Dalian has put together a well-linked system covering air, rail, metro, bus, taxi and its one-of-a-kind trams, all making it easy to get around to both scenic spots and urban neighborhoods. We’re sharing our on-the-ground insights to help travelers move through Dalian smoothly and make the most of their journey.
Dalian’s primary air gateway is Zhoushuizi International Airport, 13.7 kilometers from the city center. It flies to major domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, plus a handful of international routes to nearby countries and regions. Getting from the airport to downtown is straightforward, with several transport choices available.
Metro Line 2 is the cheapest way to reach downtown, with a direct ride taking roughly 40 minutes. You can also take airport shuttles or taxis, cab fares to the city center usually run 40 to 60 yuan, depending on traffic and exactly where you’re heading.
Dalian has two main railway stations: Dalian Station and Dalian North Station. Dalian Station sits just 3 kilometers from downtown, so it’s our top pick for travelers heading to the city’s core. It mostly runs regular trains, with a few high-speed services to nearby cities too.
Dalian North Station, 6 kilometers from the center, is where most high-speed trains depart and arrive, connecting Dalian to major cities across Northeast China and further afield. A taxi from here to downtown costs around 30 yuan, and metro lines also connect the station to key areas.
Dalian’s metro currently has four lines up and running, covering all major attractions, commercial areas and transport hubs. Fares range from 2 to 10 yuan, based on how far you’re going, we always tell travelers to download the Dalian Metro E-Travel app for easy QR code payments.
Light Rail Line 3 is a must for anyone visiting coastal spots like Jinshitan. It runs from downtown out to Jinshitan Tourist Resort, with nice views of the coast along the way. The trip takes about an hour, and trains come frequently throughout the day.
Metro and light rail operate from roughly 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM every day. They’re dependable, budget-friendly and skip the traffic, perfect for getting around the city’s core and popular scenic spots without delays.
Dalian’s bus network reaches almost every part of the city. Most buses charge a flat rate of 1 to 2 yuan, though some longer routes cost a bit more. Bus stops are clearly labeled, and you can check real-time arrival times using local mobile apps.
Taxis are great for short trips or when you’re carrying luggage. The starting fare is 10 yuan for the first 3 kilometers, with extra charges per kilometer after that. You’ll find plenty of cabs downtown, but they’re harder to flag down in more remote areas.
Tram Line 201 is a special part of Dalian’s transport heritage, running from Xinggong Street to Hailun Park. It’s a nostalgic way to travel, with lovely coastal views, though you’ll usually wait 20 to 30 minutes between trains.
One thing to note: Dalian has no shared bikes. That means walking is often the best way to fill in gaps between public transport stops. We regularly work short walks into our itineraries, so travelers can soak up the city’s coastal charm along the way.
At China Expedition Tours, we build our itineraries around making the most of Dalian’s transport options. For day trips to the coast, we always suggest Light Rail Line 3 to Jinshitan, while metro and buses are better for exploring the city center.
We recommend steering clear of rush hour, 7:30 to 9:00 AM and 5:30 to 7:00 PM when using public transport, as crowds and traffic tend to build up. For late-night travel, taxis are your most reliable bet.
Our team helps travelers navigate transfers between different transport modes, making sure connections between airports, stations, scenic spots and hotels go smoothly so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
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