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How to Get to Dezhou

How to Get to Dezhou

Dezhou Shandong, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Dezhou

Dezhou itself lacks a major civilian airport. Travelers arriving by air typically fly into a nearby major international airport and then connect to Dezhou via ground transit, commonly high-speed rail or shuttle bus. This approach is efficient and well-established.

Main Airport Options

  • Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA): Approximately 110-120 km south of Dezhou in Jinan, the provincial capital. Closest major airport, mainly domestic flights with a few international routes.
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) / Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Approximately 2.5-3 hours from Dezhou by high-speed rail. Major international hubs with extensive global connections.
  • No direct international flights land in Dezhou. All international travelers arrive via a larger hub city in China first.

Airlines and Typical Routes

Both Jinan and Beijing airports have different airline operations and route networks. Beijing serves as the main international gateway to China for most long-haul travelers.

Flight Information

  • Jinan (TNA): Major Chinese airlines (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Shandong Airlines). Domestic connections to most major Chinese cities, some East Asian international routes.
  • Beijing (PEK/PKX): All major international airlines globally, plus all major Chinese carriers. Comprehensive direct flights to cities worldwide.
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Flight prices are higher during major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day, May Day) and summer. Booking in advance secures better prices.

Jinan Airport TNA Facilities

Offers standard airport facilities: restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, currency exchange, car rental, Wi-Fi. It is a modern and reasonably sized airport.

Beijing Airports PEK/PKX Facilities

Extensive facilities: multiple terminals, wide dining and shopping options (designer brands), lounges, airport hotels, comprehensive ground transport links. Excellent services for international travelers.

Dollar Flight Club

Find great flight deals using Dollar Flight Club to plan your international air travel to China's major hubs.

Transfer Options from Airports to Dezhou

From Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport TNA

  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Convenient and direct to Dezhou city center. Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: ¥60-80. Frequency: Frequent throughout the day.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Taxis can be found outside terminal. Use DiDi Chuxing. Cost: ¥300-400+. Duration: ~1.5 hours.
  • Train (Indirect): Shuttle/taxi to Jinan Railway Station, then high-speed train to Dezhou East.
  • Flight Search: For cheapest flights, check Skyscanner for options to TNA.

From Beijing Airports PEK/PKX

  • High-Speed Rail (Recommended): Airport Express train from PEK to Dongzhimen, then subway to Beijing South. From PKX, Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao, then subway to Beijing South.
  • Beijing South to Dezhou East: Take a high-speed train (G-train). Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: ¥150-250 (second-class).
  • Booking: High-speed rail tickets are bookable online via Trip.com or 12306 app, or at the station. Booking in advance is ideal.
  • Tip: Arriving by air into Beijing then connecting by high-speed rail is often the most practical and time-efficient method for international travelers.

Flight Booking and Seasonality

Peak Season Travel

Flight prices, especially for domestic routes within China, tend to increase during major Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year, National Day, and May Day. Summer months also see heightened demand.

Booking Ahead

Booking flights well in advance, notably during peak travel seasons, secures better prices. Flexibility with travel dates also helps with finding more economical fares.

Shoulder/Low Season

Prices are generally lower during the shoulder seasons (e.g., March, June, November) and the low season (winter, excluding Chinese New Year).

Land Transportation

Train Connections and Services

Dezhou is a major railway hub, delivering excellent connections across China. The city has two main train stations with distinct services.

Train Options

  • Dezhou Railway Station (德州站): Mainly serves conventional (slower) trains (K, T, Z-trains). It joins Dezhou to a greater variety of smaller cities with economical fares, though journeys are longer. Closer to the older city center.
  • Dezhou East Train Terminal (德州东站): A major stop on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. The main gateway for most train travelers. High-speed rail (G-trains) are fast, efficient, and comfortable, linking Dezhou East to Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou.
  • Booking: Tickets are bookable online through Trip.com (Ctrip) or China Rail's 12306 app, or at station ticket counters. Physical tickets must be collected if booked online.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Dezhou operates several long-distance bus stations, making connections to various cities throughout Shandong province and surrounding provinces possible. These services are often more economical for short trips.

Bus Services

  • Services: Bus services differ in comfort and speed. Generally slower than high-speed rail but capable of reaching destinations not served by trains.
  • Tickets: Purchased directly at the bus station's ticket counter on the day of travel, or sometimes in advance via local apps (needs Chinese proficiency).
  • Pros: Often more economical than trains for shorter distances, with direct routes to smaller towns.

