How to Get to Ankang. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport & Airlines

Ankang Fuqiang Airport AKA

The main airport serving Ankang is Ankang Fuqiang Airport (AKA), a regional airport about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center. It serves domestic Chinese airlines like China Eastern Airlines and Joy Air.

Typical Routes & International Access

Domestic Connections: Typical routes link Ankang to major Chinese cities like Xi'an (provincial capital), Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
No Direct International Flights: International visitors must fly into a large international airport in China first.
Recommended Entry Points: Consider Xi'a Xianyang International Airport (XIY), Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), or Guangzhou (CAN) as international gateways.

Airport Services & Transfers

Ankang Fuqiang Airport, a regional facility, provides basic services for domestic travel: check-in, security, waiting areas, restrooms, and limited dining/retail options. Do not expect extensive duty-free shopping or international services.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Facilities: Basic facilities suffice for domestic travel needs.
Airport Transfers: Shuttle buses offer economical transfers to the city.
Taxi & Didi: Licensed taxis are available; Didi ride-sharing Provides fare transparency and convenience.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Domestic flight availability stays consistent. Prices fluctuate during holidays (Spring Festival, Foundation Day) and summer (July-August). Book early then.

Price Fluctuations

Expect higher prices during peak seasons. You may find better deals and more flexibility during the low season (winter, outside of Spring Festival).

Domestic Connections

Plan your international flight to a major hub, then arrange a domestic connection to Ankang. Dollar Flight Club can assist with finding deals.

Land Travel: Trains, Buses & Driving

Train Services & Connections

Ankang Railway Station: mainly for conventional (slow) trains, budget-friendly.
Ankang West Train Station: High-speed rail connections to Xi'an (1.5-2 hours), Chengdu, Chongqing.
Reserve train tickets early via platforms like Trip.com; tickets sell out quickly.
Ankang is a significant railway hub, connecting efficiently to other parts of China.

Long-Distance Buses & Self-Driving

Ankang Central Bus Station: Links to surrounding towns and neighboring provinces (Hubei, Sichuan).
Self-Driving: Requires a valid Chinese driving license; IDPs are not recognized.
Road Conditions: Major highways are well-maintained; mountain the roads may be curvy. Toll roads common.
Safety: Traffic can be dense; defensive driving is advisable.

Sea/River Travel Local

No Sea Access

Ankang is a city not on the coast and lacks seaside access or cruise ports for international or long-distance domestic travel.

River Transportation

The Han River offers scenic boat rides for leisure and sightseeing within the city, not for point-to-point transportation.

Immigration Procedures

International arrivals to China take place at international airports or land border crossings, not in Ankang via river.

Departure: Heading Home or Onward

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected when leaving from China, beyond those included in your airline ticket price. Plan your departure smoothly by getting to the designated time.

Departure Timing

Airport (Ankang Fuqiang Airport): Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
Train Station (Ankang West Train Terminal for high-speed rail): Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
Long-distance Bus Station: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Station Facilities

Ensure you have all your travel documents ready for inspection upon departure. Facilities at Ankang's transport hubs cater to the needs of departing travelers.

Available Services

Ankang Fuqiang Airport: Provides basic waiting areas, restrooms, and limited dining/snack options.
Ankang West Train Terminal: Offers comfortable waiting areas, restrooms, and some small shops or food vendors.
Ankang Rail Depot (conventional): Similar to the high-speed station, but may have older facilities.

Air Travel Resources

Flight Deals & Search

Finding good flight deals can significantly impact your travel budget. Utilize resources that track price changes and alert you to savings.

Recommended Flight Tools

Dollar Flight Club: Tracks and alerts for cheap flights, including international connections to China hubs.
Skyscanner: A powerful flight search engine to compare prices across various airlines and find optimal routes.
For international legs, target major Chinese cities, then book domestic connections to Ankang.

Travel Insurance & Compensation

Protect your trip from unexpected disruptions, from medical emergencies to flight delays. Comprehensive travel insurance Offers peace of mind.

Insurance & Assistance

World Nomads: Travel insurance for adventurous travelers, covering various activities and unexpected events.
SafetyWing: Insurance designed for digital nomads and remote teams, appropriate for longer visits.
AirHelp: Assists passengers in obtaining reimbursement for flight disruptions.

Car Rental & Visa Services

Car Rentals

For car rental in China, a valid Chinese driving license is a must. DiscoverCars.com offers options if you hold the correct documentation.

Visa Application Services

Navigating visa applications can be complex. Services Like iVisa simplify the process.

Direct Visa & Passport

For direct visa and passport services, VisaHQ can Assist with documentation.

Final Travel Tip

Always double-check the latest travel advisories and visa requirements for China before booking, as regulations can change.

How to Get to Ankang