Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Beijing gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from NAY to the city takes roughly 150 minutes by Airport Shuttle Bus, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Beijing, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for China vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Beijing is roughly 150 minutes from NAY via Airport Shuttle Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CNY. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
The Best Way Into Beijing from NAY
From NAY, the Airport Shuttle Bus gets you to Beijing in around 150 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 170 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airport Shuttle Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Beijing Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Beijing might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$6 USD
- A meal: ~$12 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$28 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Beijing, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Beijing, here are two things worth checking out:
Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Temple of Heaven Park is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside NAY, you can spend time at Nanyuan Airport Lounge or try Airport Souvenir Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Beijing Layover
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Beijing: Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant (Wangfujing) and Haidilao Hot Pot (Wangfujing). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Noodle House or Airport Cafe & Bakery. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Bag Storage Near NAY
Dedicated luggage storage at NAY may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Beijing’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NAY, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Beijing itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for China that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at NAY.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Beijing exploring the streets or relaxing at NAY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.