Beijing Layover Guide: 8-hour/20-hour Layover in Beijing (Visa-Free Stay)

Whether you have an 8-hour or 20-hour layover in Beijing, this guide will help you make the most of your time. Depending on your itinerary and nationality, you might even be able to explore Beijing visa-free!

Do I Need a Visa If I Have a Layover in Beijing

Most international travelers can enjoy a 24-hour visa-free transit in Beijing. To qualify, your departure and destination cities must be different. For example, traveling from London to Beijing and back to London does not qualify, but traveling from London to Beijing and then to Hong Kong is acceptable.

Additionally, citizens from 54 countries can benefit from a visa-free stay of up to 240 hours while transiting through Beijing.

Here is the list of countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit in China.

• Americas (6 countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile
• Asia (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar
• Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria,  Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus, Norway
• Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand

Read the visa-exemption policy in Beijing for more detailed requirements.

Can I Leave the Airport during a Layover in Beijing

If you qualify for the visa exemption, you can leave the airport during your layover in Beijing.

If you plan to explore downtown Beijing or visit the Great Wall, ensure you have a layover of more than 8 hours at Capital Airport (or 10 hours at Daxing Airport) during the daytime when attractions open.

Typically, you'll need 1 hour to complete the arrivals process, including immigration and handling your luggage. Allow 2 hours for a round trip between Capital Airport and the city center (4 hours for Daxing Airport), and 2-3 hours for touring. Another 3 hours is required to check in for your onward international flight.

However, if your layover is at night, even if it's over 8 hours, your time to visit attractions is limited since most attractions are closed from 5 PM to 8 AM. If you'd still love to leave the airport and explore the city, feel free to contact us, and we can arrange a guide to take you to open spots like public parks, popular shopping areas, and bar streets.

We recommend staying at the airport for layovers shorter than 8 hours at Capital Airport (or 10 hours at Daxing Airport).

Steps to Leave the Airport on Your Layover

Step 1. If you have a Chinese visa, fill out the Arrival Card (外国人入出境卡). If you plan to apply for visa-free transit, fill out the "Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners" (临时入境外国人入境卡) instead. These cards are available on the plane or at the airport. We suggest you inform your carrier agent about your intention to apply for visa-free transit during check-in before boarding.

The Arrival Card requires these details: your name, gender, date of birth, passport number, visa info, flight/train/cruise number, mobile number, destination, accommodation address, and purpose of your trip.

Step 2. Go through the Health Quarantine Inspection. You will be screened by an infrared body temperature monitor. During special periods (such as COVID-19), you will need to fill out the Health Declaration Card. Currently, the health declaration form is not required.

Step 3. Have your fingerprints and facial information collected. Follow the signs to the self-collection area to collect your fingerprint and facial information. After successful completion, take the printed voucher to the immigration counter.

Step 4. Go through the immigration inspection. Present your passport, visa (if required), Arrival Card or "Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners", and flight/cruise/train tickets for both entry and exit to the authorities.

Step 5. Claim your luggage.

Step 6. Go through the China customs inspection and declare your goods. Your luggage has to pass a quarantine and customs inspection. If you have items to declare, proceed through the red lane and fill in the form; otherwise, use the green lane.

Step 7. Exit the airport!

Beijing Airport to the City

Beijing has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

Beijing Capital Airport is located 30 km (18 miles) northeast of the city center and typically takes about 1 hour to reach by car.

Beijing Daxing Airport, the newest and largest international airport in Beijing, is located 50 km (31 miles) south of the city center. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive there.

Beijing Capital Airport to the City Center

Option 1: By Airport Express Train and Subway (1.5 hours, RMB29)

At Beijing Capital Airport, the Airport Express boarding points are located on Level 2 of the parking garage at Terminal 3 or on Basement Level 2 of the parking garage at Terminal 2.

Step 1. Take the Airport Express Line (首都机场线) for 2 stops and get off at Dongzhimen Station (东直门).

Step 2. At Dongzhimen Station, transfer to Metro inner loop Line 2 (clockwise direction) and travel for 3 stops, then get off at Jianguomen Station (建国门).

Step 3. At Jianguomen Station, transfer to Metro Line 1 (towards Gucheng 古城) and travel for 3 stops, then get off at Tiananmen East Station (天安门东). This area is the very heart of Beijing, where you can visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

The entire journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and involves walking about 1.6 km.

