Hello! I’m Alex Chen, I’m a passionate Chinese traveler who loves independent travel and exploring the world’s hidden corners. I enjoy sharing tips on how to travel across China on a budget, making your journey not only exciting but also affordable. Today, I’m thrilled to present a detailed Sanya Phoenix International Airport Travel Guide, designed to make your trip to Sanya as seamless as possible. Let’s get started!



Sanya Phoenix International Airport Overview

  • Airport Code: SYX
  • Location: Tianya District, Airport Road, Sanya
  • Distance from Downtown: Approximately 11 km
  • Terminal Information
    • T1 Terminal:Handles both domestic and international flights. Marked as “T1.” Opened in 2006 with an area of 58,300 sqm.
    • T2 Terminal: Primarily for domestic flights. Marked as “T2.” Opened in 2015 with an area of 20,000 sqm.
    • International Terminal: Dedicated to international flights. Marked as “I.” Opened in 2007 with an area of 16,300 sqm.
    • VIP Terminal: Handles both domestic and international flights. Covers an area of 13,000 sqm.
Aerial view of Sanya Phoenix International Airport with its modern terminal and airplanes parked on the runway

3 Best Ways from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Downtown

1. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Downtown?

  • Location: Opposite Gate 5 of the Domestic Arrival Hall, on the first floor of Complex C.
  • Fare: ¥25 per person
  • Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
  • Common Airport Shuttle Bus Routes
    • Route 1: Sanya Phoenix Airport ↔ Yalong Bay
      • Stops: Sanya Phoenix Airport → Sanya Howard Johnson Resort (Haihung Road) → Haiyue Plaza (Sanya Bay Road) → China Everbright Bank (Xinfeng Road) → Bus Station (Jiefang Road) → Sanya Municipal Government (Yuyalu Road) → Dadonghai (Yuyalu Road) → Hongsha Community → Jiyang Town → Yalong Bay Hotels
      • Departure Times: Every hour from 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
    • Route 2: Sanya Phoenix Airport ↔ Haitang Bay International Duty-Free Shopping Mall
      • Stops: Sanya Phoenix Airport → Phoenix Airport Highway Interchange (Shuijiao Road) → Haitang Bay (Linwang) Interchange (Hainan Circular Highway) → Haitang Bay 301 Hospital → Haitang Bay Hotels → Haitang Bay Tourist Center (Evernight City) → Haitang Bay International Duty-Free Shopping Mall
      • Departure Times: 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10:00 PM.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the bus ticket counter. Payments are accepted in cash, WeChat, or Alipay.

Airport shuttle bus ticket office at Sanya Phoenix International Airport

2. How to Take a Taxi from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Downtown?

  • Location: Opposite Gates 3 and 4 of the Domestic Arrival Hall (1st Floor).
  • Fare: Approximately ¥50
  • Duration: About 30 minutes
Taxi pick-up area at Sanya Phoenix International Airport with clear signage and security

3. How to Take a Ride-Hailing Service from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Downtown?

  • Platform: Use apps like Alipay or Didi Chuxing to book your ride.
  • Location: Exit from Gates 6 and 7 of the T2 Arrival Hall, then head to the designated area on the 3rd floor.
  • Fare: Approximately ¥30
  • Duration: About 30 minutes
Ride-hailing pick-up zone and parking level details at Sanya Phoenix International Airport
Sanya Phoenix Airport Pickup and Drop-off Service

3 Best Ways from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Yalong Bay

1. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Fare: ¥25 per person
  • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
  • Route Information: Take the Route 1 Airport Shuttle Bus from the airport. The bus stops at popular locations like Dadonghai before reaching hotels in the Yalong Bay area.

2. Taxi

  • Fare: ¥80–¥100
  • Duration: Around 40 minutes
  • Pick-up Location: Taxis are available at the Domestic Arrival Hall, opposite Gates 3 and 4.

3. Ride-Hailing Service

  • Fare: ¥60–¥80
  • Duration: Around 40 minutes
  • Pick-up Location: Exit the T2 Arrival Hall through Gates 6 or 7, then proceed to the designated area on the 3rd floor.

