Flights from Sydney to Beijing

Compare Cheap Flights from Sydney to Beijing

For a unique experience, consider booking flights to Beijing for your next overseas holiday. Beijing is the capital of China and is one of the oldest cities in the world. Human habitation in the area dates back more than 230,000 years, so Beijing has a fascinating history. It has also become an international hub for technology, business, and politics over the past several decades. Beijing is a diverse city with something to offer all travellers. Expect good shopping, food, nightlife, and plenty of day trips within easy access of the city. If you are looking for a historical, cultural, and adventurous holiday, look no further than Beijing, China.

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The best time to visit Beijing

The best time to book cheap airfares for Sydney to Beijing travel is between March and May or September to October. The average temperatures during these periods vary greatly, however you will avoid the sweltering summer heat and peak tourist season, which is when attractions are at their busiest.

If you don’t mind bundling up with plenty of warm layers, the cheapest time to book hotels in Beijing is in the winter between the months of November and February. The exception is Chinese New Year in February, which draws large crowds into the city. However, it also makes for an exciting time in Beijing. During the winter, daytime temperatures usually stay above 0°C, but nighttime weather will drop as low as -9°C, so make sure you pack warm clothes.

Departing From Sydney

Sydney Airport is conveniently located 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) south of the CBD. Sydney Airport is one of the major international hubs in Australia, and is well serviced by many routes, connections and airlines. Some of the carriers offering cheap airfares from Sydney to Beijing include Qantas, AirAsia, Air China, China Southern Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines, and Virgin Australia. Qantas and Air China both offer direct flights from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), and flight time averages 11 hours. There are up to 75 cheap flights from Sydney to Beijing every day.

Getting to Sydney Airport

There are several options to get from Sydney to the airport. The most affordable option is the Airport Link train, which departs from several stations around Sydney. Stops include Central Station, Wynyard, Bondi Beach and Darling Harbour. The train also makes stops in some outer suburbs, such as Wollongong. Train times and prices vary based on your departure point. Trains from the CBD take about 15 minutes to reach the airport and this journey costs $18.70 AUD. Travelling from Bondi? The trains arrive at the airport in about 45 minutes, and tickets cost $19.70 AUD. You can purchase an individual ticket or pay for the Airport Link train with your Opal card.

Since the airport is located close to the city, taking a taxi or an Uber is a practical option. A taxi ride from the CBD takes about 20 minutes and costs between $45 and $60 AUD. If you’re travelling to the airport from Bondi, a taxi will get you to the airport in less than 30 minutes and the fare will cost up to $65 AUD.

Parking at Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport offers a variety of parking options to fit every budget. Be sure to book your parking space in advance to get the best rates and ensure your preferred parking lot doesn’t fill up.

Where to Park at Sydney Airport

• The Blu Emu car park is the cheapest option. A shuttle takes you to the Domestic Terminal, and from there, you can catch a free train to the International Terminal. Rates start at $30 AUD per day to park.

• The P7 car park offers quick access to the International Terminal. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the terminal and it has covered parking. When you book in advance, rates for the P7 car park start at $55 AUD per day.

Arriving in Beijing

Beijing has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY). Each of these airports accommodates international flights and receive flights from Sydney on a daily basis. There are a variety of affordable options to travel from each of these airports into the centre of Beijing.

How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Your Beijing Hotel or Accommodation

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located about 32 kilometres (20 miles) outside of Beijing’s city centre. As well as being the major airport in Beijing, it is the busiest airport in Asia and the second busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic.

The Airport Express Line is the most convenient route into central Beijing. It departs from Terminals 2 and 3. This train will get you into the city in about 15 to 20 minutes, and tickets to ride the Airport Express cost 25 yuan (about $5 AUD).

The Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus is an affordable option from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to the city. This option is particularly ideal for travellers without too much luggage. Tickets start at 20 yuan ($4 AUD).

Catch a taxi for a direct trip from the airport to your hotel or accommodation. A taxi from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) starts from 120 yuan (about $25 AUD) and will get you to your hotel in about 40 minutes.

How to Get from Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) to Your Beijing Hotel or Accommodation

Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) is located 13 kilometres (8 miles) outside of the city centre. Budget-conscious travellers will be happy to know that you can travel from this airport into the city for free. If you show your flight ticket, you can take the complimentary airport bus to Xidan Civil Aviation Building in the city centre. From there, you’ll be within walking distance to many central Beijing hotels, or you can catch the subway to locations all over the city.

If you would prefer to take a taxi from Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) to your hotel, it will take about an hour with normal traffic conditions. The average cost of taxis from Nanyuan to the is 100 yuan ($20 AUD).

Things to do in Beijing

Forbidden City

This imperial palace complex in central Beijing is one of the most historic sites in the city. The Forbidden City was once only the realm of the Chinese emperors, beginning with the 15th-century Ming Dynasty and ending with the Qing Dynasty in the early 1900s. Today, the sprawling Forbidden City is home to a national museum, as well as courtyards, palaces and gardens. The area is open to visitors looking to view traditional Chinese architecture and immerse themselves in the country’s vast history.

Tiananmen Square

This historic city square is located in the centre of Beijing, not far from the Forbidden City. It is one of the largest public plazas in the world and was the location of the infamous protests in 1989. The Square is also the address of the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China.

The Great Wall of China

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular attractions in China. The Great Wall was built between 220-206 BC to protect the country against invaders. It extends for 21,196 kilometres (13.170 miles) through China, and part of it is located close to Beijing. The Great Wall of China makes for a great day trip from central Beijing. To get there, you can catch a bus from the city centre to the Great Wall for 12 yuan ($2.45AUD).

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious structures located in central Beijing. Built in the 15th century, the Temple was designed as the primary place of worship for several Chinese dynasties. The Temple was originally a place for heaven worship, and today it’s used for Taoist worship. While visiting the Temple of Heaven, be sure to see the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar for some insight into Chinese spirituality.

Donghuamen Night Market

One of the most popular spots for food-loving tourists is the Donghuamen Night Market. Adventurous eaters can push their palate by sampling scorpions, centipedes, silk worms and fried crickets. If you’d like to play it a bit safer, you could opt for some classic Beijing dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, Peking duck, and various noodle dishes.

Houhai Bar Street

Be sure to visit the bar street in the neighbourhood of Houhai for your fill of nightlife. The area is made up of narrow streets called hutongs and is a great place to hear live music, sing karaoke, and get some late-night food. This area is also picturesque with beautiful views of the Shichahai Lake.