Hefei Xinqiao International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

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.

Xinqiao, next to the terminals

Airport area · 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 in this area

Hampton by Hilton Hefei Xinqiao International Airport: A few steps from the terminal, with breakfast noted as a strong point in reviews; part of the Hilton brand's mid-range tier.
JI Hotel Hefei Xinqiao International Airport: A mid-range Chinese chain with a free shuttle to the airport; reviews note a generous breakfast and attentive staff, designed for business travellers with a short layover.

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Shushan and Luyang, the city centre

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 in this area

Grand Hyatt Hefei: On Qianshan Road, in the Shushan district, with a shopping centre on the ground floor and restaurants nearby; a few minutes from the Anhui Museum and the University of Science and Technology of China.
Shangri-La Hefei: In the Luyang district, in the heart of the city; rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden or the city, indoor pool and gym.

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