FlightLogic

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Advertiser disclosure — how this service works

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores higher overall at 8.2/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Tokyo Narita International Airport Beijing Capital International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.2 7.8
On-Time Performance 8.4 7.6
Passenger Experience 8.1 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 8.0
Lounge Score 8.6 8.4
City Tokyo Beijing
Country Japan China
Terminals 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3)
Annual passengers 33M+ 73M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy NRT — Tokyo PEK — Beijing
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Tokyo, Japan · NRT · #1 in this comparison

Tokyo Narita International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 33M+ passengers/year

8.2 / 10

How good is Tokyo Narita International Airport?

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores 8.2/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.4), passenger experience (8.1), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Tokyo Narita (NRT) is rated 8.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.6/10. JAL lounges in Terminal 2 and ANA in Terminal 1 serve premium passengers. Allow 60–90 minutes by train to central Tokyo. UK travellers often choose Haneda for city access; Narita for specific carrier schedules. See /guides/narita-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 8.2 Excellent
On-time 8.4 Departure reliability
Experience 8.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.6 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.4
Passenger Experience
8.1
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.6/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 1 serves Star Alliance (ANA); Terminal 2 serves oneworld (JAL) — verify terminal on your ticket
  • JAL First Lounge and ANA Suite Lounge among Japan's best airline clubs
  • N'EX Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in ~60 minutes — reliable for UK arrivals
  • Haneda vs Narita: NRT scores 8.2/10 overall but Haneda wins on city proximity (see /airports/haneda)

Overview

Tokyo's legacy international hub — JAL and ANA premium lounges, strong on-time performance, and 60–90 minute train ride to central Tokyo versus Haneda's 15–30 minutes.

JAL and ANA lounge access

Japan Airlines operates Sakura and First lounges in Terminal 2 for oneworld passengers. ANA Suite and Business lounges in Terminal 1 serve Star Alliance premium passengers. Terminal 3 handles LCCs separately.

Inter-terminal transfers require landside bus or train — not airside. Connections between JAL and ANA metal require immigration and re-security unless on a protected interline.

Beijing, China · PEK · #2 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

FAQ

Which is better, Tokyo Narita International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport?

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores higher overall at 8.2/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, NRT or PEK?

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) scores higher for lounges at 8.6/10, versus Beijing Capital International Airport at 8.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, NRT or PEK?

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) has stronger on-time performance at 8.4/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.6/10.