Finished exploring Guizhou. Which airport is the most cost-effective for your return flight?

Last week, the Lim family of five from Malaysia finished their trip to Guizhou and were ready to fly back to Kuala Lumpur. However, they spent two days debating which airport to use: "Should we fly from Guiyang, or is it closer to depart from Kaili or Xingyi?"

We encounter this issue almost every week. Currently, only three civil airports in Guizhou operate flights to other provinces and international destinations: Guiyang Longdongbao, Kaili Huangping, and Xingyi Wanfenglin. Choosing the right one saves time and travel costs; choosing the wrong one could cost you an extra half day on the road.

Where are the three airports located, and who is each best suited for?

Guiyang Longdongbao: Located 12 km southeast of the city center, it is Guizhou's largest airport with the most comprehensive international and domestic routes. For itineraries covering Guiyang, Huangguoshu, and Libo, starting from here is virtually error-free.

Kaili Huangping: Located in Qiandongnan, Huangping County is 85 km and a 1.5-hour drive from the Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village. The airport is small, serving only Guiyang, Changsha, Chongqing, and Hangzhou. Ending your itinerary in Xijiang or Zhenyuan saves you 2 hours compared to returning to Guiyang.

Xingyi Wanfenglin: Located 7 km from the heart of Qianxinan, a 10-minute taxi ride from Malingshe. Flights available from Guiyang, Kunming, Chengdu, and Chongqing. Wrap up your trip here at Wanfenglin and Malingshe for the most convenient departure.

How can overseas Chinese proceed?

Flights from the US to Guiyang often require a layover in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Direct flights from Longdongbao Airport to Singapore and Bangkok are stable. Kaili and Xingyi only offer limited domestic connections to international routes, making tight transfers difficult; most travelers still need to return to Guiyang.

For international travelers flying directly to Guiyang, we recommend a Guiyang-in/Guiyang-out itinerary with a private car tour covering Guizhou. On the final day, enjoy morning visits to Qingyan Ancient Town, lunch, and an afternoon airport transfer. Booking flights after 7 PM ensures a relaxed departure.

MeituShuo ReminderFor international flights, we recommend selecting a departure after 3 PM to avoid rushing on your last day. Longdongbao Airport's international departures are in Terminal 2; arriving 2.5 hours before is sufficient. There isn't much to explore inside.

How is the cost calculated for a private airport transfer?

If you charter the vehicle for the entire trip, airport transfer on the last day is typically included in the daily rate with no extra charge. Our 7-passenger vans cost 800 to 1000 yuan per day during summer, covering fuel, tolls, and driver accommodations. If your final day involves a relaxed itinerary without sightseeing stops, it still counts as a full day.

If you only rented a private car for certain days and need to book a separate ride to the airport on your last day: A taxi from downtown Guiyang to Longdongbao Airport typically costs between 60 and 80, with ride-hailing services at similar rates. The drive from Xijiang Miao Village back to Guiyang Longdongbao via highway takes about 2.5 hours; a one-way private car rental is approximately 600 to 800.

Avoid These PitfallsTaxis are scarce at Kaili Huangping Airport. If traveling from here, arrange a ride in advance through your hotel or private driver; otherwise, you may face long waits and inflated prices when hailing on the spot.

When is it worth traveling via Kaili or Xingyi?

Two scenarios to consider: First, your last two days are in Qiandongnan or Qianxinan, you don't want to backtrack to Guiyang, and there's a flight from Kaili or Xingyi to your next destination. Second, if you're traveling with elderly family members or young children and want to minimize hassle, saving even an hour of driving is worth it.

For all other cases, returning to Guiyang is the most hassle-free option. With abundant flight choices, flexible timing, and more competitive pricing, it remains our top recommendation. After leading tours for years, 90% of our guests still depart from Guiyang Longdongbao Airport.

Avoid These PitfallsDon't choose red-eye flights to save on transportation costs. Longdongbao has limited early-morning flights, taxis are expensive at night, and late-night travel is unsafe. Better to spend two extra hours traveling during the day than risk saving a few hundred yuan and stressing yourself out.

MeituShuo ReminderFlight schedules at Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport change frequently during summer. Please verify your flight status again 3 days before departure after booking. Last year, in 8, a passenger arrived at the airport only to find their flight had been canceled, resulting in an additional wait of over half a day for rebooking.

Read more

• Guizhou + Yunnan 8-Day Combo Tour: How to Connect High-Speed Rail and Private Car

• How to plan a 5-day trip to Guizhou on your first visit

• Guizhou Summer Getaway: Where Are the Coolest Places to Escape the Heat

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