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Where is the Airport & How Far is from Harbin Airport to City Center?
First, let's get our bearings. Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) is located about 37 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Harbin's main city center (The main tourist area is the Daoli District, where the famous Central Street is located.).
Because of the distance and city traffic, the journey will usually take you between 45 to 60 minutes.
Where to Stay in Harbin, China: 7 Best Accommodation Areas 2025
Where is Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB)
Adress: Konggangyi Road, Daoli District, Harbin (哈尔滨市道里区空港一路)
The airport opened in 1979 and handles 20 million passengers yearly. It has two terminals. Terminal 1 serves international flights. Terminal 2 handles domestic routes. Most visitors arrive at Terminal 2.
Your destination matters more than "city center" distance. Central Street, where most tourists stay, is 37 kilometers away. The famous Ice and Snow World is actually 40 kilometers.
Distance from Harbin Airport to Key Destinations
| Destination | Distance | Approx. Travel Time | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Street (Daoli) | ~37 km | 50 - 60 min | This is where most tourists stay. Hotels cluster around this pedestrian street. |
| Harbin Railway Station | ~38 km | 45 - 55 min | Near City Center. |
| Harbin West Railway Station | ~32 km | 35 - 45 min | High speed train transportation hub. |
| Ice & Snow World (Songbei) | ~40 km | 40 - 50 min | Newer hotels are here. It's closer to airport but farther from old town attractions. |
18 Best Things to Do in Harbin: From Ice Festivals to Summer Secrets
The Easiest Way: Arranging a Travel Agency/Hotel Pick-Up Service
Pre-arranged pick-up eliminates all stress. You walk out of arrivals. Someone holds a sign with your name. They handle your luggage. You relax in a warm car. Simple. This is a great option for families.
Many hotels offer free pick-up for stays over two nights. Even budget hotels might provide this. Ask when booking. Five-star hotels like Shangri-La and Kempinski always offer pick-up. Cost ranges from free to 430 RMB.
Travel agencies bundle airport transfers with tours. A 3-day Harbin package might include arrival and departure transfers.
When you book any Harbin travel package with Asia Odyssey Travel, we provide free airport and train station transfers. This is included for all our trips, from fully customized private tours to our budget-friendly group tours. Get in touch with us today!
The Budget-Friendly Choice: The Airport Shuttle Bus (With Bus Route Map)
If you're looking to make your own way from the airport to the city, the Airport Shuttle Bus is your best and most recommended choice.
There are 8 different bus lines running from the airport. They travel to popular destinations like Central Avenue, Harbin Railway Station, Harbin West Railway Station, and other key districts in the city.
A ticket costs about 20 RMB, and it's a very safe and reliable option for any traveler. And it takes 60-80 min to city center. You can find the bus stop for all lines just outside the Arrivals Hall on the first floor, Exit 7.
Bus Frequency: During the day, buses usually run every 30 minutes. Late at night, the buses will wait for flights to arrive, so you can be sure there will be a bus as long as planes are landing.
Here are the main bus lines. You can choose the one that stops closest to your destination.
Line 3: To Central Street & East Harbin
This is the bus line most visitors choose, as it takes you directly to the famous Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie). To find it, head to Exit 5 on the first floor of the Harbin airport. The bus for Line 3 will be waiting for you right there.
Main Stops: Airport → Chilun Road → Central Street → Daowai Bus Station → Taiping Bridge → Harbin East Railway Station.
Line 1: To the City Center & Harbin Railway Station
If your hotel is in the museum area near the city center, or if you need to get to the Harbin Railway Station, this is the perfect line for you.
As a helpful tip, Central Street is just one subway stop away from the Harbin Railway Station.
Main Stops: Airport → Kang'an Road → Tongda Street → Anfa Bridge → Harbin Railway Station → CAAC Building.
Line 2: To South Harbin & Harbin West (High-Speed Rail) Station
Choose this line if you need to get to the Harbin West Railway Station for a high-speed train or are staying in the southern part of the city.
Main Stops: Airport → Harbin West Bus Station (Harbin West Railway Station) → Clothing Market → Lesong Square → Convention Center.
