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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.

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.

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.

More comparisons

Compare Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) against 59 other airports
Compare Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) against 59 other airports

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.