Lois Larson
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a significant gateway into China. Travellers with a layover in Beijing may be wondering if they can leave the airport during their stopover. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check if you need a visa. Citizens from certain countries are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free policy, which allows tourists to enter Beijing during their layover without a visa. If you do need a visa, you should apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before your departure. Second, consider the length of your layover. If you have less than 6 hours, it is recommended to stay at the airport, as you will only have 3-4 hours for sightseeing, which may only be enough to visit one attraction. If you have 8-12 hours, you may be able to visit two attractions in the downtown area, such as the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square. With more than 12 hours, you can consider a one-day tour to see multiple attractions. Finally, keep in mind the travel time to and from the city centre, which can take up to 3 hours, and be sure to return to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Citizens of certain countries, including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UAE, are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free policy. |
| For other countries, a China Transit Visa (G Visa) may be required for leaving the airport during a layover. | |
| A 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy is also available for eligible passengers. | |
| Transportation | Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport offer various transportation options to the city, including taxis, rail (Airport Express), airport shuttle buses, private cars, and intercity buses. |
| The travel time from the airport to the city center is approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the airport and traffic conditions. | |
| Layover duration | A layover of at least 8-9 hours is recommended for a brief visit to the city, while a longer layover of 12 hours or more allows for a more comprehensive tour. |
| Attractions | Popular attractions in Beijing include the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, and local markets and restaurants. |
| Airport facilities | The airport provides dining options, teahouses, shops, lounges, gardens, WiFi, and sleeping facilities for layover passengers. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for leaving Beijing airport during a stopover
Beijing has implemented a 240-hour visa-free policy, allowing most transfer passengers at Beijing Capital Airport and Daxing Airport to enter the city during their layover. However, this policy only applies to citizens of specific countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. If you are eligible for this policy, you can obtain a Temporary Entry Permit by filling out an Arrival Card and a Temporary Entry Application Form at the visa-free desk after landing.
If you are not a citizen of one of the eligible countries, you will need to apply for a visa before departure. For a short layover where you remain in the airport, no visa is required. However, for a longer layover that allows you to leave the airport, you will need either a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit valid for 24 or 240 hours. The temporary entry permit allows you to leave the airport but requires you to depart from the same airport within the specified time frame.
It is important to note that the first and last two hours of your layover will likely be spent on customs and immigration, so you may only have about four hours to explore the city. Additionally, Beijing, like many capital cities, experiences heavy traffic, which can make travelling to and from the city centre time-consuming. Therefore, it is recommended to have at least eight hours between flights if you plan to leave the airport.
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Transport options from Beijing airport to the city
Beijing has two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Beijing Capital International Airport is the city's main international hub, located about 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) from downtown Beijing. Beijing Daxing International Airport is situated in the southern Daxing District, approximately 46 kilometres (28.6 miles) from downtown.
If you're on a stopover in Beijing and want to leave the airport, you may need a visa or a temporary entry permit. The requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stopover. Citizens of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, do not need a visa for short stopovers confined to the airport. However, for longer stopovers that allow you to leave the airport, you may need a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit. You should check the specific requirements for your nationality and situation before your trip.
Airport Express Line Train
The Airport Express Line train is a fast, affordable, and convenient option to get to the city centre. It is available from Terminals 2 and 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport and connects to Line 10 at Sanyuanqiao Station and Line 2 and 13 at Dongzhimen Station. The train ride takes around 20 minutes or less, and tickets cost 3.30€ (CNY 25) one-way. This option is ideal if you want to avoid potential traffic delays and are not carrying a lot of luggage.
Airport Shuttle Bus
The airport shuttle bus is a budget-friendly option, with tickets costing 3.30€ (CNY 25) one-way. It offers direct routes to key areas in Beijing and is ideal for travellers with flexible schedules or those staying near the bus drop-off points. The bus departs every 15 to 30 minutes and operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on the route. However, it can be slower due to traffic and frequent stops, so it may not be the best choice if you are in a hurry.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at both Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. They are convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling to areas not well served by public transport. The fare is usually charged based on distance and traffic conditions and can range from €18 (CNY 135) to CNY 150-250. Taxis can be found outside the arrival halls of the airport terminals, and you can also use ride-hailing services like Didi.
Subway and Bullet Train
You can also use the subway or bullet train to get from the airports to the city. These options may involve transfers and can be convenient if you are familiar with Beijing's transportation system. The subway and bullet train offer wider seats and more luggage space than the Airport Express Line train.
Private Transfers
Private transfers, such as rental cars or private drivers, are also available and can be arranged in advance. This option may be more comfortable and convenient, especially if you have specific requirements or preferences.
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How to make the most of a short Beijing stopover
Beijing Capital International Airport is the major international airport serving Beijing. It is the busiest airport in China and one of the busiest in the world, serving as a gateway to Europe, Asia, and North America. If you have a long layover, Beijing has made it easier than ever to turn it into a mini-vacation. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a short Beijing stopover:
Visa Requirements
First, check if you need a visa. If you are a citizen of the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, or the United Arab Emirates, you are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free policy. This allows you to enter Beijing for a short visit during your layover. For other nationalities, you will need to apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before departure.
