Harbin Taiping International Airport Guide

Hi, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate Chinese traveler who loves exploring the hidden corners of the world. I’m dedicated to sharing tips on how to travel across China on a budget while still making the most out of the experience. If you share the same enthusiasm for travel and enjoy discovering unique destinations without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll provide detailed and practical information about Harbin Taiping International Airport to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

---

---

Overview of Harbin Taiping International Airport

• Airport Code: HRB
• Address: No. 1 Yingbin Road, Taiping Street, Daoli District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
• Distance from City Center: 33 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • Terminal 1 (T1): Serves both international and domestic flights. It spans 64,000 square meters and was reopened in 2023 after renovations.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Dedicated to domestic flights. This terminal covers 162,500 square meters and began operations in 2018.

---

3 Best Ways to Travel from Harbin Taiping International Airport to Downtown Harbin

Harbin Taiping International Airport does not have a metro connection, so travelers can only use airport buses, taxis, or ride-hailing services to get to downtown Harbin. For a cost-effective option, take the airport bus. If you’re traveling in a group, ride-hailing services are ideal. For late-night arrivals, airport buses are still a reliable choice.

1. How to Take an Airport Bus from Harbin Taiping International Airport to Downtown Harbin

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: First floor, Gate 5
• Fare: 20 RMB
• Travel Time: About 1 hour
• Common Routes:
  • Airport Express (Airport–Harbin Railway Station)
    • Route: Harbin Taiping International Airport -> Harbin Railway Station
    • Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to the end of the last flight
    • Frequency: Departures once full, waiting time under 30 minutes
  • Route 1
    • Route: Harbin Taiping International Airport -> 46 Edmonton Road (near Guoxiang Kaide Plaza) -> 398 Xinyang Road (in front of CCB, former Tongda Street Stop) -> Anfa Bridge, Xinyang Road (under the pedestrian bridge at Xinyang Road and Futong Street) -> Harbin Railway Station -> 2 Ganshui Road (former Civil Aviation Building Stop)
    • Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to the end of the last flight
    • Frequency: Departures once full, waiting time under 30 minutes
  • Route 3
    • Route: (Direct route to Central Street)
    • Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to the end of the last flight
    • Frequency: Departures once full, waiting time under 30 minutes
  • Route 4
    • Route: (Direct route to Harbin Ice and Snow World)
    • Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to the end of the last flight
    • Frequency: Departures once full, waiting time under 30 minutes

How to Buy Tickets

• Purchase tickets at the bus ticket window or from self-service ticket machines. Payments can be made in cash, via WeChat, or through Alipay.
• You can also book tickets using the official WeChat account.

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: The bus boarding area is the same as Terminal 1.

---

2. How to Take a Taxi from Harbin Taiping International Airport to Downtown Harbin

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: First floor, Gate 3
• Fare: 100–150 RMB (no toll fees for trips from the airport to the city, but toll fees apply for city-to-airport trips).
• Travel Time: About 45 minutes

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: Taxi boarding is shared with Terminal 1.

---

3. How to Take a Ride-Hailing Service from Harbin Taiping International Airport to Downtown Harbin

Ride-hailing apps such as Alipay or Didi are highly recommended for their convenience and cost-effectiveness.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: First floor, Gate 7
• Fare: 80–100 RMB
• Travel Time: About 45 minutes

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: Same ride-hailing pickup area as Terminal 1.

---

3 Best Ways to Travel from Harbin Taiping International Airport to Harbin Ice and Snow World

For daytime arrivals, the airport bus is the most economical way to reach Harbin Ice and Snow World. For late-night arrivals or group travelers, ride-hailing services are recommended.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

1. Airport Bus

Taking the airport bus is one of the most affordable and reliable options, especially if you’re not in a rush.

• Route: Route 4 (Direct to Ice and Snow World)
• Fare: 20 RMB
• Travel Time: About 1 hour
• Location: First floor, Gate 5
• Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to the end of the last flight, departures once full (waiting time under 30 minutes).

2. Taxi

Taxis are perfect for those needing a faster and more direct route, especially for families or groups.

• Fare: 150–180 RMB
• Travel Time: About 50 minutes
• Location: First floor, Gate 3

3. Ride-Hailing Service

A ride-hailing service combines convenience and affordability. You can book your ride through apps like Didi or Alipay.

• Fare: 120–150 RMB
• Travel Time: About 50 minutes
• Location: First floor, Gate 7

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: The boarding areas for all transportation methods are shared with Terminal 1.

---

3 Best Ways to Travel from Harbin Taiping International Airport to Harbin Railway Station

For daytime arrivals, the airport bus is the most economical and direct option to get to Harbin Railway Station. If you arrive at night or are traveling in a group, ride-hailing services are highly recommended.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

1. Airport Bus

Taking the airport bus is one of the most budget-friendly ways to reach Harbin Railway Station.

• Route: Airport Express (Direct to Harbin Railway Station)
• Fare: 20 RMB
• Travel Time: About 1 hour
• Location: First floor, Gate 5
• Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to the end of the last flight, with buses departing once full. Waiting time is usually less than 30 minutes.

2. Taxi

Taxis are a quick and convenient option, ideal for travelers who are short on time or traveling with family.

• Fare: Approximately 100–120 RMB, with no toll fees required.
• Travel Time: About 40 minutes
• Location: First floor, Gate 3

3. Ride-Hailing Services

Ride-hailing apps offer a flexible and affordable way to travel. Simply book your ride through popular apps like Didi or Alipay.

