How to Get to Fuzhou. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Fuzhou Changle International Airport FOC

FOC serves as the main air gateway, located approximately 55 km (34 miles) southeast of Fuzhou city center. This forms your main point of arrival and departure by air.

Airlines & Routes

Major Chinese Airlines: XiamenAir (FOC's hub), China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines.
International Flights: Limited direct flights. Most international visitors connect via major Chinese hubs (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) or other Asian hubs (Seoul, Taipei).
Seasonal Pricing: Higher prices during major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week) and peak summer.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

FOC features up-to-date facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options to City

Airport Bus: Multiple routes connect FOC to Fuzhou city center, including Fuzhou Main Railway Station.
Taxi: Available 24/7. Fares to the central area typically cost ¥150-200. Ensure the driver uses the meter.
Metro: Fuzhou Metro Line 6 connects the airport directly to the city's metro network, offering a convenient and affordable option.

Flight Hub

Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) is your main air gateway.

Connectivity

Connects to major Chinese cities and regional Asian hubs.

Flight Deals

Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Fuzhou Railway Station: North of the city, conventional and some high-speed lines.
Fuzhou South Train Station: South of the city, mainly high-speed rail.
High-speed Rail (HSR): Excellent connections to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing.
Book HSR tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure seats.

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-Distance Buses: Several stations offer ways through Fujian and nearby provinces.
Self-Driving: Not practical for foreign tourists. An International Driving Permit is not valid; a Chinese driving license is necessary.
Road Conditions: Major highways generally good. City driving is challenging owing to traffic and local norms.
Safety Concerns: High traffic density and electric scooters pose challenges for foreign drivers.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Mawei Port and Huangqi Port (Lianjiang County) provide ferry services to Matsu Islands (Taiwan).

Cruise Ports

Fuzhou does not feature a major international cruise port.

River Transportation

The Minjiang River offers local sightseeing boat tours, not regular passenger ferry services for inter-city travel.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for international departures from Fuzhou Changle International Airport or seaports. Airport taxes are commonly in airline tickets.

Airport Departure Timing

International Flights: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic Flights: Allow 1.5-2 hours, specifically during peak travel times.
Factor in extra time for security checks and potential language barriers.

Station Departure Timing & Facilities

Prepare for a smooth departure by understanding exit procedures and timing recommendations for train stations.

Train Station Departure

High-Speed Trains: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
Security Checks: Mandatory prior to boarding all trains.
Facilities: Waiting rooms, dining options, and small shops at Fuzhou Railway Stations.

Airport Facilities

Fuzhou Changle International Airport offers convenience for departing travelers.

Available Services

Duty-free shopping for last-minute souvenirs.
Various restaurants and cafes.
Currency exchange services.

Customs & Security

Familiarity with customs and security procedures simplifies your departure process.

Reminders

Allow ample time for security checks, especially during peak hours.
Adhere to baggage restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage.
Be prepared for potential language barriers at security checkpoints.

Important Departure Notes

Typhoon season (July-Sept) causes travel disruptions; monitor forecasts.
Arrive early, especially for international flights, to avoid stress.
Have all the essential travel documents (passport, visa, boarding pass) readily accessible.

No specific exit fees are levied beyond those included in your ticket.
For car rentals, check platforms like DiscoverCars.com for potential options despite local driving restrictions.
Consider flight comparison sites like Skyscanner for future travel planning.

Efficient Travel to Fuzhou

Air Travel Insights

Maximizing your air travel experience to and from Fuzhou.

Smart Air Travel

Utilize flight deal services for cost-effective tickets.
Travel during off-peak seasons for better prices and fewer crowds.
Be aware of international connection options through major hubs.

Land & Sea Travel Insights

Efficient Ground & Water Travel

High-speed rail offers fast hyperlinks to many Chinese cities.
Book train tickets in advance, especially during holidays.
Ferry services to Matsu Islands for regional connections.

Smooth Transitions

Plan for easy airport and station transfers to your accommodation.

Optimal Routes

Choose the best travel method based on your destination and budget.

Local Navigation

Familiarity with local apps (Didi, Baidu Maps) streamlines ground travel.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Fuzhou boasts a comprehensive and expanding public transportation network. This includes a rapidly expanding subway system (Fuzhou Metro) that is clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, with lines connecting to FOC Airport. An extensive city bus system covers the entire city, with generally common and affordable services.

Ticketing & Navigation

Metro: Single-ride tokens, Fuzhou Metro App for QR code payment, or Fuzhou Public Transportation Card. WeChat Pay/Alipay are widely accepted directly at turnstiles.
Buses: Flat fares (¥1-2) or distance-based. Pay with cash (exact change) or A qr code via WeChat Pay/Alipay.
Navigation: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps for real-time route planning. Avoid peak rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) on the underground.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps present convenient alternatives to public transport. Licensed taxis are identified by color, roof sign, and meter; ensure the driver uses the meter. Fares are metered with a flag-fall fee (e.g., ¥10-12).

Hailing & Apps

Hailing Taxis: On the street, at designated stands, or via phone/apps. Pay with cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
Ride-Sharing: Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant platform. An English version of the app is available. Highly recommended for convenience and fixed pricing.
Safety: Taxis are generally safe. Didi provides tracking and driver information, enhancing safety. Designated taxi is situated at FOC Airport and railway stations.

Rental Options & Walking

Car Rental

Not practical for foreign tourists. A Chinese driving license (temporary or full) is necessary as IDPs are not valid.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Not as common for visitors due to licensing needs and local traffic rules.

Bicycle Sharing

Widely available via apps like HelloBike and Didi Bike; scan QR, pay via WeChat Pay/Alipay.

Walking & Cycling Notes

Pedestrian-friendly areas include Sanfang Qixiang (pedestrian-only) and West Lake Park. Minjiang Park offers walking and cycling paths. Heavy traffic arterial roads and highways are not suitable for pedestrians or cyclists.

How to Get to Fuzhou