Hefei Xinqiao International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (HFE)

How to get to Hefei Xinqiao International Airport

Hefei city center is approximately 30 km from the airport: the transfer takes roughly 40-45 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Hefei's center in approximately 40-45 minutes.

By Train

Metro: line 2 of the metro system connects the airport directly to Hefei's city center in approximately 40-45 minutes.

By Bus

Multiple dedicated bus lines connect the airport to Hefei's city center.

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Tips If your itinerary continues to Huangshan mountains, check high-speed rail connections from Hefei, often more practical than a domestic flight for this route. Activate Alipay or WeChat Pay at the airport.

Average travel time to HFE

Train40-45 minutes (metro)

Shuttle bus40-45 minutes

Taxi / Private hire40-45 minutes

Parking near Hefei Xinqiao International Airport

The official parking area is located in front of the terminal.

It is not staffed but is video-monitored; first 15 minutes free, then 5 CNY the first hour, +3 CNY every 30 minutes, cap 50 CNY in 24 hours (rate in effect from July 8, 2025).

How to get to Hefei from HFE

By Train

Metro: Line 2 directly connects the airport to Hefei city center in approximately 40-45 minutes, approximately 5-7 CNY.

By Bus

Multiple dedicated bus lines connect the airport to Hefei city center.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; metered fares are standard for rides to the city center, approximately 100-120 CNY (14-17 USD), given the roughly 30 km distance.

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Car rental at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport

Only a few car rental companies have a desk in the arrivals area.

Many visitors opt for taxi or alternative transport services instead of car rental.

Hotels near Hefei Xinqiao International Airport

Xinqiao Airport is about 30-35 km from downtown Hefei: a taxi takes 45-50 minutes, while dedicated buses can take up to an hour depending on the line. The S1, the metro line designed specifically to connect the airport to the West railway station and downtown, was still in trial runs without passengers in early October 2026, with public opening announced for the end of the year: until then, the only options are the road shuttle or a taxi. Anyone who wants to stay close to the terminals has a small group of international hotels right next to the airport; those with more time can instead aim for downtown, in the Shushan district or the Luyang district.

Airport area

Xinqiao, next to the terminals

A few minutes on foot or with a free shuttle from the terminal; by taxi from downtown, 45-50 minutes.

Best for: Early morning flights and short layovers, until the S1 metro line is operational for passengers.

Pros

Two international chain hotels literally next to the airport, with a free shuttle
No risk of missing the flight because of traffic or bus delays

Cons

An area with no city life: just the airport perimeter
Until the S1 metro opens (expected by the end of 2026), downtown remains reachable only by road.

Recommended hotels

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City centre

Shushan and Luyang, the city centre

45-50 minutes by taxi from the airport; buses on Line 1 and Line 4 can take up to an hour depending on the stop, with a fare of around 25 yuan.

Best for: Anyone with time to see Hefei who wants restaurants, shops and the university districts within easy reach.

Pros

Grand Hyatt in the Shushan district, a few minutes on foot from the Anhui Museum and the shopping centres
Shangri-La in the heart of Luyang, a central area with restaurants and evening venues

Cons

A longer transfer from the airport than the Xinqiao area, especially without a taxi
City traffic that can lengthen journey times at rush hour

Recommended hotels

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Airport services

The airport provides services appropriate for its role as a hub serving Anhui province.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Chinese tea, baijiu, and Huangshan Maofeng tea, cultivated on the famous Huangshan mountains.

Lounges & relaxation

Access typically involves a paid day-pass, with opening hours tailored to flight time windows.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have service desks at the airport.

Families & Children

The terminal offers basic accommodation for families with young children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is adequately sized for growing regional traffic. From check-in to gate you generally walk 15 minutes.

Customs control times are variable: for international flights it is prudent to arrive at least 3 hours early.

Map of Hefei Xinqiao International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Hefei a good starting point for the Huangshan mountains?

Yes, well connected by high-speed train, often more practical than a domestic flight to reach the famous UNESCO World Heritage mountains.

Q. Why is Hefei growing so rapidly?

Because of investments in the technology and science sector, which have made it one of China's emerging innovation hubs.

Q. Is Hefei well set up for foreign tourists or more geared towards business travellers?

More the latter: the city's recent growth is mostly tied to technology and science investments, so English-language signage and services are less common than in major tourist destinations like Shanghai or Beijing.