How to Get to Tianjin. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) serves as the main air gateway to Tianjin.

Flight Information

Domestic: Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines.
International: Limited direct flights to Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore.
Prices fluctuate during major Chinese holidays and summer.

Airport Transfers

TSN is about 13 km (8 miles) east of the city center. Transfers are straightforward.

Transport Options

Metro: Line 2 connects Terminal 2 to city center (approx. 30 mins).
Airport Shuttle Bus: Connects to major railway stations and hotels.
Taxi/Didi Chuxing: 30-50 mins to city center (¥50-¥100).

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights using Dollar Flight Club for alerts.

Flight Comparison

Compare flight prices across airlines using Skyscanner for options.

Airport Facilities

TSN has dining, shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi (often needs local phone verification).

International Connections

Connecting Via Beijing

From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), take high-speed rail to Tianjin.
Airport shuttle bus from PEK to Tianjin is also an option.
Many international travelers fly into PEK due to more direct global flights.
High-speed rail from Beijing to Tianjin takes as little as 30 minutes.

Connecting Via Shanghai

From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), high-speed rail connects directly to Tianjin.
This route is convenient if your origin city has better connections to Shanghai.
China's high-speed rail network connects major cities efficiently.
Plan your travel to coordinate airport arrival with train departures.

Airport Facilities Overview

Dining & Shopping

Various restaurants, cafes, fast-food. Duty-free and retail shops.

Financial Services

Currency exchange counters and ATMs for financial needs.

Lounges & Medical

Airline and independent lounges. Basic medical assistance available.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Tianjin has an excellent railway network, connecting it efficiently to major Chinese cities.

Main Railway Stations

Tianjin Railway Station: Main and central, serves high-speed (G/D) and conventional trains.
Tianjin West Railway Station: Mainly high-speed services, metro-connected.
Tianjin South Railway Station: Serves Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.

Train Ticket Booking

Purchasing train tickets in China benefits from careful planning.

Booking Methods

Railway stations (expect queues, language barriers).
Official platform 12306.cn (challenging for foreigners).
Authorized third-party agents like Trip.com (English interface, international credit cards).

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving is not recommended for most foreign tourists.

Driving Rules

Foreigners generally need a valid Chinese driving license. IDPs are not recognized.
Traffic can be heavy and chaotic, especially during peak hours.
Road rules may be interpreted flexibly by local drivers.

Long-Distance Buses & Car Rentals

Bus services are a cheaper alternative for shorter distances. Car rental has restrictions.

Alternatives

Main bus stations: Tianjin Long-distance Bus Station, Tianjin West Long-distance Bus Station.
DiscoverCars.com for car rental options, though a Chinese license is typically needed to drive.
Public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing are simpler and safer options for tourists.

Road Safety Concerns

Pedestrians and cyclists exercise caution as traffic may not always yield.
Beware of electric scooters, which move silently and quickly.
Major roads are well-maintained, but vigilance is important for road safety.

Self-driving is not recommended due to licensing and traffic.
Road rules are sometimes interpreted flexibly by local drivers.
Private car with a driver through a tour company is an alternative.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departures

Sea Arrivals

Tianjin's coastal location allows sea travel, mainly for cruises.

Port & Services

Tianjin Xingang Port: A major international cruise port and passenger ferry terminal.
Cruise Lines: Many international cruise lines include Tianjin for Asian itineraries.
Ferry Services: Limited passenger ferries, like to Dalian (7-8 hours).

River Transportation

The Hai River flows through Tianjin, offering scenic boat experiences.

Hai River Cruises

Scenic boat cruises operate on the Hai River, especially popular in the evenings.
Cruises offer an unique perspective of the city's skyline and landmarks.
Mainly for sightseeing and enjoyment, not inter-city transportation.

Border Information

Tianjin is an inland city regarding international land borders. Direct land crossings are not applicable for entry.

Immigration

Sea arrivals undergo immigration and customs at Tianjin Xingang Port. Present passport and valid visa.

Departure Timing

Airport: 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic. Railway: 30-60 minutes before high-speed trains.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

China does not typically levy specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers at its airports or ports. International flight costs usually include applicable departure taxes.

Airport Departure TSN

Check-in, baggage drop, security, and immigration procedures.
Allow ample time, especially during peak travel seasons or major holidays.
Security checks are thorough for all flights within China.

Railway Station Departure

Ensure your passport and train ticket (or booking confirmation if using ID for entry) are easily accessible.

Train Departure Tips

For high-speed rail (G/D trains), arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.
Time to navigate large stations, pass security checks (luggage scanning).
Boarding gates often close a few minutes before departure.

Departure Facilities

Waiting Areas

Comfortable waiting lounges at both airport and major railway stations.

Dining & Retail

Numerous dining options, retail shops. Airport offers duty-free for international departures.

Services

Currency exchange counters, ATMs, and widely available restrooms.

Travel Reminder

Always confirm specific requirements and timings with your airline or train operator closer to your travel date.

How to Get to Tianjin