Ruth Haines
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a sprawling, modern airport that serves as a significant gateway into China. If you have a long layover, you may be wondering what to do to pass the time. The airport has plenty of food options, ranging from casual Chinese cuisine and teahouses to Western chains like Starbucks and McDonald's. Many airport lounges offer single-visit passes for travellers to relax and freshen up with a shower. If you have at least 8 hours between flights, you can venture into downtown Beijing via the Airport Express train or taxi. Popular attractions include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the 798 Art District. For those who prefer organised tours, there are reputable operators offering excursions to the Great Wall, the city centre, and panda tours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Lounges | Accessible to all travellers, with some offering single-visit passes, shower facilities, and rentable rooms with beds |
| Food Options | Casual settings, to-go kiosks, Chinese cuisines, teahouses, Thai and Japanese food, and Western options like Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Costa Coffee |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi available |
| Nearby Attractions | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, 798 Art District, Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven |
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What You'll Learn
Enjoy Chinese cuisine and teahouses, or opt for Western food
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a great place to sample Chinese cuisine and experience the local culture. The airport has a wide range of food options, with most restaurants offering casual dining and take-away kiosks.
For a taste of traditional Beijing, Tai Hing, a Hong Kong-style restaurant chain, serves Chinese food in Terminal 3's Domestic Area and the International Area from 6 am to 10 pm. Hua's Cuisines, located in Terminal 2's Public Area, offers Beijing's local dishes from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Terminal 2 also houses a traditional teahouse, open 24 hours.
For those craving a taste of home or something more familiar, there are several Western food options available. These include fast-food chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, and Pizza Hut, as well as coffee shops like Costa Coffee and UBC Coffee. Most of these outlets are open 24 hours, making it convenient for travellers at any time of day.
If you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport, Beijing city centre is approximately 32 kilometres away, and with traffic, it can take about an hour to reach. The Airport Express train is a convenient way to get downtown, connecting to Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao stations in under 30 minutes for just ¥25.
The city offers a wealth of culinary delights, including the famous Peking Roast Duck, a must-try specialty showcasing Beijing's gastronomic excellence. For a truly local experience, wander through the historic hutongs, where you can enjoy traditional street food and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Beijing.
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Book a single-visit pass to an airport lounge
Beijing Capital International Airport, also known as PEK Airport, is a sprawling, modern airport that serves as a significant gateway into China. The airport offers a range of facilities and services to keep travellers comfortable and entertained during their stay.
One option to enhance your time at PEK Airport is to book a single-visit pass to an airport lounge. Airport lounges offer a quiet and comfortable space to relax or work, and many of them provide additional amenities such as food and beverage options and shower facilities.
Booking a single-visit pass to an airport lounge at PEK Airport can be done online through various platforms. Some websites, such as Project Expedition, offer flexible lounge access that can be booked in advance. You can also utilise apps like Priority Pass, which help you find and access lounges, navigate airports, and manage your account.
When booking a single-visit pass, it is essential to consider the location of the lounge within the airport. PEK Airport is quite large, and you may want to choose a lounge that is conveniently located near your gate or desired facilities. Additionally, review the amenities included with your lounge pass. Some lounges may offer additional benefits such as sleeping rooms, which can be especially useful for long layovers or when travelling with children.
By booking a single-visit pass to an airport lounge at PEK Airport, you can enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable experience during your time at the airport. This option provides a quiet space away from the bustling terminal, allowing you to rest, freshen up, or simply pass the time in a calm environment.
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Go sightseeing in Beijing with a tour group
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is a large, modern airport with plenty of amenities to keep travellers entertained during layovers. If you have a long layover, you may wish to leave the airport and explore Beijing with a tour group. It is recommended to have at least eight hours between flights if you want to go sightseeing, as the airport is 32 km from the city centre, and with traffic, this can take one hour each way.
There are several tour groups operating out of PEK airport, offering a range of tours, from city sightseeing to panda tours to quick visits to the Great Wall. You can sign up in advance, and they will pick you up at the airport and drop you back off in time for your flight.
