Haikou Transport Guide: How to Get Around the City

Author's Profile Picture

Getting around Haikou is simple, even if it is your first time visiting. The city is well planned, roads are clear, and transport options are easy to understand. You can move around using public buses, taxis, ride hailing apps, and the city rail system. If you arrive by plane, train, or ferry, getting into the city is straightforward and affordable. In this guide, I will share the easiest and most budget friendly ways to travel around Haikou, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without stress.

❤️Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking flights from Manila to Haikou and Haikou hotels in advance to secure the best rates.

Haikou Airport Transfers

Haikou Meilan International Airport

Arriving at Haikou Meilan International Airport is smooth and well organised. Clear signs and official transport options make it easy to reach the city.

🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Fare: Around ¥20
  • Travel time: 40–60 minutes
  • Runs from early morning until late night
  • Best for budget travelers who want a direct ride

🚌 Public City Bus

  • Fare: ¥2–6
  • Travel time: 60 minutes or more
  • Daytime and evening service
  • Best for light travelers, can be crowded at peak hours

🚄 Airport Train Connection

  • Fare: ¥10–20
  • Travel time: 10–20 minutes to Haikou East Station
  • Fast and comfortable if your hotel is near a station

🚖 Taxi

  • City center: ¥40–60
  • Nearby areas: ¥20–30
  • Travel time: 25–40 minutes
  • Tip: Show your hotel name in Chinese

🚗 Hotel Transfer or Private Car

  • Cost: Free or paid, depending on hotel
  • Travel time: 30–40 minutes
  • Tip: Check availability with your hotel in advance
🎉 Pro Tip: Make your China trip hassle-free by checking out our complete guide on the China Entry Card and China Visa. Get the latest info on travel rules, application steps, required documents, and tips to enter smoothly.

Haikou Urban Rail and High-Speed Train

Haikou High-Speed Train

Haikou does not have a subway-style metro system. Instead, the city uses urban rail services and the Hainan Island high-speed railway to connect the airport, major stations, and nearby cities. The trains are clean, air-conditioned, and easy to use, making them a convenient option for first-time visitors, especially if your hotel is near a railway station.

🛤️ Key Stations in Haikou

Some of the most useful railway stations for travelers include:

Haikou East Railway Station

  • Main high-speed rail hub in the city
  • Convenient for travel to Sanya, Wenchang, and other cities in Hainan

Haikou Meilan International Airport

  • Direct railway access inside the airport
  • Easy connection between the airport and city stations

Haikou Railway Station

  • Serves some long-distance and cross-strait routes
  • Useful for ferry-linked rail travel to mainland China

If your accommodation is close to any of these stations, the train can save time and avoid road traffic.

⏱️ Operating Hours and Frequency

  • Trains generally run from early morning until late evening
  • Frequency varies by route, usually every 10 to 20 minutes for busy sections
  • Schedules may change slightly on public holidays

You usually won’t need to wait long, especially during the day.

💳 Tickets and Payment

  • Short trips within Haikou: around ¥10–20
  • Intercity trips within Hainan: higher, based on destination
  • Buy tickets at station counters, ticket machines, or official railway apps
  • Payment accepted: cash (CNY), Alipay, WeChat Pay

⚠️ Things to Note

  • This is not a full metro network, so stations are spaced farther apart than subways in larger cities
  • You may need a short taxi or bus ride from the station to your hotel
  • Last trains usually run before midnight, so late-night travel may require a taxi
🎉 Pro Tip: Riding the bullet train? Check our quick guide on the China High-Speed Train for booking tips, routes, and smooth travel.

Public Buses in Haikou

Public Buses in Haikou

Taking the public bus is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to explore Haikou. If you want to save money and experience the city like a local, the bus is a good choice.

🚍 Routes and Fare

Haikou’s bus network covers most parts of the city, including:

  • Downtown Haikou – shopping areas, local markets
  • Haikou East Railway Station – for high-speed train connections
  • Haikou Meilan Airport – airport buses available
  • Tourist spots – Evergreen Park, Arcaded Streets, Hainan Museum
  • Local neighborhoods and universities

Standard Fare

  • Most routes cost ¥1 to ¥2 per ride (around PHP 8–15)
  • Express or longer-distance routes may cost up to ¥5 (about PHP 35)

You can check the route number and destination at the bus stop sign. Bus stops usually show route maps and schedules.

