Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) is the main gateway to Hunan Province and a major hub in central China. Located about 16 miles (25 km) east of downtown Changsha, the airport handles heavy domestic traffic and a growing range of international routes. Its terminals are modern and easy to navigate, with clear signage, efficient security, and useful traveler facilities.
Reaching the city from Changsha Huanghua Airport is straightforward. Taxis and ride-hailing services offer the quickest trip into downtown, while airport buses provide a budget-friendly option to major city stops. Travelers can also take the Maglev or Metro Line 6 for a fast, convenient public transport connection. With smooth arrival procedures and plenty of nearby hotels, CSX offers a practical and comfortable starting point for exploring Changsha and the wider Hunan region.
About Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX)
Credit: wikimedia | Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX)
Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) is Hunan Province’s biggest and busiest air hub – think 4.6 million annual passengers for Terminal 1 and 15.6 million for Terminal 2. During the 2025 Spring Festival (Chunyun), Changsha Airport expected a passenger throughput of about 3.62 million people, a 5.3% year‑on‑year increase (source from news.changsha.cn).
It’s 25km from downtown Changsha, making it easy to reach, and has flights to 81 cities (domestic and international, like Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur). Plus, it offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from 50+ countries – a big win for layovers!
In early 2025, there was a commercial tender announced for retail space in the T2 terminal’s basement level, signaling ongoing infrastructure and service development. (source from hunanairport.cn)
Changsha Huanghua International Airport (长沙黄花国际机场) Info | |
IATA Code | CSX |
Location | Huanghua Town, Changsha County – 25km (15.5 miles) from Changsha city center |
Terminals | T1 (built 1986, expanded 2000) & T2 (opened 2011) |
Size | T1: 53,000 sqm; T2: 213,000 sqm (5th largest terminal in China) |
Major Airlines | China Southern (CZ), Shenzhen Airlines (ZH), China Eastern (MU), Xiamen Airlines (MF), Asiana Airlines (OZ) |
How to Get from Changsha Airport to City Center?
Credit: east china trip | Follow this sign to take the subway
There are 4 simple ways to get from Changsha Airport to the city center - choose according to speed or budget. Here is a quick analysis, followed by detailed information:
Type | Fare (¥/$) | Time | Where to Catch |
Maglev | ~20/2.80 | 20 mins | Between T1/T2 (T2 3F Entry 1 passage) |
Airport Bus | 16.5/2.31–28/3.92 | 40–50 mins | T2 1F Gate 5 (ticket counter) |
Taxi | 60–80/8.40–11.20 | 30–40 mins | T2 1F Exit 5 (only official spot) |
City Bus | ~2/0.28 | 50–60 mins | T1/T2 bus stops (114 or Line 4) |
Maglev Express (Fastest for South Railway Station)
If you are to catch a high-speed train from Changsha South Railway Station, the maglev is your best chioce. It’s smooth, quiet, and only takes 20 minutes, plus no traffic! Trains basically run from 7:00am to 10:30pm, and you can buy tickets at the machine near the maglev station (cash or Alipay/WeChat). The station is between T1 and T2 – from T2, take the transfer passage at Entry 1 on the 3F departures floor. No need to walk far – signs are clear.
Airport Bus (Cheapest for Downtown)
Line 1 is the most useful. It goes to the Civil Aviation Hotel beside Changsha Railway Station, and the fare is 16.5 yuan (2.31 US dollars). It goes from the first flight to the last one, so there's no need to worry about missing it. Purchase tickets at Gate 5 on 1F of T2.
Taxi (Convenient for groups/Late at night)
Taxis are open 24/7 at Exit 5 of T2 1F. Don't pay attention to the taxi drivers inside the terminal building. The daytime fare starts at 8 yuan (1.12 US dollars) for 2 km, then 2 yuan (0.28 US dollars) per kilometer. The fare to the city center is approximately 60 to 80 yuan (8.40 to 11.20 US dollars). If you can't speak Chinese, write down your hotel address.
How to Navigate Changsha Airport Arrivals and Departures?
Don’t stress about arrivals or departures here – just follow these simple steps. The biggest rule: show up early. Domestic flights close check-in 35 minutes before takeoff, so aim for 2 hours early. International? Add an extra hour (for visa/immigration checks).
Changsha Airport Departures
Flight Type | Check-In Close Time | Where to Check-In | Key Steps |
Domestic | 35 mins pre-flight | T2: A01-A12 (China Southern) or self-service machines (front of A aisle) | 1. Check-in (online first if you can!) 2. Security (no liquids over 500ml) 3. Board (30 mins pre-flight) |
International | 35 mins pre-flight | T2: D69-D72 (international aisle) | 1. Check-in 2. Security 3. Immigration (show passport/transit docs) 4. Board |
Changsha Airport Arrivals
Flight Type | Key Steps | Where to Go Next |
Domestic | 1. Get off the plane 2. Follow “Baggage Claim” signs 3. Grab your bags | Exit to transport (maglev, bus, taxi) at T1/T2 1F |
International | 1. Deplane 2. Quarantine (show yellow fever cert if coming from epidemic areas) 3. Immigration 4. Baggage Claim 5. Customs | Same transport options; currency exchange in T2 1F |
Pro Tip: Download the “长沙黄花机场” (Changsha Huanghua Airport) app for real-time gate changes and baggage carousel info.
