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How to Get to Taizhou

How to Get to Taizhou

Taizhou Jiangsu, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Connections

Taizhou (Jiangsu) is well-connected through a web of airports, with different options for international and domestic arrivals.

Major Airports

  • Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (YTY): Most direct, 30-40 min drive from Taizhou city. Mainly domestic flights, limited international.
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): Major hub, approx. two hours drive. Extensive domestic and international connections.
  • Shanghai (PVG/SHA): Major international hubs, 2.5-3 hours drive/train. PVG for long-haul, SHA for domestic/regional.

Flights & Transfers

No direct international flights operate to Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (YTY) from major global hubs. Travelers from outside China typically fly into Shanghai (PVG or SHA) or Nanjing (NKG) first.

Connecting to Taizhou

  • From Nanjing/Shanghai, connect to Taizhou via high-speed train, domestic flight to YTY, or long-distance bus.
  • Flight availability is stable, but prices fluctuate based on demand and Chinese holidays. Booking several months in advance is recommended. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.
  • YTY offers taxis, ride-sharing (Didi), and airport shuttles. From Nanjing/Shanghai, high-speed train or long-distance bus are common.

Booking Advice

Book international and major domestic flights several months in advance for better prices.

Airport Confusion

Confirm your bookings specify "Taizhou, Jiangsu" or "YTY" to avoid confusion with Taizhou, Zhejiang.

Peak Season

Expect higher prices and increased demand during major Chinese public holidays.

Airport Facilities

Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport YTY

  • Basic facilities: check-in, baggage claim.
  • Limited dining options.
  • Ground transportation: taxis, ride-sharing, shuttle to the airports.

Larger Airports Nanjing, Shanghai, Wuxi

  • Comprehensive facilities: diverse dining, wide-ranging shopping (duty-free).
  • Lounges and on-site hotels.
  • Wide array of ground transportation services.

Transfer Options from Major Hubs

High-Speed Train

Most efficient and popular. Airport shuttle/metro to nearest high-speed train terminal (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao, Nanjing South), then train to Taizhou Railway Station.

Long-Distance Bus

Buses directly connect major airports to Taizhou's long-distance bus station. More economical, but can take longer.

Taxis/Ride-Sharing

Available from Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (YTY) directly to Taizhou city center. Longer, more expensive from Nanjing or Shanghai.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Taizhou Railway Station (Jiangsu) is a major hub for China's high-speed rail network (G and D series trains).

Train Connections

  • Excellent high-speed rail connections to major cities: Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Beijing, Wuhan.
  • Chinese high-speed rail services are modern, comfortable, and efficient, offering various seat classes.
  • Book tickets online via 12306.cn (Chinese) or Trip.com (English). Book in advance, especially for holidays.

Bus Travel

Taizhou operates a main long-distance bus station connecting the city to various towns and cities within Jiangsu province and some neighboring provinces.

Long-Distance Buses

  • Numerous private and state-owned coach operators operate these routes.
  • Bus comfort levels vary, from standard coaches to more luxurious options.
  • Buses can be a more economical choice than trains for shorter distances or if direct train routes are unavailable.

Self-Driving

Self-driving is generally not recommended for most international tourists in China.

Driving Challenges

  • Chinese Driving License: International driving permits are not recognized. A temporary Chinese license (time-consuming to obtain) is needed.
  • Traffic Conditions: City traffic can be dense and chaotic.
  • Road Rules: Unfamiliar rules and customs, with signage predominantly in Chinese, make driving challenging.

Road Safety

Major highways connecting Taizhou to other cities are generally well-maintained and modern. City roads are also in good condition but can become congested.

Safety Concerns

  • Drivers in China may not always adhere strictly to traffic laws.
  • Exercise caution as a pedestrian or cyclist.
  • Be aware of motorcycles and electric scooters that weave through traffic.

Border & Sea/River Travel

  • Border Crossing: Not applicable for Taizhou (inland city). All international arrivals occur at designated international airports or seaports.
  • Ferry Services/Cruise Ports: No major international passenger ferry services or cruise ports for Taizhou. River ports mainly serve industrial/commercial purposes.
  • River Transportation: Local sightseeing boat tours are available on the Fengcheng River for beautiful vistas, not commuter transport.
  • Seaport Immigration: Not applicable for Taizhou for international passenger arrivals.
  • Connections to Land Transport: Local river ports connect to the city's system of roadss for easy transfers to taxis, buses, or ride-sharing services.
  • Departure Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours for international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic. 30-60 minutes for train.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Exit taxes are typically included in the price of your international flight ticket. You do not usually pay separate exit fees when departing China.

Departure Timing

  • Air Travel: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled international flights. 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Train Travel: Arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before departure. High-speed rail stations are large.
  • Verification: Allow time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and immigration (for international departures).

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers, offering comfort and services before your journey.

Departure Amenities

  • Airports: Check-in counters, baggage drop-off, security checkpoints, duty-free shops, dining, and lounges (at international airports).
  • Train Stations: Waiting halls, shops, dining options, and security checkpoints.
  • Reminder: Always double-check your flight or train schedule for any last-minute changes before heading to the airport or station.

Seamless Air Departure

Allow ample time for airport procedures, especially for international flights.

Efficient Train Exit

Arrive early at the station to navigate platforms and security without rush.

Utilize Amenities

Take advantage of dining and shopping facilities while waiting for departure.

Car Rental & Driving

Rental Requirements

Car rental is not typically feasible for tourists without of Chinese origin driving license. International driving permits are not recognized within China.

License & Process

  • Foreigners must obtain a temporary Chinese driving license, which requires an application and potentially a local test.
  • This process is complex and time-consuming, making self-driving challenging for short excursions.
  • For those with valid Chinese licenses, major international and local rental companies operate. Check DiscoverCars.com.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle rentals are less common for tourists and also require a valid Chinese motorcycle license.

E-Bike Popularity

  • Electric scooters (e-bikes) are very popular among locals for short commutes.
  • Renting an e-bike for tourists can be difficult due to licensing, insurance issues, and the need for a local phone number for payment apps.
  • Driving laws: China drives on the right. Road conditions are generally good. Parking can be challenging in congested areas.

Road Safety & Conditions

Traffic Laws

Drivers in China might not always adhere strictly to traffic laws. Exercise caution as someone walking or cyclist.

Congestion

City traffic can be dense and chaotic, especially during peak hours. Be aware of motorcycles and electric scooters.

Road Quality

Major highways and city roads are generally well-maintained. Multi-story car parks and street parking are available, often paid.

Driving Tip

Given the complexities, utilizing public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing apps is a more practical option for visitors.