For more detailed information about the Airport Express and Beijing Metro, please refer to the Beijing Subway Guide.

Option 2: By Airport Shuttle Bus (2 hours, RMB30)

At the ground floor of Beijing Capital Airport, take the Airport Shuttle Bus (towards Beijing West Railway Station 机场大巴北京西站线) and get off at QianmenDong Station (前门东) after 3 stops. From there, it's an easy 500-meter walk to the bustling Qianmen Pedestrian Street.

The first shuttle bus from Capital Airport to Beijing West Railway Station departs at 7:30 AM, and the last bus departs at 11:30 PM. From Beijing West Railway Station to the airport, the first bus departs at 6:00 AM, and the last bus departs at 8:30 PM.

Option 3: By Taxi (1 hour, RMB100)

A taxi ride from Beijing Capital Airport to the city center, like Tiananmen Square, usually takes about an hour if there's no heavy traffic.

During the day, the ride costs around RMB100. At night, after 11 PM, it costs about RMB150 because of the night service surcharge.

Option 4: By Private Transfer (Most Convenient, Recommended)

The most convenient way from the airport to the city center is by private transfer. This way, you can avoid the long taxi queues, saving you a lot of time during busy hours.

With a private transfer, you will have an English-speaking guide to meet you at the airport arrivals hall. Our guide will help with your luggage and any visa or customs issues. An experienced driver with a spacious car will also be there to assist you.

The private transfer from Capital Airport to downtown Beijing is RMB 500 per car (and vice versa). Check our private transfer service for more details.

If you book a Beijing tour package with us, the transfer service will be included. 

Beijing Daxing Airport to the City Center

Option 1: By Airport Express Train and Subway (1.5 hours, RMB39)

Step 1. The Metro Station at Daxing Airport is located on Basement Level 1. From there, take the Daxing Airport Express Line (地铁大兴线) for 2 stops and get off at Caoqiao Station (草桥).

Step 2. At Caoqiao Station, transfer to Metro inner loop Line 10 (clockwise direction), ride for 8 stops, and get off at Gongzhufen Station (公主坟).

Step 3. At Gongzhufen Station, transfer to Metro Line 1 (towards Universal Resort), ride for 7 stops, and get off at Tiananmen East Station (天安门东). This area is the very heart of Beijing, where you can easily walk to Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City.

The entire journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and involves walking about 800 meters.

For more detailed information about Daxing Airport Express and Beijing Metro, please refer to the Beijing Subway Guide.

Option 2: By High-speed Train (1.5 hours, RMB18)

The Beijing–Xiong'an Intercity Railway links Beijing Daxing Airport with Beijing West Railway Station. You can take this high-speed train from Daxing Airport to downtown Beijing in just 21 minutes!

There are 10 pairs of high-speed trains operating daily between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing West Railway Station. The fares are RMB 14 for second class, RMB 23 for first class, and RMB 40 for business class.

If you wish to take the high-speed train and Beijing subway to the city center, the following guide is for your reference.

Step 1. At Daxing Airport Railway Station (Basement Level 1 of PKX), take a high-speed train for 2 stops and get off at Beijing West Railway Station.

Step 2. At Beijing West Railway Station, take Metro Line 9 (towards the National Library), ride for 1 stop, and get off at Military Museum Station (军事博物馆).

Step 3. At Military Museum Station, transfer to Metro Line 1 (towards Universal Resort), ride for 6 stops, and get off at Tiananmen East Station (天安门东). This area is the very heart of Beijing, where you can easily walk to Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City.

Option 3: By Airport Shuttle Bus (2 hours, RMB40)

The Daxing Airport bus station is located on the east side of the first floor of the terminal. There are many signs at the airport to guide you to the bus station.

There are 6 routes for the Daxing Airport shuttle bus:

These shuttle buses operate 4 to 10 trips daily. During the day, there is a bus every 30 minutes. The one-way fare is RMB 40 per person. Tickets are currently sold only through the WeChat app.

Option 4: By Private Transfer (Most Convenient, Recommended)

The most convenient way from the airport to the city center is by private transfer. This way, you can avoid the long taxi queues, saving you a lot of time during busy hours.

With a private transfer, you will have an English-speaking guide to meet you at the airport arrivals hall. Our guide will help with your luggage and any visa or customs issues. An experienced driver with a spacious car will also be there to assist you.

