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How to Get to Hengyang

How to Get to Hengyang

Hengyang Hunan, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Flights

Hengyang Nanyue Airport (HNY) services domestic flights. Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX), about 160 km north, the major international entry point for Hunan province. Airlines operate domestic routes to major Chinese cities.

Flight Details

  • No direct international flights to HNY.
  • International flights via CSX or other major Chinese hubs.
  • Domestic flights from HNY to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.

Seasonal Availability & Prices

Domestic flight schedules within China generally stable throughout the year. However, prices fluctuate significantly around major Chinese holidays, like Lunar New Year and National Day Golden Week.

Booking & Prices

  • Expect higher fares during peak travel seasons.
  • Book flights far in advance for peak season times.
  • Off-peak travel usually offers more affordable options.

Airport Facilities HNY

Hengyang Nanyue Airport (HNY) offers basic facilities, including check-in, limited dining, and a few shops.

Airport Facilities CSX

Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) extensive facilities: dining, retail, lounges, duty-free shopping.

Transfer from HNY

Airport shuttle bus or taxi to downtown Hengyang, about 20-30 minutes.

Transfer from CSX to Hengyang

High-Speed Rail

  • Airport Maglev or shuttle to Changsha South Railway Station.
  • Board high-speed train to Hengyang East Rail Depot.
  • Journey about 40-60 minutes on high-speed train.
  • Often the fastest and most reliable method.

Long-Distance Bus

  • Long-distance buses from CSX directly to Hengyang.
  • Check schedules at the airport's ground transportation center.
  • Can take longer than high-speed rail.
  • Alternative for destinations not served by rail.

Flight Resources

Find Deals

Discover affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Use Skyscanner for comparing prices across airlines.

Air Passenger Rights

Explore compensation for delayed/canceled flights with AirHelp.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

China's railway system offers efficient connections to Hengyang. Hengyang Railway Station handles conventional trains; Hengyang East Railway Station a major hub for high-speed trains.

Train Information

  • Hengyang East on Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway.
  • Connects to Changsha (~40 min), Guangzhou (~2 hrs), Shanghai (~6-7 hrs).
  • Reserve through 12306.cn (Chinese) or international agents like Trip.com.

Long-Distance Buses

Hengyang has a number of long-distance bus stations, including Central and West Bus Stations. These directions to cities and towns within Hunan and nearby provinces.

Bus Travel Overview

  • Various local and regional bus companies operate services.
  • Reach places not served by rail network.
  • Sometimes a more direct route to little towns.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Foreign driving licenses and International Driving Permits are not recognized in mainland China. Obtaining a temporary Chinese driving permit a complex and time-consuming process.

Driving Limitations

  • Car rental not feasible for most international tourists.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals not widely available for tourists.
  • Driving culture aggressive; less adherence to lane discipline.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways connecting Hengyang to other cities (e.g., G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Expressway) are well-maintained. City roads also generally good. Rural road quality varies.

Travel Safety Tips

  • Highways and city roads are generally in good condition.
  • Traffic can be heavy and aggressive in cities.
  • If by taxi/ride-sharing, trust your driver's local knowledge.

Rental Resources

  • Car rental companies like Shenzhou Car Rental require a Chinese license.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals limited for tourists without a Chinese license.
  • Use bicycle sharing apps like HelloBike for casual city rides.
  • DiscoverCars.com a portal for international car rentals, but verify license rules for China.
  • Self-driving not a recommended or easily accessible option.
  • Rely on other methods of transport.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & River Transport

Hengyang's inland location implies sea or major river arrivals are not a main mode of transportation for tourists. The city is not coastal and lacks sea ferry services or cruise ports.

Water Travel Realities

  • Ferry services and cruise ports not applicable.
  • Xiang River transport limited to recreational boat tours.
  • Not a main mode for passenger or inter-provincial travel.

Immigration & Connections

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to Hengyang. All foreign arrivals occur at airports. Any local recreational boat tours would connect to land transportation at city docks.

Entry & Exit Procedures

  • International arrivals solely at airports.
  • Recreational boat tours link to city land transport.
  • Focus arrival/departure on air and high-speed rail.

Efficient Travel

Air and high-speed rail are the most efficient ways to reach Hengyang.

Limited Water Options

River transport serves recreational purposes, not main travel.

Plan Accordingly

Adjust your travel plans to use established air and rail routes.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

For international flights departing from China, any exit fees or taxes typically included in your airfare. No specific exit fees for domestic travel. Planning departure times carefully minimizes stress.

Departure Checklist

  • Exit fees for international flights included in airfare.
  • HNY domestic: arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • CSX international: arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure.

High-Speed Rail Departure

For leaving from Hengyang East Railway Station, plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your train's departure. This allows time to navigate the station, pass security, and locate your platform. High-speed rail stations in China are large and busy.

Rail Departure Prep

  • Arrive 30-45 minutes before train departure.
  • Account for station navigation and security checks.
  • Locate your platform in advance.

Airport & Station Facilities

HNY Airport

Offers basic facilities: waiting areas, limited retail/dining.

CSX Airport

Extensive facilities: diverse dining, retail, lounges, duty-free.

Hengyang East Station

Large waiting areas, shops, fast-food outlets.

Final Departure Check

Confirm your flight or train schedule the day before departure. Look for any delays or platform changes using relevant apps or station information boards.

How to Get to Hengyang. Flights, Transportation, Airlines