How to Get to Yiwu, China – Flights, Trains & Tips for Yiwu Market Buyers

Yiwu, often called the world’s capital of small commodities. Every year, Yiwu welcomes millions of overseas and domestic buyers, wholesalers and business travelers, many of whom return again and again to source products, build supplier relationships, and grow their businesses.

If you’re planning a trip to Yiwu for sourcing or business, this guide will walk you through how to reach Yiwu from major hubs like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. We’ll cover how to buy tickets, the best transportation options (flight, high-speed train, bus, or car), travel times, costs, and what to do once you arrive in Yiwu. Let’s get started!

Quick Answer:

Shanghai → Yiwu: High-speed train (1.5–2h)

Hangzhou Airport → Yiwu: Direct coach (about 1.5h)

Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Yiwu: Flight (fastest)

Hong Kong → Yiwu: Direct flight (Flight No.: UO214 | Frequency: Monday, Thursday & Saturday)

Buying Tickets to Yiwu (Flights, Trains & Buses)

A exterior panoramic view of Yiwu Airport (YIW)

Flights: Since Yiwu is a small city, it doesn’t have direct international flights. Almost all international travelers will fly into another Chinese city and then connect to Yiwu. Common gateway cities include Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, or Hangzhou, which all have frequent domestic connections to Yiwu.

You can easily book flights using your passport on international travel sites like:

Trip.com

Booking.com

Expedia.com

Tripadvisor

Skyscanner.com

just choose a flight that connects through one of those major cities. Tip: Yiwu Airport has a 240-hour visa-free policy for certain nationalities (you can check more detailed about China’s visa-free policies here), so eligible visitors can stay up to 10 days without a visa. This is a big plus for frequent buyers popping in for a quick sourcing trip.

High-Speed Train Tickets: China’s high-speed rail is fantastic for domestic travel. If you plan to take a bullet train to Yiwu, you can book tickets easily. Occasional travelers can use sites like Trip.com or simply buy at the station with your passport.

If you’re more of a regular, you might download the official China Railway 12306 app (中国铁路 12306) – you’ll need to register with your passport (which takes a few days) and a Chinese phone number for receiving verification code. Keep in mind train tickets in China usually only go on sale about 15 days before departure. It’s very important to book popular trains in advance, since they can sell out, especially on weekends or holidays.

Step-by-step 12306 app infographic: register, verify your passport identity, then search (Shanghai → Yiwu example) and book China railway / high-speed train tickets.

Long-Distance Buses (Coaches): There are coach buses from cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou to Yiwu. These tickets aren’t typically sold online to foreigners, but you can buy them at the bus station or airport ticket counters using your passport. Buses are generally a backup option – they’re slower than trains but can be convenient if you’re coming straight from an airport (more on this below).

Now, let’s break down the routes from specific cities:

From Shanghai to Yiwu – Best Routes

Shanghai is about 280–300 km from Yiwu, and it’s one of the most common starting points for Yiwu trips. Here are your options if you’re coming from Shanghai:

1. High-Speed Train (Recommended): If you’re already in Shanghai city, the bullet train is the fastest and most efficient way. Trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station roughly every 10–30 minutes from early morning to 9 PM. The ride to Yiwu Railway Station takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A second-class seat costs around CNY 120–150 (~$18–22) and first class about CNY 200. Business class is also available (~CNY 377, but not necessary for a short trip). The train is clean, quick, and comfortable – truly the best way if timing permits.

A Panoramic View of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Platform and a waiting High-speed train inside Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Pro tip: Buy your train ticket in advance if possible, because popular departure times can sell out. Also, be sure to get to Hongqiao Station at least 30–45 minutes early to factor in security and finding your platform. If you’re landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and want to take a train, you’ll first need to transfer across the city to Hongqiao Station (about 60 km away). There’s an airport shuttle bus (Line 1) to Hongqiao that takes ~1 hour (CNY 36) or you can take Metro Line 2 (~1.5 hours, CNY 8), or simply grab a taxi (~1 hour if traffic is good). Keep that transfer time in mind if you plan to catch a same-day train after your flight.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

