# Haikou Airport Transfer Guide (HAK) 本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。 Practical guide to getting from Haikou Meilan International Airport to the city. Real pricing, transport options, and what to expect after landing in China. **Airport:** HAK **City:** Haikou **Country:** China **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak **Last updated:** 2026-07-25 Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow. ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) is about 25 km southeast of central Haikou. Haikou is the capital of Hainan, China's tropical island province in the South China Sea. The airport is modern and handles both domestic and international flights. Getting to the city centre takes 30-45 minutes by road depending on traffic and your destination. The airport has its own railway station — Meilan (美兰站) — about 400 m from the terminals, served by Hainan's island loop high-speed line and by city trains that reach Haikou East in 8-9 minutes. Taxis are metered: CNY 10 for the first 3 km, then CNY 2.1 per km, which puts the run into town at roughly CNY 65-85. Pre-booked transfer prices are set by the operator and quoted when you book. As with all Chinese cities, the language barrier and payment system (WeChat Pay/Alipay dominance) make pre-arranged transport less stressful for first-time visitors. ### What actually happens after landing Haikou Meilan International Airport handles domestic and international flights. For international arrivals, immigration involves fingerprinting and a photo. Queue times vary from 15 to 45 minutes depending on flight volume. After collecting your bags and passing customs, you enter the arrivals hall. Signage is in Chinese and English. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available. **The payment problem:** China runs almost entirely on WeChat Pay and Alipay. Many taxis, shops, and services prefer or only accept mobile payments. International credit cards work at some places but not reliably. Have some cash in CNY as backup. ATMs in the arrivals area accept international cards. **Connectivity:** Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in China without a VPN. Install and configure a VPN before you land. Airport WiFi may require a Chinese phone number to register. A local SIM card from a counter in arrivals is a practical solution. ### Transport options explained honestly **Taxis** queue at designated ranks outside the arrivals hall (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, ground-floor arrivals, outside door 3), 24 hours, taking cash, Alipay or WeChat Pay. Haikou taxis are metered on the tariff the airport publishes: **CNY 10** covers the first 3 km, then **CNY 2.1 per km**, and past 15 km each further kilometre carries a 50 percent surcharge (**CNY 3.15**). Waiting or crawling below 12 km/h adds **CNY 0.5 per minute**. On that tariff the roughly 25 km into the centre works out at about **CNY 65-85** once time in traffic is counted. Tariffs are revised periodically, so check the posted rate at the rank before you set off. Few drivers speak English — have your hotel name written in Chinese characters on your phone. **Rideshares** through Didi (China's dominant ride-hailing app) are available but require a Chinese phone number and payment method. Not practical for most first-time visitors on arrival. **Pre-booked transfers** are particularly useful because of the language barrier. Your driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, the price is fixed, and you do not need to communicate in Mandarin. Transfer prices are set by the operator and quoted when you book — compare the quote against the metered estimate above. **Airport buses** (机场巴士, operated by Haiqi) run from outside door 4 of both arrivals halls to points in the city for **CNY 20** per adult and **CNY 10** per child on lines 1 and 2, and **CNY 30** on line 3 to Laocheng. They run around the clock, with the 02:20-07:40 window by advance booking. Separately, **city buses** (机场公交) run from the ground transportation centre on a sectional fare from **CNY 1** up to **CNY 5-6** for the full route, roughly 06:15-22:00 — the cheapest way into Haikou by some margin. **Trains** leave from Meilan station, about a 400 m (5-minute) walk from either terminal; Terminal 2 has a direct basement passage. City trains reach Haikou East in 8-9 minutes and continue to Haikou station, and the island loop high-speed line runs south to Qionghai, Wanning and Sanya. Buy at the station machines (Chinese and English, cash/WeChat/Alipay/UnionPay) or on 12306, which is where the current fares are published. ### Realistic pricing expectations Getting to central Haikou costs roughly: - Taxi: **CNY 65-85**, derived from the metered tariff below - Airport bus (机场巴士): **CNY 20** adult, **CNY 10** child (lines 1 and 2); **CNY 30** on line 3 to Laocheng - City bus (机场公交): **CNY 1-6** depending on how far you ride - Train from Meilan station: fares are published on 12306, not by the airport - Pre-booked transfer: quoted by the operator when you book Haikou taxis are metered on the tariff the airport publishes: **CNY 10** covers the first 3 km, then **CNY 2.1 per km**, and past 15 km each further kilometre carries a 50 percent surcharge (**CNY 3.15**). Waiting or crawling below 12 km/h adds **CNY 0.5 per minute**. On that tariff the roughly 25 km into the centre works out at about **CNY 65-85** once time in traffic is counted. Tariffs are revised periodically, so check the posted rate at the rank before you set off. Between midnight and 5 AM the starting fare rises by CNY 1, to **CNY 11** for the first 3 km. That is the entire night surcharge — there is no percentage added to the fare. Traffic during rush hours pushes the metered fare toward the higher