Lois Larson
Beijing Capital Airport is a sprawling, modern airport that serves as a significant gateway into China. The airport offers many amenities, including food options, airport lounges, and shopping. If you have a long layover, you may be able to leave the airport and explore Beijing. The airport is well-connected to the city by public transportation, and there are also car and driver services available. Beijing offers a 72-hour visa-free stay for visitors from certain countries, so you may not need a visa for a short layover. However, it's important to plan your time carefully, as traffic can be heavy and you'll need to allow enough time to get back to the airport and through security for your connecting flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 5 hours |
| Transport to Beijing city centre | Metered taxis, Beijing Airport Express Train, airport shuttle bus, subway |
| Time to get to Beijing city centre | 20 minutes by subway, 40 minutes by taxi |
| Visa requirements | 72-hour visa-free stay for citizens of Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and some others |
| Luggage storage | Left Luggage counters at all three terminals, airline check-in, or Left Luggage service between T1 and T2 |
| Airport amenities | Food options, airport lounges, free WiFi, spa treatments, gardens, shopping |
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What You'll Learn
Exploring Beijing during a layover
Beijing Capital Airport is a sprawling, modern airport that serves as a significant gateway into China. The airport is well-equipped with amenities to keep travellers entertained during layovers, including an array of dining options, airport lounges, and shopping opportunities. However, with a long layover, you might want to explore beyond the airport and discover the delights of Beijing.
If you have a long layover in Beijing, you might be able to leave the airport and explore the city. Beijing Capital Airport is located about 32 kilometres from the city centre, and with traffic, it can take around one hour each way. When planning your exploration, factor in this travel time to ensure you return to the airport in time for your connecting flight.
To enter Beijing, you can utilise the Beijing Airport Express Train, which runs every 15 minutes, or opt for the airport shuttle bus. Metered taxis are also available outside each terminal, but if you don't speak the local language, it's advisable to have your destination written in Chinese or marked on a map. Car rentals are another option, provided by companies like Beijing Air Tongli Car Rental Co. Ltd.
The duration of your layover will determine what you can realistically achieve during your time in Beijing. If you have a shorter layover, consider exploring the area near the airport, such as the 798 Art Zone, a pedestrian-only complex of former military factories turned galleries, located just a 20-minute drive from the airport. Here, you can peruse art studios, visit the Long March Space and Ullens Center (UCCA), dine at Buddha's Bite, or relax with a glass of wine at Grace Beijing.
For those with longer layovers, you might consider venturing into the heart of Beijing. The Forbidden City, a vast complex featuring palaces, temples, and gardens, is a popular attraction. Tiananmen Square is another iconic destination, easily accessible via subway. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even join a tour group to visit a section of the Great Wall, such as Mutianyu, the closest and most popular option.
When returning to the airport, remember to allow ample time for travel and airport procedures. Additionally, if you require short-term luggage storage, the airport provides Left Luggage counters at all three terminals.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers various transport options to get to the city centre. The fastest way is the Beijing Airport Express Train, which takes 20-40 minutes to reach downtown Beijing. The train departs every 10-15 minutes from Terminals 2 and 3, with tickets costing CNY25 per person. From the airport, you can stop at Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen, or Beixinqiao stations and transfer to Beijing's subway lines for CNY2.
Another option is the Airport Shuttle Bus, which is a more affordable choice. Tickets cost €3.30 (CNY 25) and the journey to Beijing Railway Station takes 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus stops at all three terminals, with buses running every 15-30 minutes from 7 am to 11 pm.
If you prefer a more direct journey, taxis are available 24/7 outside each terminal. The journey to downtown Beijing takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs €15-25 (CNY 100-200).
For those with heavy luggage or heading to less accessible areas, ride-hailing services like Didi are also available.
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Visa requirements for leaving the airport
The visa requirements for leaving Beijing airport during a layover depend on your nationality and the length of your layover. Citizens of Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some other countries are permitted to enter China without a visa if their layover is shorter than 3 days (72 hours). This is known as the 72-hour visa-free transit policy. Beijing is one of 18 Chinese cities that offer this policy to visitors arriving by air.
