Flying from Beijing to London: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering the departure point for your flight from Beijing to London. Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) are Beijing's main airports.
Come in for landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or London Stansted Airport (STN). You can also disembark at London Luton Airport (LTN) and London City Airport (LCY) in London.
Around 11 hours is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Beijing to London flight.
The timezone in London is UTC+0, which is eight hours behind Beijing.
The busiest route for flights from Beijing to London is from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Take your pick of 14 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from PEK to LHR is the 12:45 Air China option. If you prefer to travel later, the last scheduled departure is at 16:15 with Air China.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your Beijing to London flight.
Travelling during a popular month such as August? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing to London
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap Beijing to London flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Beijing to London throughout the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Beijing to London by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Beijing to London flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Beijing
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Set off from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and fly right through to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW). If you're searching for a direct flight from Beijing to London out of PEK, that's where your journey can take you.
Air China is a popular carrier that offers direct Beijing to London plane tickets from PEK.
We make it a cinch to find a Beijing to London flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Beijing Capital Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
PEK is around 26 kilometres from central Beijing. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel near Beijing Capital Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Beijing to London, these accommodation options will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Beijing Capital Airport has an excellent on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from PEK land on schedule 81% of the time.
You'll find PEK at Capital Airport Rd.
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
You can take a direct flight from Beijing to London leaving from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX). Kick off your travels at PKX and step off the plane at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
China Southern Airlines offers direct Beijing to London plane tickets from PKX. Book your preferred aisle (or window) seat and get to your destination without any detours.
Split up your Beijing to London flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick another place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Beijing Daxing Airport and London are:
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
PKX is about 40 kilometres from central Beijing. It takes 50 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Beijing to London? Relax in a hotel near Beijing Daxing Airport before your trip officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Most flights that leave Beijing Daxing Airport land at their destination as expected. It boasts a strong on-time performance rate of 87%.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is approximately 26 kilometres from the centre of London. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 45 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 25 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to LHR if you have a late flight from Beijing to London. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a London Heathrow Airport rental car and discover London and beyond with your own wheels. Surprice, U-Save and Green Motion are leading providers you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from London Heathrow Airport around one week in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is roughly 40 kilometres from central London. Once you've hopped off your flight from Beijing to London, it'll take you approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 45 minutes or so.
There are some great places to lay your head close to LGW. Kick back after your Beijing to London flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or long taxi lines. Pick up a London Gatwick Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the rates and availability from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from LGW three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Hop off your flight from Beijing to London and go directly to your hotel or jump right into exploring. The centre of London is around 48 kilometres from London Stansted Airport (STN) and usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to reach driving.
The journey takes around 45 minutes if you use public transport.
Stay at a hotel close to STN and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're catching a late Beijing to London flight or just want an easier arrival, these stays offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
Whether you're after a budget-friendly compact for a solo getaway or a full-size SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the ideal London Stansted Airport rental car for your needs. Check out the range of wheels available from suppliers such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
If you're searching for a specific model or make, lock in your ride from STN about four weeks before your flight from Beijing to London. This gives you a better chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better deal.
Best time to go to London
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Beijing to London. July is the busiest month to travel to London. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in London is July, with temperatures ranging between 11ºC and 26ºC. Lock in your Beijing to London ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Beijing to London in January when temperatures average between 0ºC and 9ºC.
More about London
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in London right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Beijing to London:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. The British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are major attractions which should feature on any well-planned London itinerary.
Explore more of the United Kingdom
London will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of the United Kingdom just waiting to be explored. Around 257 kilometres northwest of London, a visit to Manchester will keep you on the move. Start with popular sights like Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour, The Homes of Football and Science and Industry Museum.
Around 161 kilometres northwest of London, Birmingham is another favourite stop in the United Kingdom. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham Hippodrome and Bournville Experience.