💳 How to Pay for the Bus

You have a few ways to pay:

  • Cash: Exact change only. Drivers do not give change
  • Transportation card (Hainan Tong Card): Tap when boarding
  • Mobile payment: Alipay or WeChat Pay on supported buses

Good to know

  • Stations are farther apart than metro systems, so a short taxi or bus ride may still be needed
  • Last trains usually run before midnight, so late-night travel may require a taxi

Sightseeing Buses in Haikou

Sightseeing Buses in Haikou

If you’re visiting Haikou for the first time, the sightseeing bus is an easy and relaxed way to see the main attractions without planning every stop.

🗺️ How It Works

These hop-on hop-off buses follow a fixed route that covers many of Haikou’s most popular tourist spots. You can get off at any stop, explore, and then hop back on the next bus using the same ticket.

  • Just one ticket for unlimited rides that day
  • Great way to move around if you’re not familiar with the area
  • Buses come with recorded guides or signage in Chinese (some may have English audio or printed maps)

⏱️ Route and Duration

  • Full loop: about 60–70 minutes
  • Stops near Evergreen Park, Arcaded Streets, Century Bridge, Holiday Beach, and Hainan Museum
  • Pick-up points in downtown areas and near large hotels
Routes, stops, and operating hours may change by season or local arrangements. Check the latest information at the ticket counter or official city tourism platforms before boarding.

🌃 Night Sightseeing Tour

Haikou also has open-top night buses that take you around the city after dark. These are perfect if you want to enjoy the lights, bridges, and coastal views in a calm setting.

  • Night tours usually take around 45 to 50 minutes
  • Great way to cool down and enjoy the breeze after a warm day
  • Some routes may pass through Haikou Bay, Century Park, and lit-up shopping areas

🎟️ Ticket Info

  • Sold near boarding points or via Alipay and WeChat
  • Day and night tours require separate tickets
  • Prices are affordable, especially for families or groups

Hotel Free Shuttle Bus in Haikou

Shuttle Bus in Haikou

Some large hotels and resorts in Haikou offer free shuttle buses for guests, usually connecting the airport, nearby shopping areas, railway stations, and selected attractions. Availability and routes vary by hotel, so it’s best to check with the hotel in advance.

🏨 Common Hotels with Shuttle Buses

Hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton Haikou, Mission Hills Resort, and Wyndham Garden Haikou are known to provide shuttle services. Pick-up points are usually located near the hotel lobby or main entrance.

🟢 Key Things to Know

  • Shuttle buses are usually free for hotel guests
  • Some hotels may allow non-guests to ride if seats are available, but this is not guaranteed
  • Always check with hotel staff first before boarding
  • Routes commonly include shopping areas, parks, resorts, and transport hubs
  • Shuttle frequency varies by hotel and time of day, especially during busy hours

📍 Good For

  • Travelers with luggage
  • Visitors staying in resort or hotel areas
  • Anyone looking for a convenient ride to nearby transport hubs or attractions