2. Direct Coach Bus from Shanghai Pudong Airport: If you’re flying into PVG and want a no-transfer option, there is a direct coach from Pudong Airport to Yiwu. After clearing customs, you can head to the long-distance bus counter at the airport. Buses from Pudong Airport to Yiwu take roughly 4 to 4.5 hours. The fare is about CNY 200 (~$30) for a one-way ticket. Usually, there are a few departures each day – for example, one schedule lists a bus leaving PVG around 12:00 noon and another in the evening around 18:50. (Always double-check the latest times when you arrive.) The bus will drop you at the Yiwu International Trade City Passenger Transport Center (义乌国际商贸城客运中心) – that’s the full name of Yiwu’s coach station, conveniently located across from Yiwu Market District 3. This is super handy if your hotel or the market is nearby. The bus is cheap and easy, though of course slower than the train. If you have a lot of luggage or arrive late when trains aren’t running, this can be a good choice.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) shuttle bus schedule | Shuttle bus from PVG to Yiwu, price 200RMB, 323km

Yiwu International Trade City Passenger Transport Center (义乌国际商贸城客运中心), Yiwu Coach Station

3. Private Car or Van (Door-to-Door): For maximum convenience – especially if you’re a group of 2–4 people or have heavy bags – you can hire a private car service from Shanghai directly to Yiwu. Many travelers do this from Pudong Airport. You’ll get picked up at the arrivals area and driven straight to your hotel in Yiwu, no stops. The drive is about 3.5–4 hours (depending on traffic). Cost-wise, expect roughly ¥700–¥800 for the vehicle. If you’re splitting with colleagues, it can be great value and definitely the least hassle – just hop in and go. Many sourcing agents or hotels in Yiwu can help arrange this if you ask in advance.

Private Car or Van (Door-to-Door) – Airport or Station Pickup Service, the Van model showing

Private Car or Van (Door-to-Door) – Airport or Station Pickup Service – from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) driving on the way to Yiwu

If you need Private Car or Van (Door-to-Door), you can Contact Us for a private pickup

Tip: If you happen to miss other transport, sometimes at the airport bus station you might find shared vans waiting for passengers to Yiwu – they’ll gather a few travelers and charge per person to cover the ~¥800 total cost. It’s hit-or-miss, but worth asking if you’re adventurous. Always agree on the price beforehand and ensure it’s clear whether you’ve booked a private ride or a shared one.

Kevin’s recommendation from Shanghai: If your schedule aligns, take the high-speed train – it’s fast, frequent, and comfortable. However, if you land in Shanghai and don’t want to trek across the city to Hongqiao Station (or you arrive very late), the direct coach or a private car from Pudong Airport straight to Yiwu can save you hassle. Either way, you’ll get to Yiwu in a few hours.

From Hangzhou to Yiwu – The Closest Gateway

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province (the same province where Yiwu is located), and it’s much closer – only about 100 km away. If you’re coming via Hangzhou, here’s how:

1. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to Yiwu: Hangzhou’s airport is the nearest major international airport to Yiwu (around 1.5 hours by road). There is a very convenient direct coach bus from Hangzhou Airport to Yiwu. You can find it at Gate 14 of Hangzhou Airport’s Terminal 4 – just follow the signs for long-distance buses. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs only CNY 72 (~$10). Buses run throughout the day; the first one leaves around 9:00 AM and the last one about 9:00 PM. This coach will drop you off in Yiwu near the Futian market District 3 as well, which is perfect for market visitors.

Airport Bus Ticketing Counter in Hangzhou Airport

Self-Service Ticketing Kiosk (Airport Shuttle Ticket Kiosks) in Hangzhou Airport. Ticket price is 72RMB (10USD) / person

If your flight arrives after 9 PM (when the last bus has gone), or you simply prefer not to wait, then a private taxi/car is your only option late at night. A pre-booked car from Hangzhou Airport to Yiwu will cost around CNY 450 (~$65) for the whole car. Some drivers also offer shared rides; for example, if other passengers are heading to Yiwu, you could split and pay maybe ¥150 per person (~$20). Don’t be shy to ask around at the airport; many drivers gather at arrivals offering Yiwu transfers. Ensure you confirm the price and whether it’s a private or shared ride.

