How to Get to Zhoushan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Flight Information

Zhoushan Airport ZSN

Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport (ZSN) is the main airport for the archipelago, located on Zhujiajian Island.

Airlines & Routes

ZSN mainly serves domestic routes within China.
Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines, Joy Air.
Routes: Direct flights to major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou. Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner.

Connecting Airports

No direct international flights operate to ZSN. International travelers typically connect through larger hubs.

International Hubs

Closest major international gateways: Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG).
Fly into PVG, HGH, or Beijing (PEK) for onward domestic travel.
Transfer to a domestic flight or ground/sea transport to reach Zhoushan.

Airport Facilities

ZSN is a small to medium-sized domestic airport with basic facilities, including shops and car rental.

Booking Timings

Flight frequency and prices increase during peak domestic travel seasons. Book in advance.

Airport Transfers

ZSN (on Zhujiajian Island) connects to main Zhoushan islands by bridge; taxis, shuttles, and ferries are available.

From Major Hubs to Zhoushan

From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport HGH

Direct long-distance buses to Zhoushan (Shenjiamen) from HGH.
Bus to Hangzhou East, high-speed train to Ningbo, then bus/taxi to Zhoushan.
Private transfer or taxi from Ningbo.
Distance: Approximately 2.5-3.FIVE hours by bus.

From Shanghai Pudong International Airport PVG

Direct long-distance coaches to Zhoushan (Shenjiamen) from PVG or Shanghai South Bus Station.
High-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Ningbo, then bus/taxi to Zhoushan.
Private transfer or taxi from Ningbo.
Distance: Approximately 4-5 hours by bus.

Air Travel Tips

Domestic Travel

Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport exclusively handles domestic flights.

Peak Seasons

Expect increased demand and prices during holidays and summer months.

Onward Journeys

Carefully plan your pickups from international airfields to Zhoushan.

Land Journey

Bus & Rail Links

Zhoushan does not have a direct railway line. Connectivity to the mainland comes via the Zhoushan Trans-oceanic Bridge.

Connecting Cities

Frequent long-distance buses provide connections Zhoushan to Hangzhou (2.5-3.5 hrs), Ningbo (1.5-2 hrs), and Shanghai (4-5 hrs).
Nearest high-speed rail hub: Ningbo Railway Station. From Ningbo, use bus or private transfer.
A high-speed rail line to Zhoushan is currently under construction.

Self-Driving Details

Zhoushan is accessible by car via the Trans-oceanic Bridge. Foreign visitors require a temporary Chinese driving permit.

Vehicle Rentals

Car rental services are available at ZSN and in major districts. DiscoverCars.com.
Temporary Chinese driving permit needed; International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized.
Road conditions are generally good on main roads, but smaller islands have winding roads.

Car Rental Advice

To drive legally, obtaining a temporary permit from local vehicle administration offices is a step to take.

Considerations

Apply for a temporary permit with your foreign license and supporting documents.
Major roads are well-maintained; smaller roads can be winding.
Parking is available however limited and costly in high-demand areas.

Road Safety

Road conditions are generally good, but traffic etiquette varies. Defensive driving is a good practice.

Driving Guidelines

Traffic can be heavy in urban centers during peak hours.
Road signs are mainly in Chinese; some major routes have Pinyin/English.
Strict traffic laws, including speed limits and drunk driving regulations, are enforced.

Driving Restrictions

International Driving Permits are not recognized in mainland China.
Motorcycle/scooter rentals are limited and not generally recommended for international visitors.
Roadway signs are often in Chinese only, which can be challenging.

A temporary Chinese driving permit is essential for self-driving.
Traffic enforcement is strict; observe all local driving laws.
Defensive driving is advisable due to varied local driving habits.

Oceanic Connections

Ferry Services

Ferry services serve as the main mode of transport for inter-island journeys within the Zhoushan archipelago.

Main Routes

To Putuoshan Island: From Zhujiajian Wugongzhi Pier (10-15 min) or Shenjiamen Banbian Mountain Terminal (30 min).
From Ningbo Baifeng Pier (car ferry + passenger ferry, 1.5-2 hrs overall).
Ferries from Shenjiamen and Dinghai serve other islands like Taohuadao, Daishan, Shengsi.

Other Waterways

Beyond regular ferries, Zhoushan's maritime character defines its waterways, which are mainly coastal.

Local Connections

Zhoushan is an archipelago; river transport is not a principal mode of transit.
Private boat taxis are less common for official transport but may be locally arranged.
Immigration for international cruise arrivals follows standard procedures.

Immigration

For international cruise arrivals, standard immigration and customs procedures apply.

River Transport

Zhoushan does not significantly rely on river transportation; its waterways are mainly coastal.

Terminal Connections

Ferry terminals have taxi stands and bus connections to local metropolitan areas.

Departing Zhoushan

Exit Formalities

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for departing China or Zhoushan. International air tickets generally include relevant taxes.

Fees & Procedures

No separate exit fees for departing Zhoushan.
Standard check-in and security procedures apply at the airport.
Arrive at ZSN 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights; 30-60 minutes for ferries.

Terminal Experience

Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport and ferry docks offer essential amenities for departing travelers.

Airport & Ferry

ZSN features waiting areas, small shops, and places to eat.
Ferry terminals provide waiting areas and ticket counters.
These facilities contribute to a comfortable wait before your journey.

How to Get to Zhoushan