When you plan to visit Qinghai Lake, Ta’er Monastery, or take a Qinghai-Tibet Railway train, Xining Airport—officially named Xining Caojiabao Airport—will be your first stop. As Qinghai Province’s primary air gateway, it connects to major cities across China and serves as a key starting point for trips to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. If it’s your first time arriving or departing here, you may wonder how to get to downtown conveniently, what services are available at the airport, and what preparations are needed. This guide answers these questions with clear, specific steps and information, ensuring every step from landing is smooth and hassle-free.
Get to Know Xining Caojiabao Airport: Qinghai’s Air Gateway
Xining Caojiabao Airport (Airport Code: XNN) is located east of Xining City, Qinghai Province, approximately 29 kilometers from the city center. It mainly operates domestic flights, with direct routes to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Wuhan. If you’re coming from abroad, you usually need to first fly to a large international airport like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, then transfer to a domestic flight to Xining Airport. The airport is moderately sized—not as complex as super-large airports—but offers complete basic facilities and services. The terminal design incorporates local characteristics, letting you feel the uniqueness of the plateau from the start.
Basic Information About the Terminal
Currently, most passenger services at Xining Caojiabao Airport are concentrated in Terminal T2. The terminal has distinct departure and arrival floors. On the departure floor, there are check-in counters for various airlines; after passing security, you’ll enter the waiting area. The arrival floor features baggage carousels, and various transportation options are available right outside the arrival gate. The airport’s signs are clear, making main corridors and functional areas easy to find. Even during peak hours, order is usually maintained, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Xining Caojiabao Airport
Detailed Transportation Guide Between Xining Airport and Downtown
The distance between Xining Caojiabao Airport and downtown Xining is not too far, with multiple transportation options. You can choose the most suitable one based on the number of travelers, the amount of luggage, and your budget.
Airport Shuttle Bus: Economical First Choice
The airport shuttle bus is the most commonly used and cost-effective public transportation linking the airport and downtown. The boarding point is at the transportation center outside the exit of the arrival hall in Terminal T2, with obvious signs that are easy to spot.
- Route: There is usually one main route connecting the airport to locations like “Bayi Road Passenger Station” in the city center, and it may pass by the railway station occasionally. Before boarding, it’s best to check the destination displayed on the front of the bus or ask the driver directly to confirm if it reaches your destination.
- Departure Time and Duration: Shuttle bus departure times are arranged according to flight arrivals. Buses are available from before the first flight in the morning until after the last flight lands at night. The journey from the airport to downtown takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on urban traffic conditions.
- Fare and Ticketing: The fare is affordable, around 21 RMB per person. You can pay in cash when boarding or scan a QR code with your phone.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing Services: Door-to-Door Convenience
If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with multiple people, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service (such as DiDi Chuxing) is more convenient, as it can take you directly to your destination.
- Boarding Location: Designated taxi boarding areas are also outside the arrival hall, with clear signs and queuing railings. Ride-hailing services have their own dedicated pickup points—you need to find the exact location according to the prompts on your mobile app.
- Cost and Duration: Taking a taxi from Xining Caojiabao Airport to most parts of downtown Xining takes about 30 to 50 minutes. The fare usually ranges between 85 RMB and 125 RMB according to the meter; additional toll fees of a few RMB may apply if the route includes highways. For those unfamiliar with the local area, queuing for taxis at official stations or using well-known ride-hailing platforms is a reliable option. Some companies offering Qinghai travel services, such as China Dragon Travel, can also arrange airport transfers. This is a hassle-free choice for travelers who want immediate transportation upon arrival or have long subsequent itineraries.
Rental Car for Self-Driving: Starting Point for Flexible Exploration
If you plan to travel by self-driving in Qinghai and its surrounding areas, renting a car at Xining Airport to start your journey is a very convenient arrangement. Several large car rental companies have service counters in the airport arrival hall.
- Booking Process: It is recommended to book your desired car model in advance through a website or mobile app. Upon arrival at the airport, simply bring your booking confirmation, driver’s license, and a valid credit card to the counter to complete the formalities and pick up the car.
- Notes: When picking up the car, take a few minutes to carefully check the car’s exterior for scratches and ensure internal equipment is functioning properly. Also, confirm the insurance terms in the rental contract. Road conditions in some parts of Qinghai are variable, and the weather can change suddenly. Choosing a well-maintained SUV is usually more suitable for driving in these areas. It’s also important to plan your approximate route in advance.
Guide to On-Site Facilities & Services at Xining Airport
Whether you’re waiting for a flight or have just landed at Xining Caojiabao Airport, knowing what facilities and services are available will make your waiting time more convenient and comfortable.
Dining and Shopping Options
There are many dining options in the airport waiting area, including Chinese fast-food restaurants, noodle shops, coffee shops, and convenience stores where you can buy snacks and drinks—sufficient to meet basic dietary needs. If you want to try more authentic Qinghai local specialties, such as yogurt and yak meat, you’ll find more and more genuine choices after entering downtown Xining. For shopping, in addition to common travel supply stores and bookstores, there are specialty shops selling Qinghai local products like black wolfberry, dried yak meat, and ethnic-style accessories, suitable for purchasing as souvenirs before departure.