• Fare: Around 80–100 RMB
• Travel Time: About 40 minutes
• Location: First floor, Gate 7

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: The transportation options and boarding areas at Terminal 2 are the same as Terminal 1.

---

Harbin Taiping International Airport Guide

Tax Refund

International travelers departing from Harbin Taiping International Airport may be eligible for a tax refund. Below are the key details:

• Conditions for Refund:
  • A single foreign traveler must have purchased tax-refundable items worth at least 500 RMB in a single store on the same day.
  • The departure date must be within 90 days of the purchase date.
• Refund Amount:
  • The refund is 11% of the invoice amount (including VAT). Travelers receive 9%, with the remaining 2% covering administrative fees.
• Refund Process:
  • Before Security Check: Visit the customs inspection area for verification. Look for signs within the airport for directions.
  • After Security Check: Proceed to the designated tax refund counter for reimbursement. Follow airport signage for exact locations.

---

Inter-Terminal Transportation: T1 to T2 and T2 to T1

Traveling between terminals at Harbin Taiping International Airport is straightforward.

• From T2 to T1: Walk through Gate 10 on the second floor of T2 to enter T1. The distance is short, and walking is the most convenient option.

---

Dining Options and Operating Hours at Harbin Taiping International Airport

T1 Terminal (Post-Security)

• McDonald’s
  • Location: International Departure Area
  • Opening Hours: Varies according to flight schedules
  • Menu: Burgers and snacks

T2 Terminal

• KFC
  • Location: Third floor, Departure Hall, left side
  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
  • Menu: Burgers and light snacks
• Starbucks
  • Location: Third floor, Departure Hall, right side
  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
  • Menu: Coffee, pastries, and light snacks

---

Luggage Storage Locations

• Location: Second floor, Departure Hall, behind Check-in Area A in T2 Terminal
• Opening Hours: 4:30 AM until the last arriving flight
• Pricing:
  • Large Luggage (40 x 60 x 100 cm): 20 RMB/day
  • Small Luggage (20 x 40 x 55 cm): 10 RMB/day

---

Currency Exchange Services

• Foreign Exchange Counter
  • Location: First floor, Departure Hall
  • Opening Hours: Matches flight operating hours

---

Free Wi-Fi Access

Harbin Taiping International Airport offers free Wi-Fi, accessible through the following methods:

• Phone Number: Enter your mobile number and verify using the SMS code provided.
• WeChat: Log in using your WeChat account for instant access.
• Self-Service Machines: Obtain a temporary login code from machines located throughout the airport.

Note: Accessing certain websites like Google may require VPN support.

---

Can You Sleep at the Airport?

Yes, Harbin Taiping International Airport is suitable for overnight stays.

• Recommended Location:
  • Go to the second floor (Departure Area) after arriving at the airport.
  • This level is warmer, offers more seating, and has spots near charging stations.
  • A hidden row of sofas near check-in counters E19 and E20 is popular among overnight travelers.
• Tips for Overnight Stays:
  • After check-in desk staff finish work around 10 PM, you can use the sofas. However, staff will ask you to vacate by 4 AM when they start their shift.

---

International Flight to Domestic Flight Transfer

Harbin Taiping International Airport offers an efficient and convenient process for passengers transferring from international to domestic flights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the transfer smoothly:

1. Immigration Check
   • Upon disembarking, follow the signs to the international arrivals area for immigration clearance.
   • Present your passport, visa, and arrival card (if applicable) to the immigration officer for review.
2. Baggage Claim and Customs
   • Collect your checked baggage from the designated baggage claim area.
   • If you have items to declare, proceed to the “Goods to Declare” channel. Otherwise, use the “Nothing to Declare” channel to pass through customs.
3. Domestic Flight Check-In
   • After completing immigration, proceed to the domestic flight check-in counters to complete your check-in process and recheck your baggage.
   • Check-in counters are located in either T1 or T2 terminals. Follow the airport signage or consult your flight details to confirm the correct terminal.
4. Security Check and Boarding
   • After check-in, go through the domestic security check.
   • Arrive at your boarding gate well in advance to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Tips:

• Allow at least 3 hours for the transfer process to complete immigration, baggage claim, check-in, and security checks without rushing.
• If you need assistance, visit the airport information desk for guidance.

---

Domestic Flight to International Flight Transfer

Harbin Taiping International Airport provides clear and seamless procedures for passengers transferring from domestic to international flights. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience:

1. Domestic Flight Arrival
   • Upon landing, follow the airport signage to the international departure area.
2. Baggage Claim and Recheck
   • Collect your checked luggage from the domestic arrival baggage claim area.
   • Head to the international check-in counters to complete your check-in and recheck your baggage for the international flight.
3. Immigration Clearance
   • Follow signs to the immigration area for passport control.
   • Present your passport, visa, and boarding pass for inspection by immigration officers.
4. Security Check and Boarding
   • After passing through immigration, proceed to the international security check.
   • Arrive at your designated boarding gate ahead of time to ensure timely boarding.

Tips:

• International boarding gates often close earlier than domestic flights. Plan to arrive at the gate at least 3 hours before departure to allow sufficient time for all procedures.
• For additional support, such as assistance for elderly travelers or families with children, contact airport staff for help.