I’m Alex Chen, an avid traveler from China who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. My passion is sharing tips on how to travel comfortably in China on a budget. If you’re planning a trip through Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, this guide will provide you with detailed travel tips and insights to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.



Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport Overview

  • Airport Code: CGO
  • Location: Zhengzhou, Xinzheng City, Zhongmu County, Henan Province, China
  • Distance to City Center: 25 kilometers (15.5 miles)
  • Terminal Information:
    • T2 Terminal: The airport has a single terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Covering 486,000 square meters, it opened in 2015 and offers modern facilities to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Aerial view of Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport terminal layout

4 Best Ways to Travel from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Downtown

If you’re arriving at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport during the day, the metro is your best option for getting to the city center. For evening arrivals, the airport shuttle bus is a convenient and reliable choice. If you’re traveling with a group, consider booking a rideshare service for a more comfortable trip.

1. How to Take the Metro from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Downtown Zhengzhou

Starting from T2 Terminal

  • Metro Lines: Chengjiao Line + Metro Line 2
  • Location: Ground Transportation Center (GTC), B2 Level
  • Operating Hours: 06:00 – 22:00
  • Cost: 8 RMB
  • Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Purchase Tickets

  • Buy single-use metro cards from ticket windows or self-service machines. Payments can be made in cash or via WeChat and Alipay.
  • Alternatively, scan the metro QR code on your Alipay or WeChat app for seamless access.
Subway and intercity train sign at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

2. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Downtown Zhengzhou

Starting from T2 Terminal

  • Location: Near Gate 1 on the 1st floor of the terminal
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
  • Common Shuttle Bus Routes
    • Route 2: Zhengzhou East High-Speed Rail Station
      • Cost: 20 RMB
      • Operating Hours: 9:40 AM – 7:40 PM
    • Route to Zhengzhou Railway Station
      • Cost: 20 RMB
      • Operating Hours: 8:30 AM until 40 minutes after the last flight arrives
    • Route 4: Stops include Civil Aviation Hotel, Zhengbian Road Intersection, and Zijingshan
      • Cost: 20 RMB
      • Operating Hours: 8:30 AM until 40 minutes after the last flight arrives

How to Purchase Tickets

  • Purchase tickets at shuttle bus ticket windows or self-service machines. Payments are accepted via cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
  • Alternatively, you can book tickets in advance on the official WeChat account for the shuttle bus service.
Airport bus ticket counter at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

3. How to Take a Taxi from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Downtown Zhengzhou

Starting from T2 Terminal

  • Location: Ground Transportation Center (GTC), 2F Level
  • Cost: Around 90 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Taxi sign at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

4. How to Use a Rideshare Service from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Downtown Zhengzhou

Using rideshare apps like Didi is another convenient way to travel to the city. Payments can be made through Alipay or within the Didi app.

Starting from T2 Terminal

  • Location: Ground Transportation Center (GTC), 2F Level
  • Cost: Around 70 RMB
  • Travel Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Ride-hailing car sign at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
CGO Xinzheng International Airport pick-up and drop-off services

Guide to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Tax Refunds

If you are an international traveler shopping in China, you may be eligible for a tax refund at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Tax Refund Conditions:
    • Purchases must be made at the same tax-free store on the same day and must total at least 500 RMB.
    • Items must be purchased within 90 days of your departure date.
  • Refund Amount:
    • The refund rate is 13% of the total invoice amount (including VAT), with 11% returned to the traveler.
  • Refund Process:
    • Before Security Check: Visit customs for verification and approval. Look for signage indicating the refund counter.
    • After Security Check: Submit your refund claim at the designated location, as indicated by airport signs.
  • For detailed information, visit the China Tax Refund Guide.

Payment App Assistance Counter (Overseas Visitors Service Center)

To help international travelers use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport offers a Payment Assistance Counter in Terminal 2.

  • Services Provided:
    • Guidance on downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps.
    • Assistance with setting up international bank cards for payment functionality.
    • Basic tutorials and answers to common questions about app usage.
  • Location: International arrivals exit in Terminal 2.
Payment service center for international visitors at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Dining Options and Operating Hours at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Post-Security Dining in Terminal 2

  • McDonald’s
    • Location: Inside the international security checkpoint.
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
    • Offerings: Coffee, snacks, and light meals.

Duty-Free Shopping Hours

CNSC Duty-Free Store in Terminal 2

  • Location: International/ Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan departure hall.
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 AM (overnight).
  • Available Items: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics, and more.
Duty-free shop at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Luggage Storage Services

  • Location: 4th floor, Departure Hall near Gate 2.
  • Operating Hours: 5:00 AM until the last departing flight.
  • Pricing:
    • Items under 20kg or smaller than 40cm x 60cm x 50cm: 5 RMB per item for 12 hours.
    • Items over 20kg or larger than 40cm x 60cm x 50cm: 10 RMB per item for 12 hours.
Luggage storage service at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Currency Exchange Services

  • Yuxin Currency Exchange
    • Location: Opposite Gate 6 on the 4th floor, International Departure Hall.
    • Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • Bohai Tonghui Currency Exchange
    • Location: North side of Gate 6, Business Counter on the 4th floor.
    • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Free Airport Wi-Fi

Travelers can access free Wi-Fi at the airport by following these steps:

  • Use your mobile number to log in by entering the code sent via text message.
  • Note: Accessing websites like Google may require a VPN due to internet restrictions in China.

Can You Stay Overnight at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport?

Yes, the airport offers free overnight rest areas where travelers can lay down and relax.

  • Locations:
    • 4th Floor, Departure Area: Near Gate 7 in Zone G of the departure hall. Look for the yellow “Tourist Group Area 2” signage, then walk straight ahead.
    • 1st Floor, Arrival Area: Inside Gate 1. Take the elevator to the 1st floor, and after passing the Meeting Point 1, walk straight to find the rest area.
Overnight rest area at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport