At a Glance

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the world's busiest airports and a major hub for 240-hour visa-free transit. If you're transiting through Beijing, here's what you need to know to navigate the process smoothly.

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Transit Desk Location

Terminal 3E, International Arrivals. Look for "24/72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit" signs.

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Processing Time

15-45 minutes depending on queue length. Peak times: mornings (8-11am).

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To City Center

Airport Express train (25 min) or taxi (40-60 min). Metro starts at ¥25.

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Airport Hotels

Multiple options inside terminals. Langham Place and Hilton nearby.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your 240-Hour Transit Permit

1

Exit Your Arrival Flight

Follow signs for: "International Transfer" or "Arrivals"

  • Most international flights arrive at Terminal 3E
  • Do NOT go through regular immigration lines
  • Look for special "Visa-Free Transit" lanes (usually to the left)
2

Find the Transit Visa Desk

Location: Before regular immigration counters

  • Signs in English: "24/72/144/240-Hour Visa-Free Transit"
  • Usually near immigration officer stations
  • Ask airport staff if unsure - say "transit visa" and show your onward ticket
3

Submit Required Documents

You'll need:

  • Passport - Valid for at least 6 months
  • Onward flight ticket - Printed or digital showing departure within 240 hours
  • Arrival card - Filled out (given on plane or at desk)
  • Optional: Hotel booking confirmation (sometimes requested)
4

Wait for Processing

Typical wait: 15-45 minutes

  • Officer will verify your eligibility
  • They may ask: purpose of visit, hotel address, return flight details
  • Stay calm and patient - questions are routine
  • Peak times (8-11am, 7-9pm) may have longer waits
5

Receive Your Permit Stamp

What you'll get: Stamped permit in your passport

  • Check the dates carefully - count starts from arrival day
  • You can now collect baggage and exit to Beijing
  • Keep your onward ticket handy throughout your stay

Transportation to Beijing City

Airport Express Train (Recommended)

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Fast, Cheap, and Easy

Cost: ¥25 (~$3.50 USD) | Time: 25 minutes to Dongzhimen

  • Hours: 6:00am - 11:00pm daily
  • Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
  • Stations: T3 → T2 → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen
  • Payment: Cash or Beijing Transportation Card (buy at station)
  • Connects directly to Beijing Metro lines 2, 10, and 13

Taxi

Cost: ¥80-120 (~$11-17 USD) to city center | Time: 40-90 minutes (traffic dependent)

  • Follow "Taxi" signs to official taxi queue
  • Avoid touts offering rides inside terminal - use official rank only
  • Have hotel address written in Chinese characters
  • Toll fees (¥10-15) usually included in meter fare
  • Download Didi app (Chinese Uber) for English-language bookings

Airport Shuttle Buses

Cost: ¥16-30 | Time: 60-90 minutes

  • Multiple routes to different parts of Beijing
  • Cheaper than taxi but slower
  • Good option if traveling with large luggage

Common Issues & Solutions

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Issue: Can't Find the Transit Desk

Solution: Ask any airport staff "transit visa?" while showing your onward ticket. They'll point you in the right direction. Look for large signs near immigration with "24/72/144/240 Hours" in English.

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Issue: No Printed Ticket

Solution: Digital tickets are usually accepted, but print a copy at airport if possible. Most terminals have business centers or ask airline counters to print your e-ticket.

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Issue: Late Night/Early Morning Arrival

Solution: Transit desk is 24/7, but may have reduced staff 12am-6am. Processing still available. Consider booking airport hotel for first night if arriving very late.

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Issue: No Hotel Booking Yet

Solution: Not always required, but highly recommended. Book a refundable hotel before arrival. Officers may ask for proof of accommodation.

Insider Tips

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From Travelers Who've Done It

  • Print everything: Ticket, hotel booking, even this guide. Makes process smoother.
  • Have ¥100-200 cash: For taxi, food, or metro card. Airport has ATMs but not all accept foreign cards.
  • Download offline maps: Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Use Maps.me or Baidu Maps offline.
  • Terminal confusion: PEK has T1, T2, T3C, T3E. International flights usually T3E. Double-check!
  • WiFi: Free airport WiFi available. No VPN needed at airport, but get one for city (WeChat requires Chinese number).
  • Peak vs off-peak: Arrive early morning (6-8am) or late night for shorter transit desk queues.

Hotels Near Beijing Capital Airport

If you have a short layover or arrive late, consider staying near the airport for your first night.

Inside Airport

  • Minute Suites: Terminal 3E, hourly rates, good for short rest
  • Sleeping Pods: Various terminals, basic but convenient

Connected to Airport

  • Langham Place Beijing Airport: Connected to T3C, 5-star, ¥800-1200/night
  • Hilton Beijing Capital Airport: Free shuttle, ¥600-900/night
  • Holiday Inn Express: Budget option, free shuttle, ¥400-600/night