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Where is Yichang Airport
Adress: Jichang Road, Xiating District, Yichang
Yichang Sanxia International Airport (YIH) is the city's only airport, connecting travelers to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, as well as international destinations like Busan. Charter services to Hong Kong and Taichung are also available, with a total of 31 domestic and international routes.
Once you land at the airport, here are the key distances to major attractions and cruise terminals:
| Destinations | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Zigui Port | 74 km (46 mi) | 60-80 min |
| Yichang Downtown | 26 km (16 mi) | 30-40 min |
| Sanxia Tourist Center & Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf | 30 km (18.5 mi) | 30-40 min |
| Yichang East Station | 20 km (12.4 mi) | 20-30 min |
| Yichang Museum | 18 km (11 mi) | 20-30 min |
| Sandouping Tourist Centre | 66 km (41 mi) | 60-70 min |
Main Ports in Yichang for Yangtze River Cruise
After arriving in Yichang, most tourists continue their journey with a Yangtze River cruise to Chongqing. These upstream cruises from Yichang to Chongqing typically depart from 3 ports:
Zigui Port (Main Departure Port)
- Location: East Hubin Road, Zigui County, Yichang
- Distance from airport: 74km (60-80 minutes drive)
- Main departure point for most Yangtze River cruise ships including Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, President, Yangtze Gold Cruises, Yangtze 3, and Yangzi Explorer
Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf
- Location:136-6-114 Yanjiang Avenue, Wujiagang District, Yichang
- Distance from airport: 30km (30-40 minutes drive)
- Exclusive departure point for Yangtze 1 Cruise
Sandouping Port
- Location: Yiling District, Yichang
- Distance from airport: 66km (60-70 minutes drive)
- Exclusive departure point for Yangzi Explorer Cruise
Yichang Sanxia Airport to Zigui Port in Yichang
The fastest and most direct way from Yichang Airport to Zigui Port is by taxi, taking 60-80 minutes and costing around ¥180. However, we recommend a more economical option: transfer at either Yichang East Railway Station or the Sanxia Tourist Center, where cruise companies provide free shuttle services to Zigui Port. These shuttles operate daily between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM, with the journey taking 50-60 minutes.
This means you only need to arrange transportation from the airport to either Yichang East Station or the Sanxia Tourist Center. This arrangement works particularly well if you plan to explore Yichang before boarding your cruise. Both locations are conveniently situated in the city center, not far from Yichang Museum, and offer luggage storage facilities.
How can I get from Yichang Airport to Yichang East Railway Station or Sanxia Tourist Center?
Option 1: By Taxi (Direct Way)
Looking for the easiest way from Yichang Airport? Just grab a taxi right outside the terminal to either Yichang East Railway Station or the Sanxia Tourist Center. It's a quick 20-30 minute ride and will run you about 30-40 RMB. No need to worry about complicated directions or transfers - it's as simple as hopping in a cab. Perfect for families or anyone who wants a hassle-free start to their trip.
- Yichang East Railway Station (宜昌东站): 1 Dongzhan Road, Wujiagang District, Yichang (宜昌市伍家岗区东站路1号)
- Sanxia Tourist Center (三峡游客中心): 142 Yanjiang Avenue, Wujiagang District, Yichang (宜昌市伍家岗区沿江大道142号)
Option 2: By Shuttle Bus
Airport shuttle buses run throughout the day, timed with flight arrivals until the last flight lands. The bus route goes from Sanxia International Airport to Yichang East Station, making stops at Ai Baoge Li Hotel, Yijing Meiji Hotel, and finally the Sanxia Tourist Center.
It's about a 36-40 minute ride to Yichang East Station, or 56-60 minutes if you're heading to the Sanxia Tourist Center. The fare is pretty reasonable at ¥20-25. This shuttle service makes it super easy to get into town without breaking the bank.
How to Take A free shuttle Bus
From Yichang East Station: Once you arrive, you'll need to grab a bus pass from the Tourist Information Center. It's super easy to find - just take a right after exiting the station, follow the taxi lane, and cross at the crosswalk. Don't forget to bring your passport or ID! After you get your pass, friendly staff members will escort you to where the luxury cruise shuttles are waiting.
From Sanxia Tourist Center: Things are even more straightforward here. Just swing by the main lobby (look for signs saying "Luxury Cruise Transfer") with your ID or passport to pick up your bus pass. Shuttles run regularly throughout the day, and you'll be at your cruise ship in about 90 minutes.
