How to Get from Datong Yungang Airport (DAT) to Datong City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Datong Yungang Airport to the city centre for most travelers is the new 67路公交 (Bus 67). It runs from the airport to Datong South Railway Station (大同综合客运中心) via a direct route, with fares of just ¥1-2 depending on the season, and takes about 30-35 minutes. From the South Station, you can easily transfer to other buses or a taxi to reach the ancient city wall area. If you're heading straight to a hotel near the古城 or have heavy luggage, a taxi (¥30-40, 20-25 minutes) is more convenient. The old airport shuttles to Datong Hotel still operate but schedules can be hit or miss—stick to the new bus or a Didi.

67路公交: Datong Airport to City (New Direct Bus)

As of February 2025, Datong introduced a game-changer for airport transfers: the 67路公交. This new line connects Datong Yungang Airport directly with Datong South Railway Station (大同南站) via a clean, modern electric bus. It's the cheapest and most reliable public transport option. The bus runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with schedules timed to match arriving flights. The one-way trip takes about 30-35 minutes and covers 13.5 kilometres. During summer (June 16–Sept 15) and winter heating season (Nov 1–March 31), the fare is ¥2; the rest of the year it's just ¥1.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Notes
67路公交 (Bus 67)	30-35 min	¥1-2 ($0.15-0.30 USD)	Budget travelers, solo, daytime arrivals	New electric bus, runs 7:00-19:00, timed to flights
Taxi (Metered)	20-25 min	¥30-40 ($4-6 USD)	Groups, families, late night, heavy luggage	Direct to your hotel, available 24/7
Airport Shuttle (旧大巴)	40 min	¥10 ($1.50 USD)	Those heading to迎宾东街 hotels	Less frequent, stops at Datong Hotel/Wuzhou Hotel
Didi (滴滴) / Ride-hail	20-25 min	¥30-45 ($4-6.50 USD)	Tech-savvy, no cash needed	Price varies with demand, reliable app

How to Catch Bus 67 at Datong Airport

After collecting your luggage at Datong Yungang Airport, exit the arrivals hall and look for the bus stop signs. The 67路公交 stop is clearly marked, usually near the taxi queue. The buses are bright green electric vehicles. You can pay with cash (exact change required), or use Alipay/WeChat's transport code. If you're not sure, just show the driver "大同南站" (Datong South Station) and they'll nod. The bus fills up quickly after flight arrivals, so grab a seat if you can.

From Datong South Station to the Ancient City (古城)

Bus 67 terminates at Datong Comprehensive Passenger Transport Centre, which is right next to Datong South Railway Station. This is not the city centre—you're still about 6-8 kilometres from the ancient city wall. From here, you have options: Taxi (15 minutes, ¥15-20) direct to your hotel near Huayan Temple or the古城墙; Bus 61 or 68 (¥1-2, 20 minutes) to古城 area (get off at "华严寺" or "鼓楼" stops); or Didi if you prefer app-based booking. If your hotel is near the South Station itself (like the Yungang Jianguo Hotel), you can walk.

Bus Schedule and Timing Reality

The official operating hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM from the South Station end. Buses are scheduled to meet incoming flights, so if your flight lands at 6:45 PM, you should be fine. But if you land at 7:30 PM, the bus may have stopped. I've seen this happen: a family landed at 7:40 PM, walked to the bus stop, and it was empty. They ended up paying ¥40 for a taxi anyway. The bus is great, but don't assume it runs late—check your arrival time.

Peak Season and Crowds

During Chinese holidays (Golden Week, Labour Day, Tomb Sweeping Festival), the 67路 can get packed with locals and tourists heading to the South Station for train connections. If you have large suitcases, space can be tight. The bus has luggage racks but they fill up fast. If it's crowded and you have massive bags, consider a taxi—it's only ¥30-40 and worth the comfort.

