How to Get to Heyuan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airports and Airlines

Major Airports Serving Heyuan

The two closest and most convenient international airports are:

Airport Hubs

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Heyuan. Major international gateway for southern China.
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Also around 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Heyuan. Another major international entry point, busy for domestic and international flights.
Both airports offer numerous flight options, making access to Heyuan relatively straightforward from overseas.

Airlines and Typical Routes

Both CAN and SZX are well-served by a range of carriers.

Flight Information

Airlines: Major Chinese airlines (China Southern, China Eastern, Air China) operate extensive flights. Numerous international carriers also serve these airports.
Routes: Direct flights from major global hubs across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia connect to Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
Seasonal Flight Availability: Prices are higher during peak travel seasons (Lunar New Year, National Day holidays). Lower prices occur during off-peak times. Book flights well in advance for better rates.

Airport Facilities CAN/SZX

Both airports offer extensive facilities for travelers. You find duty-free shops, a wide array of restaurants and cafes, lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, and car rental options. They also have public transport connections.

Transfers from Guangzhou CAN

Airport Express Bus: Direct bus services to Heyuan (2.5-3 hours). Metro and High-Speed Train: Metro to Guangzhou East/South, then HSR to Heyuan East Station (河源东站). This is often faster and more comfortable.

Transfers from Shenzhen SZX

Airport Express Bus: Direct bus services to Heyuan (2.5-3 hours). Metro and High-Speed Train: Metro to Shenzhen North, then HSR to Heyuan East Station. A popular and efficient route.

Further Transfer Options

Private Transport

Taxi/Ride-share: Taxis and ride-shares (Didi) are available directly from both airports to Heyuan.
This option is expensive, costing CNY 500-800 or more.
It provides direct, private transport to your destination.
Book your airport transfers in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Flight Booking Resources

Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
Use Skyscanner to compare flight prices across different airlines.
Flexibility with travel dates helps secure better deals.
Accessing Heyuan is straightforward from major global hubs.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Heyuan has good high-speed rail connectivity via Heyuan East Train Station (河源东站). Direct HSR services connect to Guangzhou (approx. 1 hour) and Shenzhen (approx. 1 hour). Book via 12306.cn or Trip.com/Ctrip in advance.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Heyuan has a central bus station (河源汽车站) with connections to cities throughout Guangdong. Tickets are available at counters or online. Bus travel might take longer however provides more direct routes to more compact towns.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Foreigners cannot legally drive in mainland China with an international driving permit; a Chinese person license is needed. Renting hiring a car and driver is an option. Roads are generally good; traffic can be heavy in urban areas. DiscoverCars.com for hiring a car.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Heyuan is an inland city located in Guangdong Province. Therefore, sea or river arrivals for inter-city travel are not applicable.

No Sea Access

The city has no immediate access to the sea for the ferry or cruise services.
Water transport within the city is predominantly for tourism.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to Heyuan.

River Transportation Options

Public river transportation for inter-city travel is limited.

Recreational Use

The Xinfengjiang River mainly hosts scenic boat tours within Wanlv Lake.
These services offer recreational experiences rather than commuter services.
The city's location means sea/river arrivals are not a means of reaching Heyuan.

Departure Information

Plan your departure with similar care to your arrival. This avoids last-minute stress and ensures a smooth exit from Heyuan and China.

Departure Procedures

International Flights: Arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun or Shenzhen Bao'an at least 3 hours prior to departure for check-in, security, and immigration.
Domestic Flights or HSR: For domestic flights or high-speed rail from Heyuan East, arrive 1-2 hours before departure for ticketing and security.
Exit Fees or Taxes: No specific departure taxes or exit fees are levied. These costs are typically included in your airfare or train ticket.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers.

Terminal Services

Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) and Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) airports provide a full range of facilities: shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free areas.
Heyuan East Railway Station provides basic amenities, including waiting areas, small shops, and restrooms.
Confirm your flight or train schedule a day before departure. Traffic to the airport or train station can be unpredictable.

Airport Transfers and Preparation

Ground Transport

Arrange transportation from Heyuan to the airport well in advance, especially during peak travel times, to avoid delays.

Check-in

Complete online check-in if available for your flight to save time at the airport.

Documentation

Have your passport, visa, and boarding pass readily accessible for all checks.

Departure Reminder

Confirm your flight or train schedule a day before departure. Traffic to the airport or train station can be unpredictable.

How to Get to Heyuan