Jazmin Li
Beijing is a popular tourist destination with numerous attractions, including the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. With two major airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), serving as transit hubs, many travellers find themselves with a layover in Beijing. The length of the layover is an important factor in deciding whether to venture out of the airport. While a layover of 6 hours or less may not provide enough time to explore the city, longer layovers of 8 hours or more can allow travellers to visit popular destinations and experience local culture. Visa requirements should also be considered, as some countries are eligible for visa-free entry, while others may need to apply for a transit visa before departing for Beijing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | No visa required for citizens of certain countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. A 240-hour visa-free policy is in place for eligible citizens transiting through Beijing Capital Airport and Daxing Airport. For longer layovers, a tourist visa or temporary entry permit may be needed. |
| Transportation | Beijing Capital Airport is closer to the city centre and has better transportation options. The Airport Express light rail and subway system provide quick and affordable access to the city. Airport shuttle buses start around 6:50-7:00 am, and taxis are also available. |
| Timing | It is recommended to return to the airport at least 2 hours before an international flight. For a short layover, it may be preferable to stay at the airport due to travel time and potential traffic. Aim to arrive in the city by noon to maximise sightseeing. |
| Luggage storage | Luggage storage is available at the airport, allowing for a more comfortable exploration of the city during the layover. |
| Activities | The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and local cuisine are popular choices for a Beijing layover. The 798 Art District is also recommended, but some venues may be closed during certain times. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for leaving Beijing airport during a layover
The visa requirements for leaving Beijing Airport during a layover depend on your country of origin and the length of your layover. Here are the visa requirements for different scenarios:
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of certain countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, are exempt from visa requirements for China. These travellers can leave the airport during their layover without a visa, as long as they have a valid passport, a confirmed connecting flight, and a completed arrival/departure card.
24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Some countries, such as Brazil, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, are eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit policy. This allows travellers to leave the airport and enter Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei for up to 24 hours without a visa. A temporary entry permit and valid passport are required.
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Many countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which permits travellers to leave Beijing Capital Airport and Beijing Daxing Airport to enter the city for up to 6 days without a visa. This policy applies to citizens of the US, Canada, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries. A temporary entry permit and valid passport are necessary.
Countries Requiring a Visa
Nationals of countries that do not have visa-free access, such as Algeria and India, will need a visa to leave Beijing Airport during their layover. They must obtain a China Transit Visa (G Visa) prior to departure.
It is important to note that, regardless of visa status, travellers with layovers shorter than 8 hours may be denied exit from the airport due to concerns about insufficient transit time. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your airline or the airport before making plans to leave the airport during a short layover.
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Transport options from Beijing airport
Beijing has two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). PEK is the main airport in Beijing, located about 25-30km (15.5-18.6 miles) from downtown, while PKX is situated about 46-50km (28.6-31 miles) from downtown.
If you have a long layover and want to explore the city, you will need a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit valid for 24 or 240 hours. Citizens from certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, do not require a visa and can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
Airport Express Line Train
The Airport Express Line train is a popular choice for travellers due to its affordability, ease of navigation, and speed. It is available from Terminals 2 and 3, and you can make stops at Sanyuanqiao or Dongzhimen station before transferring to other subway lines. The train takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre and is unaffected by traffic, making it the quickest option. Tickets cost around 3.30€ (CNY 25) one-way.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the airport and are the only transfer service operating 24/7 with ample luggage room. Official Capital Airport taxis are dark blue with gold stripes, and fares can range from ¥150-250 (depending on distance and traffic). Taking a taxi is a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage, prefer privacy, or are unfamiliar with Beijing's transportation system. However, taxis can be expensive, and traffic jams during peak hours can significantly increase travel time.
Airport Shuttle Bus
The airport shuttle bus is a budget-friendly option, with tickets costing around 3.30€ (CNY 25) to the Beijing Railway Station. The bus offers many stops around the city, but the journey can take up to 70 minutes or longer during rush hours. While the shuttle bus is a cheap mode of transport, it can be slow and crowded, and you may need to change to another mode of transportation once you reach the city centre.
Bullet Trains
Bullet trains offer a faster and more comfortable experience compared to subways, with wider and softer seats and bigger luggage space.
Subway
The subway is a good option if you are travelling on a budget and don't mind the potential for crowds. It can be a quick way to get into the city, with a total travel time of about 1.5 hours, but it may not be the best choice if you have a lot of luggage.
With these transport options, you can easily get from Beijing's airports to the city centre and explore the city during your layover.
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How much time is needed to leave Beijing airport and explore the city
The time needed to leave Beijing Airport and explore the city depends on several factors, including the length of your layover, your nationality, and the attractions you want to visit. Here is some information to help you plan your layover in Beijing:
Visa Requirements:
If you are a citizen of certain countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, or Singapore, you do not need a visa for a short layover confined to the airport. However, if you plan to leave the airport during a longer layover, you will need either a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit valid for 24 or 240 hours. China offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days to citizens from these countries for business, tourism, family visits, or transit purposes. Make sure to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before your trip.