Taxi from Datong Airport to City Centre

For door-to-door convenience, a taxi from Datong Airport is hard to beat. Taxis queue right outside the arrivals exit. The official rate is metered: starting at ¥6-7 for the first 3 kilometres, then about ¥1.2-1.4 per kilometre thereafter. The trip to the ancient city area (e.g., Huayan Temple,鼓楼) is about 20-25 minutes and typically costs ¥30-40. To Datong South Station, it's about ¥20-25. At night (after 10 PM), rates increase slightly—expect ¥40-45 to the city centre. Most drivers are honest, but it's always wise to confirm "打表" (use the meter) before starting.

Taxi Experience: What to Expect

The ride takes you along the airport expressway, past the development zones, and into the heart of Datong. You'll see the modern cityscape give way to the ancient wall as you approach. Drivers rarely speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese: e.g., "华严寺" (Huayan Temple), "鼓楼" (Drum Tower), or your hotel name. If you're staying at a major hotel like the "大同金地豪生大酒店", show the name. The internet says taxis are cheap, and that's true—¥30 for a 20-minute ride is a steal compared to Western prices.

Late Night Taxi from Datong Airport

For late night arrivals (after 7:00 PM), when the 67路 has stopped running, taxis are your main option. There are usually enough taxis waiting for the last flights, but if it's a very late arrival (after 11 PM), the queue might be thin. In that case, have Didi (滴滴) ready on your phone. The surcharge after 10 PM is about 20-30%, so a trip to the centre might be ¥45-50. Still very reasonable.

Using Didi (Ride-Hailing) at Datong Airport

Didi is China's Uber and works well in Datong. If you have a Chinese app store or can install it before arriving, it's a great backup. At the airport, open the app, set pickup as "大同云冈机场", and destination as your hotel. A ride to the centre is typically ¥30-45, similar to taxis. The advantage: no language barrier, and you can pay with Alipay. The disadvantage: you might wait 5-10 minutes for a driver to arrive, while taxis are immediate. I've used both—taxis are faster if there's a queue.

Airport Shuttle Bus (旧机场大巴) – Not Recommended

The older airport shuttle buses still exist, but with the new 67路, they're no longer the best choice. These shuttles traditionally run from the airport to Datong Hotel (大同宾馆) and Wuzhou Hotel (五洲大酒店) on迎宾东街, departing about 2 hours before flight departures. The fare is ¥10 and the trip takes about 40 minutes. However, schedules are irregular and often geared toward departing passengers, not arrivals. You might wait a long time for a bus that never comes.

Why I Don't Recommend the Old Shuttle

The internet sometimes mentions the free shuttle to Datong Hotel, but "free" usually means for departing passengers with tickets. For arriving passengers, it's a paid service with unpredictable timing. I tried it once: waited 45 minutes, the bus finally arrived, and it was packed. With the new 67路 offering frequent, cheap, and reliable service, there's little reason to gamble on the old shuttle unless you're specifically staying at one of those hotels and don't mind waiting.

Who Might Still Use It?

If your hotel is exactly at Datong Hotel or Wuzhou Hotel, and you happen to arrive at the same time as a scheduled departure, it could work. But honestly, for ¥10 vs. ¥30 for a taxi, the convenience of the taxi or the reliability of the 67路 wins. The shuttle is a relic—best avoided unless you're on a ultra-tight budget and have time to kill.

Didi / Ride-Hailing Apps: The Digital Backup

China's ride-hailing king, Didi Chuxing, operates seamlessly in Datong. If you're comfortable with apps, it's a solid option. You'll need the Didi app (available in English for some users) and a Chinese payment method like Alipay or WeChat Pay. At the airport, open the app, select your destination, and confirm. The price is shown upfront—usually ¥30-45 to the city centre. The car will meet you at the arrivals curb. This is especially useful late at night when taxis might be scarce, or if you want to avoid any meter confusion.

Didi vs. Taxi: Which is Better?

