How to Get to Handan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Handan

Handan Airport Overview

Handan Air terminal (HDG) serves the city. It is about 11 kilometers (7 miles) southwest of Handan city center. This is a regional airport.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines, Tianjin Airlines.
Direct flights connect Handan to major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu.
Different locations: Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing, and Kunming.

International Connections

Handan Airport does not have direct international flights.

Connecting Hubs

International travelers fly into major international hubs in China.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a main gateway.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) are other options.

Airport Facilities

Handan Airport is a relatively small airport. Facilities include check-in, baggage claim, dining, shops, and basic waiting areas.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Links the airport to Handan city center, typically to Civil Aviation Hotel or Handan Train Station.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are outside the terminal (use meter).

Flight Price Trends

Consistent Availability

Flight availability generally consistent throughout the year.
Domestic Chinese carriers maintain regular service.
Routes to major Chinese cities remain stable.
Booking flights in advance is recommended. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Peak Season Increases

Prices fluctuate significantly around major Chinese holidays.
Spring Festival, May Day, National Day see higher prices.
Peak travel seasons: May, September, and October.

Departure Guidance

Handan Airport HDG

Get there at LEAST 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure for check-in and security.

High-Speed Rail

Arrive at Handan East Railway Station at least 30-45 minutes before departure. Security checks are thorough.

Conventional Rail/Bus

Arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before departure.

Land Transportation Options

Rail Travel

Handan boasts excellent train connectivity, a part of China's efficient rail network.

Stations & Routes

Handan East Railway Station: High-speed rail connections to Beijing (1.5-2 hrs), Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Guangzhou.
Handan Railway Station: Conventional, slower rail services to various cities across China.
Modern facilities at Handan East; conventional trains offer an economical choice.

Bus Connections

Handan Passenger Transport Center serves as the main long-distance bus station.

Routes & Companies

Extensive bus routes to cities and towns throughout Hebei province.
Connections to neighboring provinces like Shandong and Henan.
Different local and regional bus companies operate these services.

Driving in Handan

Foreigners cannot legally drive a car in China using only an international driving permit. A temporary Chinese driving permit is required.

Requirements & Considerations

A temporary Chinese driving permit is available for short stays after an application and simple test.
Road conditions vary. Traffic can be heavy and chaotic.
Signage is mainly in Chinese.

Border & Sea/River Travel

Handan is an inland city within China, so border crossing and water transportation are not relevant.

Not Applicable

Border crossing information is not relevant for Handan.
Ferry services and a cruise ports are not applicable.
River transit choices are not applicable.

Road Safety in Handan

Roads: Major highways and city roads are generally well-maintained.
Traffic: Can be heavy and chaotic, requiring vigilance.
Driving Style: Aggressive driving and frequent lane changes are common.

Mixed Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, electric scooters, and bicycles share roads.
Pedestrians/Cyclists: Right-of-way often not respected.
Caution: Exercise vigilance when walking or cycling near traffic.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on travelers departing China by air or land.

Included in Ticket Price

Any such fees are usually included in the air ticket price.
This streamlines the departure process for travelers.
No further charges upon exiting.

Airport/Station Facilities

Handan's leaving points offer varying levels of facilities.

Amenities Available

Handan Airfield (HDG): Basic waiting areas, some small shops, and cafes.
Handan East Railway Station: Modern facilities with waiting rooms, restaurants, shops, and restrooms.
Conventional Rail/Bus Stations: Functional but with fewer amenities compared to high-speed rail.

Easy Exit

Departure procedures are straightforward, allowing a smooth exit from Handan.

Timely Arrival

Allow ample time at air terminals and stations for security and check-in processes.

No Hidden Costs

Transparency in ticketing means no unexpected fees when departing China.

Affiliate Resources

Flight & Accommodation Tools

Utilize these assets for planning your travel and stays.

Booking Essentials

Dollar Flight Club: Find flight bargains for your journey.
Skyscanner: Compare flight prices and options worldwide.
Amazon: Explore various travel accessories and booking options.

Insurance & Security

Ensure peace of mind with travel insurance and security products.

Safety & Protection

World Nomads: Travel insurance for adventurous travelers.
SafetyWing: Insurance for digital nomads and remote teams.
Pacsafe: Anti-theft bags and travel security products.

Connectivity & Health

VPN Services

Access restricted content with NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

ESIM for Data

Stay connected with Airalo for convenient mobile data.

First Aid & Water

Essential supplies from Adventure Medical Kits and LifeStraw.

Travel Smart

These resources contribute to a smoother and more prepared journey to Handan.

How to Get to Handan