How to Get to Taizhou. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Arriving by Air

Major Airports & Airlines

Taizhou has a local airport, but most travelers from abroad connect through larger hubs.

Air Hubs

Taizhou Luqiao Airport (HYN): Domestic flights only.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH): ~200km north, a major international gateway.
Shanghai Pudong (PVG): ~350km north, main international hub.

Flight Routes & Connections

HYN serves domestic routes. International visitors typically fly into HGH or PVG, then connect.

Connecting to Taizhou

HYN Domestic: Air China, China Southern, China Eastern connect to major Chinese cities.
International: No direct international flights to HYN. Link through major Chinese or Asian hubs.
From HGH/PVG: High-speed rail is the most efficient transfer method.

Seasonal Prices

Expect higher prices during Chinese National Holidays and school summer holidays. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

HYN Facilities

Taizhou Luqiao Airport (HYN) has basic facilities including check-in, security, limited dining, plus boutiques.

Major Hub Facilities

HGH or PVG offer extensive facilities: multiple terminals, diverse dining, duty-free, lounges, and ground transport.

Airport Transfer Options

From Taizhou Luqiao Airport HYN

Airport Shuttle Bus: Connects to Jiaojiang, Huangyan, Luqiao districts. A cost-effective option.
Taxi/DiDi: Readily available outside the terminal. Use licensed taxis or the DiDi app for transparent pricing.
Private Transfer: Pre-book for comfort and direct travel (higher cost).
No direct international flights.

From Hangzhou HGH or Shanghai PVG to Taizhou

High-speed Rail: Most common. From HGH (bus to Hangzhou East, then train), from PVG (metro/Maglev to Hongqiao, then train).
Long-distance Bus: Obtainable from major airports or nearby bus stations. Slower, but can be direct.
Travel Time (HSR): HGH to Taizhou ~1.5-2 hrs; PVG to Taizhou ~2.5-3.5 hrs.
Booking: Use 12306.cn or third-party platforms like Ctrip. Book in advance for peak times.

Domestic Flights & Booking

Airlines

Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines operate from Taizhou Luqiao Airport (HYN).

Routes

Connects Taizhou to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Wuhan, and Kunming.

Availability

Domestic flight availability is consistent. Prices vary by supply and peak seasons.

Land Routes to Taizhou

Train Connections & Services

High-speed rail is a popular and efficient way to reach Taizhou from other Chinese cities.

High-Speed Rail HSR

Taizhou Railway Station: Major hub on Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen line.
Travel Times: Hangzhou (1.5-2 hrs), Shanghai (2.5-3.5 hrs), Ningbo/Wenzhou (~1 hr).
Booking: Book via 12306.cn or Ctrip. Advance booking is advisable.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses offer alternatives, especially for destinations not directly served by HSR.

Bus Travel

Bus Stations: Taizhou Passenger Transport Center is a main hub.
Network: Extensive links within Zhejiang and neighboring provinces.
Travel Time: Generally slower than HSR, but can be more direct.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Self-driving is generally not recommended for most international tourists.

Driving in China

License: A valid Chinese driving license is a prerequisite. Foreign licenses or IDPs are not recognized for driving.
Recommendation: Not recommended due to language barriers, unfamiliar road rules, dense traffic.
Alternative: Consider hiring a car with a driver via your hotel or a local tour operator. DiscoverCars.com for general rental information.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Less common and carries significant safety considerations for tourists.

Two-Wheeled Transport

License: A prerequisite for rentals. Local registration also a need.
Safety: Risky due to heavy traffic and different driving habits.
Availability: Not many options for tourists.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Major highways and urban roads in Taizhou are generally well-maintained.
Traffic can be heavy and chaotic, notably at busy times.
Driving habits differ from Western countries, with less adherence to lane discipline.

Pedestrians, electric scooters, and bicycles often share roads with vehicles.
Extreme caution is a prerequisite from all road users.
Details about border crossings is not applicable for Taizhou, as it lies deep within mainland China.

Departing from Taizhou

Departure Procedures & Timing

Know what to expect when leaving Taizhou by air or train to ensure a smooth departure.

Departure Information

Air Travel: 2-3 hours before domestic flight, 3-4 hours for international connections.
Train Travel: 30-60 minutes before departure for high-speed rail.
Security: Expect stringent checks. Prepare to remove electronics and liquids.

Exit Fees & Airport Facilities

No separate exit fees for tourists. Facilities are similar to arrival amenities.

Departure Essentials

Exit Fees: No specific fees levied; costs come included in ticket price.
Facilities: Waiting areas, restrooms, dining, shops. Wi-Fi available (may need Chinese phone number for registration).
Mobile Preparedness: Ensure phone topped up or working SIM card for Wi-Fi and communications.

Airport Check-in

Arrive 2-3 hours early for domestic flights, 3-4 hours for international connections at major hubs.

Railway Station Access

Arrive 30-60 minutes before train departure. Stations are large; finding your platform takes time.

Security Measures

Expect stringent security checks at all transport hubs. Have electronics and liquids ready for inspection.

Sea/River Travel Local

Local Ferry Services

While Taizhou is a coastal city, sea and river transportation for international tourist arrivals is not common. Local ferries serve nearby islands.

Ferry Details

Taizhou Port: Primarily commercial, not international passenger services.
Dachen Island: Local ferry service from Jiaojiang District. For domestic travel only.
River Transport: Limited for tourism; Yongning River mainly for commercial use.

Connections to Land Transport

Upon arrival at local ferry ports, onward travel is available.

From Ferry Terminals

Taxis: Readily available at ferry terminals.
Local Buses: Connect to other parts of Taizhou city.
Immigration: Not applicable at local seaports for general tourist entry.

Travel Essentials Check

Passport & Visa

Ensure validity and have copies.

Tickets & Bookings

Keep digital and physical copies.

Local Currency/Payment

Have CNY, Alipay/WeChat Pay set up.

Final Travel Prep Note

Double-check all trip arrangements and documentation before you go for or from Taizhou for a stress-free journey.

How to Get to Taizhou