The private transfer from Daxing Airport to downtown Beijing is RMB 700 per car (and vice versa). Check our private transfer service for more details.

If you book a Beijing tour package with us, the transfer service will be included. 

Beijing Airport to the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is approximately a 2-hour drive from Beijing's airports. Since there are no direct buses from the airport to any part of the Great Wall, we recommend taking a layover tour with a private transfer instead.

With this option, you will be picked up at the airport exit and driven directly to the Wall. Your private travel advisor will select the best section of the Great Wall for you based on your schedule. Your knowledgeable guide and driver are experienced in handling traffic and will try their best to help you avoid delays, making your journey more efficient.

Public Transportation to the Great Wall - Not Recommended!

If you attempt to reach the Great Wall by public transportation, you would first need to take the Airport Express to the city center and then switch to a public bus heading to the Great Wall. This method can be quite time-consuming. Just finding the bus station alone could be a tiring task.

Read more information on How to Plan a Great Wall Layover Tour from Beijing Airport.

Beijing Layover Tours

If you're planning to visit the Great Wall or do any sightseeing in Beijing, make sure your layover is at least 8 hours at Capital Airport or at least 10 hours at Daxing Airport. Otherwise, it's best to stay at the airport.

8-hour/10-hour Layover in Beijing

If you have an 8-10 hour layover in Beijing (daytime), we recommend visiting the Great Wall, with the Mutianyu section being the best choice.

Located about 1.5 hours from Beijing Capital Airport, Mutianyu is the closest section. It has a better-restored shape with the most intense watchtowers compared to other sections. It is also quieter and less crowded compared to the Badaling section.

There is no direct transportation from either Capital Airport or Daxing Airport to Mutianyu. Booking a private tour with round-trip transfers is recommended.

12-hour Layover in Beijing

If you have a 12-hour layover in Beijing (daytime), you can go downtown to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are must-see attractions for anyone interested in Chinese history. Although Tiananmen Square is close to the Forbidden City, both sites require a security check, each of which can take 30-60 minutes during peak hours.

Tickets for the Forbidden City go on sale online 7 days in advance and typically sell out quickly. We recommend booking a tour package with us. We'll be able to secure your ticket as soon as it becomes available.

Our knowledgeable guide will provide insightful descriptions during your visit, and our experienced driver, familiar with local traffic conditions, will help you make the most of your time.

20-hour Layover in Beijing

If you have a 20-hour layover in Beijing, you can visit both the Great Wall and downtown Beijing. Here is a suggested itinerary for you:

• Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City.
• Afternoon: Hike the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section.
• Evening: Enjoy a kung fu show at the Red Theater.

This itinerary allows you to make the most of your time in Beijing by ensuring a balanced experience of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural activities.

144-hour Layover in Beijing

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Day 2: Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven (Note: Avoid visiting on Monday as these attractions are closed.)

Day 3: Discover the Great Wall and enjoy exterior views of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

Day 4: Tour the Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutongs, and attend a Kung Fu show

Day 5: Depart from Beijing

Can I Sleep in Beijing Airport?

Yes. You can sleep in Beijing airport in many ways. Both Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport offer armrest-free chairs (where you can lie down for free), dedicated rest areas (with hourly charged lounges), sleep pods, and hotels for overnight travelers.

Recommended Hotels in Beijing Airports:

• Ji Hotel (Beijing Capital Airport T2)
• Mumian Beijing Daxing International Airport

Note: The above hotels are outside the security check. If your luggage is checked in directly and you transfer without undergoing another security check, you can stay inside the security check overnight. This way, you can avoid queuing for security checks again the next day.

Popular Beijing Layover Tours

Make the most of your layover with our popular Beijing tours! Discover the city's highlights in just a few hours. We will make all arrangements according to your arrival and departure times, saving you hassles and maximizing your time in Beijing. 

Here are our popular Beijing layover trips:

• 3-Day Visa-Free Beijing Tour
• 1-Day Layover Trip to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall
• Half-day Great Wall Layover Trip from the Airport
• Half-day Trip to Tian'anmen and the Forbidden City (with round-trip airport transfer)

Related Reading

• Beijing Travel Guide
• Beijing Subway Guide (including the large map)
• How to Plan a Beijing Tour