Haikou Meilan International Airport is about 25 km from Haikou city centre. Transport costs vary depending on your method, destination, and time of day.
By transport type
Airport bus: CNY 15-30 depending on the route. Slow but inexpensive.
Taxi: CNY 50-90 to central areas. Meters are standard. After 11 PM, fares increase by roughly 20 percent. Rush hour traffic pushes fares toward the higher end.
Pre-booked transfer: $20-40 USD for a sedan. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price is fixed regardless of traffic.
By destination
| Destination | Taxi (CNY) | Transfer (CNY) | |-------------|------------|----------------| | Haikou old town | 40-60 | 130-220 | | Haikou Railway Station | 35-55 | 120-200 | | Holiday Beach | 50-80 | 180-280 | | Wanning (surfing) | 200-300 | 500-700 | | Haikou Port | 45-70 | 150-250 | | Evergreen Park | 35-55 | 120-200 |
Hidden costs to consider
- Late-night surcharge: Taxi meters increase after 11 PM. Budget an extra 20 percent.
- Traffic factor: Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) fares can be significantly higher as the meter runs on both time and distance.
- Language confusion: If a taxi driver misunderstands your destination, the detour costs you money on the meter. Having your address in Chinese reduces this risk.
- Payment friction: Without WeChat Pay or Alipay, you are limited to cash. ATMs are available in arrivals.
Tips for managing costs
- For groups of 3-4 people, a taxi or transfer becomes more cost-effective per person than individual transit fares.
- Cash in CNY is the most reliable payment for taxis. ATMs in the arrivals hall accept international cards.
- Pre-booked transfers include the price for the vehicle, not per person, making them economical for families and small groups.