Wuhan Airport (WUH): Arrivals/Departures, Transfers & Car Hire

From arrivals/departures process, how to get to the city (intercity railway, metro, bus, taxi) to terminal layout, car hire, facilities & sleeping spots—this guide covers all you need for Wuhan Tianhe International Airport.

About Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH)

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) is Hubei Province’s biggest and busiest air hub. It sits in Huangpi District, around 25km (15.5 miles) from downtown Wuhan, and now mainly relies on Terminal 3 (T3)—its largest terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights—while T1 and T2 are currently out of use.

How to Get from Wuhan Airport to City

There are basically 4 main ways to get to Wuhan downtown. Check the quick table for your ref:

Intercity Railway (Fastest for Hankou Area)

If you’re heading to Hankou Station or Xiaogan, the intercity railway is the best choice. It's fast and avoids traffic. Operating hours: about 6:00 AM-10:30 PM (every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours). Transportation method: Depart from L2 station of T3, pass through boarding gates 6 to 8 to the transportation center, and then walk along Corridor 1 to 3 to the intercity station (Gate A/B). Purchase tickets through automatic ticket vending machines (cash/Alipay/wechat) or the 12306 app.

Metro Line 2 (Cheapest for Most Areas)

Covering areas such as Jianghan Road and Optics Valley - cheap and convenient. Operating hours: about 6:00 AM-11:00 PM (Last airport train 10:40 PM). Transportation: T3 L2→ Transportation Center → Escalator to B1→ Metro Line 2 (Exit B). Make the payment using the metro card or the Alipay/wechat Wuhan Metro mini-program.

Airport Bus (Good for Specific Terminals)

You can take the bus at Wuchang Fujiapo Bus Station, Hankou Railway Station and Wuhan Railway Station. Line 1: Airport → Wuchang Fujiapo (15 to 60 minutes, 7:00 AM-10:30 PM) Line 2: Airport → Hankou Railway Station (15.50 minutes, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.) Purchase tickets at T3, L1, Gate 12 /L2, Gate 7 (or "Wuhan Airport Express" wechat). Please board at Gate L1 11-13.

Taxi (Convenient for Groups/Late Nights)

24/7 service—this is very great for groups/late flights. Fare: ~¥80–120 ($11.20–16.80) to downtown (Jianghan Road); about 20% surcharge 11 PM–5 AM. Ride time: 35–45 mins (add time for rush hour 7:30–9:00 AM/5:30–7:00 PM). Only take taxis at T3’s L1 Gate 12 (official rank).

Wuhan Airport: Car Hire & Parking Guide

Source from Unsplash

If you prefer driving yourself, car hire services are available at T3—easy to find and book.

Where to Find Car Hire Counters

All major car hire companies have counters on T3’s L1 floor (near Gate 12, next to the taxi rank). You can book Wuhan Airport Car Hire online on Trip.com (with 8% Off limited time offer!).

How to Rent a Car

1. Documents Needed: Valid driving license (Chinese license or international driving permit), passport/ID card, and credit card (for deposit).
2. Process:
3. • Show your identification at the counter and confirm your reservation.
   • Pay the rental fee (~¥200-500 /$28-70 per day, depending on the vehicle model) and the deposit (~¥1000-3000 /$140-420, to be refunded after returning the vehicle).
   • Pick up your car at the parking lot (basement of T3 B1, near the subway entrance), and the staff will tell you how to use the car.
3. Return: Put the car back in the same parking lot and then go to the counter to complete the return process.

Parking at Wuhan Airport

If you drive to the airport, use T3’s B1 basement parking lot:

• Fees: Small cars (≤7 seats) – free for first 30 mins, ¥3 for 1 hour, ¥3 per extra hour, max ¥45/$6.30 per day.
• Large cars (>7 seats): ¥10 for 1 hour, ¥10 per extra hour, max ¥60/$8.40 per day.

Wuhan Airport Arrivals & Departures – Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to avoid rushing or getting lost:

Wuhan Airport Departures

• Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours early. Check-in closes 40 minutes before takeoff.
• • Check-in: Go to T3’s L4 floor – China Southern uses counters J02 (supervisor) and H11–H20 (economy class); other airlines have counters with their logos. Self-service kiosks are also available on L4.
  • Security: After check-in, go to Zone B (15 security lanes; Lane 01 for first/business class). No liquids over 100ml (put small bottles in a clear bag).
  • Boarding: Boarding starts 20 minutes before takeoff – follow signs to your gate (China Southern uses Gates 21–25 in the second concourse).

• International Flights: Arrive 3 hours early. Check-in closes 1 hour before takeoff.
• • Check-in: The international counter is on the L4 floor of Terminal 3 (near the international departure signs).
  • Process: After checking in, go through security, enter the country (by presenting your passport/visa or transit documents), and then head to the boarding gate.

Wuhan Airport Arrivals

• Domestic:
• 1. After landing, please follow the instructions at the "Baggage Claim" to the L2 level of Terminal 3. The screen shows on which conveyor belt your luggage is.
  2. Take your luggage and then choose your mode of transportation (subway, bus, taxi, rental car) at Exit L1 or L2.

• International:
• 1. Get off the plane and follow the signs to the L3 level of Terminal 3 (International Arrivals).
  2. Pass the quarantine (if required to show a health certificate), then enter the country (show your passport/visa), and then go to the baggage claim counter (on the second floor).
  3. Pass through customs and then export the goods - the currency exchange counter is at L2 (near Gate 7).

Wuhan Airport Map & Terminal Layout (T3)

Wuhan Airport’s main terminal is T3, with 5 floors (L4, L3, L2, L1, B1). Here’s what’s on each floor:

Wuhan Airport Facilities, Food & Lounges

Credit: Wikipedia

The airport has all the basics you need for a smooth wait:

Wuhan Airport Key Facilities

• Free Wi-Fi: Connect to "Free Wi-Fi at Wuhan Airport" - No password required. Work for 4 hours; If reconnection is required.
• Charging Stations: The USB interface and power socket are located at L2 (near the baggage claim area) and L4 (check-in area) of T3, and can be used for free.
• First-Aid Center: At L2 of Terminal 3 (near Gate 8). The staffs speak simple Mandarin.
• Luggage Storage: On T3’s L1 (near Gate 10). ¥10/$1.40 per day for small bags, ¥20/$2.80 for large suitcases. Open 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Nursery Rooms: On T3’s L2 (arrivals) and L4 (departures). Have diaper tables, feeding chairs, and warm water.

Wuhan Airport Food & Drinks

• Local Eats: Try Wuhan’s famous hot dry noodles at the “Wuhan Local Snack” stand on T3’s L2 (near Gate 6). A bowl costs ~¥8–12 ($1.12–1.68).
• Chain Options: KFC (T3 L2, near Gate 9), Starbucks (T3 L4, check-in area), and Luckin Coffee (T3 L2, near baggage claim) – good for quick meals or coffee.
• Late-Night Snacks: The 7-Eleven on T3’s L1 (near Gate 12) is open 24/7 – has snacks, water, and instant noodles.

Wuhan Airport Lounges

• China Southern Lounge (T3 L4): For passengers or members of China Southern Airlines' first Class/Business Class. Offering snacks, beverages, and a quiet workspace - located near the international departure area.
• Paid Lounge (T3 L2, near Gate 8): Costs ¥80/$11.20 per hour or ¥150/$21 for 3 hours. There are comfortable seats, coffee and snacks - worth a long layover here.

Wuhan Airport Sleeping Guide (Layovers)

If you have a long layover (more than 4 hours) or need to stay overnight, these are the best places:

[8% Off] Wuhan Hotel Recommendations

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