Datong Airport to City Late at Night

Question

I'm looking for some advice on getting from Datong Airport to a hotel in the old city late at night. Specifically, my flight will land around midnight on a Sunday night. I'm seeing conflicting information online, with some giving a reasonable ending time of the shuttle/bus at around 7:30pm and others saying that it runs until the last flight of the night (which is probably mine). It seems like a taxi wouldn't be too expensive, but I'd like to know my options.

Does anyone know what time the bus stops running?

Also, are there taxis that can carry five passengers (in addition to the driver)?

Answer

Arriving at Datong Yungang Airport around midnight on a Sunday presents limited transportation options to reach the old city area, as public buses and airport shuttles typically do not operate at that hour. Most sources indicate that the airport shuttle bus service ends in the evening, usually around 7:30–8:00 pm, depending on the day and season. Therefore, if your flight lands at midnight, you will likely need to rely on taxis or pre-arranged private transfers.

Here are the practical options:

Airport Shuttle Bus: As mentioned, the last bus generally departs before 8:00 pm. It is not reliable for midnight arrivals, so you should not plan on using it.
Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport 24/7, though availability can vary depending on the flight schedules. A standard taxi can comfortably carry 4 passengers plus luggage. For a group of 5 adults, you will likely need either two regular taxis or a larger vehicle such as a minivan. The fare to Datong old city is generally reasonable, approximately RMB 80–120 depending on traffic and exact hotel location.
Private Transfer / Pre-Booking: For convenience and to ensure space for all passengers, you can book a private car or minivan in advance. Many hotels or travel agencies in Datong offer airport pickup services. This is especially useful for late-night arrivals as the driver will meet you at the arrivals hall and assist with luggage.

Additional considerations:

Confirm the vehicle type in advance if you plan to use a taxi or private transfer to ensure it can accommodate five passengers and luggage.
Have your hotel address written in Chinese, as not all taxi drivers read English well.
If you prefer the convenience of a fixed fare, a pre-booked private transfer is recommended over hailing taxis late at night.
Keep some local currency (RMB) ready for payment, as some late-night taxis may not accept digital payments.

In summary, since the airport shuttle bus will not be running at midnight, your main options are taxis or a pre-arranged private transfer. For a group of 5, arranging a minivan or two taxis in advance ensures a smooth transfer to your hotel in Datong old city without delays or inconvenience.

Datong Airport to City Late at Night

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