Planning a short trip off Hainan Island and not sure whether to drive your own car or grab a Didi to Haikou Meilan Airport? It’s tempting to have your car ready and waiting when you return, but airport parking fees can add up quickly.
So, how much does it actually cost to park at Meilan Airport, and how does that compare to using a ride-hailing service like Didi?
Let’s break it down.
Parking at Meilan Airport: What Will It Cost?
Short-term parking at Haikou Meilan Airport depends on where you park and the size of your vehicle. Here’s a quick look at the pricing:
T1/T2 Parking Garages (Indoor Parking)
Small vehicles (less than 12 seats or 1 ton):
The first hour costs 8 yuan, with an additional 3 yuan for every extra hour.
Maximum daily charge: 50 yuan for the first 24 hours.
T1/T2 Open-Air Lots & International Building Parking (Outdoor Lots)
Small vehicles: 6 yuan for the first hour, then 3 yuan for each additional hour.
Maximum daily charge: 30 yuan.
Overnight Rates: for longer stays, overnight parking costs 30 yuan for the first 24 hours. After that, an additional 15 yuan is charged for every 12 hours, (less than 12 hours will be counted as 12 hours).
If you’re only gone for a day or two, these fees are fairly reasonable, and having your own car waiting for you might be worth the price. However, if you’re gone for a week or more, the costs will start to add up quickly.
Didi: The Alternative
Using a Didi (or similar ride-hailing app) to get to the airport is usually hassle-free, but how does it compare cost-wise? Here’s a rough estimate:
Haikou city center to Meilan Airport: A one-way Didi ride typically costs around 50 yuan, (depending on your starting point). Round trip, you’re looking at approximately 100 yuan total (50 yuan each way).
Cost Comparison for a Short Break (2 Days)
Let’s assume you’re taking a 2-day trip. Here’s what it would cost to park your car versus using a Didi:
Parking (Garage):
100 yuan (50 yuan/day)
Car ready when you return, but higher cost.
Parking (Open-Air Lot):
60 yuan (30 yuan/day)
Slightly cheaper, but further from the terminal.
Didi (Round Trip):
100 yuan (50 yuan each way)
No parking hassle, but you’ll need to book a ride both ways.
• Driving and Parking (Garage): 100 yuan total for 2 days.
• Driving and Parking (Open-Air Lot): 60 yuan total for 2 days.
• Didi Round Trip: 100 yuan.
For a 2-day trip, parking in the open-air lot is clearly the cheapest option, coming in at just 60 yuan. However, parking in the garage or using Didi both cost about the same (100 yuan), so the choice comes down to whether you prefer the convenience of having your own car or using Didi to avoid any parking altogether.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Short Free Parking Periods: Fuel vehicles can park for up to 20 minutes for free, new energy vehicles can park for up to 30 minutes for free. This is helpful for quick drop-offs or pick-ups.
Exit Grace Period: After paying your parking fee at one of the self-service kiosks, you have 20 minutes to exit. If you stay longer, a new charge of 8 yuan will apply for the first additional hour.
So, What’s the Verdict?
If you’re taking a short trip (1-2 days) and like the idea of having your own car at the airport, driving and parking in the open-air lot is the most affordable choice. It’ll cost you less than a Didi round trip, and your car will be ready and waiting when you return.
However, if you’re traveling for a longer period (3 days or more), the parking fees will start to climb. In that case, using a Didi may save you money—and you won’t have to worry about parking or paying additional fees if your return flight is delayed.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to how long you’ll be gone and whether the convenience of driving outweighs the cost. Either way, knowing the parking fees at Haikou Meilan Airport helps you make an informed choice.
Related article: 2024 Hainan International New Energy Intelligent Vehicle Expo & Automobile Consumer Festival
