Dalian’s international airport, Zhoushuizi Guoji Jichang, is located 10kms from the downtown area. More than 30 cities in 14 countries, as well as most of China’s domestic travel destinations, are serviced daily by many international and Chinese airlines. Travellers can connect to North America, Europe, Russia, South Asia and Asia with ease, testifying to the importance of Dalian as a centre for commerce and tourism.
The airport’s terminal has all the facilities a traveller will need upon arriving in China. There are banks, currency exchange offices, restaurants, and sundry shops to help get you started. Transport between the airport and Dalian is quick and easy. Taxis offer the most convenient mode of travel and are relatively inexpensive. Otherwise, visitors can hop on the airport shuttles that run between the Furama Hotel and Minhang Dasha in the city centre and the terminal.
If you are already in China or the region, you can get to Dalian by train, coach or ferry. The city is well connected to northern and eastern China by rail. Trains runs regularly from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hankou, featuring high-speed direct Tourist Special trains to make the journey a snap. All trains arrive at the bustling downtown Dalian Railway Station opposite Victory Square near the Qingniwaqiao commercial district. Long-distance coaches service virtually every town in China, though travel times can be quite long. There are five long-distance bus stations in Dalian, and each one handles different routes. Most coaches tend to operate out of Shengli Guangchang.
Ferries are another way to reach Dalian. As China’s third largest port, the city’s water transport network is well established. Passenger ferries run to Yantai, Tianjin, Weihai, Penglai and Qinhuangdao in China every day. You can also get to Dalian from Incheon, South Korea three times a week. The Passenger Port lies at the north end of Wuwu Lu and has all the amenities you’ll need to travel. Drivers can reach Dalian by two main motorways: the Shenyang-Dalian Speedway and the Yellow Sea Speedway.
Getting around Dalian is fairly easy thanks to a logical street system based on a number of traffic circles. Zhongshan Guangchang is the main circle, with 10 roads extending outwards from the square. Youhao Guangchang is the second major circle in the city. Visitors can hire a taxi, take the public bus, mini bus, or use the sightseeing trolley to get around Dalian.
The public bus network in Dalian is well developed, with more than 150 routes covering the entire city and beyond. Most of the routes operate between 04:30 and midnight depending on their importance. Buses usually have no conductor, so you’ll need to have the one or two yuan fare ready to get on. Tourists should check out routes 801, 801-B, and K-901, which are the three dedicated tourist routes hitting most of the city’s attractions. Mini-buses are a mix between a taxi and the public bus. For nearly the same fare as the bus they will take you anywhere in the city.
Dalian has three tram routes left over from its Japanese colonial era. They still function as useful means of transport and are quite charismatic. Although these trams target the residents of Dalian, visitors can hop on one and cruise the downtown area to get a nice glimpse of local life. There’s also a dedicated tourist trolley, which does a sightseeing loop around Dalian from Shengli Guangchang.The city’s light rail train network is ideal for exploring outlying areas. Around 50kms of track has been laid, primarily servicing the northern districts. The light rail is ideal for getting to Golden Pebble Beach from the downtown area. Taxis are the best choice to make quick trips between sights. The rates are good, and Dalian’s taxi drivers are known for being honest and friendly to foreigners.