Travel Time to the City:
The travel time from Beijing Airport to the city centre can vary depending on traffic conditions and the airport location. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the city centre from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and 3 hours from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). If you are arriving during weekends, Chinese national holidays, or rush hours, the travel time can be longer due to heavier traffic or traffic jams.
Recommended Layover Duration:
To have a comfortable amount of time to explore Beijing, it is recommended to have a layover of at least 8 hours for Beijing Capital Airport or 9 hours for Daxing Airport. With this amount of time, you can visit nearby attractions such as the Great Wall or Tiananmen Square. Keep in mind that the first and last 2 hours of your layover will likely be spent on customs and immigration, so plan your time accordingly.
Transportation Options:
There are several transportation options to get from Beijing Airport to the city:
- Airport Express: There is an Airport Express train that goes to Beixinqiao for a reasonable price. This area offers dining and sightseeing options within walking distance.
- Subway: The fast subway goes directly to Beixingqiao, offering another efficient transportation option.
- Rental Car: Driving a rental car is an option, but keep in mind that there is no direct public bus service from the airports to the Great Wall.
- Taxi: Taxis are available, but it can be challenging to find designated spots to hail one near certain attractions, such as the Forbidden City.
Attraction Recommendations:
- Great Wall: The Mutianyu Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just 1.5 hours from PEK airport. It is a popular choice for travellers with layovers.
- Forbidden City: This iconic attraction is approximately 1.5 hours from the airport and usually takes 2-3 hours to explore.
- Tiananmen Square: Located just an hour from the airport, Tiananmen Square is a cornerstone of Chinese history and culture.
- 798 Art District: This area offers galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is approximately a 35-minute cab ride from the airport.
- Local Cuisine: Indulge in Beijing's famous duck dishes, such as Peking Duck.
In summary, to leave Beijing Airport and explore the city, it is recommended to have a layover of at least 8-9 hours, depending on your airport. Ensure you have the correct visa or temporary entry permit, and plan your transportation and attractions in advance to make the most of your time in Beijing.
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Where to store luggage during a layover in Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers a secure baggage storage service for travellers with a layover under 24 hours. To use this service, present your passport and 24-hour entry permit to airport staff. The baggage storage counters are located on the second floor of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The price for this service ranges from 20 to 50 RMB per day, depending on the size of the luggage.
If you have a longer layover and wish to explore Beijing, you will need a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit. You can store your luggage at various shops, hotels, and businesses across the city, including those offered by LuggageHero. LuggageHero offers hourly and daily rates starting at $3.48 per bag, and you can easily locate their storage sites using their reservation platform and map.
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Attractions to visit in Beijing during a layover
Beijing has made it easier than ever to turn a long layover into a mini-vacation. With the right documentation, such as a tourist visa or a "Visitors in Transit" permit, you can leave the airport and explore the city. Here are some attractions to visit during your layover in Beijing:
The Great Wall
The Great Wall is a must-see destination and a breathtaking experience. It usually opens from 7:30 am to 5 pm. The Mutianyu Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a 1.5-hour drive from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Another option is the Juyongguan Great Wall, located a 100 km distance from Daxing Airport.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a grand imperial palace complex with rich cultural heritage. It is located about 1.5 hours from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). It closes at 5 pm during the peak season and 4:30 pm during the shoulder season, with the last entry for tourists one hour before closing.
Tiananmen Square
One of the most central areas in Beijing, Tiananmen Square is surrounded by historic monuments such as the Tiananmen Tower, the Great Hall of the People, and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. It is about an hour and a half from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
Beijing Wildlife Park
Beijing Wildlife Park offers a unique experience with 200 animal species, cage-free areas, and a safari tour where you can feed the animals.
798 Art District
The 798 Art District is about a 35-minute cab ride from the airport. While some art spaces may be closed by the time you arrive, there are still shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to explore.
If you have a shorter layover, it may not be feasible to leave the airport. However, Beijing's airports offer various amenities and services, including dining options ranging from local cuisine to international favourites, shopping, and airport lounges with complimentary snacks and beverages.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and the length of your layover. 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, which allows tourists to travel around 24 provinces in China. For some countries that don't have visa-free access, such as Algeria and India, a visa is required if you want to leave the airport.
It depends on the line and efficiency of the process, but it could take around two hours.
It depends on your mode of transportation. Taking a taxi to the city centre can take 45 minutes to an hour, while taking the Airport Express light rail or Airport Shuttle buses will take longer but are cheaper options.
If your layover is shorter than 6 hours, you may want to stay in the airport and enjoy the dining and shopping options available. For longer layovers, you can visit the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.
