How to Get to Luzhou. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Luzhou

Airports & Connections

Luzhou accessible by air, mainly through its domestic airport. International connections require transfers through larger hubs.

Major Airports

Luzhou Yunlong Airport (LZO): Main domestic airport for Luzhou.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): ~250 km, major international hub.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): ~150 km, another significant international hub.

Airlines & Routes

Luzhou Yunlong Airport (LZO) mainly serves domestic routes within China.

Flight Information

Airlines: Major Chinese carriers (Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines, etc.).
Routes: Domestic connections to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Nanjing, Wuhan.
No Direct International Flights to LZO. International travelers take a flight to major Chinese hubs, then connect.

Seasonal Flights

Domestic flight availability good year-round. Prices higher during peak domestic travel times of year and public holidays.

Airport Facilities

Luzhou Yunlong Airport a modern domestic airport. Check-in, baggage claim, retail shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental, taxi stands, shuttle bus.

Airport Transfers

Shuttle bus (~¥15-30), taxi (~¥50-80), or Didi from LZO to city. From CTU/CKG: high-speed rail, long-distance bus, or connecting domestic flight.

Transfer Options & Car Rental

From CTU or CKG to Luzhou

High-Speed Rail: Most efficient. Shuttle/metro to high-speed rail station (Chengdu East/Chongqing North/West), then train to Luzhou.
Long-distance Bus: Available from major bus stations in Chengdu and Chongqing for direct routes.
Domestic Flight: Connecting flight setting off from CTU or CKG to Luzhou Yunlong Airport (LZO).
Booking Flights: Check Dollar Flight Club for offers or use Skyscanner for comparisons.

Car Rental Considerations

Foreigners a valid Chinese driver's license for car rental. DiscoverCars.com offers options but local license still applies.
International Driving Permit (IDP) NOT recognized in mainland China.
Driving generally not recommended for tourists due to local requirements plus vehicle flow.
A temporary local driver's license an application process.

Tips for Air Travel

Booking in Advance

For high season travel times, booking flights in advance a better prices and availability.

Check Flight Status

Domestic flight availability generally good year-round. Check status during public holidays for potential delays.

Connect via Hubs

For international travel, plan to connect through major Chinese international airports (e.g., CTU, CKG).

Land Transportation

Trains & Buses

Land travel diverse options for reaching Luzhou, connecting it to other cities and regions within China. Trains and long-distance buses are main modes of land transport.

Train Services

Luzhou Train Station: Modern high-speed rail station.
High-High-speed Train: Connects Luzhou to Chengdu (~1.5-2 hrs), Chongqing (~1 hr), Guiyang, and other cities.
Ticket Purchase: Online via 12306.cn (Chinese), third-party agents like Trip.com (English), or at station counters (passport).

Long-Distance Buses

Luzhou features various long-distance bus stations, including Luzhou Bus Terminal (泸州客运中心) and Luzhou Passenger Transport Station (泸州客运总站).

Bus Network Details

Extensive Network: Connects to cities in Sichuan (Chengdu, Zigong) and adjoining provinces (Chongqing, Guizhou).
Cost & Purchase: Generally slower but cheaper than trains. Purchase at bus station; book in advance for popular routes/holidays.
Border Crossing: Not applicable for Luzhou, an inland city.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving largely impractical for short-term tourists within China.

Requirements & Conditions

License Requirements: Foreigners a valid Chinese driver's license. IDP not accepted.
Not Recommended: Self-driving impractical for short-term tourist visits.

Road Conditions & Safety

Street conditions and traffic safety require vigilance for all road users.

Safety Insights

Main Roads: Well-maintained highways connecting cities.
Local Roads: Conditions vary, dense traffic in city centers.
Safety: Extreme caution if traveling by road (driver or passenger).

Important Land Travel Reminders

Border Crossing: Not applicable for Luzhou, an inland city.
Driver's License: Temporary Chinese license for foreigners a separate application and test.
Car Rental: Available but a valid Chinese driver's license.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Not commonly available for travelers from other countries due to license requirements.
Traffic Caution: Drive on the correct lane concerning traffic. Traffic laws strictly enforced. Seatbelts are required. Drunk driving laws stringent.
Parking: Available but challenging and expensive in business districts.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & River Cruises

Luzhou's location on the Yangtze River makes river transportation an unique, though less common, mode of arrival for tourists.

River Transport Options

Luzhou functions as a major port city on the Yangtze River.
Yangtze Riverboat Tours: Some specialized tours might include stops or connections at ports like Luzhou. Not a main embarkation/disembarkation point for mainstream cruises.
Local Boat Tours: Small riverboats may have short scenic trips along the Yangtze River or Tuo River near Luzhou. Recreational.

Immigration & Connections

Immigration procedures at seaports not typically applicable for standard tourist entry to Luzhou.

Information

Immigration Procedures: If international cruise to Luzhou (rare), standard Chinese immigration procedures apply at first international port.
Connections to Land Transportation: Ports in Luzhou local bus and taxi services. For onward travel to city center or other places within Luzhou.
Cargo/Passenger Ferries: Local ferry facilities may connect smaller towns along the river. Less commonly used for tourist travel.

River Access

Luzhou sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers.

Port City

Historically, a significant hub for waterborne trade.

Inland Location

Deep within China, international sea arrivals are not direct.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

China does not impose a separate exit fee or tax paid by passengers at the airport. Any relevant taxes typically included in the airline ticket price once you book.

Timing Recommendations

Domestic Flights (Luzhou Yunlong Airport): Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
High-Speed Trains (Luzhou Train Station): Arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to departure.
Long-Long-haul Buses: Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Luzhou Yunlong Airport a modern domestic airport. It a range of basic facilities and services for travelers. You check-in counters, baggage claim areas, stores, and various restaurants and cafes.

Services Available

Luzhou Yunlong Airport: Basic amenities for departing travelers, check-in stores, security checkpoints, waiting areas, shops, food stalls.
Luzhou Railway Station: Waiting halls, ticket offices, shops, and food sellers for riders.
Documents: Passport and ticket (physical or e-ticket on your phone) ready.

Local Transit Connections

Airport Shuttle

Connects Luzhou Yunlong Airport to various places in Luzhou city center.

Taxi Services

Readily available outside terminals, average cost ¥50-80 into the city's core.

Ride-Hailing Didi

Convenient via app for airport and station transfers with transparent pricing.

Departure Tip

Ensure you have your passport and ticket (physical or e-ticket on your phone) ready prior to departing procedures.

How to Get to Luzhou