You're standing in the middle of Beijing, maybe grabbing one last jianbing near Sanlitun, and you realize you've gotta get to Tokyo. It sounds simple. It's a three-hour jump across the East China Sea. But honestly? Booking a flight from Beijing to Tokyo is one of those travel tasks that looks easy on Skyscanner but gets weirdly complicated once you start looking at the actual airport codes and terminal transfers.
Beijing has two massive hubs now. Tokyo has two. That’s four different combinations before you even think about which airline to pick. If you mess up the airport choice, you might spend more time in a taxi than you did in the air.
Most people just click the cheapest fare. Don't do that yet. There is a massive difference between trekking out to Daxing (PKX) versus the older Capital Airport (PEK), and the same goes for landing in Narita versus Haneda. Let's break down how this route actually works in 2026.
Choosing Your Starting Point: PEK or PKX?
Beijing Capital International (PEK) is the "old reliable." It's closer to the city center, especially if you’re staying in the northeast near the embassy districts or Wangfujing. Air China runs the show here. If you’re flying a Star Alliance carrier, you’re almost certainly departing from Terminal 3. It's a massive, dragon-shaped building designed by Norman Foster. It’s iconic. It’s also a bit of a hike to get through immigration.
Then there’s Daxing (PKX). It looks like a giant orange starfish from space. It’s further south, way out there, but the high-speed rail from Beijing West station gets you there in about 20 minutes. If you’re flying China Southern or JAL, you might find yourself here. The tech at PKX is lightyears ahead—facial recognition, automated bags, the works.
Which is better? It depends on your sleep schedule. PEK is closer, but PKX is more efficient. If your flight from Beijing to Tokyo leaves at 8:00 AM, getting to PKX via the morning train is actually sometimes less stressful than fighting the infamous Beijing 2nd Ring Road traffic to get to PEK.
The Narita vs. Haneda Dilemma
This is where the real strategy happens. Tokyo is served by Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND).
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Narita is technically in Chiba. It’s far. You’ll be on the Skyliner or the Narita Express for at least an hour. Haneda, on the other hand, is basically in the city. You can take the monorail and be in Hamamatsucho in 15 minutes.
Full-service carriers like ANA and JAL often split their routes. You might see a flight from Beijing to Tokyo that lands in Haneda, but it usually costs about $50 to $100 more. Is it worth it?
If you value your time, yes. Absolutely.
But here is the catch: low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Peach or Spring Airlines almost exclusively use Narita. If you’re on a budget, you’re going to Chiba. Just factor in the 2,500+ yen for the train ride when you’re comparing prices.
Who is Actually Flying This Route?
Air China is the big player. They have multiple daily frequencies. Their service is... fine. It’s consistent. You get a hot meal, even on a short flight, which is a nice change if you're used to US domestic flights where you're lucky to get a Biscoff cookie.
ANA and JAL are the gold standard. If the price is within $40 of the Chinese carriers, book the Japanese ones. The food is better, the flight attendants are incredibly polite, and the planes—usually Boeing 787s or 767s—are kept in pristine condition.
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Then you have the budget options. Spring Airlines Japan and Jetstar sometimes run deals that are almost suspiciously cheap. I've seen one-way tickets for under $150. Just watch out for the baggage fees. They will ding you for every gram over the limit at the check-in counter in Beijing.
The Logistics of the "Short" Long-Haul
Even though it’s a short flight, you're crossing an international border with some of the strictest security in the world.
Beijing airports have beefed up security significantly over the last two years. Give yourself three hours. I'm serious. Between the health declaration checks (which are sometimes still active in various forms), the initial suitcase scan before you even reach the check-in desk, and the massive lines at exit immigration, time disappears.
Once you’re in the air, the flight path usually takes you over the Yellow Sea, cutting across the Korean Peninsula or skirting south of it. On a clear day, the views of the Japanese coastline as you approach are stunning. If you're flying into Haneda, try to sit on the left side of the plane. If the wind is right and you're coming from the west, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji peering through the clouds.
Dealing With Money and Data
Don't wait until you land in Tokyo to figure out your internet. Beijing’s roaming is tricky, and Japanese SIM cards can be a pain to buy at the airport if you arrive late.
- eSIM is King: Use something like Airalo or Ubigi. Set it up while you're still on the airport Wi-Fi in Beijing.
- Alipay and WeChat Pay: These work in many places in Tokyo now, especially at Lawson, 7-Eleven, and big department stores like Bic Camera. However, you still need a Suica or Pasmo card for the trains.
- The Suica Situation: Physical Suica cards have been in short supply lately due to chip shortages. If you have an iPhone, add a Suica card directly to your Apple Wallet and top it up with your credit card. It’s way easier than hunting for a physical card at Narita.
Hidden Costs You Might Miss
Navigation isn't just about the ticket.
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The taxi from Narita to central Tokyo can cost over $200. I've seen tourists make this mistake because they missed the last train. If your flight from Beijing to Tokyo lands after 10:30 PM, you are cutting it very close. By the time you clear customs and get your bags, the last Narita Express might be gone.
Always check the arrival time. A 9:00 PM arrival at Narita is "safe." An 11:00 PM arrival at Narita is a logistical nightmare unless you've booked a hotel at the airport or have a very expensive private transfer waiting.
What to Expect at Immigration
Japan has moved toward a system called "Visit Japan Web."
Do not ignore the emails from your airline about this. You go to the website, upload your passport info, and get a QR code for immigration and another for customs. If you have these ready on your phone, you can breeze through the electronic gates. If you don't, you’ll be stuck at a wooden desk filling out paper forms while everyone else is already on the train to Shinjuku.
China also has its own exit requirements. Make sure your visa or residency permit is in order. If you’re a tourist on a 144-hour transit visa in Beijing, ensure your flight to Tokyo is a direct flight to a third country (which it is), or you’ll run into issues at the gate.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Trip
- Verify your airport codes. PEK vs PKX and NRT vs HND. Double-check your booking confirmation. Don't show up at the wrong Beijing airport; they are about 60 kilometers apart.
- Download the "Visit Japan Web" QR codes. Take a screenshot. Airport Wi-Fi can be spotty right when you need it at the immigration hall.
- Book the morning flight. Air traffic in Beijing is notorious for delays. A 9:00 AM flight has a much higher chance of leaving on time than a 4:00 PM flight that has been waiting for its aircraft to arrive from another city.
- Pack your power bank in your carry-on. Chinese security will confiscate power banks from checked luggage instantly. Also, ensure the capacity (Wh) is clearly printed on the side; if it’s rubbed off, they’ll take it.
- Check the terminal for your specific airline. At PEK, international flights are usually Terminal 3-E. You have to take a little train from the main check-in area to the gates. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes for that alone.
Finding a flight from Beijing to Tokyo is really about balancing the convenience of the airport location with the timing of your arrival. If you can snag a flight from PEK to HND on ANA or JAL, you’ve hit the jackpot of North Asian travel. It’s the smoothest, most civilized way to make the jump between these two massive capitals.