Secure Your Stay in Haikou

5 star

9.2/10Very Good9011 Reviews
Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City Haikou|3.89km from city center
After comparing several hotels in Haikou, the Hilton Haikou stands out with the most satisfying service and facilities. The staff were warm and helpful, and the room amenities were brand new and fully equipped, making everything convenient to use. Parking and getting around were also very easy, and it was free. The room itself was clean and tidy, with a really relaxing atmosphere. It's definitely a great choice for accommodation when traveling.
FromPHP 4,185
9.4/10Outstanding3411 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|13.31km from city center
We stayed at this resort for 4 nights at the beginning of May while my kids (ages 9 and 11) were on school break. They loved it. They really enjoyed the pool, the springs and the breakfast and dinner buffets. The sushi restaurant is also good. The kids liked the slides and obstacle course in the pool area. There are so many springs here, with varying temperatures so you can choose to soak in cold ones or hot ones. And they are broken into regions (Asia, Europe, America, Africa). The service we received was great. Everyone was very helpful. Jordon in particular was very clear in communicating with me about what was included with our booking and how to access those items. There were a lot of other families at the resort since it was a holiday time but it was not too crowded. Would definitely recommend it to others. Close by is Mission Hills Centreville (retail shopping area), Feng Xiaogang Movie Town (featuring recreated old Chinese movie sets) and Splash City (a large water park). The picture is the view from our room.
FromPHP 4,032
9.2/10Very Good6663 Reviews
Holiday Beach/Wuyuan River Stadium Haikou|13.5km from city center
Service: First, I want to commend Lesly Huang for her enthusiastic and professional service. On the day of check-in, she arranged a room upgrade for us and seamlessly joined the twin beds, which made for a very comfortable sleep – truly the biggest bonus of this stay. The pool staff were also excellent, patiently accompanying the children to switch the water slide on and off, even under the hot sun. The restaurant staff were equally warm and accommodating. Kudos to the Sheraton Haikou for its excellent service! Cleanliness: Standard five-star hotel level, no issues there. Environment: See the pictures for details. The pool has large slides, separated for children and adults (operating during specific time slots daily), and there's a hot spring pool in the evening (very relaxing). One minor complaint: the hotel clearly has East and West wings, and the restaurant also has two entrances, but only the West wing entrance was open. We walked all the way from the East wing to the restaurant door, only to find a 'closed' sign, forcing us to turn back (either by going up and down floors or walking around the perimeter under the scorching sun). I suggest clearer signage on the path from the East wing to the restaurant. Facilities: Although the hotel is a bit older, the room equipment is generally well-maintained. Only some rooms have TV casting capabilities, so if you need this, inform the front desk in advance. The breakfast restaurant's tableware was the biggest letdown of this trip. For a five-star hotel's noodle bar, all the bowls were chipped. On the first day, I almost cut my mouth. Over two days, I picked up 4-6 chipped bowls – even an ordinary restaurant wouldn't do this. See the pictures for details. Not only was it unappetizing, but it also posed a safety hazard. I asked the restaurant manager, who said it was a quality issue with this batch of bowls, purchased only three months ago. It's unacceptable for a Sheraton to still be using bowls in this condition after three months. PS: The hotel is directly connected to the beach, no need to cross any roads. It's a 5-minute walk through the hotel grounds from the lobby to the sea. It's convenient for digging in the sand, and the beach is managed by the municipality and seemed quite clean. So, for a family vacation in Haikou, the Sheraton is still recommended.
FromPHP 4,668
9.2/10Very Good5359 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|8.27km from city center
We specifically chose this hotel for the May Day holiday so our child could swim. Flights to Haikou were a bit cheaper than Sanya, so we stayed for five nights straight. Overall, considering the price, the value for money was quite good. It wasn't too crowded, and the staff were very friendly. A special shout-out to the male staff member who cleaned our room during our stay (on the 7th floor during the May Day holiday) – he was excellent! He greeted us proactively, cleaned quickly and efficiently, and even remembered to replenish our child's bathrobe, among other things. However, it's true that this is an older hotel, and some of the facilities are showing their age. I'm guessing the room rates can't go too high, so maintenance might be a bit slow. Only a portion of the pool was open, likely due to fewer guests. The location is a bit out of the way, with not much in the way of commercial facilities nearby. Food delivery services were mostly from around 10km away, but the delivery times were surprisingly quick, almost as fast as our local 3km deliveries, so it wasn't overly inconvenient. A taxi ride to Qilou Old Street took about 20 minutes, which was fine, and both duty-free shops offered free shuttle buses.