2. Hangzhou City to Yiwu by High-Speed Train: If you’re spending time in Hangzhou city or your flight lands and you go into town first, taking the train is extremely quick. Normally, high-speed trains from Hangzhou East Railway Station reach Yiwu in about 45–60 minutes. However, note that Yiwu Station has been undergoing some upgrades (expected finished by 2026), so currently many trains to Yiwu depart from the new Hangzhou West Station as well. In fact, there are around 35 daily departures from Hangzhou West Railway Station and Hangzhou East Railway Station to Yiwu now. The journey is super short – as quick as 30–40 minutes on some trains! Tickets are very cheap: about CNY 50 (~$7) for second class seat, or CNY 80 (~$12) for first class seat. Business class seat might be ~¥158 but you won’t need that for a 30-minute hop. With trains running from early morning (6:30 AM) to late evening (10:00 PM), this is a fantastic option. Just be sure to check which Hangzhou station your train departs from (East or West) when booking the ticket. Hangzhou West is a bit outside the city center but is modern and efficient – allow extra time to get there if you’re staying downtown.

3. Driving or Private Car from Hangzhou: You could hire a car from Hangzhou city as well. It’s roughly a 1.5–2 hours drive to Yiwu. The cost would likely be similar or a bit less than from Shanghai – roughly ¥400–¥600 for a car. If you have business partners in Hangzhou or a lot of samples/luggage, a car ride is straightforward via highway. Many Yiwu agents can arrange pickups from Hangzhou hotels too.

If you need a private car / van, you can Contact Us for a private pickup.

Recommendation from Hangzhou: If you land at Hangzhou Airport, take the direct airport bus – it’s cheap and drops you close to the market. If you’re already in Hangzhou city, definitely hop on the bullet train – you’ll be in Yiwu in the time it takes to drink a coffee. Only opt for a private car if your schedule is off-hours or you value door-to-door service over cost.

From Guangzhou or Shenzhen (South China) to Yiwu

Guangzhou and Shenzhen are major hubs in southern China (and likely entry points if you’re coming from Southeast Asia or Africa). They are quite far from Yiwu, so the best way is usually to fly.

>1. Flying from Guangzhou: Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport (CAN) has multiple daily flights to Yiwu Airport. In fact, Guangzhou is one of the most common transfer points for international flights heading to Yiwu. A nonstop flight from Guangzhou to Yiwu takes only about 1 hour 40 minutes. There are often 4–6 flights per day on this route (mostly operated by China Southern Airlines). For example, typical departures might be in the morning (~8 AM), late morning, afternoon, and evening – so you have options throughout the day. Prices one-way are usually in the range of ¥700-¥1400 (~$100–200) for an economy ticket, but can be lower if you book early or hit a promotion.

Guangzhou to Yiwu Flight Schedule:

* if you are reviewing this comparison table via a mobile phone and the table doesn’t display completely, simply swipe the table to the right to see the rest.

Yiwu to Guangzhou Flight Schedule:

* if you are reviewing this comparison table via a mobile phone and the table doesn’t display completely, simply swipe the table to the right to see the rest.

Given that the ~2 hour flight time and the distance involved, flying is absolutely the quickest and most convenient choice from Guangzhou. Many international buyers actually fly into Guangzhou first (for the Canton Fair, for example), then connect to Yiwu by domestic flight.

>2. High-Speed Train from Guangzhou: As of now (Feb, 2026), there is only one direct high-speed train G1302 (G-train) from Guangzhou to Yiwu. It takes 6 hours 52 mins, departing from Guangzhou South Railway Station at 13:19 and arriving at Yiwu Railway Station at 20:12.

G1302, Ticket price for second class seat 774 RMB (around 110USD), first class seat 1252 RMB (around 178USD).

