving Beijing and the surrounding region.
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Architecture: The airport features a distinctive star-shaped terminal designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
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Rail connection: The Daxing Airport Express connects the airport with Caoqiao, where passengers can transfer to the Beijing subway network.
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Other transport: Airport buses, taxis and regional rail services provide additional connections.
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UK connections: China Southern operates non-stop London Heathrow services to Daxing on published schedules.
PKX can be convenient for travellers staying in southern Beijing or areas with suitable transport connections.
Which Beijing Airport Should You Choose?
Neither airport is automatically the better option for every traveller.
PEK is generally more convenient for parts of northern and eastern Beijing, while PKX may suit passengers travelling to southern districts.
Consider your accommodation location, transfer arrangements and total journey time before selecting a flight.
Find Flights to Beijing with TravelApp UK
Compare flights from the UK to Beijing with help from TravelApp UK. Whether you prefer a non-stop service from London or a connecting itinerary from another UK airport, our team can help you explore available options.
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Compare airlines: Explore available direct and connecting flights to Beijing.
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Choose your departure: Check options from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK airports.
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Review your journey: Compare baggage allowances, stopovers and arrival airports.
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Get personal assistance: Discuss your travel dates and preferred flight arrangements with our team.
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Ask about payment options: Find out which payment methods and eligible instalment plans are available for your booking.
Tell us your departure airport, preferred travel dates and number of passengers. Our team can help you explore suitable flight options.
Ready to Compare Flights to Beijing? Contact TravelApp UK Today
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Phone: +44 20 3137 0990
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Email: info@travelapp.co.uk
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Things to Check Before Booking Your Flight to Beijing
Time zone
China uses one time zone, UTC+8, all year. Beijing is eight hours ahead of the UK in winter and seven hours ahead during British Summer Time.
Currency
China uses the renminbi (CNY), also called the yuan. Mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in shops, restaurants and taxis, so set one up before you travel. Carry a bank card and some cash as a backup.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is used in many international hotels and at major attractions, but a translation app is useful elsewhere.
Transport
The Capital Airport Express and the Daxing Airport Express link both airports with the subway network. Beijing's subway reaches most of the city, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available.
Weather
Winters are cold and dry, and summers are hot, with most rain in July and August. Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing.
Baggage allowances
These differ by airline and fare. Many long-haul Economy fares include checked baggage, but check cabin and hold luggage limits before you book, especially on connecting itineraries.
Pre-booking options
You can arrange seats, extra baggage, airport transfers and hotels before you travel. Book timed tickets for the Forbidden City and other major sights in advance. Arrange travel insurance for your trip when you book.
Airport information
Beijing has two international airports. Beijing Capital (PEK) is about 25km northeast of the city centre, and Beijing Daxing (PKX) is about 46km south. Check the airport code on your ticket before arranging transfers.
Schedule flexibility
Some direct routes, such as Edinburgh to Beijing, run only on selected days. Fares rise around Chinese New Year and the October National Day holiday, so flexible dates and a choice of departure airports give you more options. See our guide to the best time to book flights.
Entry requirements
British citizens can currently visit mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days, for tourism, business, family visits, exchange and transit, until 31 December 2026, as set out by the Chinese Embassy in the UK. Airlines and immigration officers may ask about your onward plans. Your passport must be valid for at least six months on arrival and have two blank pages. Check the latest China entry requirements on GOV.UK before you travel, see how long a UK passport renewal takes, and use the travel documents checklist to prepare.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Beijing
Find answers to common questions about traveling to Beijing
Yes, Air China and China Southern Airlines operate direct London Heathrow to Beijing services, and Air China also flies from London Gatwick to Beijing Capital on published schedules. Hainan Airlines provides direct Manchester to Beijing services. Edinburgh availability should be checked against the latest timetable. Direct routes and frequencies vary by season and travel date.
Booking several months before departure gives you the widest choice of airlines, flight times and fares. Summer, Christmas and Chinese New Year can experience higher demand. November and early December may offer quieter travel periods, although no month guarantees the cheapest fare. Compare different dates before confirming your booking.
Yes, eligible British passport holders can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit scheme when travelling through China to a qualifying third country or region. You must meet the nationality, route, entry-port and permitted-area conditions and hold a confirmed onward ticket with a departure date within the permitted period. The scheme is not unrestricted entry into China. Check the latest Chinese National Immigration Administration guidance.
Many standard Economy fares include approximately 23kg of checked baggage, but allowances differ between airlines and ticket types. Some fares include more than one checked bag, while others have different restrictions. Cabin baggage has separate weight and size limits. Always check your airline's baggage conditions and final e-ticket before departure.
Choose based on your final destination in Beijing and the flight available. Beijing Capital (PEK) is approximately 25km northeast of the city centre and connects to the Capital Airport Express. Beijing Daxing (PKX) is approximately 46km south and connects to the city through the Daxing Airport Express. Check your accommodation location before choosing your arrival airport.