One option is to take a half-day private tour to the Great Wall, which will pick you up from the airport and drop you back off there. This is a great way to see one of the world's true wonders rather than being stuck at the airport for hours. You can also take a small-group tour to the Great Wall, where you will meet your group at Terminal 3 Arrivals and head out in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle.
Another option is to take a tour of the city, where you will be picked up by a private vehicle and guide and taken to see two of Beijing's top attractions: Tiananmen Square and the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City. You will then be returned to the airport in time for your flight.
If you are looking for a more relaxed tour, you can visit the 798 Art District, a pedestrian-friendly complex that houses studios and galleries for many local artists and is much closer to the airport than the city centre.
There are also plenty of options for food at the airport, with casual settings and to-go kiosks offering different Chinese cuisines and teahouses. There are also other Asian cuisines available, such as Thai and Japanese, as well as Western options like Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Costa Coffee.
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Explore Beijing independently using public transport
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a sprawling, modern airport that serves as a significant gateway into China. If you have a long layover, you may want to explore Beijing independently using public transport. It is recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport. The airport is 32 km from Beijing's city centre, and with traffic, the journey can take 1 hour each way.
There are a few transport options to get from Beijing Capital Airport to the city centre. You can take a taxi from the ranks outside each terminal, which will cost around ¥80 to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take the Airport Express train, which connects to downtown Beijing's Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao stations in under 30 minutes for just ¥25.
Once you're in the city centre, there are plenty of things to see and do. You can head to Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City, or explore the ancient alleys in the traditional hutongs at Gulou. If you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, the 798 Art District is a pedestrian-friendly complex that houses studios and galleries for many local artists and is much closer to the airport than the city centre.
Keep in mind that security checkpoints to re-enter the airport can be very busy, so give yourself ample time to process through before your flight. If you want to freshen up, Terminal 3’s E Gate has a few free showers tucked into the shopping area.
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Take a taxi to the city centre and visit Tiananmen Square
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a great gateway to China, with many food options and cultural experiences. If you have a long layover, you can explore the city centre and visit Tiananmen Square.
Taking a Taxi to the City Centre
Beijing Capital International Airport is 32 km (20 miles) from the city centre, and with traffic, the journey can take about an hour each way. Taking a taxi is a convenient option, with taxi ranks outside each terminal. The starting price for Beijing taxis is 13 yuan ($2), and a ride to the city centre will typically cost around 100 yuan ($15) during the day and 150 yuan ($22) at night due to the night service surcharge. The journey will take about 20 minutes without traffic, but you should plan for potential delays.
Visiting Tiananmen Square
Once you arrive in the city centre, you can explore famous sites such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is a city square named after the "Gate of Heavenly Peace" located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. The square contains several notable landmarks, including the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. You can easily reach Tiananmen Square by subway or bus, with line 2 of the subway system providing convenient access.
Returning to the Airport
Remember to allow ample time to return to the airport, as security checkpoints can be busy. The airport offers various amenities, including lounges, restaurants, and free showers. If you have a long layover, you can also book a room at an airport hotel for added comfort and privacy.
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Frequently asked questions
Beijing Capital Airport is a sprawling, modern airport with many food options, including Chinese cuisines, teahouses, and Western standbys like Starbucks and McDonald's. The airport also has lounges accessible to all travellers, which often include shower facilities. If you have at least 8 hours between flights, you can head downtown via the Airport Express train or taxi. There, you can visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, or the 798 Art District.
You can take the Airport Express train to downtown Beijing in under 30 minutes for ¥25. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from outside each terminal for around ¥80.
Beijing offers 72-hour visa-free layovers to foreign passport holders of 51 countries and regions. If you wish to leave the airport, you must apply for the visa at Beijing immigration, and have your boarding pass and onward flight ticket ready.
Yes, there are several tour operators that offer layover tours in Beijing, including visits to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the city centre.
