Hello, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel professional with over 5 years of experience. During these five years, I’ve traveled extensively around the world.Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m excited to share this all-inclusive guide to Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC), covering intra-city transfers, flight connections, and in-terminal services. Whether you’re heading to Fuzhou’s downtown, the serene Gulangyu Island, or neighboring cities, this guide will help you navigate smoothly amid the “Sea and River City’s” pleasant vibes.
Fuzhou Changle International Airport Overview
Fuzhou Changle International Airport (IATA code: FOC) is Fujian Province’s primary aviation gateway, located in Changle District, approximately 39 km southeast of downtown Fuzhou. Its strategic location serves as a vital link between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, as well as a hub for Southeast Asian travel. Key distance benchmarks:
- 39 km from Fuzhou Downtown (Wuyi Square, 45–60 minutes by car)
- 55 km from Gulangyu Island (via ferry from Xiamen, total 2.5–3 hours)
- 50 km from Fuzhou South Railway Station (50–60 minutes by car)
- 2.5 km from Fuzhou Changle Railway Station (5–10 minutes by shuttle)
The airport operates two main terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): The original and larger terminal, handling both domestic and international flights. It serves major airlines like China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, XiamenAir, and international carriers such as EVA Air, China Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.
- Terminal 2 (T2): A newer, more modern terminal dedicated to domestic flights, primarily serving XiamenAir and its partners to alleviate pressure on T1.
Core transportation hubs within the airport include the Airport Metro Station (Line F1), Airport Bus Station, High-Speed Rail Station (Fuzhou-Xiamen-Zhangzhou Intercity Railway), and dedicated taxi/ride-hailing zones.
Best Ways from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Downtown
How to Take the Metro from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Downtown
Metro Line F1 (Fuzhou-Changle Airport Line) is the most cost-effective and traffic-proof option, connecting the airport directly to downtown’s core areas with minimal delays—ideal for budget travelers and solo visitors.
- Key Information:
- Route: Changle Airport Station → Wenwuba Station → Jinghu Station → Changle Railway Station → Shouzhan Station → Nanyu Station → Liangcuo Station → Dongjiekou Station (downtown hub)
- Station Location: T1 Terminal B1 floor (direct access via elevator); T2 Terminal B1 floor (connected via underground corridor)
- Operating Hours: 06:30–22:30 (last train departs airport at 22:00)
- Departure Interval: 8–10 minutes during peak hours (07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30), 12–15 minutes during off-peak periods
- Ticketing & Fare Details:
- Fare Type: Single Ride (Airport to Downtown)
- Price (USD): $2.40–$3.08
- Ticketing Channels: Self-service machines, Alipay/WeChat mini-program “Fuzhou Metro”, Fuzhou Public Transport Card
- Policy Notes: Children under 1.2 meters ride for free; those between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters pay half fare; seniors over 65 with valid ID enjoy free rides.
- Fare & Time Reference:
- Destination: Dongjiekou (Downtown Core) | One-Way Fare (USD): $3.08 | Estimated Travel Time: 55 mins
- Destination: Wuyi Square | One-Way Fare (USD): $3.08 (transfer to Line 1) | Estimated Travel Time: 65 mins
- Destination: Fuzhou Railway Station | One-Way Fare (USD): $2.83 (transfer to Line 1) | Estimated Travel Time: 60 mins
How to Take the Airport Express Bus from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Downtown
The airport express bus network covers key districts and transportation hubs, offering direct routes with sufficient luggage space—suitable for travelers heading to specific areas without transfers.
| Route | Terminus | Departure Time (T1/T2) | One-Way Fare (USD) | Passing Stations | Boarding Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | West Coach Station | 06:00–22:30 (15 mins/shift) | $4.24 | Wuyi Square, Sanfang Qixiang | T1 Exit 3; T2 Exit 4 |
| Line 2 | Fuzhou Railway Station | 06:30–22:00 (20 mins/shift) | $3.53 | Dongjiekou | T1 Exit 3; T2 Exit 4 |
| Line 3 | Fuzhou South Railway Station | 07:00–21:30 (30 mins/shift) | $4.95 | Cangshan Wanda Plaza | T1 Exit 5; T2 Exit 6 |
| Night Line N1 | Wuyi Square | 22:30–01:00 (60 mins/shift) | $4.95 | – | T1 Exit 3 |
- Ticketing Tips: Tickets can be purchased on-site via cash, Alipay, or WeChat QR codes. Intercity routes (to Xiamen, Putian) support advance booking via the official WeChat account “Fuzhou Airport Bus”.
How to Take a Taxi from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Downtown
Taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door service, making them a convenient choice for families with children, travelers with large luggage, or late-night arrivals.
- Waiting Points: Official taxi queues are at T1 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit A/B and T2 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit C/D—avoid unlicensed drivers to prevent overcharging.
- Pricing Structure:
- Starting Fare (Daytime: 06:00–23:00): $2.83 (3 km)
- Subsequent Fare (Daytime): $0.42/km (3–10 km), $0.63/km (over 10 km)
- Nighttime Surcharge (23:00–06:00): 20% increase on all daytime rates
- Additional Fees: $0.28/min waiting fee (speed < 12 km/h); $2.12 airport expressway toll (one-way)
- Fare Reference: To Wuyi Square (downtown): $31.08–$42.40 (daytime), ~50 mins; night fare: $37.30–$50.88.
How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Downtown
Ride-hailing services offer flexible booking and transparent pricing, with English interface support for international travelers.
- Recommended Platforms: DiDi Chuxing (English available), Amap Dache, Alipay Dache.
