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How to Get to Huizhou

How to Get to Huizhou

Huizhou Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Airport Access & Information

Major Airports Serving Huizhou

Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ): This regional airport mainly handles domestic flights withwithin China. It serves as a convenient gateway for travelers already within the country. Nearest International Airports: Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Distance from Huizhou

  • SZX: Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive.
  • CAN: Approximately 2-2.5 hours drive.
  • HKG: Approximately 2.5-3 hours of travel, including border crossing.

Airlines & Routes

Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ): Mainly served by Chinese domestic airlines, including China Southern, China Eastern, Spring Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. These airlines connect Huizhou to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Kunming. Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN), and Hong Kong (HKG): These major international airports host numerous international and domestic airlines, offering routes across the globe. You find direct flights from various major global hubs to these airports.

Direct International Flights

  • No direct international flights to HUZ.
  • Direct international flights are available to SZX, CAN, and HKG from numerous major global hubs across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
  • Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations apply to these larger airports.

Price Variability

Flight prices to SZX, CAN, and HKG fluctuate based on season, demand, and major Chinese holidays. Expect top rates during Chinese New Year, Republic Day Golden Week (early October), and summer holidays. Domestic flights to HUZ also experience price increases during these periods.

Airport Facilities

Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ) offers basic facilities, including check-in counters, domestic gates, limited dining options, and ground transportation services (shuttle buses, taxis, Didi). SZX, CAN, and HKG provide comprehensive facilities, with multiple terminals, extensive restaurant and retail options, lounges, and various ground transport choices.

Booking Advice

Booking flights well in advance for peak travel times holds recommendation. This approach often secures better rates and availability, notably for international routes to SZX, CAN, and HKG.

Transfer Options from Airports to Huizhou

From Huizhou Pingtan Airport HUZ

  • Airport Transfer service Buses: Regularly scheduled shuttle services connect HUZ to various places in Huizhou city.
  • Taxis/Didi: Services are readily available outside the terminal.
  • Choose an option that best fits your budget and destination within Huizhou.
  • Confirm your exact drop-off point with the driver or shuttle service.

From Shenzhen SZX or Guangzhou CAN

  • Intercity Bus: Direct long-distance buses operate from both SZX and CAN to various locations in Huizhou.
  • High-Speed Rail: Take metro/taxi to nearest high-speed rail station (e.g., Shenzhen North), then train to Huizhou.
  • Taxi/Didi: A direct ride offers convenience but can be costly for longer distances.

From Hong Kong International Airport HKG

Cross-border Bus

Direct cross-border buses operate from HKIA to Huizhou. These services manage the border crossing procedures efficiently.

Ferry + Land Transport

Take a ferry from HKIA SkyPier to Shenzhen or Guangzhou ports, then transfer to a bus or high-speed rail for the next leg of your trip to Huizhou.

MTR + High-Speed Rail

Use the MTR to reach Shenzhen Futian or West Kowloon station, then take a high-speed train to Huizhou South for a fast connection.

Traveling by Land

Border Crossing Information from Hong Kong

For travelers arriving from Hong Kong special administrative region to Huizhou, understanding border crossing points is essential. All border crossings entail passing through immigration checkpoints for both Hong Kong and mainland China. A valid visa (or eligibility for visa-free transit) for China is a necessity.

Crossing Points

  • Luohu Port (Shenzhen): Connects to Shenzhen MTR, offering onward travel via high-speed rail or bus to Huizhou.
  • Futian Port (Shenzhen): Also connects to Shenzhen MTR, supplying similar onward options to Huizhou.
  • Shenzhen Bay Port: Features a cross-border bus terminal, practical for direct bus services to Huizhou.

Train Connections & Services

Huizhou benefits from excellent train connectivity, especially via high-speed rail. Enjoy frequent services to Shenzhen (approximately 30-45 minutes), Guangzhou (approximately 1-1.5 hours), and direct trains to Hong Kong special administrative region West Kowloon (approximately 1 hour). Connections to other major Chinese cities are also available. Book tickets online via the official railway website (12306.cn – Chinese only) or by way of international agents like Trip.com/Ctrip. Booking in advance holds recommendation, particularly during peak travel periods.

