MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Dandong

How to Get to Dandong

Dandong Liaoning, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Local Air Connections

Dandong Langtou Airport (DDG) serves as the main airport for the city. It functions as a smaller regional airport, mainly focusing on domestic routes within China.

Domestic Flight Details

  • Major airlines include Air China, China Southern Airlines.
  • Direct flights connect to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu.
  • Flight availability remains consistent year-round.

Global Travel Routes

No direct international flights from major global hubs arrive at Dandong Langtou Airport. International travelers typically fly into one of China's major international airports.

Connecting to Dandong

  • International connections via Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN).
  • A multi-leg journey constitutes the standard approach for international visitors.
  • This approach simplifies international access to Dandong.

Airport Amenities

DDG, a smaller airport, provides basic facilities: check-in, security, shops, and dining options.

City Transfer

An airport shuttle bus connects DDG to Dandong city center. Taxis and DiDi are also options.

On-Demand Rides

Taxis are available outside the terminal; ride-sharing services like DiDi are accessible via app.

Flight Booking Insights

Peak Travel Periods

  • Higher fares and increased demand during Chinese national holidays.
  • Lunar New Year and Liberation Day Golden Week.
  • Peak summer travel season also observes increased demand.
  • Expect larger crowds at airports at these times.

Early Booking Benefits

  • Booking flights well in advance is recommended.
  • Securing better prices and availability results from early booking.
  • This applies especially to periods of high demand.
  • A forward-thinking approach for smooth air travel.

Land Travel to Dandong

Dandong-Sinuiju Bridge

The Friendship Bridge functions as the main land crossing for cargo and limited tourist groups between China and North Korea. Independent foreign tourist travel into North Korea is not permitted here.

High-Speed Rail Bridge

A separate high-speed rail bridge also connects the two nations, mainly for Chinese citizens, facilitating cross-border movement.

Dandong Railway Station

This station is a significant transportation hub, connecting Dandong to major cities via high-speed and conventional rail.

Railway & Bus

Fast Train Services

Dandong Railway Station functions as an important transportation hub. High-Speed Rail (G-trains and D-trains) connects Dandong to major cities.

High-Speed Routes

  • Connects to Shenyang, Dalian, and Beijing.
  • Travel time to Shenyang: 1-1.5 hours.
  • Journey to Beijing takes around 5-6 hours.

Traditional Rail Routes

Conventional trains (K-trains) present a slower but more economical option, connecting Dandong to a greater variety of cities across China.

Ticket Purchase Information

  • Purchase tickets online via official Chinese railway apps or websites (12306.cn).
  • Trip.com serves as an useful alternative for international travelers.
  • Your passport is necessary for both ticket purchase and boarding.

Regional Bus Services

Dandong also features a main long-distance bus station, providing routes to various cities within Liaoning Province and beyond.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • These bus services present a more economical alternative to rail for shorter regional trips.
  • Tickets are available for purchase right at the bus station.
  • Routes extend across Liaoning and into neighboring provinces.

Driving Restrictions

Self-driving does not count as a practical option for foreign tourists within China. Foreigners cannot legally drive in China with an International Driving Permit.

Chinese License Necessity

  • A Chinese driver's license is necessary.
  • Obtaining a Chinese license is complex and time-consuming for short-term visitors.
  • Therefore, self-driving is generally not a recommended transport mode for tourists.

Road Conditions

  • Main roads in and around Dandong generally maintain good condition.
  • Traffic can be dense in urban areas.
  • Driving culture varies from Western countries, with less adherence to certain rules.
  • This could pose safety concerns for unfamiliar drivers.
  • Parking can present challenges in crowded areas.
  • Foreign tourists' inability to legally drive renders these less to think about relevant.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inter-country Sea Routes

Dandong Port mainly handles cargo, serving as an important commercial gateway. While occasional ferry services to Incheon, South Korea, exist, these services cater mainly to cargo and are often utilized by businesses or residents, rather than serving as a main tourist entry point.

Ferry Service Details

  • Ferry services to Incheon, South Korea, occur occasionally.
  • These services can also be irregular.
  • They do not constitute a main tourist entry point.

Scenic River Tours

The Yalu River cruises offered in Dandong constitute a major tourist activity. These boat trips present scenic views along the border with North Korea, supplying an unique perspective of the terrain and the adjacent city of Sinuiju.

Cruise Information

  • These are solely sightseeing cruises, not point-to-point transportation.
  • Various options exist, from quick trips near the Broken Bridge to longer excursions.
  • The cruises offer unique border perspectives.

From Port to City

Dandong Port connects to the city center via local buses and taxis, for easy access.

Entry Procedures

Standard immigration and customs procedures apply for international ferry arrivals.

Ferry Schedules

Check the latest schedules and availability of any a ferry to another country services well in advance.

Departure Information

Air Travel Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes generally apply to international departures out of China via air or land for tourists. This streamlines the financial feature of leaving the country.

Airport Departure Guidelines

  • Arrive at Dandong Langtou Airport at least 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight.
  • For international connections, allow sufficient transfer time at the major international hub.
  • Ensure passport and tickets are readily accessible.

Rail & Road Timings

For train travel, arrive at Dandong Railway Station at least 30-45 minutes before departure. This permits enough time for ticket verification, security checks, and discovering your platform.

Train & Bus Departure Guidelines

  • Arrive at the railway station 30-45 minutes prior to departure.
  • For bus travel, arrive at the bus station at least 20-30 minutes before departure.
  • These timings accommodate necessary pre-departure procedures.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Confirm Status

Always check your flight or train status before heading to the airport or station.

Documents Ready

Ensure all required documents, like passport and tickets, are readily accessible.

Luggage Review

Double-check luggage for any prohibited items and confirm all personal belongings are accounted for.

Seamless Departure

Always check your flight or train status before heading to the airport or station to account for any last-minute delays or changes.