Other routes might have you transfer at Jinhua or even somewhere like Fuzhou, taking closer to 9 or 10 hours. The cost for all the train tickets combined can be CNY 700–900 (around $100–128) in second class – which, amazingly, is similar to an airfare! Unless you really love train rides or have time to kill, it’s hard to justify a full-day train trip when a plane can get you there before your coffee gets cold.

There are also a couple of conventional (non-high-speed) overnight trains between Guangzhou and Yiwu (more than 16 hours, with sleeper berths), but those are more of a budget/backpacker option and not commonly used by business travelers.

12306 search results for Guangzhou–Yiwu (Feb 12): multiple K trains plus only one high-speed train, G1302, with fares and availability.

G1302 (Guangzhou South to Yiwu) on 12306 App: seat classes, prices, and running time, departure time and arrival time.

Bottom line: Flying from Guangzhou is highly recommended over the train for most people.

>3. Flying from Shenzhen: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) also offers direct flights to Yiwu. Typically, there are 3 flights daily between Shenzhen and Yiwu. The flight is about 2 hours gate to gate.

Shenzhen to Yiwu Flight Schedule:

* if you are reviewing this comparison table via a mobile phone and the table doesn’t display completely, simply swipe the table to the right to see the rest.

Yiwu to Shenzhen Flight Schedule:

* if you are reviewing this comparison table via a mobile phone and the table doesn’t display completely, simply swipe the table to the right to see the rest.

Shenzhen is a major tech and business city, so a lot of overseas buyers coming via Hong Kong or directly to Shenzhen will use this route. Expect similar pricing to the Guangzhou flights (often in the $100 range if booked early). According to recent info, Shenzhen has direct flights every day (see above Shenzhen-to-Yiwu Flight Schedule Table), usually departing late morning or evening. Check flight schedules ahead of time, as sometimes there may be one flight mid-day; you might need to plan around it. Again, flying is the easiest way to go to Yiwu – it saves a ton of time.

>4. High-Speed Train from Shenzhen: Interestingly, there is two daily direct high-speed trains from Shenzhen to Yiwu.

12306 app search results for Shenzhen – Yiwu: two D-series trains only (D378 & D22) with times, duration, seat options, and fares.

12306 search results for Shenzhen-Yiwu (D378 & D22): times, fares, seat/sleeper choices, and real-time availability

D378, Shenzhen North Railway Station to Yiwu Railway Station, daily, it takes 8 hours 45 mins departing from Shenzhen North Railway Station at 10:30 and arriving in Yiwu at 19:15.

D378, Second-class seat 532 RMB (around 76USD)

D378, First-class seat 852 RMB (121USD).

D22, Shenzhen Railway Station to Yiwu Railway Station, daily, it takes 13 hours 46 mins departing from Shenzhen Railway Station at 20:00 and arriving in Yiwu at next day 9:46 in the morning.

D22, Second-class seat 238 RMB (around 34USD).

D22, Second-class sleeper 368 RMB (around 52USD), first-class sleeper 579 RMB (around 82USD).

Either train takes more than 8.5 hours. It’s a long ride (nearly a full workday on the train), making many stops, but it exists.

If you miss out these two direct trains and you still prefer taking a train to Yiwu, alternatively, you can take a G-train / D-train from Shenzhen and transfer in Hangzhou or another city to catch a train to Yiwu; that might be longer running, totaling anywhere from 9 to 10 hours travel. The total cost in that case will be around ¥600-¥850 in second class across both legs.

Unless you really have a reason to avoid flying (or maybe you enjoy seeing the countryside), these train options are there but not commonly used by Yiwu buyers. Most people choose to fly given the convenience.

>5. By Road: There are long-distance buses from both Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Yiwu, but they take 14–16 hours overnight and are not very comfortable for such a distance. A sleeper bus might cost ~¥300 (around 43USD). Generally, only consider this if you’re on a tight budget or maybe moving a lot of baggage by ground. Similarly, driving a car yourself or hiring a car from South China to Yiwu is impractical – it’s 1,200+ km from Guangzhou, so you’d be on the road all day.