386851 booked
What’s the Map and Layout of Changsha Huanghua International Airport?
CSX has two terminals (T1 and T2) – T2 handles most international and newer domestic flights, while T1 is smaller. They’re connected via a walkway and the maglev station.
Changsha Airport - Terminal 1 (T1) Layout
Floor | What’s Here | Key Spots |
3F | Domestic Departures (Gates 11–15), Lounges | No.2/3 VIP Lounges, Snack Bars |
2F | Check-In Counters (for older domestic flights) | Self-Service Kiosks |
1F | Domestic Arrivals, Baggage Claim | Taxi Pick-Up (small area), Bus Stop |
Changsha Airport - Terminal 2 (T2) Layout
Floor | What’s Here | Key Spots |
3F | Domestic/International Departures (Gates A–C) | Food Spots (KFC, Starbucks), Charging Stations |
2F | Check-In Counters (A01-A12: Domestic; D69-D72: International) | Self-Service Machines, Luggage Packing Counters |
1F | Domestic/International Arrivals, Baggage Claim | Airport Bus Ticket Office (Gate 5), Taxi Pick-Up (Exit 5) |
What Facilities, Lounges, and Food Options Does Changsha Airport Offer?
Credit: east china trip | Auto-massaging spots at CSX
If you have time to kill, grab a bite or chill in a lounge. Most spots are in T2 (the busier terminal), and there’s something for every budget.
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi (connect to “Changsha Airport Free WiFi”), charging stations at T2 departures, first-aid at T2 (departures A, arrivals baggage 3), and nursery rooms with diaper tables (T2 departures/arrivals). For bags: Store luggage at T2 departures (¥10–20/$1.40–2.80/day) or get it wrapped (¥15–25/$2.10–3.50) for fragile items.
- Lounges: Only two main ones – T1’s No.2 VIP Lounge (¥150/$21/hour, massage chairs + Wi-Fi) and China Southern’s T2 lounge (free for first/business class).
- Food: Grab quick bites at T2 – KFC (¥30–50/$4.20–7) for burgers, a local noodle shop (¥15–25/$2.10–3.50) for spicy Hunan noodles, or Starbucks (¥35–45/$4.90–6.30) for coffee.
Where Can You Sleep at Changsha Airport?
If you’re stuck with a long layover or late flight, the airport is sleep-friendly – here are the best spots to crash.
Spot | Location | Pros | Cons |
T2 Arrivals Hall Benches | T2 1F (near baggage claim) | Free, quiet after 10pm, power outlets nearby | Chairs are hard – bring a blanket (AC is cold) |
No.2 VIP Lounge | T1 3F | Comfortable seats, warm, Wi-Fi | Costs ¥150 ($21) per hour – worth it for overnight |
T2 Departures Quiet Corners | T2 3F (near Gate C) | Less crowded, soft lighting | Closes at 11pm – can’t stay after |
Pro Tip: If you’re staying overnight, ask the info desk about 24h convenience stores nearby – they have cheap snacks and hot water.
How to Spend a Layover at Changsha Airport?
If you’re transiting through CSX and qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit (for 50+ countries like the US, UK, Japan, and South Korea), you can explore Changsha freely! Here’s what you need to know:
Changsha Airport – 240h Visa-Free Transit
- Who Qualifies: Travelers from 50+ countries (full list includes EU nations, Russia, Brazil, Australia, etc.) transiting through CSX to a third country (e.g., China → Changsha → Thailand).
- Docs Needed: Valid passport, onward flight ticket departing within 240 hours (10 days), and completed arrival card (issued on the plane or at the airport).
- Application: No pre-approval needed – simply present your documents at immigration upon arrival.
Changsha Airport – Layover Activities (6 Hours+)
- Orange Island
- Take the maglev to Changsha South Station, then metro Line 2 to Orange Island Station. Walk or rent a bike to the iconic Mao Zedong Statue – a 30-minute stroll with scenic views of the Xiang River.
- Hunan Museum
- Free entry, but book tickets online 7 days in advance (especially during peak seasons like summer). Highlights include the 2,000-year-old Mawangdui Han Dynasty artifacts, including preserved textiles and a mummified noblewoman.
- Downtown Food Tour
- Head to Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street for classic Hunan snacks:
- Stinky Tofu (smelly but crispy, served with chili sauce).
- Sugar Oil Baba (sweet fried rice cakes coated in syrup).
- Spicy Crayfish (seasonal specialty in summer).
How to Find Hotels with Transfers at Changsha Airport?
Grab 8% off hotel counpon, and choose one of these Changsha Airport hotels with shuttle for your cozy stay!
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Changsha Airport
How far is Changsha Airport from downtown?
It’s about 16 miles (25 km) east of downtown Changsha, roughly a 30–40 minute drive.Does Changsha Airport have international flights?
Yes, CSX serves both domestic and a growing number of international routes.What transfer options are available at Changsha Airport?
Taxis, airport buses, public buses, ride-hailing, and the Maglev Express to Changsha South Railway Station.Are there facilities and lounges at Changsha Airport?
Yes, the airport offers lounges, restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi across the terminals.Are there hotels near Changsha Airport?
Yes, several hotels are within a short drive, plus options near downtown Changsha for convenience.