end, because the meter charges for slow running as well as distance. Hainan is China's duty-free shopping paradise with generous tax-free allowances. Haikou is the administrative capital while Sanya in the south is the main resort destination. If you are heading to Sanya, you may want to fly directly to SYX instead. ### Late night arrivals Taxis are available 24 hours, and the airport buses run through the night (the 02:20-07:40 departures need to be booked in advance). Trains from Meilan station do not run all night — check 12306 for the last service on your date. Haikou is relatively quiet at night and the drive to the city centre takes about 25-30 minutes without traffic. If your flight arrives after 10:30 PM, your realistic options narrow to taxis or a pre-booked transfer. The terminal stays open but shops and restaurants largely close by 10-11 PM. A pre-booked transfer is particularly valuable for late-night arrivals. Having someone waiting who knows where you are going eliminates the hardest parts of navigating an unfamiliar Chinese city after midnight, especially with the language barrier. ### Families and luggage Without a metro connection, you will be using taxis or transfers with luggage. Taxis are standard sedans with limited boot space. If you have more than two large suitcases, you may need a larger vehicle. Pre-booked transfers can arrange minivans in advance, which is worth considering for families. Child car seats are not standard in Chinese taxis and are generally not available. If this matters to you, arrange a transfer service that can provide one. Chinese road driving can be aggressive by Western standards, so a child seat provides genuine peace of mind. ### Where you meet the driver The taxi rank is outside the arrivals level, well signed in both Chinese and English. Follow signs for ground transportation. Pre-booked transfer drivers typically wait inside the arrivals hall near the exit, holding a sign with your name. Your booking confirmation will specify the meeting point. Have your driver's phone number saved in case you cannot find each other, and be aware that calling may require a local SIM or VPN-enabled messaging. For Didi pickups, there are usually designated pickup zones, but navigating these requires the app in Chinese, which is challenging for first-time visitors. ### Decision helper **Choose a taxi if** you want door-to-door service, have your destination written in Chinese, and are comfortable with metered pricing. **Choose a pre-booked transfer if** this is your first time in China, you do not speak Mandarin, you are travelling with children or heavy luggage, or you want to eliminate uncertainty after a long flight. ## Summary Haikou Meilan International Airport is well-organized and the infrastructure for reaching the city is solid. The main challenges for international visitors are the language barrier, the mobile payment system, and internet restrictions. Planning your transport in advance makes the difference between a smooth arrival and a frustrating one. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How long does it take to get from Haikou Meilan International Airport to the city centre?** By taxi, 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Rush hours can push road travel significantly longer. By train from Meilan station, Haikou East is 8-9 minutes away. **Q: Do taxi drivers at Haikou Airport speak English?** Very few do. Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters. Showing a map on your phone also helps. A pre-booked transfer eliminates this problem entirely. **Q: Can I use Uber or Didi at Haikou Airport?** Uber does not operate in China. Didi is the local equivalent but requires a Chinese phone number and payment method (Alipay or WeChat Pay). Setting this up on arrival is impractical for most foreign visitors. **Q: Is there free WiFi at Haikou Meilan International Airport?** WiFi is available but may require a Chinese mobile number for registration. Coverage can be patchy. Do not rely on it for navigation or contacting your driver. A local SIM card purchased in arrivals is a better solution. **Q: Can I pay with a credit card in Haikou taxis?** Most taxis prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay. Some accept cash. International credit cards are rarely accepted in taxis. Have cash in CNY as backup. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall. **Q: How much is a taxi from HAK to central Haikou?** The meter runs on the published city tariff: CNY 10 for the first 3 km, then CNY 2.1 per km, with a 50 percent per-km surcharge past 15 km and CNY 0.5 per minute of slow running. That puts central areas at roughly **CNY 65-85**. Between midnight and 5 AM the starting fare rises by CNY 1 to CNY 11 — there is no percentage night surcharge. Traffic during rush hours pushes the fare toward the higher end. **Q: Is Haikou Meilan International Airport safe?** Yes. Chinese airports are well-policed and modern. The main risk is unlicensed taxi touts offering rides at inflated prices. Always use the official taxi rank outside the terminal. **Q: Do I need a VPN at Haikou Airport?** If you want to use Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, or most Western apps, yes. Install and configure a VPN before you arrive in China. Without a VPN, you cannot access most Western services. **Q: What about the 144-hour visa-free transit?** Many nationalities can transit through Haikou visa-free for up to 144 hours under certain conditions. This is processed at immigration on arrival. Have your onward travel details ready. **Q: How do I get cash at Haikou Meilan International Airport?