Getting Around, Qingdao Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Qingdao, Shandong, China)



Cityscape pictureGetting to the Chinese city of Qingdao is made easy largely by the Qingdao Liuting International Airport, which provides the main travel gateway into the city. Once in the city, visitors can make use of the public bus transport for travelling around, and also the trains, which provide a convenient way to travel to other cities in Shangdong and beyond.

Taxis are easily found, while car hire offers a more comfortable and convenient means of getting to see much of Qingdao and the province's innumerable sights.


Rooftop view of Qingdao

Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO) / Arriving by Air

Qingdao Liuting International Airport is an important gateway to the Shangdong province of China, maintaining connections with almost 50 domestic and international destinations, and serving around 100 national and international airlines.

The airport has basic facilities, which include ATMs, bureaux de change, coffee shops and Chinese restaurants, and a variety of shopping outlets. A first-aid room is also on hand and parking is available for close to 500 vehicles. Bus transport operates between the airport and Qingdao Coach Station, with services running from 09:00 to 19:00. Taxis are also available from outside of the airport and offer an easy way to travel into the city centre and beyond.

Picture of Qingdao road network

Car Rental

Qingdao offers visitors plenty of opportunity for making daytrips and exploring the extended area within Shangdong Province. Driving conditions may be a little erratic, and those renting cars should exercise extreme caution when taking to public highways. Car rental agencies can be found at the airport and in the city itself, although it can be difficult to hire cars in China, as a Chinese licence is one of the main requirements. Therefore, many people choose hire cars with a driver. Be sure to select a reputable company from an international chain to be sure of reliable service.

Book your Qingdao Pudong Airport Car Rental here.

Bus and Coach

Public bus transport makes use of the seven expressways that serve Qingdao, linking it to a variety of major destinations. There are three bus stations serving the city. The main station is located on Wenzhou Road, the western bus station is on Guantao Road, and the eastern bus station is on Ha'erbing Road. Fares are cheap, although buses may be crowded and not especially comfortable. Air-conditioned tourist buses are also available and come complete with English-speaking guides.

Picture of train station

Train

Qingdao's railway station is located on Tai'an Road, near Zhanqiao, and provides connections with over 15 major Chinese cities. These include Chengdu, Dandong, Hezhe, Ji'nan, Lanzhou, Nanchang, Taishan, Taiyuan, Tonghua, Weihai, Wuchang, Xi'an, Xuzhou and Zhengzhou. Connections to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are also available, with respective journey times of 9, 19 and 28 hours.

Taxi

Taxis are easily found in Qingdao and can be hailed in the street or hired from stands around the city. Fares are metered and follow one tariff during the day, switching to a higher tariff between the hours of 22:00 and 05:00.