Transportation
Beijing Capital Airport is located 32 km from the city centre, and with traffic, it can take about an hour each way. The Airport Express train is a quick, cheap, and convenient way to get to the city centre. You can also take a taxi, a rental car, an airport shuttle bus, a private car, or an intercity bus.
Timing
Keep in mind that the first and last two hours of your layover will be spent on customs and immigration, so you will only have about four hours free. If your layover is eight hours or longer, you will have enough time to visit one or two attractions. If your layover is during the night, it is recommended to stay at the airport or a nearby hotel, as most attractions are only open during the day.
Attractions
If you have a short amount of time, it is recommended to visit Tiananmen Square, a cornerstone of Chinese history and culture. It is located about an hour from the airport and is a perfect way to experience Beijing's richness. You can also visit the Forbidden City, which is about 1.5 hours from the airport. If you have a longer layover, you can visit the Great Wall, which is about 1.5-2 hours from the airport. Other attractions include the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, and Nanluoguxiang.
Airport Amenities
If you decide to stay at the airport, there are plenty of amenities to keep you entertained. The airport has a variety of food options, including Chinese, Asian, and Western cuisines. There are also shops, bookstores, convenience stores, and souvenir shops. You can also relax in one of the airport lounges or gardens, or treat yourself to a spa treatment.
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Recommended attractions for a Beijing stopover
Beijing has implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from 53 countries who hold valid international travel documents and a connecting travel ticket to a third country with confirmed seats and a departure time within 144 hours. If you are eligible for this policy, you can apply for the 144-hour visa-free stay permit upon arrival. If you don't qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit, you should apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before your departure.
Now, let's dive into some must-see attractions during your Beijing stopover:
The Great Wall
The Great Wall is a must-see site and a symbol of Beijing. It is recommended to allocate 3-4 hours for your visit, including travel time to and from the airport. The Mutianyu Great Wall is about a 1.5-hour drive from Beijing Airport.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, renowned as the largest and best-preserved imperial palace in China, is a great place to learn about Chinese history. It is located about 1.5 hours from Beijing Airport. It is recommended to spend at least 2 hours here.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square, just an hour from the airport, is the largest square in the world and a cornerstone of Chinese history and culture. Landmarks to explore include the Tiananmen Tower, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao.
798 Art District
Immerse yourself in Beijing's vibrant art scene at the 798 Art District. Explore captivating sculptures, paintings, and artistic expressions from local artists. The district is open from 10:00 to 20:00 and admission is free.
Ghost Street
Ghost Street is the perfect place to indulge in Beijing's famous culinary scene. Known for its 24/7 food scene, Ghost Street offers a variety of dishes, from hot pots to dumplings and skewers.
Nanluoguxiang
Nanluoguxiang is a historic neighbourhood in Beijing, featuring narrow lanes lined with quaint shops and bars nestled within beautifully preserved historical buildings.
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Where to stay during a Beijing stopover
If you're looking to leave Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport during a stopover, you'll need to have the right documentation. For some countries, a visa is not required, but for others, you'll need to apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before departure. Citizens from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free policy, which allows tourists to travel around 24 provinces in China while transiting through Beijing.
If you're staying in the transit area, you won't need a visa, and you can take advantage of the facilities designed for layover passengers, such as restrooms, charging points, café bars, smoking rooms, and Wi-Fi lounges. However, if you're planning to leave the airport during your stopover, you'll need to go through customs and immigration, and ensure you return to the departing terminal at least two hours before your next flight.
If you have a short stopover, it's recommended that you stay at the airport, as the time it takes to travel to and from the city centre can be long due to heavy traffic and traffic jams. Both Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport offer dining areas with various restaurants, shopping, and lounges where you can rest.
If you have a longer stopover, you can visit the city of Beijing. The iconic Tiananmen Square is just an hour from the airport and is a great way to experience Beijing's cultural richness. You can also explore the nearby Nanluoguxiang, a historic neighbourhood with narrow lanes lined with shops and bars. If you're interested in art, check out the 798 Art District, where you can discover captivating sculptures, paintings, and artistic expressions by local artists. For dining, head to Ghost Street, known for its 24/7 food scene, offering everything from hot pots to dumplings and Beijing's famous skewers.
If you want to visit the Great Wall, you'll need a longer stopover, as it's about a 1.5-hour drive from the airport. It's recommended to arrange a layover tour in advance with a private vehicle and an English-speaking guide to save time and avoid any hassle.
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Frequently asked questions
Citizens from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free policy. If you are not eligible, you will need to apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before departure.
Beijing Capital Airport is 32 km from the city centre, and with traffic, this can take 1-2 hours each way.
The first and last 2 hours of your layover will be spent on customs and immigration, so you only have about 4 hours free if your layover is 8 hours.
If your layover is longer than 8 hours, you may be able to visit Beijing attractions such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. If you don't want to leave the airport, you can visit the airport gardens, get a massage, or enjoy the local cuisine.