Other Practical Services
- Currency Exchange and Cash Withdrawal: There are bank branches and ATM machines in the airport where you can withdraw RMB cash. However, for international travelers, it’s more reliable to exchange enough RMB in advance at large international airports in China upon arrival.
- Free Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi coverage. To connect, you usually need to enter your mobile phone number to receive a verification code, which you can use to access the network after verification.
- Luggage-Related Services: The airport provides luggage wrapping and storage services. If you arrive early and your booked hotel isn’t ready for check-in, you can consider storing your large luggage at the airport and explore downtown with light bags.
- Special Assistance: The airport is equipped with barrier-free access and facilities. If you need wheelchair assistance or have other special needs, it’s best to contact your airline in advance or seek help from airport information desk staff upon arrival.
Waiting Area Inside Xining Airport
Common Questions & Practical Tips
Regarding Flights and Check-In Procedures
- How early should I arrive at the airport? For domestic flights departing from Xining Airport, it’s generally recommended to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage check, and security screening. If traveling during holidays or peak tourist seasons, the airport may be more crowded, so it’s advisable to arrive even earlier.
- Online Check-In: Most airlines now allow passengers to complete check-in and select seats online in advance (via the official website or app). Doing this beforehand can save you time waiting in line at the airport counter.
Details About Airport Transportation
Are there airport shuttle buses if my flight arrives late at night?
The operating hours of airport shuttle buses usually cover all scheduled arriving flights for the day. In other words, even late at night, there will generally be buses waiting to transfer passengers as long as there are arriving flights. However, to ensure you can get a ride—especially for solo travelers arriving late at night—taking a taxi or pre-booking an airport transfer is a more reliable option. Booking a transfer through a travel agency can save you the trouble of finding transportation in an unfamiliar environment.
How to travel from Xining Airport to other tourist attractions in Qinghai?
Xining Caojiabao Airport is the first stop for many tourists exploring Qinghai. Traveling to major attractions from here usually uses downtown Xining as a transfer point:
- To Qinghai Lake: The most common way is to first reach downtown Xining, then take a chartered car or join a group tour to Qinghai Lake. Driving from downtown Xining to the shores of Qinghai Lake takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- To Ta’er Monastery: You can first take a bus to the management station in downtown Xining, then transfer to a special bus or taxi. It’s not far from downtown, so transportation is convenient.
- As the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Many travelers choose to stay in Xining for one night to rest and acclimatize to the altitude, then take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway train to Lhasa from Xining Railway Station.
Luggage Preparation and Climate Adaptation
Xining City has an altitude of approximately 2,260 meters, which is already a plateau area. When you step onto Qinghai’s land from Xining Airport, your plateau journey officially begins.
- Sun Protection and Moisturization: The sun here is very intense with a high UV index, and the air is relatively dry. Be sure to prepare high-SPF sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, a hat, and moisturizing lotion for your skin.
- Clothing Recommendations: The temperature difference between day and night in plateau areas is significant—even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cold. It’s recommended to use the “layered dressing” method: wear a breathable, moisture-wicking base layer, a warm middle layer, and a windproof outer jacket. This allows you to add or remove clothing as the temperature changes.
- Pay Attention to Altitude Sickness: Most people won’t experience severe discomfort at Xining’s altitude, but it’s still advisable to slow down your activities when you first arrive. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately, don’t drink alcohol, drink plenty of warm water, and let your body acclimatize gradually.
Xining Airport
Start Your Qinghai Adventure from Xining
Xining Caojiabao Airport is more than just an arrival point—it is where most travelers have their first real encounter with the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Whether you are heading to the vast blue waters of Qinghai Lake, exploring the spiritual heart of Ta’er (Kumbum) Monastery, or preparing to board the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Railway, your journey begins the moment you step out of the terminal.
For many visitors, spending a short time in Xining to rest and adjust to the altitude is an important part of a smooth plateau experience. Understanding airport facilities, transportation options, and transfer times in advance can help reduce fatigue and make your arrival far more relaxed. From affordable airport buses to direct taxis, ride-hailing services, or rental cars for self-drive trips, choosing the right option allows you to move at your own pace.
If your itinerary includes multiple destinations across Qinghai, or if you prefer seamless transfers right after landing, arranging airport pickup and onward transportation in advance can make a noticeable difference. Travel specialists with long-term experience in high-altitude regions—such as China Dragon Travel—can coordinate airport transfers, private vehicles, and connections to key destinations based on your schedule, group size, and travel style, helping you avoid unnecessary delays or uncertainty.
From Xining, the landscapes of Qinghai gradually unfold—open grasslands, sacred monasteries, crystal-clear lakes, and distant snow-covered mountains. With thoughtful preparation and the right local support, your arrival at Xining Caojiabao Airport becomes not just a stop along the way, but the true beginning of an unforgettable journey across the Qinghai Plateau.
