As one of the largest cities in northeast China, Harbin enjoys an ideal geographic location convenient for all means of transportation to and from the city. Harbin also acts as one of China's gateways into Siberia, Russia and northeast Asia.

Getting Around

Harbin boasts a well-organized public transportation system. There are over one hundred public bus routes connecting all important spots to the rest of the city. The best way to travel by bus is to pick up a local map with all the updated bus routes and schedules as soon as you arrive. The easiest way to get around is by taxi. Thousands of taxis roam the streets. It should not cost you more than 20 RMB to reach most destinations within the city.

To and from Harbin

Air 

In addition to convenient air connections to most of China's major cities, Harbin also has regular flights to cities in Russia, South Korea, and Japan. There are shuttle buses to and from the airport available every twenty minutes from the CAAC office on 224 Zhongshan Lu.

Train 

Numerous trains depart and arrive in Harbin every day. From Harbin, direct trains run to Dalian, Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Changchun, Tianjin and Shenyang. There are also express trains to other provincial destinations in Heilongjiang such as Jiamusi, Qiqihar, Suihuan and Mudanjiang. There are two major train stations in Harbin: Harbin Main Station and East Harbin Station. Most of the inter-provincial trains use Harbin Station in the northeast of the city on Tielu Jie. The main train ticket center is in the train station (Train information: 642 0115). Harbin has a telephone reservation center (360 2828), that you can use to book train tickets. Into Siberia & Russia From northern Heilongjiang there are border crossing points into Siberia. From Harbin, take train Y215 to Heihe (leaves daily at 6:30 p.m.). From here, you can get into Russia (with the right paperwork). Train Y216 leaves Heihe and heads back to Harbin at 9:00 p.m. daily. You can also take the train from Harbin to Suifenhe (departs at 9:15 p.m.) where a ten-hour bus journey takes passengers on to Vladivostok. Be warned that all these routes are long and arduous. Visas for Siberia and Russia should be arranged in Beijing, although some travelers have reported they managed to get them in Shenyang. To get a Visa, all accommodation in Russia must be prearranged; it can become quite costly. The most straightforward way to get into Russia is on the Trans-Siberian express to Moscow. A trip on this train is a real experience (see Paul Theroux's novel, Riding the Iron Rooster). The train stops in Harbin every Friday morning.

Bus 

Because of the remote location of Harbin, it is not easy to travel to and from central China to Harbin by bus. However, regular buses link the city with other provincial capitals such as Changchun and Shenyang. There is also access by bus from here to Mudanjiang, Jiamusi, Daqing and Hegang.