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How to Get to Jinzhou

How to Get to Jinzhou

Jinzhou Liaoning, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports Serving Jinzhou

While Jinzhou has its unique airport, international travelers typically connect through larger regional hubs.

Airports

  • Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport (JNZ): Main airport for domestic flights within China.
  • Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE): ~2.5-3 hours from Jinzhou by high-speed train; a major hub.
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC): ~2-2.5 hours from Jinzhou by high-speed train; another major hub.

Airlines & Routes

Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport (JNZ) serves domestic routes to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. Chinese airlines like China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, and Spring Airlines operate these flights. For international travelers, flying into Shenyang (SHE) or Dalian (DLC) and then connecting to Jinzhou by high-speed rail makes the most common and efficient approach.

Flight Information

  • No direct international flights operate to Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport.
  • Domestic flight prices fluctuate during Chinese New Year, National Day (early October), and summer travel.
  • Booking reserving flights ahead of time is encouraged for better rates during busy times. Consider Dollar Flight Club for offers or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport

A smaller regional airport with basic facilities, check-in, few shops, some restaurants, taxi stand.

Shenyang/Dalian Airports

Full international airport services, duty-free shops, wide dining options, lounges, multiple ground transportation options.

Airport Transfers

Taxis and public coaches from JNZ. From SHE/DLC, use airport shuttle or taxi to high-speed rail station for train to Jinzhou North.

Pre-Departure Check List

Air Travel Prep

  • Confirm flight bookings and check-in times.
  • Have your passport and visa readily accessible.
  • Review baggage allowance for both domestic and international segments.
  • Arrive at JNZ at least two hours early, for larger airports allow more time.

Connecting Travel Prep

  • Book high-speed rail tickets from Shenyang or Dalian to Jinzhou in advance.
  • Familiarize yourself with airport layouts and ground transport options at SHE/DLC.
  • Confirm taxi fares or Didi availability for transfers between airports and train stations.
  • Ensure your mobile phone is charged for directions and communication during transfers.

Important Travel Tips

Peak Season Travel

During Chinese holidays, transport hubs are very busy. Book all travel segments well in advance.

Luggage Strategy

Pack light if connecting via high-speed rail to easily manage luggage during transfers.

Language Barrier

Have destination names written in Chinese to show to taxi cab drivers or station staff.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Jinzhou benefits from excellent connections to China’s high-speed rail network. Jinzhou North Railway Station is a major high-speed rail hub with frequent services to Shenyang, Dalian, Beijing, Tianjin, Harbin, and other cities. Jinzhou Railway Station serves conventional (slower) trains and some high-speed services, closer to the city center.

Booking Trains

  • Book tickets via Trip.com (English interface) or 12306.cn (official Chinese railway website).
  • The 12306.cn website requires a local payment method or account.
  • Tickets are also for purchase at train stations.

Long-Distance Buses

The Jinzhou Long-Distance Bus Station has connections to various cities within Liaoning Province (Huludao, Panjin, Yingkou) and surrounding provinces. Buses are generally slower than trains but extend to routes not covered by the rail network.

Bus Travel Notes

  • Confirm routes and schedules at the bus station.
  • Bus travel typically takes longer than high-speed rail for comparable distances.
  • Buses offer access to more countryside or less-connected destinations.

Self-Driving Considerations

Foreigners cannot drive in China with an International Driving Permit (IDP). A temporary Chinese driver’s license, obtained by passing a written test, is mandatory. This makes self-driving impractical for most short-term visitors.

Rental & Driving Facts

  • Major companies like Avis and Hertz, and local companies, operate in China, but all necessitate a Chinese license. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals abroad.
  • Driving without a valid Chinese license is illegal and carries severe penalties.
  • Driving culture in China can be aggressive. Defensive driving is a good idea if you are a passenger.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways connecting cities are generally in good condition. City roads experience congestion, especially during peak hours. Driving occurs on the correct lane for traffic. Road rules generally follow international standards, but enforcement and regional driving customs differ.

On the Road

  • Be mindful of local traffic distinctions and pedestrian activity.
  • Parking is available in designated lots and on streets, often for a fee.
  • Always wear seatbelts when traveling in vehicles.

Border & Sea/River Arrivals

  • Border Crossing: Not applicable for direct travel to Jinzhou, as the city is within mainland China.
  • Ferry Services: Jinzhou Port is a commercial cargo port, not a passenger port.
  • For passenger ferries in Liaoning, Dalian is the main port with services to Shandong Province and Incheon, South Korea.
  • River Transportation: Jinzhou does not feature significant river transportation options for tourists.
  • Immigration at Seaports: Not applicable for Jinzhou, as it does not operate as an international passenger seaport.
  • Connections to Land Transport: Not applicable for Jinzhou concerning sea arrivals.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No separate "exit fees" or "departure taxes" are levied when leaving China by air or train; these costs are typically included in your ticket price.

Airport & Train Station Arrival

  • Airports: For domestic flights, arrive at Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport at least two hours before departure.
  • Train Stations: Arrive at Jinzhou North or Jinzhou Railway Station 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • Security checks are mandatory before entering waiting areas for trains.

Airport/Station Facilities

Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport has basic waiting areas, small shops, and food stalls for departing passengers. Jinzhou North Railway Station provides waiting rooms, restrooms, and some small shops and restaurants for travelers.

Departure Experience

  • Wi-Fi access may be available, though connection speeds vary.
  • Limited services for international visitors, so plan accordingly.
  • Small shops for last-minute snacks or travel items.

Ticket Confirmation

Confirm all departure tickets, especially during Chinese holidays. The Trip.com app helps English speakers.

Security Check

Allow ample time for security checks, that happen to be mandatory for all passengers within airports and train stations.

Digital Readiness

Ensure your mobile device is fully a fee for navigation, payment, and accessing electronic tickets.

Flight Compensation Insight

Know Your Rights

Flight delays or cancellations are sometimes unavoidable. Services like AirHelp assist passengers in getting compensation.

Eligibility for Compensation

  • Delays over 3 hours.
  • Cancellations without sufficient prior notice.
  • Denied boarding due to overbooking.

Easy Claim Process

Initiating a claim through services like AirHelp typically involves a few simple steps. They handle the complexities.

How to File a Claim

  • Provide your flight details and the reason for disruption.
  • The service assesses your case's eligibility under relevant regulations.
  • They handle all communication with the airline on your behalf.

General Departure Advice

Check-in Early

Always allow extra time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel periods. This lessens stress.

Documentation Ready

Have your passport, visa, and boarding pass in an easily accessible location for inspection.

Currency Exchange

Exchange any remaining local currency if you prefer not to have with you it. Airport rates may be less favorable.

Departure Reminder:

For train travel, book tickets in advance, specifically during Chinese holidays. The Trip.com app is useful for English speakers. Arrive early to account for large stations and security checks.