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How to Get to Yichang Port from Yichang East Station (2025)

Written by Celine Schneider|Updated: 2025-01-09

Getting from Yichang East Station to the cruise ports is simpler than you might expect, with several options at your disposal. As one of the city's major transportation hubs, the East Station offers convenient access to the ports where Yangtze River cruises dock. The city has 3 main cruise departure points: Yichang No.9 Wharf (10km away), Maoping Port (also known as Zigui Port), located 64km from the station and Sandouping Port (50 km away).

The best way to reach Zigui Port/ Sandouping Port is via the cruise company's complimentary shuttle bus, which picks up passengers directly from Yichang East Station. This journey takes about 1.5 hours. Taxis and public buses serve as excellent alternative options. For those heading to Yichang No.9 Wharf in the city center, public transportation is readily available and convenient.

Want to know the specific details about getting from Yichang East Station to the cruise ports? Keep reading for our comprehensive Yichang East Station transportation guide.

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  • triangleWhere is Yichang East Railway Station
  • triangleMain Yichang Ports for Yangtze River Cruise
  • triangleYichang East Station to Zigui Port (Maoping Port)
  • triangleYichang East Station to Sandouping Port
  • triangleYichang East Station to Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf
  • triangleHow to Board Your Cruise Ship at Yichang Port
  • triangleReturn Journey to Yichang East Railway Station
  • triangleCruise Yangtze River with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Where is Yichang East Railway Station

Yichang East Railway Station
Yichang East Railway Station
Yichang East Railway Station
Yichang East Railway Station

Address: No.1 Dongzhan Road, Wujiagang District, Yichang

Yichang East Railway Station is the city's only passenger railway station, making it super easy to know where to go! Whether you're in the mood for a speedy bullet train or prefer a regular train journey, you'll find daily connections to all major Chinese cities - Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Changsha, and Hangzhou.

Here's a quick guide to distances from the station:

Destination Distance by Road Duration
Three Gorges Dam 50 km (31 mi) 40-60 min
Yichang Airport 23 km (14 mi) 20-30 min
Maoping Port (Zigui) 64 km (40 mi) 60-80 min
Sanxia Tourist Center 10 km (6 mi) 25-35 min
Yichang Museum 5 km (3 mi) 10-20 min
Sandouping Port 50 km (31 mi) 40-60 min

Main Yichang Ports for Yangtze River Cruise

Sanxia Tourist Centre
Sanxia Tourist Centre
Yichang No.9 Port
Yichang No.9 Port

If you're planning a Yangtze River cruise from Yichang, you'll likely depart from one of two main ports: Maoping Port (also called Zigui Port) or Yichang No.9 Wharf.

Zigui Port (Departure Port for Most Yangtze River Cruise)

  • Location: East Hubin Road, Zigui County, Yichang

Maoping Port (Zigui Port) serves as the primary departure point for most luxury Yangtze River cruises, including popular ships from Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, President, Yangtze Gold Cruises, Yangtze 3, and Yangzi Explorer fleets. You'll find this bustling port along East Hubin Road in Zigui County, Yichang. Getting here from Yichang East Railway Station takes about 60-80 minutes by car, covering a distance of 64km. Despite being further from the city center, it's the preferred port for most cruise operators due to its proximity to the Three Gorges Dam.

Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf

  • Location: 136-6-114 Yanjiang Avenue, Wujiagang District, Yichang

If you're booked on the Yangtze 1 Cruise, you'll be departing from Yichang No.9 Wharf, a dedicated terminal located in the city's Wujiagang District. From Yichang East Railway Station, it's a relatively quick 20-30 minute drive covering 23km, perfect for travelers on a tighter schedule.

Sandouping Port

  • Location: Yiling District, Yichang

If you're booked on the Yangzi Explorer, you'll be embarking and disembarking at Sandouping Port - home to the famous Three Gorges Dam. Getting here from Yichang East Railway Station involves a 50km journey, typically taking 50-60 minutes by car.

How to Travel Between Yichang Airport and Yichang Port

4 Yangtze River Ports: Chongqing Port & Yichang Port

Yangtze River Ports Map: Main Ports on Yangtze River Map

Yichang East Station to Zigui Port (Maoping Port)

Zigui Port (Maoping Port), Yichang
Zigui Port (Maoping Port), Yichang
Zigui Port (Maoping Port), Yichang
Zigui Port (Maoping Port), Yichang

Free Shuttle Bus (Best Way)

If you arrive at Yichang East Railway Station, you can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus service provided by cruise companies, which operates between 17:30 and 20:00 daily. This is the most convenient way to reach Maoping Port (Zigui Port) from the train station. After approximately 1.5 hours on the shuttle bus, you will arrive at Maoping Port (Zigui Port).

Yichang Shuttle Bus
Yichang Shuttle Bus
Yichang Shuttle Bus
Yichang Shuttle Bus

How to Find the Free Shuttle Bus in Yichang East Railway Station?