Self-Driving Considerations

For most foreign travelers, self-driving is not a practical or recommended option in China due to specific licensing requirements and area traffic dynamics.

Driving Requirements

  • Chinese Driving License: A valid Chinese driving license is mandatory to drive in China. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are NOT recognized.
  • Car Rental: Rental typically necessitates of Chinese origin driving license. Major domestic chains like eHi Car Services and Shouqi Car Rental operate in China.
  • Recommendation: Consider hiring a private car with a driver if personalized transport and flexibility for day trips are desired.

Road Conditions and Safety

Navigating Dezhou's roads calls for awareness of local driving habits and varied traffic conditions. Public transport frequently provides a more relaxed experience.

Road Safety Insights

  • Road Conditions: Major highways are modern and well-maintained. City roads are good but see congestion during peak hours.
  • Safety Concerns: Driving habits differ; traffic rules are not always strictly observed. Drivers can be aggressive.
  • Traffic Dynamics: Be aware of numerous electric scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians. Navigating without local insight and Chinese GPS (with Chinese characters) presents challenges.

Road Safety Warnings

  • Traffic rules are not always strictly observed; maintain vigilance.
  • Watch for numerous electric scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians sharing road space.
  • Navigating without local knowledge and Chinese GPS is challenging.
  • Reckless driving styles are common; stay alert.
  • Using taxis, ride-sharing, or public transport is often a safer and more relaxed choice.
  • Remember: A valid Chinese driving license is mandatory for self-driving.

Sea/River Arrivals

Waterway Access in Dezhou

Dezhou is an inland city, situated far from any coastline or major navigable rivers for passenger transport. Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not relevant for reaching Dezhou as a main mode of transport.

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

  • Dezhou lacks a coastline or a cruise port. Ferry services are not applicable to the city.
  • This means direct sea or ocean travel to Dezhou is not possible.
  • All travel to Dezhou will involve land or air routes.

River Transportation Options

While the Grand Canal passes through Dezhou, it is not used for significant passenger travel, mainly serving historical and local recreational purposes. It is not a main mode of passenger transport for tourists.

Grand Canal Use

  • The Grand Canal in Dezhou is not a primary mode of passenger transport for tourists.
  • It mainly serves historical significance and local leisure activities.
  • No formal immigration procedures apply at waterways in Dezhou due to lack of international passenger traffic.

Ferry Services

Dezhou does not have a coastline or a cruise port, so ferry services are not applicable for arrival.

Canal Journeys

While the Grand Canal flows through Dezhou, it is not a primary route for tourist passenger transport.

Water Immigration

There are no seaports in Dezhou, therefore, no seaport immigration procedures apply.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures and Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed on travelers departing China; any departure taxes are typically included in airfare or train ticket prices. Plan your departure timings carefully.

Departure Guidelines

  • Airport Departure (Jinan TNA or Beijing PEK/PKX): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
  • Travel from Dezhou: Don't forget to include travel time from Dezhou to your leaving airport (e.g., 1.5-2 hours for Jinan TNA; 2.5-3 hours for Beijing airports by high-speed rail).
  • Check-in & Security: Online check-in saves time. Prepare for standard security checks and international immigration (passport and visa stamped for exit).

High-Speed Rail Departure

Leaving from Dezhou East Train Station by high-speed rail is a streamlined process. Punctuality and preparedness contribute to a smooth experience.

Train Departure Steps

  • Dezhou East Railway Station: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before train departure.
  • Preparation: Collect tickets (if not already possessed), navigate the station, and find your platform.
  • Security: Security verifications are conducted before entering the waiting areas for trains.

Airport and Station Facilities

Jinan Airport TNA

Offers basic waiting areas, a selection of shops, and dining options for departing passengers.

Beijing Airports PEK/PKX

Extensive facilities: numerous lounges, diverse dining, wide shopping (duty-free), comfortable waiting areas.

Dezhou East Railway Station

Modern station with large waiting halls, stores that sell snacks/drinks, quick-service food stalls, restrooms.

Traveler's Note:

For car rentals and general driving, check DiscoverCars.com, but remember a Chinese license is mandatory.

How to Get to Dezhou. Flights, Transportation, Airlines