FromPHP 3,728
9.3/10Very Good7999 Reviews
Holiday Beach/Wuyuan River Stadium Haikou|16.05km from city center
My overall stay exceeded expectations. The location is truly exceptional, right by the sea with stunning views. It's also conveniently close to the duty-free mall and surrounded by excellent amenities, making shopping and exploring incredibly easy. The hotel itself has a high-end, sophisticated ambiance with Chinese-style decor and beautifully landscaped gardens. Walking through them was a real pleasure. Serena, a staff member, was professional, warm, and highly responsive, providing meticulous service. Last night, I accidentally twisted my ankle, and the lobby staff immediately noticed me limping and brought me Yunnan Baiyao spray. They even asked about my ankle when I checked out the next day (so touching!). The room layout was well-designed, cozy, and spacious, with comfortable bedding that helped me relax and unwind. What really stood out was the dehumidifier in the room – it's the first time I've seen one, and there wasn't a hint of dampness. I immediately ordered the same model for my home! The environment, service, and location are all outstanding. It's a top-notch choice for accommodation and highly recommended. I'll definitely be back the next time I visit Haikou!
FromPHP 5,358
9.6/10Excellent4347 Reviews
Holiday Beach/Wuyuan River Stadium Haikou|15.42km from city center
To be honest, it wasn't perfect, but the several positive experiences I had with the front desk and concierge service left a great impression, so I'm giving it a high rating. **Pros:** Clearly, the hotel's environment and dining are good. During the off-season, the value for money is excellent. The concierges were always very proactive and friendly (every single one of them), even helping with luggage and escorting guests to their rooms. The front desk was also great; they helped mail a lost item back to Shenzhen for me. Being close to the sea was convenient, although the view was just average. The lobby is very clean and beautiful, and it's clear they've put effort into maintaining it. **Cons:** Although my room was upgraded to the best floor, there was a decades-old musty smell coming from the carpet. Closing the balcony door would immediately make me dizzy. The outdoor pool was very dirty, filled with trash and various dead things. It's the dirtiest outdoor pool I've ever seen at a hotel, at least visibly so. The breakfast chefs and the pool lifeguards largely lacked service awareness. Especially the lifeguard: he didn't say anything when two adults repeatedly washed their slippers in the children's pool, but as soon as a child accidentally stepped into the pool, he immediately jumped out and yelled. Foreigners always had towels delivered to them by the pool, but Chinese guests had to walk a long way to the front desk to get one. If you don't speak a foreign language to explain yourself, then learn it. Otherwise, I think you've been kneeling for so long you can't stand up. And the children's play area – I've never seen one so dirty and messy. I wouldn't have known it was a hotel; I would have thought it was a defunct institution that hadn't had time to move out.
FromPHP 3,754
9.5/10Outstanding1605 Reviews
Holiday Beach/Wuyuan River Stadium Haikou|15.45km from city center
The hotel is in a good and comfortable location, with relatively new facilities and close to customers. The store is clean and sanitary, and the service staff is of good quality and can meet the needs and requirements of customers
FromPHP 2,321
9.5/10Outstanding9014 Reviews
Haidian Island Haikou|3.95km from city center
Bringing my mom to Haikou for a vacation, choosing InterContinental Haikou this time was truly a smart decision. From the welcoming reception upon arrival to the thoughtful room setup, and the sunset view from the Executive Lounge, everything maintained InterContinental's consistently high standards. The bedding, in particular, was incredibly comfortable, and my mom slept wonderfully. But the biggest surprise this time was booking a photoshoot with Wild Deer Photography, a hotel partner. I was initially worried my mom would be camera-shy, but the photography team was amazing at guiding her! My mom loved the makeup and styling; it made her look youthful without being overdone. The photographer was exceptionally patient, making my mom laugh the entire time and capturing her most relaxed and authentic self. There were a few side profiles by the sea at sunset that were so gentle and elegant – my mom adored the raw photos. The editing wasn't excessive; it retained the skin's texture while significantly brightening her complexion. My mom was exceptionally pleased this time, saying, ”These are the best photos I've taken in years,” and they received a lot of compliments when she posted them on social media. I honestly recommend that if you're bringing your parents to InterContinental Haikou, you absolutely must try Wild Deer Photography to beautifully document those warm moments during your trip. We had a comfortable stay and an even happier photoshoot – full marks!
FromPHP 4,624