Upon reaching Yichang East Railway Station, your first stop should be the Tourist Information Center to collect your shuttle bus ticket. Finding it is straightforward - exit the station, turn right along the taxi area, and use the pedestrian crossing. Remember to have your passport or ID card ready when requesting your ticket. The helpful staff will then direct you to the designated cruise shuttle pick-up area, where comfortable buses await to transport you to your port of departure.

Step-by-step Guide:

  • Exit the station building
  • Turn right along the taxi lane
  • Cross at the marked pedestrian crossing
  • Locate the Tourist Information Center
  • Present your ID/passport at the counter
  • Collect your shuttle bus pass
  • Follow staff directions to the shuttle area

Taxi (Fast Way)

If you need to get to Zigui Port (Maoping Port) quickly or have missed the free shuttle service, a taxi is your best option. The ride takes 60-70 minutes and costs around 130-150 RMB. This can be particularly convenient for families with lots of luggage. Taxis are easily found at the designated taxi stand on the west side of the station's front plaza.

Bus (Budget-Friendly)

There's a direct public bus (Route 809) to Maoping Port, which you can board at Yichang Bus Terminal Station, located about a kilometer from Yichang East Railway Station. While it's a budget-friendly option, the journey is quite long - about 3.5 hours covering 11 stops before reaching Maoping Port Bus Station. This might not be the most convenient choice if you're pressed for time.

Yichang East Station to Sandouping Port

Sandouping Port, Yichang
Sandouping Port, Yichang
Sandouping Port, Yichang
Sandouping Port, Yichang

Need to get to Sandouping Port? Here's the scoop on your options! The fastest way is grabbing a taxi - it'll take about 50-60 minutes and set you back around 100-120 yuan ($14-17). But here's a money-saving hack: your best bet is actually the free shuttle bus service provided by the cruise companies, which picks up right at Yichang East Station. Super convenient!

As for public transportation, we don't recommend it, but here's what it involves:

  • Take Bus 809, then transfer to Bus 216
  • After getting off Bus 216, you'll need to walk 3.7km to reach the port
  • Total journey time: about 2.5 hours
  • Multiple transfers and long walking distance make this option quite inconvenient

Yichang East Station to Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf

Yichang No.9 Port
Yichang No.9 Port
Sanxia Tourist Centre, Yichang
Sanxia Tourist Centre, Yichang

If you're booked on the Yangtze 1 Cruise Ship, you'll be boarding at Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf, which is conveniently located near the city center. The wharf is about 11 kilometers from Yichang East Station, and it's well-served by public transportation. If you prefer taking a taxi, the ride takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 20-30 yuan.

Bus

Multiple bus routes connect Yichang East Station to Harbor No.9 Wharf (B1, 805, 806, 811, and B9), with fares ranging from 2 to 18 yuan. For convenience, we suggest taking Bus B1.

Journey Details:

  • Departure: Platform 2 Bus Stop (about 300 meters from Yichang East Station)
  • Arrival: Yichang Central People's Hospital Stop
  • From the bus stop, it's a 470-meter walk to the wharf
  • Total journey time: 60 minutes

How to Board Your Cruise Ship at Yichang Port

Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf
Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf
Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf
Yichang Harbor No.9 Wharf

The boarding procedure is simple and organized:

  1. Get to the terminal early - being on time is essential since boarding formalities can take a while. Have your passport or ID ready.
  2. Pass through the security checkpoint where your bags will be screened and your documents checked.
  3. Visit the cruise reception desk to check in. You'll need to show your booking details and fill out some basic forms, similar to a hotel check-in.
  4. Receive your room key card, then make your way to your cabin to settle in and start your river journey.

Tips: Think of it like checking into a floating hotel. The main difference is the extra security steps to ensure passenger safety. The staff will guide you through each step, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Related Article:Yichang to Chongqing Cruise: 5 Days Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang

Return Journey to Yichang East Railway Station

Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise
Best Service on Yangtze River Cruise Ship
Best Service on Yangtze River Cruise Ship

Similar to the boarding locations in Yichang, Yangtze River cruise ships disembark at Zigui Port, Sandouping Port or Yichang No.9 Wharf.

If you're traveling on Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, President Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, Yangtze 3, you'll dock at Maoping Port (Zigui Port). Yangzi Explorer will dock at Sandouping Port. The cruise company will then provide transportation to the Sanxia Tourist Center, located near Yichang No.9 Wharf.

So if you're sailing downstream from Chongqing to Yichang, all you really need to know is how to get from the Sanxia Tourist Center to Yichang East Station.

By Taxi

  • Most convenient option
  • Travel time: about 20-30 minutes
  • Cost: approximately 16-20 RMB
  • Show the driver: "宜昌东站" (Yichang East Station)

By Public Bus

  • Take Bus No. 811, No.806, No.805, No.B1
  • Travel time: 45-60 minutes
  • Cost: 2-22 RMB
  • Less convenient with luggage

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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