Recommendation for Guangzhou/Shenzhen: Take a flight – it’s by far the best! Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen have frequent, roughly 2-hour flights to Yiwu. You’ll save a ton of time and arrive fresh. High-speed trains in this corridor are only if you really dislike flying or perhaps if flights are sold out. Many international visitors actually plan their trip like this: fly into Guangzhou or Shenzhen first (sometimes via Hong Kong), spend a day or two, then catch a quick flight to Yiwu. It works great.

From Hong Kong to Yiwu

1. From Hong Kong to Yiwu – Direct Flight Available

Good news if you’re coming from Hong Kong: there is a direct flight between Hong Kong and Yiwu, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get here if the schedule fits your plan.

Currently, Hong Kong Express operates direct flights on this route:

Hong Kong → Yiwu
Flight No.: UO214
Departure: 14:10
Arrival: 16:20
Frequency: Monday, Thursday & Saturday

The flight time is just a little over 2 hours, which makes it one of the most time-efficient ways to reach Yiwu from an international hub. For buyers flying into Hong Kong from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Southeast Asia, this option is extremely convenient — no domestic transfers, no train connections, no extra luggage handling.

If your travel dates line up with the flight days, this direct Hong Kong–Yiwu flight is absolutely one of the best options.

That said, the frequency is limited to three days a week. If the direct flight doesn’t match your schedule, flying from Hong Kong to Hangzhou or Shanghai, then continuing to Yiwu by high-speed train or airport coach, is still a very reliable backup plan.

2. From Hong Kong to Yiwu by Train

Train from Hong Kong (for the adventurous): It is technically possible to do the journey entirely by high-speed rail now, thanks to China’s vast network. You could board a morning bullet train in Hong Kong and, with one or two connections, reach Yiwu by evening. One likely route is: Hong Kong → Guangzhou (50 min on the G-train), then Guangzhou → Yiwu (about 7 hours on a high-speed train). That’s roughly 8–9 hours on trains, plus transfer times – feasible in a day. The cost for all the train segments might be around ¥850-950 total in second class. If you love train travel and want to see the scenery, you could try this. However, for most, it’s easier to just take the 2-hour flight to Yiwu instead and save time.

Recommendation from Hong Kong: The fastest and least hassle path is to directly fly into Yiwu from HK. This avoids the need for multiple train changes or long overland travel. Second choice would be flying via Guangzhou or Shenzhen since those have direct Yiwu connections. And if you’re not in a rush and have a sense of adventure, the rail journey through China can be an experience too!

Arriving in Yiwu: Getting to Your Hotel

Congratulations, you made it to Yiwu! Now, how do you get from the airport or train station to your hotel or the market? Luckily, Yiwu is a relatively small city and pretty easy to navigate. Here are the options:

1. Yiwu Airport to City: Yiwu Airport (YIW) is only about 12 km from downtown Yiwu. There’s no subway and local buses are limited (and none run late in the evening), so your best bet is to take a taxi or rideshare. The official taxis in Yiwu are metered and quite affordable. The meter starts at CNY 8 for the first 2 km, then about ¥2.5 per km up to 6 km, and ¥3.5/km beyond that. In practice, a taxi ride from Yiwu Airport to most downtown hotels or the market area usually costs around ¥30–50 (~$4.5–$7). Some drivers at the airport might try to offer a flat rate instead of using the meter – don’t be afraid to insist on the meter or negotiate if the price seems off. The ride into town is typically 22–25 minutes. One cool thing: there is a free shuttle bus from Yiwu Airport to the International Trade City (Futian Market) during the daytime! It’s called Market Line 5. It runs roughly 7:00 AM to 5:15 PM from the airport, and makes only 3 stops: at District 3, District 2, and District 1 of the Futian market. And yes, it’s completely free (it’s a special service for market visitors). If you happen to arrive in those hours and are headed straight to the market or a nearby hotel, look for this free shuttle – it’s a big perk

2. Yiwu Railway Station to City: Yiwu’s high-speed rail station is about 9–10 km northwest of the city center. Again, taxis are the easiest way to get to your hotel. A typical taxi fare from the Yiwu train station to the Futian market area or downtown hotels will be around CNY 30–40 (roughly $4.5 – $6). It might be a bit more if your hotel is further out. Just like at the airport, make sure the driver uses the meter. There’s usually a queue of official taxis outside the station.

