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How to Get to Taicang

How to Get to Taicang

Taicang Jiangsu, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

For international travelers, air travel represents the main mode of reaching the vicinity of Taicang. The urban area itself does not have an international airport, but it benefits from its close proximity to Shanghai's two major international airports.

Shanghai Airport Details

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): ~80-100 km east of Taicang. Major international hub.
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): ~60-80 km southeast of Taicang. Mostly domestic, some regional international.
  • Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, Lufthansa, United, and others serve both airports.

Transfer Options to Taicang

Consider which airport is more handy for your onward journey to Taicang. Hongqiao (SHA) has quicker high-speed rail connections to Taicang.

From PVG to Taicang

  • Long-distance Bus: 2-2.5 hours, cost-effective.
  • Taxi/Didi: 1.5-2 hours, CNY 300-400. Direct.
  • Airport Facilities: Dining, shopping, lounges, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi.

Price Fluctuations

Higher prices during Chinese New Year, Labor Day, National Day Golden Weeks. Summer also sees increased demand. Lower prices in shoulder/low seasons.

SHA to Taicang

High-speed Train: Quickest. Taxi/metro to Shanghai Hongqiao Train Terminal, then 20-30 mins train to Taicang. Taxi/Didi: 1-1.5 hours, CNY 200-300.

Finding Flights

Look for deals on platforms like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for best availability and pricing.

From Shanghai Hongqiao SHA to Taicang

High-speed Train

  • Often the quickest option.
  • Short taxi or metro ride from SHA to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
  • Frequent trains to Taicang Railway Station (太仓站) in 20-30 minutes.
  • Book tickets via 12306.cn or Trip.com.

Bus & Taxi/Didi

  • Long-distance buses run from SHA to Taicang Bus Station.
  • Taxi/Didi ride takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Costs around CNY 200-300.
  • Direct transport to your accommodation.

Air Travel Tip

Optimal Airport Choice

If flying into Shanghai, consider which airport works best for your journey to Taicang. Hongqiao (SHA) includes quicker high-speed rail.

VPN Setup

Airport free Wi-Fi might need a local phone number. Use your VPN to bypass restrictions if already set up.

Peak Season Booking

Book flights well in advance for peak seasons and Chinese public holidays for better availability and prices.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Taicang is well-connected by China's high-speed rail network. The Taicang Railway Station (太仓站) serves high-speed trains on the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway.

High-Speed Rail

  • Frequent connections to Shanghai (Hongqiao/Railway Station, 20-30 min) and Suzhou (20-30 min).
  • Booking: 12306.cn (Chinese only) or Trip.com (English interface).
  • Reserving ahead is strongly suggested, especially for peak seasons.

Long-Distance Bus

Taicang Bus Station (太仓汽车站) serves as a hub for long-distance bus routes, connecting Taicang to various cities within Jiangsu province and nearby regions.

Bus Travel

  • Routes to Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nantong, and other regional cities.
  • Tickets: Purchased at the bus station on the day or a few days in advance.
  • Cost-effective for regional travel.

Self-Driving

You need a Chinese driver's license to drive legally in mainland China. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized. Obtaining a temporary license for short-term foreign visitors is a complex and not generally feasible process.

Driving Limitations

  • Self-driving is not a recommended or practical option for most foreign tourists.
  • Rely on public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
  • Road conditions are generally good, but traffic and driving habits differ.

Sea/River Arrivals

Taicang Port is an important international container port, handling cargo. It is not typically used for international passenger ferry services or cruise ship arrivals for tourism purposes.

Water Transportation

  • International cruise ships generally dock in Shanghai.
  • River transportation is not a primary method for intercity tourist getting to Taicang.
  • Small boats in ancient towns offer scenic canal cruises (recreational, not arrival).

Important Land Travel Note

  • Focus arrival planning on Shanghai airports and the high-speed rail.
  • Self-driving for tourists from other countries is impractical due to license requirements.
  • Book high-speed rail tickets in advance.
  • Bus tickets are available at the station.
  • Taicang Port is for cargo, not tourist passenger arrivals.
  • No international border crossings directly at Taicang.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing from China; airport taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price. Confirm your departure times the day before you leave.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights (PVG/SHA): Arrive 2-3 hours prior.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior.
  • High-speed Train (Taicang Railway Station): Arrive 30-60 minutes prior.

Station Facilities

Account for potential traffic delays when coming from Taicang to Shanghai airports, especially during peak hours. Use a translation app if needed for local announcements or inquiries.

Departure Amenities

  • Airports (PVG/SHA): Departure lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange.
  • Train Stations: Waiting areas, basic dining and shops.
  • Bus Stations: Simpler waiting areas, very basic facilities.

Check Before You Go

Confirm flight, train, or bus departure times the day before you go. Use a translation app if needed.

Traffic Awareness

Allow extra travel time to Shanghai airports due to potential traffic, especially during peak hours.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available at airports for any remaining CNY or other currencies.

Departure Checklist

Pre-Departure Tasks

Final checks before leaving ensure a smooth exit from Taicang and China.

Your Checklist

  • Passport and visa are secure.
  • All tickets (flight/train/bus) are confirmed.
  • Hotel check-out is complete.

Travel Essentials

Do not forget these important items for your journey home.

Packed & Ready

  • Mobile phone fully charged.
  • Portable charger packed.
  • Local currency converted or spent.

Travel Insurance Reminder

Coverage

Confirm your travel insurance policy covers you until your final return date.

Claims

Keep any receipts or documentation for potential claims (e.g., medical, lost luggage).

Contact

Have emergency contact numbers for your insurance provider readily available.

Final Departure Thought

Your travels in Taicang, a city rich in history and culture, concludes with memories of its ancient waterways, culinary delights, and warm atmosphere.

How to Get to Taicang. Flights, Transportation, Airlines