Fuzhou Changle Airport: Travel and Information Guide

Hello, everyone! I’m Alex Chen, an avid independent traveler from China who loves to explore secluded corners of the world. I also enjoy sharing tips on how to travel around China on a budget. This time, I’m excited to share with you practical information about Fuzhou Changle International Airport to help travelers smoothly start their journey to this beautiful city.

Fuzhou Changle International Airport Overview

• Airport Code: FOC
• Address: Airport Avenue, Changle District, Fuzhou City (Apple Maps/ Amap)
• Distance from City Center: About 39 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • T1 Terminal: Serves both domestic and international flights, area of 216,000 square meters, operational since 1997.
  • T2 Terminal: Under construction, expected to be operational by 2026.

4 Best Ways from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Downtown

Fuzhou Changle International Airport does not have a direct metro connection. The most convenient public transportation method is the airport bus, although it’s relatively expensive and recommended for groups of fewer than two people. For three to four people, it’s better to use a ride-hailing service. If you want to save money, you can combine a ride-hailing service with the metro, but be prepared for potential complications. For arrivals in the early morning, you can take the airport bus Line 1 to the city, then take a taxi to your hotel.

1. How to take the Airport Bus from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Fuzhou City Center?

Departing from Terminal 1

• Location: Next to Gate 7 on the first floor arrival level
• Ticket Price: 31 RMB – 50 RMB
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Frequency: Departs when full
• Operational Hours: According to the last flight’s arrival time; only Line 1 operates during the early morning.
• Common Bus Routes
  • City Line 1: Jin Yi Hotel, Mei Yuan International, Sunrise East, Xiang Yuan Station
  • City Line 2: Jinshan Zhengxiang, Fuzhou South Station
  • City Line 3: Fuzhou Station, North Wuyi Yonghui Square
  • City Line 4: Sanfang Qixiang, Wanxiang Baolong, Minjiang Hotel, East Second Ring Taihe

Ticket Purchase

• Purchase at the bus ticket window or self-service machines, accepting cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Purchase via the WeChat official account.

2. How to take a Taxi from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Fuzhou City Center?

Departing from Terminal 1

• Location: Next to Gate 2 on the first floor.
• Price: 170 RMB
• Duration: 50 minutes

3. How to take a Ride-Hailing Service from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Fuzhou City Center?

You can use Alipay or DiDi to book a ride, or pre-book an airport transfer to avoid waiting and possible driver rejections.

• Airport transfer booking: Click here to check round-trip prices to the city center

Departing from Terminal 1

• Location: Next to Gate 16 on the first floor.
• Price: 130 RMB
• Duration: 50 minutes

4. How to Combine Ride-Hailing Service and Metro from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Fuzhou City Center?

It’s important to note that there is no direct metro line from Fuzhou Changle International Airport, so you first need to take a ride-hailing service to “Wanshou” Metro Station, then continue by metro to the city center. Be mentally prepared as the metro station is not far from the airport, but walking is not feasible, and drivers may refuse short trips.

Departing from Terminal 1

• Location: Wait for your ride-hailing service next to Gate 16 on the first floor.
• Metro Line: Metro Line 1
• Fare: 30 RMB for the ride-hailing service + 8 RMB per person for the metro
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Fuzhou Changle Airport Guide

Tax Refund

• Eligibility for Refund
  • The same foreign traveler’s refundable items purchased on the same day from the same refund shop must amount to at least 500 RMB.
  • The departure date must be no more than 90 days from the purchase date.
• Refund Amount: The refund rate is 13% of the invoiced amount (including VAT), with 11% returned to the foreign traveler.
• Refund Process:
  • Before security check, customs verification and confirmation, see airport guidance signs. Located next to the customs office on the right side of the border check security channel.
  • After security check, the refund location is near Gate 33, see airport guidance signs.
• For more information on refunds, see China Tax Refund Guide.

SIM Card Purchase

• Location: International arrivals exit, China Unicom outlet.
• Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00
• Note: A VPN is required to use services like Google, LINE, etc.

Payment App Download Assistance Counter (Foreign Guests Payment Service Center)

To facilitate the use of WeChat and Alipay for international travelers in China, Fuzhou Changle Airport’s T1 Terminal features a payment service counter.

• Services Offered:
  • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps.
  • Guidance on how to set up international bank cards and activate payment functions within the apps.
  • Basic operation guidance and answers to questions about using the payment apps.
• Location: Opposite the international arrivals exit on the first floor.

Luggage Storage Location

• Location: Business center on the first floor of the airport.
• Opening Hours: 06:10-23:00
• Prices: Based on size and storage time, payment required upfront; over 24 hours counts as two days.
  • Small luggage (smaller than 20 x 30 x 40 cm): 10 RMB/day.
  • Medium luggage (between 20 x 30 x 40 cm and 25 x 40 x 60 cm): 15 RMB/day.
  • Large luggage (larger than 25 x 40 x 60 cm): 20 RMB/day.

Currency Exchange Locations

• Yuxin Currency
  • Location: International Departures Hall J2-CF-7
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00-22:00
• Yuxin Currency
  • Location: International Arrivals Hall J1-DD-13
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00-23:00

Airport Free WiFi

Passengers can connect to free Wi-Fi (Airport-FZ-Free) by:

• Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number and receive a verification code via SMS.
• Ticket Machine: Obtain a temporary login number from self-service machines within the airport. Note: Accessing sites like Google may require VPN support.

Overnight Stays at the Airport?

Yes, it’s possible. After arriving, head to the long-distance bus station’s waiting area without passing through security. There are reasonably comfortable chairs (not suitable for lying down), free charging stations, free hot water, and restrooms. Additionally, while space pods are available, they are relatively expensive at around 150 RMB.

Airport Check-In Times

• Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 30 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure.
• International Flights: Check-in for Cathay Pacific and Tigerair flights closes 50 minutes before departure, while it closes 40 minutes before departure for other airlines.

FAQ

Arriving at Fuzhou Changle Airport in the Early Morning: How to Get to the City Center?

Upon arriving at Fuzhou Changle International Airport in the early hours, you can take the airport bus Line 1 to the city center. This service operates throughout the night and starts from Gate 7 on the first floor of Terminal 1. The schedule adjusts based on the last flight’s arrival. If the bus service is inconvenient, you might consider a ride-hailing service, although it is pricier (about 130 RMB) but offers a more direct and comfortable route to the city center.

How to Take the Metro from Fuzhou Changle Airport to the City Center?

Currently, there is no direct metro line connected to Fuzhou Changle International Airport. To reach the city center by metro, you need to first take a ride-hailing service to the “Wanshou” Metro Station, which connects to Metro Line 1. Keep in mind that although the metro station is not far from the airport, the walk is considerable, and drivers may be reluctant to take such short trips. Be prepared for this when planning your journey. The metro operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The cost for a ride-hailing service to the station is about 30 RMB, and the metro ticket is 8 RMB per person.

Can I Buy a SIM Card at Fuzhou Changle Airport?

Yes, SIM card purchase services are available at Fuzhou Changle International Airport. International travelers can buy SIM cards at the China Unicom outlet located at the international arrivals exit in Terminal 1. The outlet is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Buying a SIM card will help you stay connected within China, but please note that due to regulatory policies, accessing international services like Google and WhatsApp may require a VPN.