How to Get to Yichang Port from Yichang East Station (2025)
4 Yangtze River Ports: Chongqing Port & Yichang Port
Yangtze River Ports Map: Main Ports on Yangtze River Map
Yichang Sanxia Airport to Sandouping Port
Currently, only the Yangzi Explorer docks at Sandouping Port in Yichang, similar to the route between Yichang and Zigui Port. The quickest and easiest way to get from Yichang Airport to Sandou Ping Port is by taxi - it's a 67km journey that takes about 60-80 minutes and costs around 150-180 yuan (about $21-25).
On a budget? No worries! You can hop on the cruise company's free shuttle bus instead. These buses pick up passengers from two convenient locations: the Sanxia Tourist Center and Yichang East Railway Station. Just make sure to check the shuttle schedule with your cruise company beforehand to nail down your timing!
Yichang Sanxia Airport to Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf
As Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf is very close to the Sanxia Tourist Center, you can either take a taxi directly or catch the airport shuttle to the Sanxia Tourist Center, and then walk to Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf. Embark on the Yangtze 1 Cruise from here.
After Arrive: How to Board a Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang
- Arrive at the pier on time with your passport or ID - punctuality is important as the check-in process takes some time
- Go through security screening with your luggage and complete the identity verification process
- Head to the ship's service desk for check-in, just like you would at a hotel - you'll verify your booking and complete some simple paperwork
- Pick up your cabin key card and make your way to your room - now you're ready to begin your Yangtze River cruise adventure!
Remember: The whole process is quite similar to checking into a hotel, just with added security measures to ensure everyone's safety.
Yichang to Chongqing Cruise: 5 Days Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang
Return Journey to the Airport
After your cruise experience, you might be wondering how to catch your flight after disembarking at Zigui Port. Here's the good news - most cruise companies include a tour of the Three Gorges Dam area in their packages, giving you a chance to explore and understand the incredible story behind this massive project. These tours typically end at the Sanxia Tourist Center, which is conveniently located near downtown Yichang.
From there, getting to the airport is a breeze. You can either catch a taxi or hop on one of the airport shuttles. The shuttle service runs about 15 times daily between 6:30 AM and 8:25 PM, making it super convenient to plan your departure.
| Station | Departure Time |
|---|---|
| Inter-City Bus Station | 06:30 71:20 08:00 09:15 10:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:30 15:45 17:00 17:00 19:00 19:40 |
| Sanxia Tourist Center | 06:35 07:25 08: 05 09:2010:20 11:20 12:20 13:20 14:35 15:50 17:05 18:05 1905 19:45 |
| Yichang East Station | 07:15 08:05 08:45 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:15 16:30 17:45 18:45 19:45 20.25 |
Private Transfer from/to Yichang Sanxia Airport
Need a stress-free ride from/to Yichang Sanxia International Airport? Asia Odyssey Travel's private transfer service has got you covered. Our professional drivers will pick you up from your hotel, the Sanxia Tourist Center, or anywhere in downtown Yichang. The modern, comfortable vehicles can accommodate both individual travelers and small groups. Just book your Yangtze River cruise in advance, and we'll handle the rest.
Cruise Yangtze River with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure along China's legendary Yangtze River with Asia Odyssey Travel. From the stunning Three Gorges to ancient riverside towns, our cruises let you discover China's heartland in style and comfort. Whether you're into amazing views, local culture, or just want to relax on deck, AOT's expert team will help plan your perfect river journey. With years of experience showing travelers the best of Asia, we know all the secret spots and must-see sights along this mighty waterway. Contact us Now!
Asia Odyssey Travel Benefits for Your Journey:
Tour Packages: Yangtze River Tours, Beijing Yangtze Tours, Shanghai Yangtze Tours, China Cruise Tours
Our Yangtze Cruise Partners & Ships: Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Changjiang Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, 20+Yangtze River Cruise Ships
How to Chosse a Ship: Family-friendly, Luxury, Largest, Best-value, New, Cheap
Cruise Lines: Yichang to Chongqing, Chongqing to Yichang, Chongqing to Shanghai, Upsteam or Downstream
Attractions: Yangtze River Attractions, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam
Travel Guide: Yangtze River Facts, How to Plan, Itinerary, Cost, How to Book, Best Time to Visit, Reviews
Transportation: Cruise Ports, Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing Airport, Chongqing Train Stations, Yichang Airport, Yichang East Station
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