If your layover is longer than 72 hours, you will need to apply for a visa to leave the airport. The type of visa required may depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. It is recommended that you have at least 8 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport and explore Beijing. The airport is 32 km from the city centre, and with traffic, it can take 1 hour each way.
If you are a US citizen, there have been reports of international transit passengers on short-term layovers being denied the ability to leave the secure side of the airport. Chinese authorities have also asserted broad authority to prohibit US citizens from leaving China by using 'exit bans'. Therefore, it is essential to check the latest visa requirements and travel advisories before planning to leave Beijing airport during a layover.
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Luggage storage at Beijing airport
Beijing Capital Airport offers a secure luggage storage service at all three terminals. If you have a layover of fewer than 24 hours, luggage storage is free. Simply show your passport with a 24-hour entry permit to airport staff. The luggage storage counters can be found at the following locations:
- Terminal 3 Left-luggage Counter: Near Gate C or Gate A in the arrival hall on the second floor. There are two counters, one on each side of the arrival hall. The east side counter opens earlier than the west side counter.
- Terminal 2 Left-luggage Counter: Between Gate 10 and Gate 8 in the departure hall on the second floor.
- Terminal 1 Left-luggage Counter: By the link corridor between Terminal 1 and 2 on the second floor.
If you store your luggage for more than 24 hours, you will need to pay. Luggage storage costs 20 RMB per day for luggage with a combined length, width, and height of less than 65 cm, and 30 RMB per day for larger luggage.
There are also luggage storage services available at some museums and hotels in Beijing. For example, the Forbidden City-The Palace Museum, the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), and the National Museum of China all provide left luggage facilities for visitors. Most hotels in Beijing also offer short-term luggage storage services for their customers.
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Food and entertainment at Beijing airport
Beijing Capital International Airport offers a variety of food and beverage options for travellers. The airport has a range of international and local restaurant chains, coffee shops, and fast-food outlets.
For those looking for a quick bite or a familiar taste, there are popular fast-food chains like KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Costa. If you're craving a cup of coffee, you can choose from several options, including Starbucks, UBC Coffee, Pacific Coffee, and Top Espresso Cafe.
For travellers seeking a more substantial meal, there are various restaurants serving different types of cuisine. Crystal Jade Kitchen, a Cantonese restaurant chain, offers dim sum and broth-based noodle dishes, while Prik Thai serves Thai curries and beer. O'Learys, styled as an American Irish pub, offers a range of dishes, from scrambled eggs and pancakes to chicken wings and quesadillas.
Additionally, the airport has options for those wanting to experience local Chinese cuisine. Hua's Cuisines, located in Terminal 2, offers Beijing local dishes. The airport also has several Chinese fast-food options, including Hehegu, where you can choose your sides and mains from pre-cooked options, and Tai Hing for a quick meal.
If you have enough time and want to venture a little further, the Hilton hotel, a short distance from Terminal 3, offers a range of dining options, including 360 Casual Dining for international cuisine, Compass Grill for steak and seafood, Long Bar for cocktails and wine with live music, My China for Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, and Yue Shang for dim sum and other southern Chinese specialties.
For entertainment during your layover, you may consider exploring Beijing. Depending on the length of your layover and your preferences, you can visit the Forbidden City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and gardens, or take a stroll in the peaceful Jingshan Park. If you have more time, you can visit Tiananmen Square or explore other major sights in Beijing. Remember to factor in travel time to and from the airport, which is approximately one hour each way using the subway system.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Beijing airport during a layover. Beijing offers a 72-hour visa-free stay for visitors who arrive by air into one of 18 Chinese cities. Citizens of Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some other countries can enter China without a visa as long as their stay is under three days.
If you arrive at Beijing airport early in the morning, you will probably be through entry formalities by 2 am. However, it is not recommended to go into the city before 6 am, as that is when the Airport Express light rail and the Airport Shuttle buses start running. The travel time to downtown Beijing is roughly 40 minutes.
There are many things to do during a layover in Beijing. Some popular attractions include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the 798 Art Zone. If you are looking for food, there are many restaurants serving different types of cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Western.
Yes, there are Left Luggage counters at all three terminals where you can store your luggage for a few hours or a few days.
