Complete Guide to Changsha Huanghua International Airport: Tips for Travelers

Hi, I’m Alex Chen, a Chinese traveler who loves independent travel. Over the years, I’ve journeyed to corners of the world less explored by most, uncovering unique and hidden gems. Whether it’s a remote city in China or an offbeat destination across the globe, I’m all about traveling on a budget. I firmly believe that you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience unforgettable moments. Today, I’m excited to guide you through Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Hunan Province, China, offering practical tips and advice to make your journey smoother.

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Changsha Huanghua International Airport Overview

• Airport Code: CSX
• Address: 1st Road, Konggang City, Huanghua Town, Changsha County, Hunan Province, China
• Distance to City Center: 23.5 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • T1 Terminal: Serves domestic flights, with an area of 53,000 square meters.
  • T2 Terminal: Serves both international and domestic flights, with an area of 213,000 square meters. It opened in 2011.

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5 Best Ways to Get from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to the City Center

When you arrive at Changsha Huanghua International Airport during the day, I recommend taking the maglev train, especially if it’s your first time visiting Changsha. Alternatively, you can opt for the subway. If you arrive late at night, the airport bus is a great option, as it has night routes at affordable prices. For larger groups or more convenience, ride-sharing services are also a good choice.

1. How to Take the Maglev Train from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to the City Center?

Departure from T2 Terminal

• Location: Between T1 and T2 terminals, connected by a walkway
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Fare: 20 RMB
• Travel Time: 20 minutes

How to Buy Tickets

• Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters or self-service ticket machines. Payment options include cash, WeChat, and Alipay.

Departure from T1 Terminal

• Since the maglev station is located between T1 and T2 terminals, the process is the same for both terminals.

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2. How to Take the Subway from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to the City Center?

Departure from T2 Terminal

• Metro Line: Metro Line 6
• Location: Between T1 and T2 terminals, connected by a walkway
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Fare: 6 RMB
• Travel Time: 1 hour

How to Buy Tickets

• Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters or self-service machines. Payment options include cash, WeChat, and Alipay. You can also use the QR code for WeChat or Alipay to tap and go.

Departure from T1 Terminal

• The subway station is located between T1 and T2 terminals, so the same information applies for both terminals.

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3. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to the City Center?

Departure from T2 Terminal

• Location: Gate 5
• Travel Time: 50 minutes
• Frequency: Buses depart when full

Common Shuttle Bus Routes

• Wuyi Square Route (Night Bus)
  • Route: Changsha Huanghua Airport → Wuyi Square
  • Operating Hours: 11:30 PM – 1:30 AM
  • Fare: 28 RMB
• Shanshui Fashion Hotel Route (All-Day Service)
  • Route: Changsha Huanghua Airport → Shanshui Fashion Hotel
  • Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – Last flight
  • Fare: 25 RMB
• South High-Speed Railway Station Route (Daytime Bus)
  • Route: Changsha Huanghua Airport → South High-Speed Railway Station
  • Operating Hours: 8:45 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Fare: 25 RMB

How to Buy Tickets

• You can purchase tickets at the bus ticket counters or self-service machines. Payment options include cash, WeChat, and Alipay. Tickets can also be bought via WeChat official account.

Departure from T1 Terminal

• Location: Gate 4
• All other information is the same as T2 Terminal.

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4. How to Take a Taxi from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to the City Center?

Departure from T2 Terminal

• Location: Arrival Hall, Exit Gate 5
• Fare: 80 RMB (including toll fees)
• Travel Time: 50 minutes

Departure from T1 Terminal

• Same information applies as for T2 Terminal.

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5. How to Take a Ride-Sharing Service from Changsha Huanghua International Airport to the City Center?

You can use Alipay or Didi to hail a ride.

Departure from T2 Terminal

• Location: Arrival Hall, Exit Gate 5
• Fare: 60 RMB
• Travel Time: 50 minutes

Departure from T1 Terminal

• Same information applies as for T2 Terminal.

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Guide Inside Changsha Huanghua International Airport

Tax Refund

• Eligibility for Tax Refund
  • The total purchase amount of refundable items from the same store on the same day must exceed 500 RMB.
  • The items must be purchased within 90 days before your departure date.
• Tax Refund Amount
  • The refund rate is 11% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 9% refunded to the international traveler.
• Tax Refund Process
  • Before security: Customs verification and confirmation (follow airport signage).
  • After security: The tax refund desk is located in the international departure hall (look for airport signage).

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Transportation Between Terminals: From T2 to T1 and T1 to T2

The distance between T1 and T2 at Changsha Huanghua Airport is short. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from one terminal to the other.

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Payment App Download Assistance Counter (Foreign Guests Payment Service Center)

To make it easier for international visitors to use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China, Changsha Huanghua Airport has set up a dedicated payment service counter in the T2 terminal to assist with downloading and using these Chinese payment apps.

• Services Provided:
  • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps
  • Guidance on setting up international bank cards and activating payment functions in the apps
  • Basic operation instructions and answers to any questions visitors may have about using these apps
• Location: T2 terminal, near the arrival hall exit

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Duty-Free Store Hours

T2 Terminal

• CDF Duty-Free Store
  • Location: Inside the international departure hall, after security
  • Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – until the last flight departs
  • Products Sold: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics

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Luggage Storage Locations

• Locations:
  • T1 arrival level, across from the arrival exit.
  • T2 arrival level, near Gate 8, where you will need to ring the bell and wait for assistance.
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM (No luggage storage available after 9:30 PM)
• Pricing:
  • Small (18-20 inch suitcase): 18 RMB per 12 hours
  • Medium (20-24 inch suitcase): 25 RMB per 12 hours
  • Large (24-32 inch suitcase): 35 RMB per 12 hours

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Currency Exchange Locations

• Bank: China Construction Bank
  • Location: Departure level, Gate 4
  • Opening Hours: Vary depending on flight schedules

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Free Wi-Fi at the Airport

Travelers can access the free Wi-Fi at the airport in the following ways:

• Mobile Number: Enter your phone number to receive a text message with a verification code to log in. Note: Accessing sites like Google may require a VPN.

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Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?

Yes, the airport has a designated area for overnight travelers. It is equipped with massage chairs, and the rest area is free of charge. Free charging is available approximately 30 meters from the rest area.

The lights turn off at 1:00 AM and are turned back on at around 4:00 AM.

• Location: T2 Departure Level (3rd floor), towards the direction of T1. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and follow the T2 terminal signs.