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How to Get to Zigong

How to Get to Zigong

Zigong Sichuan, China Travel Guide

Major Airports & Airlines

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport CTU

This airport is approximately 180 km (112 miles) north of Zigong. CTU serves as the main gateway for foreign visitors heading to Sichuan Province.

Airlines & Routes

  • AN important hub for Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines.
  • It has many domestic routes across China and international routes.
  • Direct international flights from global cities like Frankfurt, London, San Francisco, and Dubai.

Luzhou Yunlong Airport LZO

This airport is about 80 km (50 miles) southeast of Zigong. LZO mainly handles domestic flights withinside China.

Airlines & Routes

  • LZO serves domestic routes within China, connecting to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Airlines operating here include China Eastern, China Southern, and Sichuan Airlines.
  • Flight prices generally increase during peak travel seasons plus major Chinese public holidays.

CTU Facilities

A modern airport with two terminals, extensive dining, duty-free shopping, airline lounges, and public Wi-Fi.

LZO Facilities

A smaller airport with more rudimentary facilities, offering limited dining and shopping options.

Price Trends

Flight prices generally increase during peak travel seasons, including major Chinese public holidays.

Transfers from Airports to Zigong

From CTU to Zigong

  • High-speed train: Take Metro Line 10 to Taipingyuan, Line 3 to Chengdu East Railway, then a high-speed train to Zigong (approx. 1 hour, CNY 80-150).
  • Long-distance bus: Available from both CTU terminals to Zigong Bus Station (approx. 2.5-3.5 hours).
  • Private transfer/taxi: The most convenient but most expensive option (approx. CNY 400-600).
  • The airport connects directly to the Chengdu Metro system.

From LZO to Zigong

  • Long-distance bus: Buses run from Luzhou Yunlong Airport to Zigong Bus Station (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
  • Taxi: Available from the airport. A taxi ride to Zigong costs approximately CNY 200-300.
  • LZO features domestic flights only, connecting to major Chinese cities.
  • This regional airport has more basic facilities compared to CTU.

Booking & Planning

Flight Search

Explore Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for potential discounts and routes to Chengdu (CTU).

Airport Transfers

Consider pre-booking private car or high-speed train tickets for CTU transfers, especially during peak times.

Domestic Flights

Luzhou Yunlong Airport (LZO) has an option for domestic travel withwithin China, connecting to various cities.

Land Transportation to Zigong

Train Connections

Zigong has its own high-speed railway station, connecting it to the national network.

High-Speed Rail Routes

  • Direct high-speed train connections are there for Chengdu East Railway Station (approx. 1 hour).
  • Connections also head to Chongqing West Railway Station (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
  • Purchase tickets via the official China Railway website (12306.cn) or authorized agencies.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Zigong has several bus stations that offer connections to various cities within Sichuan Province.

Bus Routes & Comfort

  • Multiple daily departures to Chengdu (approx. 2.5-3.5 hours).
  • Connections to Chongqing (approx. 2-3 hours) and other cities like Luzhou, Neijiang, and Yibin.
  • Buses are generally comfortable, air-conditioned, and present a reliable way to travel regionally.

Self-Driving Considerations

Independent car or motorcycle rentals are generally not practical for short-term foreign visitors to Zigong.

Driving Requirements

  • Renting a car in China uses of Chinese origin driving license.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized or valid.
  • Obtaining a temporary Chinese driving permit comes with a intricate and time-consuming process.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways, like the G4202 Chengdu-Zigong Expressway, are well-maintained. City roads can experience heavy congestion.

Driving Advice

  • Major routes between cities are good, while regional roads vary in quality.
  • Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours and public holidays.
  • Practice defensive driving. Pedestrians and cyclists often do not adhere strictly to traffic laws.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Not applicable for Zigong. Zigong is a city not on the coast within Sichuan Province.
  • Zigong does not have access to sea ports or major navigable rivers for passenger ferry or cruise services.
  • The Fuxi River flows through the city but holds no use for public inter-city passenger transportation.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable, as there are no seaports in Zigong.
  • Border crossing information holds no relevance for Zigong.
  • Connections to land transportation for sea/river arrivals are irrelevant to this inland city.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged when departing mainland China by air or land.

CTU Timing

  • Plan to arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) at least 2-3 hours before international flights.
  • Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
  • This gives sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.

Train & Bus Departures

For high-speed trains, arrive at Zigong Train Station 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Station Timing

  • Arrive at Zigong Rail Depot 30-60 minutes before scheduled train departure.
  • For public buses, arrive at the bus station 15-30 minutes before departure.
  • Ticket gates typically close 5-10 minutes prior to the train leaving.

CTU Services

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers standard facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.

Zigong Station Services

Zigong Railway Station and bus stations feature waiting areas, ticket counters, small shops, and essential amenities for travelers.

Reconfirm Travel

Always reconfirm your flight or train times 24-48 hours before departure. Use official apps or websites for the latest updates.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Zigong's geography means sea or major river arrivals hold no relevance for passenger travel.

No Major Water Transport

  • Zigong is an inland city, lacking access to seaports.
  • Major navigable rivers for passenger ferry or cruise services are absent.
  • The Fuxi River, while flowing through the city, is not for public inter-city passenger transportation.

River Transportation Options

River transportation is limited to small local boats for specific purposes like sightseeing or fishing on the Fuxi River within the city.

Local River Activities

  • Small local boats may be available for leisure.
  • Fishing activities occur on the Fuxi River.
  • Specific events may feature river boat experiences.

Immigration Procedures & Connections

Seaport Immigration

Not applicable, as there are no seaports in Zigong.

Land Transport Connections

Connections to land transportation from sea/river arrivals hold no relevance for Zigong.

Border Crossings

Border crossing information is not relevant, as Zigong is a city not on the coast.

Travel Planning Tip

Focus on air travel into Chengdu or Luzhou, followed by efficient land transfers to Zigong.