How to Get to Sanmenxia. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

East of Sanmenxia: Luoyang & Zhengzhou

Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) is about 1.5-2 hours drive east. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) is approximately 3-4 hours drive east and serves as the largest international airport in Henan Province.

Flight Connections

LYA mainly serves domestic flights to major Chinese cities.
CGO offers extensive domestic routes and some international flights, especially to Southeast Asia and East Asia.
Major Chinese airlines operate domestic routes from these airports.

West of Sanmenxia: Xi'an

Xi'a Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is approximately 3-4 hours drive west. XIY is a large international airport in Shaanxi Province, offering numerous domestic and international connections.

Global Access

No direct international flights operate to Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA).
International travelers typically fly into larger hubs like Beijing Capital (PEK) or Shanghai Pudong (PVG).
From these major hubs, take a connecting domestic flight to LYA or a high-speed train to Sanmenxia.

Dining

Various dining options at LYA, CGO, and XIY.

Retail

Stores at all major airports.

Car Rental

Car rental services available at airports. (Check DiscoverCars.com)

Airport Transfers to Sanmenxia

From Luoyang Beijiao LYA

Airport shuttle buses connect LYA to Luoyang city center. From there, take a taxi ride or Didi to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station.
Taxis or pre-arranged private transfers offer a direct route, though they are more costly.
High-speed train from Luoyang Longmen to Sanmenxia South Train Station is the most convenient option.
Factor in the time needed to travel transportation from the airport to the high-speed rail station.

From Zhengzhou CGO & Xi'a XIY

Airport shuttle bus to Zhengzhou East Railway Station (from CGO) or Xi'a North Railway Station (from XIY).
From these stations, board a high-speed train to Sanmenxia South Train Terminal.
Taxis or private transfers are available but costly due to the greater distance.
High-speed rail offers the fastest and most comfortable connection to Sanmenxia.

Flight Availability & Prices

Price Swings

Flight prices generally increase during Chinese public holidays, like Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) and Independence Day Golden Week (early October), along with during the peak summer travel months.

Early Booking

Book flights well in advance during these periods to secure better rates. (Consider Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner)

Airport Services

LYA, CGO, and XIY provide standard airport facilities, including various dining options, retail shops, and currency exchange counters. Expect modern amenities, especially at the international airports.

Land Transportation

High-Speed Rail: Sanmenxia South

Sanmenxia South Railway Station (三门峡南站) is the main station for high-speed rail services. It sits on the Xuzhou-Lanzhou High-Speed Railway. You will find frequent services to major cities like Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai, and Lanzhou.

Tickets & Booking

Purchase tickets online via 12306.cn (official Chinese railway booking site) or through international platforms like Trip.com/Ctrip.
You can also buy tickets at station ticket counters; bring your passport.
Book in advance, especially during peak travel periods, as trains are modern and punctual.

Conventional Rail & Buses

Sanmenxia Railway Station (三门峡站) serves conventional rail lines, handling slower, older trains. It connects to a broader range of smaller towns but is less frequently used by tourists traveling from major cities. Sanmenxia also operates a long-distance bus station.

Bus & Driving Notes

Long-distance buses provide routes to various cities within Henan Province and neighboring provinces. This option is typically more economical for shorter inter-city travel.
An international driving permit is not recognized.
Driving yourself is generally not recommended for most international tourists due to licensing requirements and driving conditions.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways and provincial roads in Henan Province are generally well-maintained. Rural roads can be less developed and may have varying surface quality.

Driving Awareness

Traffic in urban areas can be heavy and chaotic.
Defensive driving is advised for anyone choosing to drive.
Electric scooters and bicycles are ubiquitous and often share road space with cars, requiring constant awareness.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sanmenxia is a landlocked city, therefore, sea or river arrivals as a mode of inter-city transportation are not applicable.

River Transportation

Limited to local sightseeing boats on the Yellow River in designated scenic areas, like near the Sanmenxia Dam.
These are for recreational purposes and not a means of inter-city travel or public transport.
Not applicable for ferry services, cruise ports, or immigration procedures at seaports.

Departure Information

No particular exit fees or taxes are levied for departing China from airports or train stations for foreign visitors. Your ticket price includes any required taxes.
For air travel (Luoyang, Zhengzhou, or Xi'an), arrive 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight.
For high-speed train departure times from Sanmenxia South, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before scheduled departure.

For conventional trains or long-distance buses, arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.
Airports and major train stations offer standard facilities for departing travelers, including waiting areas, restrooms, dining options, and small shops.
Duty-free shopping is only available at primary international airports for outbound international flights. High-speed rail stations generally possess convenience stores and fast-food options.

Departure Advice

Pre-Departure Check

Before heading to the airport or train station, double-check your flight or train status using relevant apps or websites. This ensures you are aware of any delays or platform changes.

Checklist

Confirm flight/train status.
Ensure tickets are accessible.
Be aware of your terminal/platform.
Check baggage allowances.

Transfer Efficiency

When planning transfers from airports, factor inside the time needed to travel from the airport to the high-speed rail station. High-speed rail offers the fastest and most comfortable connection to Sanmenxia from nearby major cities.

Smooth Transitions

Plan airport-to-station transfers meticulously.
High-speed rail is generally the recommended option for efficiency.
Allow extra time during peak travel seasons or holidays.
Have translation apps ready for taxi drivers.

Smooth Exit

Follow recommended timings for airport or train station arrival for a hassle-free the process of leaving.

Document Ready

Keep your passport and tickets readily accessible for checks at security and boarding gates.

Stay Informed

Monitor official travel advisories and local announcements for any changes impacting your departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Airport Amenities

Luoyang Beijiao (LYA), Zhengzhou Xinzheng (CGO), and Xi'a Xianyang (XIY) airports provide standard airport facilities.

Facilities List

Various dining options.
Retail shops.
Currency exchange counters.

Train Station Services

High-speed rail stations, like Sanmenxia South, offer a range of services for departing travelers.

Station Facilities

Comfortable waiting areas.
Clean restrooms.
Convenience stores and fast-food options.

Special Notes for Departures

Duty-Free Shopping

Only available at major international airports for outbound international flights.

Check-in Times

Allow extra time for security screening and navigating large airport terminals.

Platform Changes

Monitor station announcements for any last-minute platform changes, especially at busy train stations.

Travel Recommendation

For tourists, using Didi, taxis, and public buses is typically more convenient and less complicated than renting a vehicle due to licensing requirements and local road conditions.

How to Get to Sanmenxia