The Ultimate Guide to Yinchuan Hedong International Airport

Hey there, I’m Alex Chen – a backpacker from China who’s always chasing freedom, good eats, and hidden gems across the world. While luxury resorts aren’t really my thing, I love discovering off-the-beaten-path spots and sharing how to travel smarter and cheaper in China. If you’re planning to explore Yinchuan or just making a layover at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC), this guide will show you the best and most budget-friendly ways to get from the airport to the city center. Let’s dive in!

Yinchuan Hedong International Airport Overview

• Airport Code: INC
• Address: Konggang Avenue, Lingwu, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Distance from downtown Yinchuan: Around 30 km
• Terminal info:
  • Terminal 3 (T3): The main terminal, handling most domestic flights. 103,700 square meters in size.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Smaller terminal for international flights. Limited traffic. 32,000 square meters.

Top 3 Ways to Get from Yinchuan Hedong International Airport to Downtown

Since Yinchuan doesn’t have a subway system, you’ll need to choose between airport shuttle buses, high-speed rail, or a taxi/ride-hailing service. Personally, I highly recommend the high-speed train — it’s cheap, fast, and great for solo travelers.

1. Taking the Airport Shuttle Bus from Yinchuan Airport

• Boarding location: Gate 3, Arrivals Level (1F)
• Fare: 20 CNY
• Travel time: 30–40 minutes
• Shuttle Routes:
  • Line 1 – The most popular line. Final stop: Western Airport Aviation Hotel (Apple Maps / Amap). Operates from 9:30 AM until the last flight arrives. Runs once every hour.
  • Line 2 – Final stop: Yuehai New World South Plaza (Apple Maps / Amap). Buses depart every 1–2 hours. This line used to serve the train station but no longer does.
  • Line 3 – Final stop: Youyuecheng Apartment, 5F, Lingshui Street, Jinfeng District. Very limited service — only two buses per day (12:00 PM and 5:00 PM).

How to Buy Tickets:

• Buy tickets at the bus ticket window or self-service kiosks. Payments accepted: cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• While you can buy online via the official WeChat account, it’s clunky. I recommend buying in person for a smoother experience.

2. Taking the High-Speed Train from Yinchuan Airport to Downtown

Here’s my top pick for travelers like me who value time and money. The Hedongjichang Station is located right under the airport on B1, and you can catch a high-speed train directly to Yinchuan Railway Station.

• Station location: B1 level of the terminal
• Ticket price: 8–12 CNY
• Travel time: 21 minutes
• Operating hours: First train at 8:00 AM, last train at 10:00 PM
• Train route: Hedongjichang (Yinchuan Airport) → Yinchuan
• Tickets: Check availability here

Trains usually run every hour, making this the most reliable and efficient option.

3. Taking a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service from Yinchuan Airport

If you’re traveling in a group of three or more, a taxi can be just as economical as the bus — with more comfort.

• Pick-up locations:
  • Ride-hailing: B1 level
  • Regular taxis: 1F level
  • Some ride-hailing drivers may ask you to meet them on the Departure Level (3F), Gate 3 or Gate 4. That’s totally fine and actually helps avoid long queues.
• Fare: Around 60 CNY
• Time: About 40 minutes to reach downtown

Inside Yinchuan Hedong International Airport

Yinchuan Airport is relatively small and sees very few international flights. While there are a few dining options available, I strongly suggest doing all your shopping in the city before heading to the airport.

Dining Options and Opening Hours at Yinchuan Airport

There aren’t many restaurants, but you can still grab a bite before your flight. Here are the main places to eat:

• Starbucks
  • Location: Near Gate 13
  • Hours: 06:00–22:00
  • Food Type: Coffee, snacks
• Laomao Shouzhua Fan (Ningxia-style lamb rice)
  • Location: Near Gate 16
  • Hours: 06:00–22:00
  • Food Type: Local Ningxia cuisine, especially lamb dishes
• Burger King
  • Location: Near Gate 16
  • Hours: 06:00–22:00
  • Food Type: Burgers, Western fast food

Luggage Storage at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport

Need to stash your bags while you explore? The airport does provide luggage storage — just not in the train station section.

• Location: Left corner of the 2nd floor Departure Hall, next to the airport police office
• Hours: 05:30–23:10
• Price: 5 / 10 / 15 CNY per 24 hours, depending on size
  • Time is calculated from drop-off
  • Overnight storage is allowed
  • First 24 hours are free for connecting passengers
• Important Notes:
  • No power banks or lithium batteries allowed in stored luggage
  • You must go through a security check before storage
  • ID is required for drop-off; pickup only needs your receipt
  • There is no storage at the airport train station, so store your luggage before leaving the terminal

Free Wi-Fi at Yinchuan Airport

Yinchuan Hedong International Airport offers free Wi-Fi, but you’ll need a Chinese mobile number to access it.

• How to connect: Enter your phone number and verify with an SMS code
• Heads-up: Accessing websites like Google may require a VPN

Can You Sleep Overnight at Yinchuan Airport?

Technically yes — but it’s not ideal.

• Most areas of the airport close at night, and seating is limited and not very comfortable
• Dining options shut down in the evening
• If you’re flying out early in the morning, I don’t recommend staying overnight
• However, if you’re just transiting, the airport does offer a decent transfer lounge with: Free massage chairs, Changing rooms, Drinking water stations, Quiet rest benches, Lockers for storage.