Due to its strategic location Sanya is the reputed 'Southern Gateway to China' and with the growth of the tourist industry, a comprehensive network of public transportation has evolved to cater for the ever increasing number of visitors to the region.

Sanya Airport is the only international civil airport in southern Hainan, providing frequent international and domestic flights daily. A short skyway runs between Sanya and Haikou, the provincial capital. As well as being an additional option for those traveling to and from the airport, this elevated railway is both speedy and convenient. The airport itself is modern and fully equipped to provide travelers with the excellent range of facilities that they expect of an international hub.

The Sanya Railway Station is still under construction, so buses provide the main overland transport to and from the city at present. Sanya's Main Bus Station has scheduled long-distance buses to several other provinces in southeast China as well as frequent buses to and from Haikou. Haikou Meilan Airport has a greater number of international and domestic air lines than Sanya Airport, consequently many visitors prefer to fly to Haikou and take a bus to Sanya if it is to be their actual destination. Travel around the urban area of Sanya is possible by city buses and taxis. In fact, apart from certain more remote destinations such as Dragon Bay and Wuzhizhou Island, the convenient city bus is the first choice for traveling. Self-drive car rental is yet another popular alternative.

With the sea on three sides, Sanya has advantageous maritime resources. Currently, Sanya has about 19 cargo ports, all of which promote economic growth between Sanya and the outside world. In December, 2006, the first international tourist sea route from Hong Kong to Sanya and then on to Vietnam has been brought into use, marking a new step in Sanya's tourist industry.