** ATMs accepting international cards (Visa, Mastercard) are available in the arrivals hall. Withdraw CNY directly rather than using currency exchange counters, which typically offer worse rates. ## Late night arrivals at Haikou Meilan International Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/late-night If your flight lands at Haikou Meilan International Airport after 10 PM, your transport options narrow but you are not stranded. ## What stops running The city buses (机场公交) stop around 22:00. The airport buses (机场巴士) do run around the clock, but departures between 02:20 and 07:40 have to be booked in advance rather than simply boarded. Trains from Meilan station stop overnight — check 12306 for the last one on your date. Shops and restaurants in the terminal largely close by 10-11 PM. ## What is available **Taxis** operate 24 hours from the ranks outside door 3 of both arrivals halls, and late-night queues are usually shorter than daytime. Between midnight and 5 AM the starting fare rises by CNY 1, to CNY 11 for the first 3 km — that is the only night surcharge. Haikou is relatively quiet at night and the drive to the city centre takes about 25-30 minutes without traffic. **Pre-booked transfers** are available any time. Your driver will be waiting regardless of your arrival time, even if your flight is delayed. This is the most reliable late-night option. **Didi** works at night but requires a Chinese phone number and payment setup, making it impractical for most visitors. ## Practical tips for late arrivals - Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters before landing. This is critical at night when fewer English-speaking staff are around. - Download offline maps before arriving in China, as Google Maps requires a VPN. - Withdraw cash from an ATM in arrivals. Late-night taxi drivers are less likely to accept anything other than cash or mobile payment. - If your hotel offers an airport shuttle, confirm the latest pickup time before your flight. - The terminal is secure and stays open. If you arrive very late and prefer not to travel, sleeping in the terminal is possible but not comfortable. Airport hotels are a better option. ## Safety Haikou Airport is safe at night. The main risk is unlicensed taxi touts approaching you inside the terminal offering inflated fares. Always use the official taxi queue. Pre-booked transfers eliminate this concern entirely. ## Taxi vs pre-booked transfer at Haikou Meilan International Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/taxi-vs-transfer Both taxis and pre-booked transfers get you from Haikou Meilan International Airport to Haikou, but they offer very different experiences. Here is an honest comparison. ## Taxis **Cost:** roughly **CNY 65-85** to central Haikou, on the published meter — CNY 10 for the first 3 km, then CNY 2.1 per km, plus a 50 percent per-km surcharge past 15 km and CNY 0.5 per minute of slow running. The final price depends on traffic and exact destination. **Pros:** - No advance booking needed - Available immediately from the taxi rank - Metered pricing is transparent - Cheaper for short distances **Cons:** - Very few drivers speak English - You need your destination in Chinese characters - Payment is cash or Chinese mobile payment only - Standard sedans with limited luggage space - No child car seats available - Meter runs in traffic, so rush hour costs more ## Pre-booked transfers **Cost:** set by the operator and quoted when you book. Fixed regardless of traffic. **Pros:** - Driver waiting with your name at arrivals - Fixed price agreed at booking, no meter anxiety - No language barrier for your destination - Can arrange larger vehicles, child seats, extra luggage space - Pay in advance with international credit card - Driver tracks your flight and adjusts for delays **Cons:** - More expensive than a taxi, especially for short distances - Requires advance booking - Less spontaneous ## When to choose a taxi - You have been to China before and are comfortable with the language barrier - You have Chinese payment apps set up or cash in CNY - You are travelling light with a simple destination - Your destination is close to the airport ## When to choose a pre-booked transfer - This is your first time in China - You do not speak Mandarin - You are travelling with family, children, or heavy luggage - You are arriving late at night - You want certainty after a long flight - You have not set up Chinese mobile payment apps ## The honest verdict For experienced China travellers, taxis are fine and cheaper. For first-time visitors to China, the combination of language barrier, payment system differences, and navigation challenges makes a pre-booked transfer worth the premium. Compare the quote you are given against the metered estimate above and decide whether the difference is worth it to you. ## Haikou Meilan International Airport with family and kids **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/family-and-kids Travelling through Haikou Meilan International Airport with children is manageable but requires some planning, especially if this is your first time in China. ## Inside the terminal The airport has family facilities including baby changing rooms and nursing areas. Trolleys are free and widely available. The walk from gates to baggage claim can be significant in larger terminals, so allow extra time. Immigration with children is the same process as adults. Children need their own passports and arrival cards. The queue does not move faster for families. ## Transport with children **Taxis:** Standard sedans with limited space. A family of four with moderate luggage can fit, but add a stroller and extra bags and it gets tight. There are no child car seats in Chinese taxis. This is a genuine safety concern as driving in Chinese cities can be aggressive. **Pre-booked transfers:** The best option for families. You can request a minivan