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How to Get to Huainan

How to Get to Huainan

Huainan Anhui, China Travel Guide

Serving Airports & Connections

Hefei Xinqiao International Airport HFE

The closest and most convenient major airport, approximately 90-120 km south of Huainan.

Airport Details

  • Main gateway for international and domestic air travelers to the region.
  • Serves major Chinese airlines: China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Hainan Airlines.
  • Limited regional international routes (Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong special administrative region, Taipei).

Fuyang Xiguan Airport FUG

A smaller, domestic-only airport located approximately 120 km north of Huainan.

Airport Details

  • Mainly serves routes within China, fewer connections than HFE.
  • Most international travelers find HFE more suitable due to more options.
  • Flight availability and prices fluctuate significantly by season and holidays.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Direct shuttle buses operate between HFE and Huainan, approx. 1.5-2 hours. Cost-effective.

Taxi / Didi

Available from HFE. Direct service, but a significant expense (¥300-500+). Consider using DiscoverCars.com for advance bookings.

Train Connection

Shuttle to Hefei train station, then high-speed train to Huainan South (30-40 min). Use Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club for booking flights.

Flight Considerations

Direct Flight Options

  • Most international travelers link through major Chinese gateways (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
  • Alternatively, connect via regional Asian hubs (Seoul, Hong Kong) to HFE.
  • HFE has limited direct international flights to regional Asian cities, not common from North America/Europe.
  • Peak travel periods (Chinese New Year, National Day) mean higher prices plus entirey booked flights.

Seasonal Price Changes

  • Prices are generally more affordable during low seasons (summer and winter, outside of major holidays).
  • HFE offers standard airport facilities: restaurants, duty-free, lounges, car rental, ATMs, currency exchange.
  • Free Wi-Fi at HFE; VPN needed for international websites.
  • Plan transfers carefully, considering time from HFE to Huainan.

Getting Around: Land Travel

Train Travel

Huainan South Railway Station (high-speed) connects to major cities (Hefei, Beijing, Shanghai).

Conventional Trains

Huainan Railway Station serves slower, more budget-friendly trains to regional cities.

Long-Distance Buses

Huainan Passenger Transport Center offers connections toin Anhui and neighboring provinces.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Self-Driving Notes

An International Driving Permit (IDP) alone is not sufficient for driving in China.

Facts

  • A local Chinese driver'a valid license or temporary license is necessary.
  • Self-driving is not practical or recommended for most international tourists.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways are well-maintained. Inner-city roads experience heavy traffic.

Traffic Awareness

  • Traffic rules are sometimes less strictly observed by local drivers.
  • Electric scooters and motorcycles weave through traffic and use sidewalks.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists should remain highly alert.

Car & Motorcycle Rentals

Car rental availability is limited directly in Huainan; more alternatives in Hefei.

Rental Facts

  • Valid Chinese driver's license is mandatory for rental.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals are less frequent for tourists.
  • Safety concerns (dense traffic, helmet use) for scooters.

Bicycle Rentals

Huainan has extensive bicycle sharing programs like Meituan Bike and Hello Bike.

Cycling Details

  • Access bikes via mobile apps; registration, small deposit, mobile payment required.
  • Very low cost, a few Yuan per hour.
  • Excellent way to explore for short distances, especially parks.

No Border Crossings Land

  • Huainan is an inland city.
  • It does not have international land border crossings.
  • All international entry into China occurs at designated ports (airports, seaports).
  • No ferry services or cruise ports.
  • The Huai River is not a main route for passenger transportation.
  • River options are only for recreational sightseeing boats.

Departure Information

Airport Departure HFE

No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed on international flights departing from China. The cost is typically incorporated into your airline ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

  • Arrive at HFE at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international departure.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, baggage, immigration, and security checks.
  • Factor in travel time from Huainan to HFE (approximately 1.5-2 hours by shuttle bus).

Train Departure Huainan South

For high-speed train departures, plan your arrival at Huainan South Rail Depot.

Timing Recommendations

  • Arrive at Huainan South Railway Station at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • This allows time to navigate the station, pass through security, and find your platform.
  • Chinese train stations are often large and busy.

Airport Facilities HFE

HFE offers standard departure facilities, including check-in, security, duty-free shops, and dining.

Train Station Facilities

Huainan South Train Station has waiting areas, shops, and food stalls, with clear signage (mainly Chinese).

Real-Time Updates

Use mobile apps for real-time flight or train updates and check for last-minute changes.

Final Departure Advice

Departure Reminder

Always confirm your flight or train departure times and check for any last-minute changes before heading to the airport or train station. Use your applications for mobile devices for real-time updates.