- Pickup Guidelines:
- Designated pickup zones: T1 Terminal P1 Parking Lot Zone 3; T2 Terminal P2 Parking Lot Zone 1 (follow app navigation)
- Book 20–30 minutes in advance, select “Airport Pickup” and bind flight number to sync delay info
- Surge pricing may apply during rush hours (07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30)—choose “ride pooling” to save costs
- Fare Reference:
- Destination: Wuyi Square | Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD): $21.19–$28.26 | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak): 45 mins
- Destination: Fuzhou Railway Station | Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD): $18.98–$24.73 | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak): 40 mins
- Destination: Sanfang Qixiang | Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD): $22.62–$29.67 | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak): 50 mins
Best Ways to Get from Fuzhou Changle International Airport to Fuzhou South Railway Station
Fuzhou South Railway Station is the hub for high-speed rail trips to Xiamen, Zhangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities. Below are the top transfer options:
From T1 Terminal
| Option | Travel Mode | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport Express Bus Line 3 | $4.95 | ~50 mins | Direct route, no transfers |
| 2 | Metro Line F1 + High-Speed Rail | $3.08 + $4.24 | ~55 mins | Fast, avoids road traffic |
| 3 | Ride-Hailing | $24.73–$31.08 | ~40 mins | Door-to-door convenience |
| 4 | Taxi | $31.08–$37.30 | ~40 mins | 24/7 availability |
From T2 Terminal
| Option | Travel Mode | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport Express Bus Line 3 | $4.95 | ~45 mins | Direct terminal access |
| 2 | Metro Line F1 + High-Speed Rail | $3.08 + $4.24 | ~50 mins | Cost-effective, fast |
| 3 | Ride-Hailing | $24.73–$31.08 | ~35 mins | Flexible, transparent pricing |
| 4 | Airport Shuttle + High-Speed Rail | $0.71 + $4.24 | ~50 mins | Budget-friendly, seamless transfer |
International to Domestic Flight Transfer at Fuzhou Changle International Airport
- Process: After landing at T1 Terminal, complete customs clearance and collect checked luggage (if not through-checked). Follow “Domestic Transfer” signs to the transfer counter on T1 3F, print domestic boarding pass, pass through transfer security, and proceed to domestic departure hall (T1/T2).
- Time Requirement: Allow 1.5–2 hours (2.5 hours during peak seasons like Spring Festival).
- Luggage Tip: Confirm with the airline if luggage is through-checked to avoid rechecking.
Domestic to International Flight Transfer at Fuzhou Changle International Airport
- Process: Arrive at T1/T2, follow “International Transfer” signs. Take free shuttle (if arriving at T2) to T1, verify passport/visa at T1 4F international transfer counter, pass security and immigration, and enter international departure hall.
- Time Requirement: Allocate 2 hours (extra 30 mins for visa checks).
- Shuttle Info: T1-T2 shuttle runs 24/7, 10-minute intervals, 5-minute travel time.
Guide to Fuzhou Changle International Airport
- Tax Refund Services
- Location: T1 Terminal International Departure Hall (after security, Counter 15)
- Process: Present passport, tax refund form, and goods (within 90 days of purchase). Refund via Alipay/credit card (11% tax rate, no handling fee).
- Buying SIM Cards
- Location: T1 Terminal B1 floor, T2 Terminal 1F (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom booths)
- Required Document: Passport (foreign travelers)
- Plan Options: 30-day data plans (50GB): $7.07–$10.60 (supports 5G, covers Fujian’s remote scenic areas)
- Inter-Terminal Transfers: T1 to T2 and T2 to T1
- Free Shuttle Bus: 24/7 operation, departs T1 Exit 6 and T2 Exit 5, 10-minute intervals, 5-minute travel time.
- Underground Corridor: T1 B1 ↔ T2 B1 (10-minute walk, suitable for light luggage).
- Dining Options and Hours
- Core Areas: T1 Departure Hall 3F/4F, T2 Departure Hall 2F.
- Cuisine: Local specialties (Fuzhou fish balls: $3.53, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: $14.13), international fast food, Fujian tea houses.
- Hours: 06:00–23:30 (24-hour convenience stores in arrival halls).
- Duty-Free Shopping Hours
- Location: T1 Terminal International Departure Hall (after security)
- Hours: 06:00–22:30
- Offerings: Cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, local specialties (Fuzhou lacquerware, tea, seafood snacks). Tax-free limit: $5,000/person.
- Luggage Storage
- Locations: T1 B1 floor, T2 1F.
- Pricing:
- Small: $0.71 (4-Hour), $2.12 (Daily)
- Medium: $1.06 (4-Hour), $2.83 (Daily)
- Large: $1.41 (4-Hour), $3.53 (Daily)
- Service Hours: 24/7, secure storage with valuables option ($1.41/day).
- Currency Exchange
- Locations: T1 International Arrival/Departure Halls, T2 1F.
- Supported Currencies: USD, EUR, JPY, HKD, TWD (New Taiwan dollar), KRW (South Korean won), etc.
- Hours: 08:00–22:00 (self-service machines 24/7 for major currencies).
- Free Wi-Fi
- Network Name: “FOC-Free-WiFi”
- Login: Verify via Chinese/foreign mobile number (code) or passport.
- Speed: 50Mbps, unlimited usage, supports multiple devices.
- Overnight at the Airport
- Free Areas: T1 B1 (reclining chairs), T2 2F (waiting lounges).
- Paid Options: T1 VIP Lounge ($28.26/4hrs, includes snacks, shower, business center).
- Tip: Airport temperature 18–22°C at night—bring a thin jacket.
- Check-In Deadlines
- Domestic Flights: Counter closes 45 mins pre-departure; self-service check-in 1 hour pre-departure.
- International Flights: Counter closes 60 mins pre-departure; check-in starts 2 hours pre-departure.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.