In my experience, taxis are faster if there's a queue—you just hop in and go. Didi requires waiting for a driver to navigate to the pickup point. However, Didi eliminates language issues and ensures you pay the quoted price, no surprises. If you're arriving during peak hours (5-7 PM) when taxis might be in high demand, Didi can be a lifesaver. I've used both: taxi for immediate departure, Didi for peace of mind.

Bus 67 Route: Detailed Stops from Airport to Datong South Station

The new 67路公交 follows a clear route through Datong's developing eastern suburbs. Here are all the stops:

67路公交 Stops (Airport → Datong South Station)

1. 大同云冈国际机场 (Datong Yungang Airport) - Starting point at the terminal.
2. 大同数据科技职业学院 (Datong Data Technology Vocational College) - New college campus.
3. 开发区东 (East Development Zone) - Industrial area.
4. 樊庄家园东 (Fanjiayuan East) - Residential community.
5. 樊庄家园 (Fanjiayuan) - Large residential complex.
6. 大同艺校 (Datong Art School) - Local arts school.
7. 东方家园小区 (Dongfangjiayuan) - Another residential stop.
8. 新水湾龙园 (Xin Shui Wan Long Yuan) - Modern housing development.
9. 文瀛南路同煤快线口 (Wenying South Road/Tongmei Expressway Intersection) - Major junction.
10. 大同综合客运中心 (Datong Comprehensive Passenger Transport Centre) / 大同南站 (Datong South Railway Station) - Final stop, connects to high-speed trains.

Key Landmarks Near Stops

• 大同南站 (South Station): High-speed rail to Beijing (2 hours), Xi'an, Taiyuan. Nearby hotels like Yungang Jianguo Hotel.
• 文瀛南路 area: Close to大同方特欢乐世界 (Fantawild Adventure Theme Park) – about 3 km south.
• 樊庄家园 stops: Local residential area, few tourist sights.

How to Transfer from South Station to古城 (Ancient City)

At the South Station bus terminal, exit and walk towards the main station building. Bus stops for city lines are located just outside. Take Bus 61 or 68 heading west—they'll take you directly to the古城 area. Get off at "华严寺" (Huayan Temple) or "鼓楼" (Drum Tower) stops. The ride is about 20 minutes, ¥1-2. Alternatively, a taxi from South Station to the古城 costs ¥15-20.

Return Trip: City Centre to Airport via Bus 67

To catch Bus 67 from the city to the airport, you need to get to Datong South Station first. Take bus 61/68 to "大同南站", then follow signs to the bus terminal (same side as arrivals). The 67路 departs from here to the airport. Allow 45-60 minutes total from the古城 to the airport via this route. The first bus from South Station to the airport is at 7:00 AM. For early flights, a taxi is safer.

Datong Airport to City Centre Route Map

The map below shows the primary route from Datong Yungang Airport to the city centre. The most common path is via the airport expressway, heading west through the development zones, then into the urban core near the ancient city wall.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Datong Airport to Ancient City on Google Maps

The distance from Datong Yungang Airport to the city centre is approximately 15-17 kilometres (9-10 miles). The drive passes through the newer districts before reaching the historic古城, where landmarks like Huayan Temple, the Drum Tower, and the imposing city wall await.

Datong Airport to City: Ticketing & Costs

Money Exchange and Payment at Datong Airport

There are ATMs in the arrivals hall (Bank of China, ICBC). Exchange counters may be available but offer poorer rates than in the city. For buses, you'll need exact change (¥1/2 coins) or Alipay/WeChat. Taxis and Didi accept mobile payments. Have ¥50-100 in small bills ready for incidentals. Most hotels in the古城 area accept cards, but smaller shops are cash-only.

Cost Comparison: Tourist vs. Local

Locals pay the same fares—transport pricing is fixed. The difference is locals know the shortcuts: they take 67路 to South Station and transfer seamlessly. As a tourist, the taxi is worth the extra ¥30 to avoid the transfer if you have luggage. For a solo traveler with a backpack, the bus is a steal at ¥2.