Show more

Business travel

9.3/10Very Good10934 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|15.85km from city center
Pleasantly surprised by how excellent this hotel is. Reception was superb. Staff spoke good English. Room was super clean. Cozy muji decor. Wished they would offer half day rates here on Trip.com We stayed 4 hrs only. Managed to sleep as it was so comfortable. 5 stars from me.
FromPHP 3,020
9.5/10Outstanding3235 Reviews
Haidian Island Haikou|4.61km from city center
I stayed here for a quick winter getaway. It was a lovely hotel and felt like an amazing value. Breakfast was extensive and diverse, though there there was only a little rotation each day. Still, the room was big and comfortable, and very clean. The hot springs were the real star, though the pool would be nice in slightly warmer weather. The staff were friendly and used English when they were able. Joan at the front desk really went out of her way to be helpful and check-in. I look forward to returning!
FromPHP 3,530
9.3/10Very Good7824 Reviews
Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City Haikou|2.76km from city center
The service is really nice , breakfast is yummy!!! The room looks luxury!!!!
FromPHP 4,901
9.6/10Excellent7596 Reviews
Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City Haikou|3.66km from city center
Sofitel Haikou offers a comfortable and refined stay with a clear touch of French elegance. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-designed, many with pleasant sea or city views. Service is professional and warm, making check-in and daily arrangements smooth. The hotel’s location is convenient for exploring Haikou, while still feeling calm and relaxing. Overall, a reliable choice for travelers looking for comfort, good service, and a restful atmosphere.
FromPHP 4,668
9.3/10Very Good1706 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|12.84km from city center
Great stay and hotel is located in a nice place with many duty free shopping.
FromPHP 9,131
9.4/10Outstanding2978 Reviews
Longhu Hainan Haikou Tianjie/Jinniuling Park Haikou|3.45km from city center
We have booking family rooms. The rooms was very big and the bath room also big. Tho hotel very near to the big shopping mall by walk around 10mins. The service was great also. The hotel have car to send to high speed train for free but need appointment 1 day in advance. If come back again definitely will book this hotel.
FromPHP 2,088
9.5/10Outstanding2926 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|12.74km from city center
Our stay included a photography package - we would like to commend the photographer for being accommodating of our requests. He was quick and efficient. Check-in staff also tried their best to speak in English which I appreciate lots. The two bellboys who carried luggages and parcel packages are also very hardworking and polite! They are hospitable and could answer our questions - I could see that they were tired but still polite and would attend to us without asking Renna via GSM WEchat was also very helpful and went out of her way when my Taobao packages had issues - replying throughout the day. She replied very fast and I believe went beyond her job scope. We had a free room upgrade which we really appreciate, though I think the previous room guest smoked in the room and the AC system had smoke smell stuck inside - so had to stay the night with the smell. 我們的住宿包含攝影套餐——我們想特別表揚一下攝影師,他非常配合我們的要求,而且動作迅速高效。 兩位搬運行李和包裹的行李員也非常勤勞有禮!他們熱情好客,能夠解答我們的疑問──雖然看得出來他們很累,但依然彬彬有禮,主動為我們服務。 辦理入住的工作人員也盡力用英語交流,我對此非常感激。 Renna(透過微信聯絡)也幫了我們很多忙,我的淘寶包裹出了問題,她更是盡心盡力地幫我解決,整天都在回复。她的回覆速度非常快,我覺得她做得遠遠超出職責範圍。 我們被免費升級了房間,非常感謝,不過我覺得之前的房客可能在房間裡抽煙,空調裡殘留了煙味——所以我們不得不忍受著煙味過了一夜。
FromPHP 4,059
8.5/101530 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|12.75km from city center
Everything was great starting from checking-in and ending with our departure from Haikou. Our room was nice and just the way we expected. The territory of the hotel is beyond great. Photos taken there are amazing. We are incredibly grateful to the staff for maintaining such a huge hotel and making our stay so comfortable! If I have a chance to come back, it’s definitely going to be this particular hotel!
FromPHP 2,482

Show more

Breakfast

9.3/10Very Good1900 Reviews
provincial government Haikou|0.28km from city center
Room is spacious and of a good size for families. Staff are friendly and helpful. Appreciate the free hot spring experience provided at the hotel and also inside each room.
FromPHP 1,864
9.1/10Good2135 Reviews
Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City Haikou|2.64km from city center
Very good location, just opposite the big green park. Walking around the park all the way to the beach, can find a lot of interesting things. Hotel service is very good. Breakfast food is up to the standard.
FromPHP 2,312
9.2/10Very Good592 Reviews
Century Bridge/Qilou Old Street/Jiefang West Haikou|1.49km from city center
The hotel is inside the Haikou Old Street! This is very convenient. The room is basic and spacious. The stuff is very accommodating even with limited English!
FromPHP 914
9/10Good265 Reviews
Perimeter of Haikou Airport/Mission Hill/East Coast Haikou|24.52km from city center
If you want to rest, that’s the place to be! Huge swimming pool, fitness room with fitness and exercise machines. magnificent gardens! But you need to have a car..
FromPHP 2,428
9.3/10Very Good8318 Reviews
Century Bridge/Qilou Old Street/Jiefang West Haikou|1.7km from city center
This hotel is value for money, worth the stay, very clean room. Good location too. Highly recommended. Two thumbs up. The manager Ms Wang Is very friendly, show me the interesting places to visit near the hotel. I will definitely stay here again. Thanks
FromPHP 1,792
9.3/10Very Good7309 Reviews
provincial government Haikou|1.03km from city center
Hotel located in strategic location. Easy access to shopping mall. From meilan airport to this hotel just RMB27. Overall hainan haiko is a nice place to visit. Front counter staff all very friendly. They also provide laundry service for free, so you no need to bring too many cloth during travel.
FromPHP 1,846
9.2/10Very Good1096 Reviews
Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City Haikou|2.55km from city center
Easy to find and good location. Breakfast buffet is okay. room comfortable
FromPHP 2,052
9.5/10Outstanding915 Reviews
provincial government Haikou|1.36km from city center
设施:👌🏻 卫生:👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 环境:👌🏻 服务:👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
FromPHP 3,262

