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Lu'an Airport to City Center (2026)
Lu'an Airport (IATA: LUA) is a small regional airport located about 15 kilometers east of the city center. It serves domestic flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Sh… ✈️ Airport Overview
Lu'an Airport (IATA: LUA) is a small regional airport located about 15 kilometers east of the city center. It serves domestic flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The airport has a single terminal with basic amenities including a small convenience store and a taxi stand outside the arrivals hall.
🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus
The most affordable option is the airport shuttle bus, which runs from the airport to the city center (Lu'an Bus Station) every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The fare is 20 RMB per person, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at a kiosk just outside the baggage claim area.
🚕 Taxi from Airport
Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall, with a fixed fare of 60-80 RMB to the city center depending on your exact destination. The ride takes about 25-30 minutes in normal traffic. Make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on the fixed price before starting the trip.
⚠️ Taxi Scam Warning
Be cautious of drivers who refuse to use the meter and quote inflated prices, especially for tourists. Some may claim the fixed fare is 150 RMB or more. Always insist on the meter or confirm the standard 60-80 RMB rate. Avoid unlicensed taxis that approach you inside the terminal.
🚗 Ride-Hailing Apps
Apps like Didi Chuxing are widely used in Lu'an and often cheaper than taxis. You can book a ride from the airport to the city center for around 50-70 RMB. The pickup point is the same as the taxi stand. Make sure your app is set to Chinese language and payment method for best results.
🚌 Public Bus Option
For the budget traveler, public bus route 1 connects the airport to the city center with stops at major landmarks like the Lu'an Railway Station. The fare is only 2 RMB, but the journey takes about 1 hour and buses run from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Buses can be crowded during peak hours.
🚄 Train Connection
There is no direct train from the airport, but you can take a taxi or bus to Lu'an Railway Station (about 20 minutes from the airport) for high-speed train connections to other cities. The station is well-connected to Hefei and other regional hubs. Plan extra time if you need to transfer.
💡 Booking Tips
For the most reliable service, book a Didi in advance if you have a data connection. If you prefer a taxi, have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver. Avoid exchanging money at the airport as rates are poor; use ATMs in the city instead. Always carry small bills for bus fares.
The shuttle bus is fine if your flight lands during the day, but keep in mind the last one leaves at 8 PM. I missed it once and had to take a taxi that cost me 90 RMB because the driver insisted on that price, so I'd recommend just booking a Didi if you're arriving late. Also, the bus drops you at Lu'an Bus Station on Meishan South Road, which is a bit north of the main commercial area around Xin'an Street, so you might need another short taxi ride from there.
I have taken that Didi from the airport a few times and can confirm the 50-70 RMB estimate is accurate, though it sometimes creeps closer to 80 if there's traffic on the G312 expressway. One thing the guide does not mention is that the airport's Wi-Fi is unreliable, so if your Chinese SIM card runs out of data you are stuck. I always download the offline map for Lu'an on my phone before landing, which has saved me a couple of times when I could not connect to book a ride. Also, the convenience store inside has surprisingly good local snacks like pickled bamboo shoots from the Dabie Mountains, but they only take cash or WeChat Pay.
one thing nobody mentioned is the bus station on Meishan South Road has a decent noodle place across the street if you're waiting for a connection, it's called Laowang Lamian and a bowl is like 12 yuan. the shuttle bus driver might not announce stops clearly so keep an eye on your phone map. also if you're heading to the east side near the university district the taxi meter usually ends up around 65 rmb from the airport, closer to 70 if they take the long way around the G312 construction
Shanghai hidden gems beyond the Bund?
honestly skip the bund crowds and head to the former french concession around wukang road. grab a coffee at some random lane spot, the whole area has these old lane houses that feel way more real than the skyline. also check out the rock bund art museum near the south bund, it's in this old industrial building with killer views and barely any tourists last time i was there. if u want food, go to tianzifang but skip the main alleys and wander into the side lanes, you'll find a tiny dumpling place that's like 15 yuan for 10 pieces
if you're around on a weekend morning, hit up the antique market on dongtai road before it fully gentrifies. it's mostly gone now tbh but there's still a few stalls tucked near the intersection with liuhe road, you'll find old propaganda posters and weird mao-era knickknacks for like 20 kuai. also the shanghai natural history museum in jing'an is underrated, the building itself is this wild spiral shape and the dinosaur skeletons are legit impressive, plus it's like 30 yuan entry. for a quiet evening walk i'd do the suzhou creek path near the north bund but go west from the waibaidu bridge, past the old post office building, there's a stretch where the lights hit the water just right and nobody's around
yeah if you want something totally different check out the long museum (long museum west bund) it's this massive space with rotating contemporary art, way less crowded than the power station of art. also walk the suzhou creek trail near the north bund, it's kinda rough around the edges but you get these weird views of old factories mixed with new towers