Chen Liu
What's Inside
I've been taking groups to Qilou Old Street for years. And every single time, someone asks: "Which bus do I take?" It's not complicated, but a few wrong turns can waste an hour in the heat. Let me save you the trouble.
Why Take the Bus?
Haikou's buses are cheap (1–2 yuan), air-conditioned, and surprisingly reliable. Plus, the bus stop at East Gate (东门) drops you literally at the entrance of the old street. No long walk. Compared to taxis, you save about 20 yuan each way. Here's the catch: Google Maps doesn't show real-time bus data here. You'll need Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps—both have English versions, but I recommend Amap because it's more accurate for bus ETAs.
Best Bus Routes to Qilou Old Street
Four routes go directly to the street. I've listed them in order of frequency. All stop at Zhongshan Road (中山路) or East Gate.
| Route | Starting Point | Key Stops | Frequency (min) | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 3 | Haikou Railway Station | West Coast, Wuzhi Mountain Rd, East Gate | 8–12 | 1–2 yuan |
| Bus 5 | Haikou East Station | Guoxing Ave, East Gate | 10–15 | 1 yuan |
| Bus 7 | Haikou Bus Terminal | Renmin Ave, East Gate | 12–18 | 1 yuan |
| Bus 37 | Haikou Airport (Meilan) | Airport Rd, East Gate | 20–25 | 2 yuan |
Step-by-Step: Boarding the Bus
Where to Buy Your Ticket
Haikou buses don't sell paper tickets. You pay with a scan—either Alipay or WeChat Pay. Cash is rarely accepted, and international credit cards won't work directly. If you haven't set up Alipay yet, do it before you arrive. The bus QR code is at the entrance. Just open Alipay → click "Transport" → scan. Simple.
I always tell my first-timers: link your international card to Alipay before leaving your hotel. Free WiFi at the lobby saves you mobile data.
Finding the Correct Stop
Most bus stops in Haikou have English names underneath the Chinese characters. But they're small. Look for the bus number on the sign. For example, if you're taking Bus 3, look for the red number 3 on the pole. The bus announces the next stop in Chinese and English. Listen for "Dong Men" (East Gate). That's where you get off.
One annoying thing: the English announcements are sometimes garbled. If you're unsure, show the driver your phone with the Chinese characters for East Gate: 东门. Drivers are friendly but seldom speak English.
Navigating from Bus Stop to the Street
East Gate Stop (东门站): You'll see a large archway with three Chinese characters: 骑楼老街 (Qilou Old Street). Walk straight through the arch, and you're in the heart of the street. That's it, no turns.
If you accidentally get off at West Gate (西门): Don't panic. Walk east along Jiefang Road for about 7 minutes. You'll see the old buildings. West Gate is closer to the modern shopping area, so it's a bit less atmospheric but still fine.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Using Google Maps for bus times: It doesn't work. I've seen tourists waiting 30 minutes for a bus that already passed. Use Amap or simply ask at your hotel.
- Not having small change: Even though you scan, some emergency cash is good. But don't expect to pay with 100 yuan notes.
- Rush hour madness: 5:00–7:00 PM, buses are packed. Bus 3 especially. If you can, go in the late morning (10:00 AM) or after 2:00 PM.
- Getting on the wrong direction: Many stops have two sides. Check the route map on the bus shelter. Or look at the bus's electronic sign—it shows the terminal name.
What About Taxi or Ride-hailing?
If your wallet agrees, a taxi from Haikou city center costs about 15–20 yuan. From the airport, it's 60–80 yuan. Ride-hailing apps like Didi work well, but you must set up the payment with Alipay (credit cards don't work in the app). Show the driver the Chinese address: 海口骑楼老街. The driver will likely drop you at the south entrance on Jiefang Road—the same East Gate area.
Only take a taxi if it's raining heavily or you have mobility issues. Otherwise, the bus is a better experience. You see local life passing by.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Route and fare information are regularly updated.
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