Show more

Show more

Taxis and Ride-Hailing in Haikou

Haikou Taxi

Taking a taxi in Haikou is a simple and comfortable way to get around, especially if you are carrying luggage, arriving late at night, or traveling with a group. It is faster than public transport and easy to use for visitors.

💰 Haikou Taxi Fare Guide

There are two common options: regular street taxis and ride-hailing through apps like Didi.

1. Standard Taxis (Blue or Yellow Cars)

  • Base fare: ¥10 for the first 3 kilometers (around PHP 80)
  • After 3 kilometers: ¥2 per kilometer
  • Waiting time: ¥1 every few minutes if the car is not moving
  • Luggage: Usually free unless you have oversized bags that need the trunk

2. Didi Ride-Hailing App

  • Works like Grab
  • You can choose from regular, comfort, or carpool rides
  • Prices may be slightly higher during busy times
  • You can use the app in English and pay with card or mobile wallets

3. Extra Charges

  • Some trips starting from the airport or train station may include an extra charge of ¥5 to ¥10
  • Check the estimated fare before you ride, especially during peak hours

🚖 How to Get a Taxi in Haikou

  • Hail one on the street by raising your hand
  • Go to a taxi stand near malls, hotels, or stations
  • Use the Didi app to book a ride without needing to speak Chinese

Tip: Download the Didi app before your trip. Choose English in the settings and link your card or Alipay account for easy payment.

Always ensure the meter is turned on. Avoid accepting rides from unofficial drivers inside the terminal.

✅ When to Take a Taxi

  • When public buses are not running or hard to find
  • If you have lots of luggage or are tired
  • When traveling with two or more people
  • To reach places far from the city center or tourist areas

Private Transfer in Haikou

Private Transfer in Macau

Private transfers offer a comfortable and stress-free ride, ideal for families, groups, or travelers with large luggage. Drivers provide door-to-door service from the airport, train station, or other locations directly to your hotel.

Good to know

  • Book at least 24 hours in advance
  • Meet-and-greet and luggage help may be included
  • More expensive than taxis, but more convenient for first-time visitors

Exploring Haikou on Foot

Evergreen Garden

Haikou is a relaxed and walkable city, especially around the old town, parks, and coastal areas. Many attractions are close together, making walking a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and discover local snacks at your own pace.

🏛️ Suggested Walking Routes in Haikou

1. Old Town Culture Walk (2 to 3 hours)

Route: Qilou Old Street → Zhongshan Road → Arcade Streets → Haikou Clock Tower → People’s Park
Tip: Look for the unique colonial-style buildings along Qilou Street. Try local coconut desserts or rice cakes at small shops nearby.

2. Coastal and Nature Walk (2 to 3 hours)

Route: Evergreen Park → Century Bridge (walkable area) → Haikou Bay → Holiday Beach
Tip: Go in the late afternoon for cooler weather and sunset views. Street vendors often sell cold drinks and snacks near the beach area.

3. History and Market Walk (3 to 4 hours)

Route: Hainan Museum → Wugong Temple (Five Officials Temple) → Haikou Arcade Street Market → Renmin Avenue
Tip: Visit early in the morning or after 4 PM to avoid strong heat. Bring a small fan or umbrella for shade. Local markets are great for pasalubong shopping.

