Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is Beijing’s biggest airport and is also the third-busiest in China, welcoming more than 65 million passengers each year. It’s located just over 27 km from central Beijing, and its three terminals handle flights from almost 50 airlines.
If you have a quick 5-hour layover in Beijing or a much longer stopover, there are plenty of things to do in the airport to keep you occupied. Passengers with more time on their hands, such as those with a 12-hour layover in Beijing, can head into the city to visit some of Beijing’s top attractions, or venture further afield to the Great Wall.
Tips for a Short Layover
- If your layover in Beijing is particularly short, inform the cabin crew at the beginning of your inbound flight, as they can ensure you’re among the first to disembark the aircraft.
- Many establishments accept international debit and credit cards, but there are also plenty of ATMs if you’d prefer to pay in cash.
- There’s a free shuttle bus connecting the terminals should you need to switch to another terminal for your next flight.
Tips for a Long Layover/Overnight Layover
- Although there are several hotels near the airport, there are also paid sleeping pods on-site if you’d rather stay in the airport during your stopover.
- Make sure you’re aware of your specific visa requirements in advance in order to maximise your time.
- Navigating Beijing can be tricky for visitors, so it might be worth booking a tour to ensure you make the most of your time.
Things to Do Near/Around Beijing Airport
Provided you have sufficient time, such as if you have an 8 or 10-hour layover in Beijing, or longer, you’ll be able to travel into the city between flights. In most cases, the timing of your visit will determine how much you can see and do within the time you have. For example, if you arrive during rush hour, it can take up to an hour to get to the city with a private transfer or Beijing Airport taxi, and even longer with public transport.
So long as time is on your side, you’ll have a chance to see iconic spots like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Both are a little over 30 minutes by car in light traffic, and are also reachable via the Airport Shuttle Bus or the train. Should you opt for the train, you’ll need to catch the Airport Express to Dongzhimen before switching to the metro.
Another popular way to spend your stopover is to pay a visit to the Great Wall, though this is only an option if you have at least a 9-hour layover in Beijing. It typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to reach the Great Wall from the airport by transfer or taxi. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour or take a combination of buses, but the latter may be too time-consuming unless you have an extended layover in Beijing. Should you decide to use public transport, you’ll need to take the Konggang Bus 10 to Hualikan Station, switch to Bus 916 at Yujiayuanyiqu Station, and then change to Bus H23 to Xinying Station.
Things to Do at the Airport
Anyone staying in the airport during their layover in Beijing can avail of the on-site amenities and facilities. The seating areas and sleeping pods are ideal for travelers hoping to get some rest, as are the VIP lounges, which often provide guests with hot and cold food and drinks, spacious relaxation areas, and speedy WiFi.
When you’re not enjoying some downtime, you’ll be free to do some shopping in the airport’s many retail outlets, which consist of duty-free areas, high-end boutiques, and souvenir shops. During your transit time, you’ll also have your pick of eateries, cafes, and bars, giving you an opportunity to savour some traditional Chinese dishes or international flavors.
Not only can you shop and dine, but you’ll have access to the airport’s scenic garden areas and indoor fountain. Depending on when you arrive, you might even be fortunate enough to catch a live performance or cultural exhibition, which are mostly found in Terminal 3.
Things to Do With Kids
If you’re wondering what to do in Beijing for layovers with kids, you’ll be relieved to know that the airport has ample amenities for younger visitors. Many eateries and fast-food joints have child-friendly menu items, and each terminal has a dedicated kids’ soft play area, interactive activities, and free WiFi.
Hotels and Lounges/Transiting Through the Airport
Whether you have an overnight layover in Beijing or simply want to get some sleep during a lengthy stopover, you’ll have your pick of places to rest up. Although there are numerous seating areas in each terminal, you’ll likely be much more comfortable in one of the nearby airport hotels, such as Hilton Beijing Capital Airport, Capital Airport International Hotel, and the Crowne Plaza.
Nonetheless, you won’t need to leave the airport to enjoy some much-needed downtime, as you’ll have access to various paid lounges, some of which feature private, hotel-style rooms. Various airlines also operate lounges, including Cathay Pacific and Air China. These are generally free for business and first-class ticket-holders, though some are open to other passengers for a fee.
Practical Information
Visa Required: Visas generally aren’t required for passengers staying airside during their layover in Beijing. Some nationalities don’t need a visa to leave the airport, while others must get either a tourist visa or a temporary entry permit.
Average Flight Connection Time: It’s best to give yourself at least two hours between international flights. If your connecting flight is to a domestic destination, you may need to give yourself extra time to clear immigration.
Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 8-9 hours
How to Connect Flights
If both your arriving and departing flights are booked on a single ticket, you typically won’t need to go through immigration or re-check your baggage. Instead, you can stay airside and follow the signage to stay in the transit area, using the information screens to identify the correct gate. That said, if your next flight is to another destination in China, you may be required to go through passport control before proceeding to the Departures gates.
In the event that your connecting flight is with a different airline, you’ll more than likely need to collect your bags and check in again. Keep in mind that, in some instances, you’ll need to switch to another terminal building for your next flight. Should you be flying to another airport in China, you’ll first need to go through immigration before checking in again.