High-Speed Rail Stations

  • Huizhou South Railway Station (惠州南站): Located in Huiyang District, closer to coastal areas. Connections to Shenzhen North, Guangzhou East, Hong Kong West Kowloon.
  • Huizhou North Railway Station (惠州北站): Situated in Huicheng District, serving the city center. Connections to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major Chinese cities.
  • Huidong Train Station (惠东站): Serves Huidong County, convenient for seaside destinations.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses offer a flexible and economical alternative for intercity travel. Huizhou has several long-distance bus stations, including Huizhou Bus Terminal (惠州汽车站) in Huicheng District and Huiyang Bus Terminal (惠阳汽车客运站). These stations supply connections to numerous cities across Guangdong province (e.g., Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan) and other provinces. Buses are generally comfortable and a more economical option compared to high-speed rail for some journeys.

Advantages

  • Budget-friendly travel.
  • Frequent services to many regional destinations.
  • Offers direct access to smaller towns not served by train.

Self-Driving Considerations

Foreigners generally cannot legally drive in mainland China with an international driving permit or a foreign license. A valid Chinese driver's license is a necessity. Renting a car for self-driving is not a feasible or recommended option for most foreign tourists due to licensing restrictions. Major rental companies like Shenzhou Car Rental (神州租车) and eHi Car Services (一嗨租车) operate in Huizhou if you possess a Chinese license.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Major roads and expressways around Huizhou are generally well-maintained.
  • Traffic can be heavy in urban areas, notably at busy times.
  • Driving practices in China may differ from Western countries; defensive driving is prudent if you are a passenger.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Huizhou itself lacks major international seaports for tourist arrivals.
  • Ferry services operate from Hong Kong special administrative region to other Pearl River Delta cities like Shenzhen (e.g., Shekou Port) or Guangzhou (e.g., Nansha Port).
  • From these ports, land transportation (bus, train, or taxi) becomes an essential to reach Huizhou.
  • River transit for tourism within Huizhou is limited, mainly consisting of scenic cruises on West Lake.
  • It does not serve as a mode for intercity travel.
  • Standard immigration procedures apply at ports like Shekou or Nansha; passports and valid visas (or visa-free transit documentation) are essential for entry.

Departure Procedures

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes typically apply upon departure from China at airports or land borders. These costs are usually incorporated into your flight or transport ticket price. You need not budget separately for exit taxes when planning your journey out of Huizhou or China.

Departure Timing Recommendations

  • Allow ample time for departure procedures, especially during peak travel periods.
  • Departing From the airport: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights and A single.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
  • Train Station Departure: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your train departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Major Airports (SZX, CAN, HKG) offer extensive facilities for departing travelers, including diverse dining options, shopping (including duty-free), lounges, and other services. Huizhou Pingtan Airport (HUZ), as a regional airport, provides more limited facilities, including basic dining and waiting areas. High-speed rail stations typically feature comfortable waiting areas, some dining and retail outlets, and restrooms.

Departure Checklist

  • Security checks are thorough at train stations.
  • Ensure all necessary documents, including your passport and boarding pass, are readily accessible.
  • Bus Station Departure: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the bus you are taking departure.

Smooth Exit Process

Following recommended timings and having documents ready makes for a smooth departure from Huizhou and China. Be prepared for security screenings.

Peak Season Awareness

During Chinese holidays or other busy periods, queues at airports and stations extend. Account for this when planning your departure time.

Onward Journey

Confirm your onward travel arrangements (flights, trains, buses) well in advance, especially if connecting to international destinations.

Traveling by Rail

From Shenzhen North Station

Shenzhen North Station offers frequent high-speed rail services to Huizhou South Railway Station. The journey is around 30-45 minutes. It represents a common and efficient route for travelers originating from Shenzhen or connecting from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX).

Information

  • Origin: Shenzhen North Railway Station (深圳北站)
  • Destination: Huizhou South Train Station (惠州南站)
  • Journey Duration: ~30-45 minutes

From Guangzhou South Station

Guangzhou South Station, a major high-speed rail hub, connects to Huizhou North Railway Station. This way caters to travelers coming from Guangzhou or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). The train journey typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Information

  • Origin: Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)
  • Destination: Huizhou North Railway Station (惠州北站)
  • Journey Duration: ~1-1.5 hours

Ticket Booking & Information

Official Website

Purchase tickets online via the official railway website 12306.cn (Chinese only, requires a Chinese ID for registration). Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

International Agents

Platforms like Trip.com/Ctrip allow international travelers to book high-speed rail tickets with foreign passports. Use Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Booking Advice

Booking in advance is always recommended, especially during peak travel periods and major Chinese holidays, to secure seats.