Haikou can be hot and humid, especially from April to October. Walk early in the morning or after 4 PM for better comfort.
🎉 Pro Tip: Check our quick guide on China Map Apps for smooth and easy navigation throughout your trip.

Find Hotels in Haikou Now

See All Hotels
NO.1
Haikou Meilan International Airport Hotel
9.3/1010934 reviews
Haikou Meilan International Airport Hotel
Hotel in Haikou
NO.2
Novi Hotel (Haikou Meilan Airport)
9.6/102895 reviews
Novi Hotel (Haikou Meilan Airport)
Hotel in Haikou
NO.3
Four Points by Sheraton Haikou International Airport Hotel
9.3/101207 reviews
Four Points by Sheraton Haikou International Airport Hotel
Hotel in Haikou
NO.4
Hampton by Hilton Haikou Qilou Old Street
9.4/10796 reviews
Hampton by Hilton Haikou Qilou Old Street
Hotel in Haikou
NO.5
Weilanjian Hotel (Haikou Meilan Airport)
9.4/101098 reviews
Weilanjian Hotel (Haikou Meilan Airport)
Hotel in Haikou

Traveling from Haikou to Other Cities

One of the best things about visiting Haikou is how easy it is to travel to nearby cities in Hainan or even to mainland China. Whether you want to explore tropical beaches or visit larger cities, you have a few good options by train, bus, or ferry.

🚄 Haikou to Sanya

Wuzhizhou Island

Sanya is a famous beach city in the south of Hainan Island. It is a popular weekend destination with beautiful beaches, resorts, and seafood.

  • By high-speed train: About 1.5 to 2 hours from Haikou East Railway Station
  • Trains run often from early morning until evening
  • Tip: Book a window seat to enjoy the scenic views along the coast

🚌 Haikou to Wenchang

Shitou (Boulder) Park

Wenchang is a smaller city northeast of Haikou known for its Hainanese chicken rice and space launch center.

  • By train: About 30 to 40 minutes
  • By bus or car: Around 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Tip: Try the local-style chicken rice in the city center for a food trip

🛳️ Haikou to Mainland China (via ferry or train)

Badaling Great Wall

You can also travel from Haikou to mainland cities like Guangzhou or Zhanjiang. These trips usually take longer but offer a unique travel experience.

  • By ferry to Guangdong: Some ferries connect Haikou’s ports to cities like Zhanjiang
  • By train: Haikou Railway Station also has trains that cross the Qiongzhou Strait using a rail ferry
  • Travel time: Usually 8 to 12 hours, depending on the destination
  • Tip: Overnight trains are more convenient if you want to save on hotel costs
🥳 Pro Tip: Getting a China eSIM can help you stay connected while traveling in China.

📱 Useful Transport Apps in Haikou

To make getting around easier, download these apps before arriving:

1. Didi

DiDi

Best for taxis and private rides. Easy to use in English and ideal if you don’t speak Chinese.

2. Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode)

Baidu Maps

Baidu Maps

Amap (Gaode Map)

Amap (Gaode)


More accurate than Google Maps in China. Useful for bus routes, walking directions, and travel time estimates.

3. Alipay (Transport QR)

Alipay

Lets you pay for buses and some transport services without cash. Very convenient for daily travel.

📌 Tip: Set up mobile payment before your trip, as many transport services prefer cashless payment.

Many drivers and transport services prefer mobile payment. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance if possible.
🎉 Pro Tip: Not sure how to pay in China? Check our quick guide on China Payment Methods for easy cashless shopping, dining, and transport.

🎯 Getting Around Haikou Made Easy

Plan your routes early and combine different transport options to make the most of your trip. Use public buses or hotel shuttles for short and cheap rides. Choose taxis or private cars if you have luggage or arrive late at night. For relaxed sightseeing, take a walk through parks, beaches, or the old town. With a little planning, moving around Haikou becomes part of the fun and not just a way to get from place to place.

FAQs About Haikou Transport

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Tina

Tina

Travel Explorer

View profile

I’m someone who loves turning real travel experiences into helpful stories. From figuring out transport to planning smooth trips, I share practical tips that help Filipino travelers feel more confident wherever they go.

162 articles
Travel Planning & Information
>
Haikou Transport