3 Best Ways from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Yalong Bay Railway Station

1. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Fare: ¥25 per person
  • Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
  • Route Information: The airport shuttle bus travels directly to Yalong Bay Railway Station, passing through key locations like Dadonghai.

2. Taxi

  • Fare: ¥50–¥70
  • Duration: About 30 minutes
  • Pick-up Location: Available at the Domestic Arrival Hall, opposite Gates 3 and 4.

3. Ride-Hailing Service

  • Fare: ¥40–¥60
  • Duration: Around 30 minutes
  • Pick-up Location: Exit the T2 Arrival Hall via Gates 6 or 7 and proceed to the 3rd floor pick-up area.

3 Best Ways from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Haitang Bay International Duty-Free Shopping Mall

1. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Fare: ¥25 per person
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
  • Route Information: Take the Route 2 Airport Shuttle Bus, which travels directly to the Haitang Bay Duty-Free Mall, stopping at several hotels along the way.

2. Taxi

  • Fare: ¥120–¥150
  • Duration: About 50 minutes
  • Pick-up Location: Taxis are available outside the Arrival Hall, near Gates 3 and 4.

3. Ride-Hailing Service

  • Fare: ¥100–¥120
  • Duration: Around 50 minutes
  • Pick-up Location: Exit the T2 Arrival Hall through Gates 6 or 7 and proceed to the designated pick-up zone on the 3rd floor.

Guide to Sanya Phoenix International Airport

Tax Refund Services

  • Eligibility for Tax Refunds:
    • Purchases by the same traveler at the same tax-free shop must total at least ¥500 in a single day.
    • The departure date must be within 90 days of the purchase date.
  • Refund Amount:
    • Refunds are calculated at 11% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 9% returned to the traveler.
  • Refund Process:
    • Before security: Customs will verify your items and confirm eligibility. Follow the signage for directions.
    • After security: Refunds are processed in the departure hall of the International Terminal.

Inter-Terminal Transportation: T1, T2, and the International Terminal

The terminals at Sanya Phoenix International Airport are located close to each other. Walking between them takes no more than 10 minutes, making transfers quick and convenient.


Dining Options and Opening Hours at Sanya Phoenix International Airport

After Security in T1 Terminal

  • Dicos
    • Location: Near Gate 209
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
    • Menu: Burgers and snacks

After Security in T2 Terminal

  • Burger King
    • Location: Near Gate 204
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
    • Menu: Burgers and snacks

Duty-Free Shopping Hours

  • CDF Duty-Free Store
    • Location: Restricted area in T1 Terminal, near Gates 206–208, 211, 215–216
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Products Available: Cigarettes, perfumes, and cosmetics

Luggage Storage Services

  • Location: Between Doors B and C in the Arrival Hall of T1 Terminal
  • Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:00 AM (next day)
  • Rates:
    • Small locker (33.5cm × 41cm × 85cm): ¥15 per piece/day
    • Medium locker (47cm × 41cm × 85cm): ¥25 per piece/day
    • Large locker (65cm × 41cm × 85cm): ¥35 per piece/day

Currency Exchange Services

  • Hainan Tonghui
    • Location: Outside the controlled area of the International Terminal Arrival Hall
    • Opening Hours: 45 minutes before the first inbound flight to the end of flight operations
  • Tianjin Bohai Tonghui
    • Location: Inside the controlled area of the International Terminal Departure Hall
    • Opening Hours: From 2 hours before departure to 45 minutes before departure

Free Wi-Fi at the Airport

Passengers can connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi by:

  • Entering your mobile phone number and receiving a verification code via SMS.

Note: Accessing websites like Google may require a VPN.


Can You Stay Overnight at Sanya Phoenix International Airport?

Yes, overnight stays are possible. The recommended area is the special service lounge in the T2 Departure Hall. It is located on the left side upon entering and features metal benches and massage chairs. After midnight, the area becomes quiet and ideal for rest.