There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Haikou into a quick city adventure. From HAK, the High-Speed Rail (Meilan Station) can get you into town in around 50 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside HAK
Before heading into Haikou, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for China vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Haikou is roughly 50 minutes from HAK via High-Speed Rail (Meilan Station). Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CNY. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Haikou
From HAK, the High-Speed Rail (Meilan Station) gets you to Haikou in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the High-Speed Rail (Meilan Station) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Haikou, budget roughly $25 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $10 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Haikou.
Bag Storage Near HAK
Luggage storage is available at Reportedly available near check-in counters or in arrival areas of Terminal 1.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Haikou.
How to Spend Your Time in Haikou
If you head into Haikou, here are two things worth checking out:
Qilou Old Street (éªæ¥¼èè¡) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Haikou.
Wugong Temple (äºå¬ç¥ ) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
If you’d rather stay inside HAK — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Hainan Airlines First Class Lounge
- Haikou Meilan Airport Duty-Free Shop
Food & Dining Options
For food in Haikou, local travelers recommend Qiong Cai Fang (ç¼èå). If you have time for a second stop, Lao Paifang Xiaochi (èçåå°ååº) is another popular pick.
Back at HAK, Hainan Delicacies (æµ·å£ç¹è²å°å) is the go-to. Coffee & Bakery rounds out your in-terminal options.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at HAK.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at HAK, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Haikou itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for China that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Haikou exploring the streets or relaxing at HAK, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.