or SUV with extra luggage space, and arrange child car seats in advance. The driver helps with luggage and knows your destination. ## Child car seats This is important: child car seats are **not standard** in Chinese taxis and are generally **not available** on request. If your children are young enough to need a car seat, your options are: - Bring your own travel car seat (recommended for extended stays) - Book a transfer service that provides child seats (confirm at booking) - Accept the risk of travelling without one (common locally but uncomfortable for many Western parents) ## Practical tips for families - Pack snacks and entertainment for the immigration queue, which can take 30-60 minutes. - Have your accommodation address in Chinese characters ready before landing. - If possible, arrange transport in advance rather than figuring it out in arrivals with tired children. - Baby formula, nappies, and basic supplies are available at convenience stores in the terminal, but selection is limited. - If you need a SIM card, get one in arrivals while your partner watches the children and luggage. The process takes 10-15 minutes. ## Budget for families A transfer with a vehicle large enough for a family's luggage and a child seat is priced by the operator and quoted when you book. It costs more than a metered taxi — which runs to roughly CNY 65-85 for the trip into central Haikou — but is significantly less stressful with children. ## Cost of getting from Haikou Meilan International Airport to the city **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/cost-to-city 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 **Train:** Meilan station sits about 400 m from the terminals; city trains reach Haikou East in 8-9 minutes. Fares are published on 12306 rather than by the airport, so check there for your date. **City bus (机场公交):** a sectional fare from **CNY 1**, up to **CNY 5** for the full 机场1路 route and **CNY 6** for 机场2路, roughly 06:15-22:00. The cheapest option. **Airport bus (机场巴士):** **CNY 20** adult and **CNY 10** child on lines 1 and 2; **CNY 30** on line 3 to Laocheng. Runs around the clock, with 02:20-07:40 by advance booking. **Taxi:** Haikou taxis are metered on the tariff the airport publishes: **CNY 10** covers the first 3 km, then **CNY 2.1 per km**, and past 15 km each further kilometre carries a 50 percent surcharge (**CNY 3.15**). Waiting or crawling below 12 km/h adds **CNY 0.5 per minute**. On that tariff the roughly 25 km into the centre works out at about **CNY 65-85** once time in traffic is counted. Tariffs are revised periodically, so check the posted rate at the rank before you set off. Between midnight and 5 AM the starting fare rises by CNY 1, to **CNY 11** for the first 3 km. That is the entire night surcharge — there is no percentage added to the fare. **Pre-booked transfer:** priced by the operator and quoted when you book. The price is fixed regardless of traffic. ## By destination Rather than quote a fare per neighbourhood — the meter, not a price list, decides what you pay — work it out from the published tariff: | Metered distance | What the meter shows (before slow-running time) | |-------------|------------| | First 3 km | **CNY 10** | | 3-15 km | CNY 10 + **CNY 2.1** per further km | | Beyond 15 km | plus **CNY 3.15** per further km | | 00:00-05:00 | starting fare **CNY 11** instead of CNY 10 | So a 25 km run into central Haikou comes to roughly **CNY 65-85** with traffic. Wanning, on the surf coast, is a long-distance trip better served by the high-speed line from Meilan station than by a metered taxi. ## Hidden costs to consider - **Late-night surcharge:** between midnight and 5 AM the starting fare is CNY 11 instead of CNY 10. That is the whole surcharge — it is not a percentage on the fare. - **Traffic factor:** rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) fares run higher because the meter adds CNY 0.5 per minute below 12 km/h on top of the 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. **Q: How far is Haikou Airport from the city center?** Haikou Meilan Airport is about 25 km from the city center. A taxi takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Airport buses are available but slower, and Meilan railway station next to the terminals reaches Haikou East in 8-9 minutes. **Q: How much is a taxi from Haikou Airport to the city?** The meter charges CNY 10 for the first 3 km, then CNY 2.1 per km, with a 50 percent per-km surcharge past 15 km — roughly **CNY 65-85** for the 25 km to the city centre. Between midnight and 5 AM the starting fare rises by CNY 1 to CNY 11; there is no percentage night surcharge. **Q: Is there a bus from Haikou Airport?** Yes. The airport bus (机场巴士) is **CNY 20** per adult and **CNY 10** per child on lines 1 and 2, and **CNY 30** on line 3 to Laocheng. Cheaper still are the city buses (机场公交), which charge a sectional fare from **CNY 1** up to **CNY 5-6** for the full route. Both are slower than a taxi. There is also a railway station at the airport. ## Published Guide Pages - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/late-night - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/taxi-vs-transfer - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/family-and-kids - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hak/cost-to-city ## Booking and Support Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=HAK Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator. Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time). WhatsApp: +44 7828 732663 — 24/7 (https://wa.me/447828732663). Terms: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/terms Complaints: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/complaints Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.