During busy times (when a train has just unloaded lots of passengers), there might be a wait – in that case, using a ride-hailing app like DiDi Chuxing (China’s Uber equivalent) can be handy to call a car directly to you. Public buses do serve the railway station, but if you’re new to Yiwu and possibly carrying luggage, I wouldn’t recommend trying to navigate the bus system – plus, after 6–7 PM there are very few buses running near the market.

3. Yiwu Coach Station – Bus Terminal (Yiwu International Trade City Passenger Transport Center (义乌国际商贸城客运中心): If you arrived by long-distance bus (say from Shanghai or Hangzhou), you’ll likely be at the Yiwu International Trade City Bus Terminal (also just called “Yiwu Coach Station”). The good news is this station is right next to the Futian Market, essentially at Market District 3. Many hotels are in that area, some even walking distance. For example, the Yiwu Marriott is only a 5-minute drive away. A taxi from the coach station to hotels around Futian Market or in downtown shouldn’t cost more than ¥10–¥15 (a couple of dollars) because it’s so close. If you have a lot of bags, taxis will be right outside. Otherwise, if your hotel is literally across from the market, you might just walk over and enjoy the fresh air after a long ride.

4. Hotel Shuttles: A few high-end hotels (like the Shangri-La or certain business hotels) sometimes offer free shuttle services from the airport or train station for their guests. It’s worth inquiring with your hotel in advance if they provide any pick-up service. If they do, someone will usually be holding a sign with your name at the arrivals. If not, no worries – taxis are easy.

In summary, taxis are your friend in Yiwu. They are inexpensive and convenient for getting around the city. Unlike megacities like Shanghai, Yiwu doesn’t have Uber (DiDi is the alternative) in English without some setup, but you can ask your hotel or a Chinese colleague to help call a DiDi if needed. Also, if you’re visiting suppliers or have local friends in Yiwu, don’t hesitate to ask if they can pick you up – people are often very hospitable, and it can save you the trouble.

Returning from Yiwu (Back to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong)

After you’ve finished your business in Yiwu, you’ll need to plan the trip back. Essentially, all the same methods you used to get here in Yiwu are available to go back. A few popular return strategies:

One more tip: If you have a lot of cargo or samples that you’re bringing back from yiwu market or factories, consider using a freight or courier service instead of lugging everything yourself. Yiwu has plenty of DHL/FedEx offices and shipping agents who can help send your goods internationally. That way, your return travel is easier.

In summary: Yiwu may not have many its own international flights, but it’s well-connected via China’s excellent transport network. Whether you choose to fly, zoom on a bullet train, or take a road trip, you have options to suit your schedule and budget. For most global visitors, the sweet spot is a combination of flying into a China’s major city and then taking a high-speed train to Yiwu, which offers a great balance of speed, comfort, and cost. Once you’re here, you’ll find Yiwu a welcoming and straightforward city to navigate.

Travel safe and enjoy your sourcing trip to Yiwu! If you plan ahead with the info in this guide, you’ll get here with minimal hassles and be ready to hit the famous Yiwu International Trade Market running. Good luck and happy travels!

Related Reading:

-> Visiting China Without a Visa (2026): 30-Day Visa-Free, 240-Hour Transit & China Customs Dos & Don’ts

-> How to Buy from Yiwu Market: The Only Guide You Need

-> Yiwu Jewelry Market – The Best Jewelry Wholesale Market in China

-> Yiwu Home Decor Market

If any assistance / help needed in China, no matter pickup service at Airport or Railway Station, or sourcing from China, we’re here for you and very happy to help, feel free to reach out!

Contact us anytime for friendly help, advice or support on making your China travelling, sourcing and importing journey a smooth success.

Contact Information as below:

Email:kevin@china-buying-support.com

Phone | WhatsApp:+86 1860 5899 103

Thank you.