Line 4 & Wanda City Line: To Ice & Snow World and Northern Songhua River (Songbei District)
Line 4 is the perfect choice for you if your hotel is near the Ice and Snow World or a luxury hotel on the banks of the Songhua River, like the Shangri-La Hotel Harbin. It is also the right bus if your accommodation is in the Songbei District.
The Wanda Line, on the other hand, is a separate bus that goes to the Wanda Mall in the Songbei District.
- Line 4 Main Stops: Airport → Gonglu Bridge → Ice & Snow World → Songbei Avenua → Harbin North Station → Hulan Bus Station
- Wanda Line: Airport → Borui Hotel → Wanda Mall
- Hours: From 10:00 – 1:30
How to Book a Tickt
You can buy your shuttle bus ticket from the self-service kiosks located in the airport.
If you would like to book in advance, you can use a WeChat Mini Program. Simply search for “哈尔滨机场巴士” (Hā'ěrbīn Jīchǎng Bāshì) within the program to make your reservation.
The Alternative Way: Taking a Taxi or DiDi
Taxis are convenient but require caution. Official taxis queue at designated areas. Never accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal. They're illegal and overcharge.
The official taxi line is outside Terminal 2, turn right after exiting. Terminal 1 taxi stand is straight ahead from arrivals. Lines can be long during peak times. Winter waits might reach 30 minutes.
The journey to the Central Street area will take about 50-60 minutes and should cost between ¥80 - ¥120 CNY ($11 - $17 USD), which usually includes highway tolls.
DiDi (China's Uber) works if you have the app and Chinese payment method.
How to Plan a Harbin Tour
Morning arrivals (before noon) let you start sightseeing immediately. Check into hotel, eat lunch, then explore nearby attractions. Afternoon arrivals (2-6 PM) work best for most travelers.
Harbin is the kind of city where you'll want to stay for about 3 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to settle in after you arrive.
You should set aside one full day for the main Ice Festival sites: the Siberian Tiger Park, the Ice and Snow World, and Sun Island. The city itself is also worth a day of exploring, with places like Central Street, the morning market, and Saint Sophia Cathedral waiting for you.
With five days, you'll have enough time to visit the famous China Snow Town—a fairytale village known for its charming, mushroom-shaped snow houses.
Harbin Itinerary: 3-7 Day Itinerary Ideas (Ice Festivals Itinerary Included)
3 Day Harbin Itinerary (Classic)
Day 1: Harbin Arrival
Day 2: Harbin Ice & Snow Festival Tour (Visit the Siberian Tiger Park, Sun Island, and the Ice and Snow World.)
Day 3: Harbin City Tour & Departure (See the Morning Market, the Winter Swimming Show, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Stalin Park, Central Street, and the old Laodaowai district.)
Harbin & China Snow Town Itinerary 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival at Harbin
Day 2: A Day of Ice and Snow. Experience the best of the festival today. You’ll explore three incredible sites: the Siberian Tiger Park, the snowy wonderland of Sun Island, and the breathtaking, city-sized ice sculptures of the Ice and Snow World.
Day 3: Journey to a Fairytale Village. Leave the city for the enchanting China Snow Town. Upon arrival, walk down its famous main street, see the iconic mushroom-shaped snow houses, and head to the observation deck for a panoramic view as evening falls.
Day 4: Snow Town's Magic. Wake up for an optional sunrise viewing over the snow. You'll then visit the picturesque Dream Home park before our scenic afternoon drive back to Harbin, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Exploring Harbin. Discover Harbin’s city soul. Experience the energy of the winter swimmers, admire the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral and Central Street, and explore the old Laodaowai district.
Crucial Tips & FAQs for a Smooth Arrival at Harbin Airport
"Is there Uber in Harbin?" No, Uber left China. DiDi replaced it but requires Chinese payment methods.
"Can I walk from airport?" Absolutely not. It's 33 kilometers on highways. No sidewalks exist.
"Should I pre-book transport?" Yes for late arrivals, winter visits, or if traveling with family. No if you're flexible and arriving during daytime.
"Are there luggage storage lockers?" Yes, but they're expensive and complicated for foreigners. Better to check into hotel first.
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