Qingdao Airport: Transport, Services and Travel tips

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) is located about 55 km from the city centre, in the Jiaodong district. Opened in 2021, it replaces the old Liuting Airport and now handles almost all of the city's domestic and international flights!

Whether you're visiting for the famous Tsingtao beer, the beaches of the Yellow Sea, or the German Quarter, getting to the city centre is easy and convenient: take metro line 8, a shuttle bus, a taxi, or use DiDi.

Want to know more before your trip to Qingdao? Trip.com has put together a comprehensive guide to Qingdao Airport, covering transport, terminals, VIP lounges, and all the practical information you need for a stress-free arrival!

About Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)

First things first: Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (IATA: TAO) has been the city's only airport since the old Liuting Airport closed in 2021.

Covering an area of over 1,500 hectares, it can handle up to 35 million passengers per year. It offers direct flights to numerous domestic destinations, as well as several international and intercontinental locations (Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe).

If you're looking to get from the airport to the city centre, you've got plenty of options. Trip.com has all the details for you just below!

Transport to and from Qingdao Airport

From the airport to the city centre: Metro Line 8

This is the most convenient way to get to Qingdao from the airport. Line 8 runs directly from the airport, with the station located at the Jiaodong International Airport station on level B1 of the GTC transport centre, which is connected to the terminal.

The journey to Qingdao North Railway Station takes about 38 minutes, and from there, you can hop on Line 3 to reach the heart of the city in another 20 to 30 minutes.

Good to know: the metro runs from 6:35 am to 10:00 pm, with a train arriving approximately every 15 minutes.

Key connections from Line 8

From the airport to the city centre: by taxi or DiDi

Taxis are a super convenient option if you're travelling with large suitcases, with the family, or at a time when the metro isn't running. The journey from the airport to the centre of Qingdao (Shinan district, Zhanqiao) costs around 180 to 230 CNY (~£20 to £26) and takes 50 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic. Which, all things considered, isn't bad at all for a 55 km trip!

You can catch official taxis at level L1 of the terminal, near Gate 2. In Qingdao, a night surcharge generally applies between 22:00 and 05:00, adding approximately 0.4 CNY per kilometre to your fare.

⚠️ Always decline offers from unofficial taxis when you arrive. Instead, head straight to the designated official taxi ranks.

Estimated taxi / DiDi fares

• Airport → Qingdao North Station: 120–160 CNY (~£13–£17)
• Airport → Historic Centre (Shinan / Zhanqiao): 180–230 CNY (~£20–£26)
• Airport → Huangdao (West District): 100–140 CNY (~£12.50–£17.50)
• Night surcharge: between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, there's an extra charge of approximately 0.4 CNY/km for official taxis.

🔥 Note: You can choose WeChat Pay or Alipay, which are currently the two most popular payment methods in China.

From the airport to the city centre: car hire

Renting a car is a fantastic way to explore the Qingdao region at your own pace. Wondering what you can see? The fishing villages of Laoshan, the vineyards of the Jiaodong Peninsula, the wild beaches of Shilaoren, or the Huangdao coast are all much easier to reach by car than by public transport.

In China, you drive on the right. While city centre traffic can be heavy, some of the coastal roads are a real pleasure to drive along. For navigation, it’s best to use Baidu Maps or Amap, as they are better suited for routes in mainland China.

How much does it cost to hire a car?

• Small cars: from ~250 CNY/day (~£27)
• Mid-size cars: from ~350 CNY/day (~£38)
• SUVs: from ~450 CNY/day (~£48)
• Vans: from ~600 CNY/day (~£65)

Trip.com is offering new members up to 8% off car rentals. It’s the perfect way to explore the Shandong coast at your own pace!

How do I hire a car?

1. Search for your vehicle: head over to the "Car Rental" section on Trip.com, select Qingdao Jiaodong Airport as your pick-up location, and enter your dates.
2. Choose your car: compare options, prices, and features, then click "Book".
3. Enter your details: provide the driver's information and select your preferred insurance or optional extras.
4. Confirm your booking: complete the payment — you'll receive a confirmation voucher by email.
5. Pick up your car: rental services are usually located in the Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) or in the associated parking areas.

From the airport to the city centre: the shuttle bus

Airport shuttle buses are a budget-friendly alternative to taxis, especially if your hotel is located along one of the routes. Several lines serve the city's main districts and train stations from the Terminal 1 arrivals level, costing between 20 and 30 CNY (~£2.20 to £3.30) per person.

Shuttles depart approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, serving key locations such as Qingdao Railway Station, the Shinan District, Licang city centre, and major hotel areas. The journey takes between 70 and 120 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic conditions.

Comparison: what is the best transport option?

Qingdao Jiaodong is one of the airports furthest from its city centre in China (it's about 55 km away). Choose your mode of transport carefully depending on your destination and luggage.

💡 The Trip.com recommendation:

• For the vast majority of travellers, Metro Line 8 is the best option: it's clean, punctual, and costs less than £1.30.
• If you’ve got lots of luggage or are arriving after 10 pm (when the metro closes), DiDi remains the most convenient option.

Arrival requirements in Qingdao: visa and regulations

Until 31 December 2026, holders of ordinary passports from the UK and certain European countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, etc.) can enter China visa‑free for stays of up to 30 days, whether for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit. There‘s no need to apply to an embassy or consulate beforehand if you meet the visa‑exemption requirements.

For tourist stays exceeding 30 days, a Chinese L-type visa may be required before departure. For any other purpose—such as work, study, internships, journalism, etc.—you must apply for the appropriate visa. Processing times vary depending on the visa centre, the time of year, and your application; generally, allow for several working days after submitting your complete application.

📋 What to pack:

• An ordinary passport valid for the entire duration of your stay, ideally with at least 6 months' validity remaining after your planned departure from China;
• Foreign arrival card, to be completed online before departure via official channels or upon arrival if necessary;
• Address of your accommodation in Qingdao;
• Return or onward travel ticket;
• Useful travel documents: hotel booking, itinerary, and an invitation letter if applicable.

⚠️ Entry requirements can change. Always check the latest information with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, as well as the official government travel advice for your country, before you travel.

Airport lounges and premium areas in Qingdao

If you have some time to kill before your flight, the VIP lounges at Qingdao Jiaodong offer a great alternative to the standard waiting areas. Several lounges are available within the terminal and in the separate VIP building.

How can I access airport lounges with Trip.com?

Trip.com VIP members can enjoy lounge perks depending on their membership tier and the partner lounges available for their flight. Check your eligibility directly in the Trip.com app before you jet off: access is only available if a partner lounge is offered for your booking and all terms and conditions are met.

Services and facilities at Qingdao Airport

Qingdao Airport is well-equipped to make your time there enjoyable, no matter how long you have to wait.

For currency exchange and cash withdrawals, you'll find ATMs and currency exchange counters conveniently located in both the arrivals and departures halls. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Similarly, luggage storage is available in the main hall if you'd like to explore Qingdao for a few hours before your flight.

Finally, as with any airport, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and charging stations for phones and laptops are conveniently located in the waiting areas.

When it comes to dining and shopping:

• 🍜 Dining: Shandong specialities (Qingdao clams, pan-fried crab, sautéed green beans), breweries serving draught Tsingtao beer, Starbucks, KFC, and snack bars in the boarding areas.
• 🛍️ Shopping: souvenir shops (Tsingtao beer, shell sculptures, Shandong jade items), pharmacies, newsagents, and duty-free stores in the international zone featuring perfumes, spirits, and cosmetics.

From Qingdao Airport to top attractions

Here is a handy guide to getting to Qingdao's must-see attractions from the airport:

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