Hainan’s High Speed Train Service
The world’s first circular high-speed railway line has begun operation in China’s southernmost province, Hainan. It is hoped that the new rail will further promote the economy of the island, which is already a popular tourist destination.
The newly opened western stretch has 16 stops in six cities and counties, linking provincial capital Haikou with Sanya, the main tourist city. It began construction in Sept 2013 with an investment of 27 billion yuan ($4.23 billion).
The 308-km eastern ring also from Haikou to Sanya, was put into operation at the end of 2010 with a designed speed of up to 250 km per hour.
East ring
Express railway
Taking the express, high speed train from Haikou’s East railway station to Sanya takes only 90 minutes. If you arrive at Meilan International Airport you can get a train at Melian Station, (300 m from the airport). The train stops at Wenchang, Qionghai, Bo’ao, Wanning, Lingshui and of course Sanya.
Travel Tips
The earliest train departing Haikou to Sanya is 7:00 am
The last train departing Haikou is 22:20 while the last train departing Sanya is 21:30
The minimum interval for every train is 10 min, 20 min on average. Usually there are 3 trains per hour during peak times
Haikou Railway Station
Xixiu Town, Xuiying District Haikou City
+86 898 31686222
Note:
Do not expect anybody to speak English, you will need your passport to buy a train ticket and tickets can only be purchases 2 days in advance during busy seasons. If you have a Chinese colleague you can purchase train tickets on the internet.
It is also possible to get direct trains from Haikou to Sanya and vice versa, so be careful if you wish to stop along the way.
West ring
Express railway
The new Hainan high-speed rail loop line was officially completed on June 30 as its western ring and eastern ring were connected to form a closed loop.
The 345-km-long western ring rail line starts from Haikou and travels to Sanya, passing through 6 cities and counties, Chengmai, Lingao, Danzhou, Changjiang, Dongfang and Ledong.
The Hainan western Ring Railway opened in Janruary of this year connecting with the eastern line. The high-speed railway now stretches more than 600 km in a complete ring all the way around Hainan Island.
Sanya Railway Station
Lizhigou Town (outside the city, see map on Sanya page)
+86 0898 2235102