Traveler Experience: Getting from Datong Airport to the City

Arriving at Datong Yungang Airport is a low-stress experience. It's a small, manageable airport—you walk from the plane to baggage claim in minutes. The new terminal is clean and modern. The transport options have improved dramatically with the new bus line.

First-Time Visitor Experience

As a first-timer, you'll step out of arrivals and see the taxi queue on your left, the bus stop straight ahead. If you take the 67路, you'll ride through the less glamorous eastern districts—factories, new apartment blocks—before reaching the slick South Station. From there, a second bus takes you into the古城, where the old city wall suddenly looms. It's a journey from modern China into ancient China. If you take a taxi, you'll be at your hotel near the Drum Tower in 25 minutes, no transfers.

The Reality of Datong Traffic

Traffic in Datong is moderate compared to Beijing. The main arteries (迎宾街, 魏都大道) can get congested during rush hours (8-9 AM, 5:30-7 PM), but it's rarely gridlocked. The airport expressway flows well. Taxi drivers are generally safe, though they drive assertively. Don't be alarmed by honking—it's just communication.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You land at 6:30 PM, bags in hand. You see the 67路 bus waiting and decide to save money. You board, ride 35 minutes to South Station, then realize you need to transfer to another bus. You wait 10 minutes for bus 61, ride another 20 minutes, and finally get off near Huayan Temple at 7:45 PM. You then walk 10 minutes to your hotel. Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes, cost ¥3. Your friend who took a taxi at 6:35 PM was at the hotel by 7:00 PM, cost ¥35. You saved ¥32 but lost 45 minutes. Was it worth it? For some, yes. For others, the taxi is a no-brainer. Know yourself.

Practical Tips & Advice for Datong Airport to City

• With large luggage: Take a taxi directly to your hotel. Bus 67 has racks but they fill up, and transferring at South Station with suitcases is a hassle.
• First-time visitor tip: If your hotel is inside the古城, take a taxi. It's worth the ¥35 to emerge right at the ancient wall without navigating transfers.
• Late night travel (after 7:00 PM): Bus 67 stops at 7:00 PM. Taxi or Didi are your only options. They're readily available.
• Early morning flights: The first 67路 from South Station to the airport is at 7:00 AM. For flights before 9:30 AM, take a taxi (ask your hotel to book one).
• With kids: Taxi is best—direct, comfortable, and you have car seats (bring your own). Buses can be crowded.
• Cost-saving tip: 67路 + bus 61/68 to古城 costs about ¥4 total. It's the cheapest way by far, but only worth it if you're solo and have light luggage.
• Time-saving tip: Taxi is fastest. During rush hour, add 10 minutes.
• Group travel (3-4 people): A taxi costs the same as 1 person. Split it—¥8-10 each—and enjoy the door-to-door service.
• Buying bus tickets: Pay cash (exact change) or scan Alipay/WeChat code on the reader. No tickets—tap and sit.
• Weekend vs weekday: Buses run the same schedule. Taxi availability is constant.
• Hotel location:古城 hotels: Taxi to the South Gate, then walk. South Station hotels: take 67路 bus.
• Return trip to airport: From古城, take bus 61/68 to South Station (¥2, 20 min), then 67路 to airport (¥1-2, 35 min). Allow 1.5 hours total. Taxi is 25 min direct.
• Mobile apps: Download Alipay (add transport card) and Didi before you arrive. Google Maps works but Baidu Maps is more accurate for local transit.
• Weather (Winter): Datong is cold Nov-Mar. Taxis are heated; bus stops are exposed. Dress warmly if taking the bus.
• Weather (Summer): Hot and dry. Buses have AC (hence the ¥2 summer fare).
• SIM cards: Buy at the airport (China Telecom/Unicom kiosk) or in the city. About ¥50 for data. Needed for Didi/maps.
• Language: Few drivers speak English. Have destination in Chinese on your phone. Use Google Translate or Baidu Translate.
• Safety: Datong is very safe. Normal precautions apply.
• Tipping: Not practiced. Don't tip taxi drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions: Datong Airport to City Centre