Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) Guide for Beginners
Haikou Meilan International Airport is an extremely important aviation hub in Hainan Province and the first stop for many heading to this tropical island getaway. For complete beginners, it is helpful to know that Meilan Airport consists of Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) and boasts a phenomenal “seamless air-rail integration,” meaning you don’t even have to leave the terminal to catch a high-speed train.
How to get from Haikou Meilan Airport to downtown and surrounding areas?
Option 1: The “Traffic-Jam Proof” Absolute Best Choice: Rail Transit (High-Speed & Suburban) If you want to reach downtown Haikou as fast as possible or head straight to Sanya to see the ocean, the train is your number one choice:
- Perfect Boarding Location: Meilan Station (the high-speed rail station) is located directly on the B1 (basement) level of both T1 and T2. After getting off your plane, it’s only about a 400-meter walk (approx. 5 minutes) to the station, achieving a true “zero-transfer” experience.
- Suburban Trains (Commuting within Haikou): If you’re heading downtown, you can take suburban trains that pass through Haikou East, Chengxi, Xiuying, and Changliu stations, terminating at Haikou Station.
- East Ring High-Speed Rail (Cross-City Travel): To visit other tourist cities, you can take a high-speed train directly from here to Wenchang, Qionghai, Bo’ao, Wanning, Shenzhou, Lingshui, and Yalong Bay, terminating at Sanya Station.
Option 2: “Luggage-Friendly” City Airport Buses If you have large luggage, the airport buses are highly cost-effective, with fares for Line 1 and Line 2 recently dropping to just 10 RMB. You can board at the Ground Traffic Center (GTC) opposite the 1st-floor arrival hall of T1, or outside Gate 3 on the 1st floor of T2.
- Line 1 (to Haikou Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel): Departures from the airport run from 7:40 AM all the way until 04:00 AM the next day, providing the perfect transport backup for late-night flights.
- Line 2 (to Haikou West Bus Station): This route passes through the Haikou Bus Terminal, Gaodeng West Road, and other stops. Departures from the airport run from 8:30 AM to 00:30 AM.
- Chengmai County Lanhai Junhua Hotel Line (formerly Line 3): The fare is 30 RMB (currently discounted to 15 RMB for a limited time). It can take you to Haikou Xinhai Port, the International Duty-Free City, and Chengmai Laocheng. Note that boarding at some intermediate stops requires a phone reservation in advance.
Option 3: Regular Public Transit for Short Local Trips The boarding points are also located at the T1 GTC and outside Gate 3 of the T2 arrival hall.
- There are multiple bus lines available, including Airport Line 1 (to Yintan Garden), Airport Line 2 (to Jinwaitan), Airport Line 3 (to Xinhai Port), Line 219 (to Guilinyang Hainan Normal University East Gate 2), and Suburban Line 3 (to Nanguo Venice City). Fares are very cheap, ranging from 1 to 10 RMB.
Option 4: Extremely Convenient “Intercity Buses” (to other cities) If your final destination is not Haikou, but another city or county in Hainan Province, do not head into downtown Haikou to find a long-distance bus station! You can take a cross-city coach directly from the airport (at T1 GTC or outside T2 Gate 4).
Sanya Haitang Bay Holiday Express: During holidays, the airport sometimes operates temporary commercial express vans straight to the Sanya Haitang Bay Haichang Dreamy Ocean Ever-City Tourist Center, with a fare of 120 RMB.
Regular Routes: The airport has direct buses heading to 8 destinations including Wenchang (20/22 RMB), Danzhou Nada (56/60 RMB), Tunchang (50 RMB), Baisha (74 RMB), Changjiang Shilu (57 RMB), Wuzhishan (80 RMB), Chengmai Jinjiang (50 RMB), and Ding’an (35 RMB). You can check schedules and buy tickets via the “海汽客运” (Haiqi Passenger Transport) or “海汽e行” (Haiqi e-Travel) WeChat official accounts.
Comprehensive Services at Haikou Meilan Airport
Where can I eat at Meilan Airport?
The dining options at Meilan Airport carry a distinct tropical flair. You can find well-known global fast-food and coffee chains like KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks, but more importantly, you can enjoy authentic Hainanese delicacies like Coconut Chicken, Qingbuliang (a refreshing local dessert), and Baoluo Noodles.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
Many Chinese fast-food and noodle shops offer pure vegetarian options. To accommodate passengers with special dietary requirements and beliefs, the airport usually features dedicated Halal restaurants (look for the clear Halal certification signs). You can ask the information desk for assistance.
Where can I stay near Meilan Airport?
If you have an early morning flight or arrive late at night, there are official hotels connected directly to the airport (such as the Haikou Meilan Airport Hotel and the Meilan Airport Outlets Hotel). You can push your luggage cart straight to the lobby, which is incredibly convenient. There are also many budget chain hotels in the surrounding area providing free 24-hour airport shuttle services.
Where can I shop at Meilan Airport?
This is one of Meilan Airport’s biggest highlights! As an airport on a designated tourist island, it features a massive Duty-Free Shop (Off-Island Duty-Free) right within the domestic restricted area (after security). If you meet the off-island duty-free requirements, you can buy international luxury cosmetics, perfumes, watches, and electronics at highly discounted, tax-free prices. Outside security, there are also stores selling Hainan specialties like coconut candy and yellow lantern chili sauce.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
Telecommunication service counters and automatic kiosks are typically located near the exits of the international/regional arrival halls in T1 and T2. Overseas travelers can use their passports here to conveniently purchase local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters are available in the international arrival and departure areas. ATMs from major Chinese banks are widely distributed throughout the terminals, allowing you to withdraw RMB cash directly using overseas bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay logos.
How do I store/check my luggage?
“Luggage Storage” service desks are generally available in the departure and arrival halls. If you have a long layover and want to take the suburban train into downtown Haikou for a bowl of Qingbuliang without carrying heavy bags, you can securely store your luggage at the airport for a small fee.
