How to Get to Quanzhou. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Quanzhou

Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport JJN

Quanzhou's main airport is located in Jinjiang, approximately 12 kilometers south of Quanzhou city center.

Flight Connections

Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Xiamen Airlines, Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines.
Routes: Mainly domestic flights to major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
Limited international routes to Southeast Asian destinations (Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore).

Connecting to Quanzhou

No direct intercontinental flights arrive at JJN. International travelers typically fly into major Chinese gateway cities first.

International Hub Connections

Major Gateway Airports: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is a convenient regional gateway.
Connect to Quanzhou via domestic flight or high-speed train from this group hubs.

Airport Services

Restaurants, cafes, and basic amenities are available.

Essential Facilities

Shops for souvenirs, travel necessities, plus bags services.

Ground Transport

Car rental counters and ATMs for currency withdrawal.

Airport Transfers to City

Taxi Services

Readily available outside arrivals.
Approx. ¥50-100 to city center (30-50 min).
Confirm driver uses the meter.
Have destination written in Chinese.

Shuttle & Public Bus

Airport shuttle transport connect to city center.
Check schedule/routes upon arrival.
Public bus routes offer a budget option (may take longer).
Use navigation apps for precise routes and transport.

Optimizing Your Arrival

Flights to Xiamen XMN

Consider flying to Xiamen. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

High-Speed Rail Connection

From Xiamen North Train Terminal, take a high-speed train to Quanzhou. This is often faster and more comfortable than a connecting flight.

Booking Ahead

Secure high-speed train tickets in advance, particularly during busy travel periods, using platforms like Trip.com.

Land Transportation in Quanzhou

High-Speed Rail Network

Quanzhou is a major hub on China's high-high-speed train (G and D series trains) network. This signifies fast and efficient travel to and from the city.

Rail Routes

Main Stations: Quanzhou Train Terminal (north), Quanzhou South Train Station (Jinjiang).
Connections: Fuzhou (40-60 min), Xiamen (20-30 min), Shanghai (5-7 hrs), Shenzhen (3-4 hrs).
Get your tickets beforehand via 12306 app or international platforms like Trip.com.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

The Quanzhou Passenger Transport Center Station (泉州客运中心站) serves as the main hub for long-distance buses.

Bus Station Details

Routes: Extensive network within Fujian province and neighboring areas.
Comfort: More economical than trains, however usually slower.
Tickets: Buy at the station or by means of mobile apps if you can navigate the Chinese interface.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Self-driving is generally not a suggestion for most international tourists inside China.

Driving Considerations

License Requirement: A Chinese driving license is needed. International Driving Permits are not recognized.
Traffic Conditions: City roads are often congested; local driving habits differ.
Alternatives: Consider hiring a car with a driver for private transport.

Road Rules & Pedestrian Safety

Major highways are generally well-maintained. Within cities, roads experience heavy traffic, and scooter/motorcycle riders often weave through lanes.

Navigating Quanzhou Roads

Driving Laws: China drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Pedestrian Caution: Exercise caution as a foot-traveler or passenger.
No-Go Areas: Generally all areas are safe, but extreme caution on busy main roads.

Important Driving Restrictions

A Chinese driving a permit is necessary to drive.
International Driving Permits are not recognized.
Self-driving is not advised for most international tourists.

Traffic flow may pose a challenge to unfamiliar drivers.
Local driving habits may differ significantly.
Obtaining a temporary Chinese license is a complicated process.

Sea & River Transportation

Sea Travel & Ferry Services

While Quanzhou is a historic port city, sea and travel by river are not main modes of international passenger arrival for tourists.

Port Operations

Quanzhou Port: mainly handles cargo. No significant international passenger ferry services.
Domestic Ferries: Limited services to nearby small islands, not for intercity/international travel.
Cruise Ports: Xiamen has a further developed cruise port for international liners.

River & Local Boat Tours

River transportation is not a key mode of intercity passenger transport in Quanzhou.

Local Water Activities

Boat Tours: Some a local vessel tours on lakes within public parks (East Lake Park, West Lake Park).
Purpose: Recreational, not for commuting or general transport.
Connections: Local buses and taxis connect ferry terminals to city center if domestic ferries are used.

Scenic Boat Rides

Enjoy recreational boat rides within the city park lakes.

Coastal Excursions

Limited domestic ferry connections to small offshore islands.

No International Passenger Ports

Do not plan to get to Quanzhou via a ferry that crosses borders or cruise.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply to departing passengers from mainland Chinese airports; costs are typically in your flight ticket.

Flight Departure Guide

Domestic flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure for check-in and security.
International connections (from major hubs): Allow 3-4 hours to clear security.
Procedures: Standard check-in, security screening, and immigration exit.

Train Station Departure

High-speed rail leaving from Quanzhou Railway Station are efficient and timely.

Rail Departure Guide

High-Speed Trains: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure for security check.
Boarding gates usually shut a few minutes before departure.
Procedures: Present ticket and ID for entry, travel through security, find platform.

Departure Facilities & Reminders

Airport & Station Amenities

Restaurants, cafes, shops for souvenirs, restrooms, and waiting areas.

Flight & Train Schedules

Confirm your flight or train schedule 24 hours before departure.

Travel Time Allowance

Traffic flow range in Quanzhou; allow extra travel time to the airport or station.

Smooth Departure Experience

Confirm your flight or train schedule the day before departure. Traffic conditions in Quanzhou vary, so allow extra travel time to the airport or station.

How to Get to Quanzhou