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How to Get to Bengbu

How to Get to Bengbu

Bengbu Anhui, China Travel Guide

Air Travel Overview

Major Airports & Airlines

Bengbu has no major civilian airport. Travelers typically fly into one of two nearby international airports and next connect to Bengbu via high-speed rail or ground transport.

Airports

  • **Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE):** Approximately 1.5-2 hours from Bengbu.
  • **Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG):** Approximately 2-2.5 hours from Bengbu.
  • Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Spring Airlines.

Flight Routes & Seasonality

Both HFE and NKG serve numerous domestic routes across China. International flights from these airports mainly connect to East Asia, Southeast Asia, and some regional destinations.

Booking Insights

  • No direct international flights from major global hubs. Connections via major Chinese or Asian hubs.
  • Increased costs during peak Chinese travel seasons (Spring Festival, May Day, National Day, summer holidays).
  • Lower prices during off-peak times. Reserve far ahead for holidays.

Hefei Airport Facilities

Standard international airport facilities, duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange. Free Wi-Fi (requires Chinese phone number).

Nanjing Airport Facilities

Similar facilities to Hefei, with extensive domestic and international routes. VPN is necessary for a lot of foreign websites.

Transfer Essentials

Consider high-speed rail for efficiency. Pre-book train tickets, especially during peak seasons.

Airport to Bengbu Transfers

From Hefei Xinqiao International Airport HFE

  • Shuttle To the airport Bus to Hefei South Railway Station.
  • High-speed trains (G or D) from Hefei South to Bengbu South Railway Station (approx. 1 hour).
  • Direct taxi or pre-arranged private car (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
  • Shuttle + Train is commonly the most efficient.

From Nanjing Lukou International Airport NKG

  • Airport Shuttle Bus to Nanjing South Railway Station.
  • High-bullet trains from Nanjing South to Bengbu South Rail Depot (approx. 1-1.5 hours).
  • Direct taxi or private car (approx. 2-2.5 hours).
  • This is a highly efficient option.

Flight Booking Tips

Booking Platforms

Use platforms like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for international and domestic flights.

Peak Season Travel

Book international flights several months pre-book for the main season. Book domestic flights at least 1-2 months ahead.

Flexibility

Adjusting travel dates by a few days can sometimes secure better fares.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Bengbu boasts excellent rail connectivity, making it a convenient base for exploring Anhui and adjacent provinces.

High-Speed Rail

  • Bengbu South Railway Station: High-speed hub on the Beijing-Shanghai line.
  • Connects to Beijing (3.5-4h), Shanghai (2.5-3h), Nanjing (1-1.5h), Hefei (1h).
  • Book tickets through Trip.com (Ctrip) well in advance.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bengbu has a long-distance bus station (Bengbu Coach Station) offering routes to surrounding cities within Anhui province and some destinations in neighboring provinces.

Bus Travel

  • Buses are slower but a cost-effective alternative for shorter distances.
  • Connects to towns not served by rail.
  • Buy tickets at the bus station on travel day or a few days ahead.

Self-Driving Considerations

Foreigners cannot legally drive a car in mainland China with an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a foreign driver's license alone. You a valid Chinese driving license.

Driving Rules

  • Car rental without a driver is not possible for tourists.
  • Consider hiring a chauffeured car through major companies or hotels.
  • Navigation without local language skills can be challenging.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads and highways around Bengbu and connecting to other metropolises are generally well-maintained and modern. Rural roads can range in quality.

Traffic Notes

  • Urban traffic can be dense and chaotic, especially during peak hours.
  • Driving standards and adherence to traffic laws differ significantly.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists often lack right of way.

Important Driving Notes

  • Foreign driving licenses are not valid.
  • Car rental without a driver is not an option for tourists.
  • Hire a car with a driver for convenience and legality.
  • Use local navigation apps with a driver.
  • Major car rental companies like DiscoverCars.com do exist.

Sea/River Arrivals

Passenger Services

Bengbu's inland placement signifies sea and river arrivals are not applicable for international or inter-city passenger transport.

No Major Services

  • No international sea or river ports.
  • No major domestic passenger ferry/cruise services.
  • The Huai River does not support inter-city passenger travel.

Local River Cruises

River transportation on the Huai River in Bengbu is only available to local sightseeing boats or short leisure cruises on Longzihu Lake.

Recreational Options

  • Leisure boats are available on Longzihu Lake.
  • Scenic rides for recreational purposes.
  • Not a form of transportation from one location to another.

No International Ports

Bengbu's inland placement signifies no sea or international a way to the river.

No Major Ferry Routes

The Huai River does not support large-scale passenger ferries.

Local Recreational Only

Boating on Longzihu Lake exclusively for sightseeing purposes.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing China via air or land for foreign tourists.

Included in Airfare

  • Your international airfare commonly comprises any relevant airport fees.
  • No extra fees at airport check-out.
  • Confirm flight specifics before departure.

Departure Timing

Plan your departure with sufficient time for transfers and airport procedures.

Recommended Times

  • International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure (Hefei or Nanjing).
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Train Travel: Arrive 30-FORTY-FIVE minutes before departure from Bengbu South.

Airport & Station Facilities

Check-in & Security

Airports provide check-in counters, baggage drop, security screening, and immigration. Train stations have ticket business premises and security.

Shopping & Dining

Both airports and train stations feature duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes for departing travelers.

Lounges & Services

Airports also provide lounges and various further services for a comfortable departure experience.

Departure Reminder

Reconfirm your flight or train schedule 24-48 hours before departure. This informs you of changes and allows plan adjustments.