Hello! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler who thrives on exploring the hidden corners of the world. From discovering remote Chinese villages to venturing into far-off towns globally, I always aim to travel on a budget without compromising on experiences. This guide to Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is crafted for fellow adventurers, providing insights into airport facilities, transportation options, and useful tips to make your journey seamless and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

Summary

Overview of Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

  • Airport Code: TAO
  • Address: Qiandian Village, Jiaodong Subdistrict, Jiaozhou, Qingdao, Shandong, China
  • Distance from Downtown: 39 kilometers
  • Terminal Information:
    • T1 Terminal: The sole terminal at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, handling both domestic and international flights. Covering an area of 480,200 square meters, the terminal became operational in 2021.
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport aerial view

4 Best Ways to Travel from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Downtown

1. How to Take the Metro from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Downtown

Departing from T1 Terminal

  • Metro Line: Metro Line 8
  • Location: B1 Level of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Operating Hours: 06:05 AM – 10:05 PM
  • Cost: 7 CNY
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

How to Buy Tickets

  • Purchase single-ride tickets at ticket counters or self-service machines. Payment options include cash, WeChat, and Alipay.
  • Use a QR code with Alipay or WeChat for quick access.
  • International travelers can pay at service counters using cards like VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, and American Express.
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport metro directions sign

2. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Downtown

Departing from T1 Terminal

  • Location: 1st Floor of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Fare: 30 CNY
  • Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours

Airport Shuttle Route

  • Stops include Liao Yang East Road, Jin Song Seven Road Bus Stop, and Fu Xin Mansion.
  • Departure Times: 11:00 PM, 11:20 PM, 11:40 PM, 12:00 AM, 12:20 AM, 12:40 AM, 1:00 AM, 1:30 AM, and 2:00 AM.

How to Buy Tickets

  • Purchase tickets at shuttle bus ticket counters or self-service machines using cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
  • Alternatively, book tickets via the official WeChat account for added convenience.
Airport shuttle bus directions at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

3. How to Take a Taxi from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Downtown

Qingdao taxis come in two types: “Standard” and “Luxury.” Luxury taxis are typically black and provide enhanced service options.

Departing from T1 Terminal

  • Location: Outside Gate 3, Level 1 of the Terminal
  • Fare: Standard taxis cost approximately 160 CNY, while luxury taxis cost around 280 CNY. Additional fees apply for nighttime trips.
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour
Taxi pickup zone at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

4. How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Downtown

You can easily book a ride using apps like Alipay or Didi Chuxing.

Departing from T1 Terminal

  • Location: 3rd Floor of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Fare: Starts at approximately 130 CNY, with possible nighttime surcharges.
  • Travel Time: About 1 hour
Ride-hailing and car-sharing signs at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport
Qingdao Jiaodong Airport Pickup and Drop-off Service

4 Best Ways to Travel from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Qingdao Railway Station

Departing from T1 Terminal

1. Metro

  • Route: Take Metro Line 8 from the airport, transfer to Metro Line 3 at Wusi Square Station, and continue to Qingdao Railway Station.
  • Location: B1 Level of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Operating Hours: 06:05 AM – 10:05 PM
  • Fare: Approximately 7 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour 40 minutes

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

  • Route: Direct route from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Qingdao Railway Station.
  • Location: 1st Floor of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Fare: 30 CNY
  • Travel Time: About 2 hours
  • Departure Times: From 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM, with buses departing every 20–30 minutes.

3. Taxi

  • Location: Taxi waiting area outside Gate 3, Level 1 of T1 Terminal
  • Fare: Standard taxis cost around 170 CNY, while luxury taxis are approximately 300 CNY (additional charges apply for nighttime trips).
  • Travel Time: About 1 hour

4. Ride-Hailing Apps

  • Location: Ride-hailing designated area on the 3rd Floor of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
  • Fare: Starts at approximately 140 CNY (nighttime rates may apply).
  • Travel Time: About 1 hour

International Flight Transfers to Domestic Flights

If you’re transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, follow these steps:

  1. Immigration Check
    • Proceed to the immigration area after disembarking.
    • Present your passport and visa to complete entry procedures.
  2. Baggage Claim
    • Collect your checked baggage at the baggage claim area unless it has been directly forwarded to your domestic destination.
  3. Customs Check
    • Choose the “To Declare” or “Nothing to Declare” lane based on your items.
    • If you have items to declare, proceed to the customs counter for inspection.
  4. Domestic Flight Check-In
    • Head to the domestic departure check-in counters to check in for your flight and recheck your luggage.
    • Note: Check-in usually closes 40–60 minutes before departure.
  5. Security Check
    • Go through the domestic security checkpoint, then proceed to your departure gate.

Domestic Flight Transfers to International Flights

For passengers transferring from a domestic flight to an international flight at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, follow these steps:

  1. Proceed to the International Transfer Area
    • Upon arrival, follow signs to the International Transfer Desk.
    • If your baggage has not been checked through to your international destination, retrieve it first.
  2. Baggage Recheck
    • Recheck your baggage at the international check-in counters. Ensure your luggage meets the requirements for international flights.
  3. Customs & Immigration (Exit Procedures)
    • Go to the customs and immigration area, present your passport, visa, and boarding pass, and complete the exit procedures.
  4. Security Check
    • Pass through the security screening for international departures. Confirm that your carry-on items comply with security regulations.
  5. Find Your Boarding Gate
    • Double-check your gate information and arrive at the gate ahead of time. Note that international boarding gates typically close 30–40 minutes before departure.

Guide to Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

Tax Refund

  • Eligibility for Tax Refund:
    • The purchase amount for eligible tax refund items must reach at least 500 CNY in the same tax-free store on the same day.
    • Items must be purchased within 90 days before departure.
  • Tax Refund Amount:
    • The refund rate is 11% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 9% refunded to the traveler.
  • Refund Process:
    • Before security: Get your items verified and stamped by customs. Follow the airport signs for assistance.
    • After security: Visit the “Tax Refund” counter located in the departure area.
Tax refund counter at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

Payment App Assistance Counter

To help international travelers use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport provides a Payment Assistance Counter in the T1 Terminal.

  • Services Offered:
    • Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps.
    • Guidance on linking international bank cards and enabling payment features.
    • Basic tutorials on using the apps and addressing common questions.
  • Location: Near Exit 1, Level 1 of the terminal, at the international and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan arrivals exit.
International services desk at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

Dining Options and Hours at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

After Security in T1 Terminal

  • Starbucks
    • Location: L4, Central Commercial Area, International Departure
    • Operating Hours: 7:00 AM until the last flight in the area departs
    • Menu: Coffee and light snacks
  • McDonald’s
    • Location: L3, near Gate 81, International Departure
    • Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Menu: Burgers and quick meals

Duty-Free Shopping Hours

CDF Duty-Free Store

  • Location:
    • Central Commercial Area, International Departure Zone
    • Near Mother and Baby Room in C Concourse
    • L3, near Gates 77 and 80, International Departure
  • Operating Hours: Based on flight schedules
  • Products: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics

Luggage Storage Facilities

  • Location: Tail end of Island AB, Level 4, near Gate 1
  • Operating Hours: 5:00 AM until check-in for departing flights ends
  • Pricing:
    • Items under 20 inches:
      • 0–4 hours: 3 CNY
      • 4–10 hours: 6 CNY
      • 10–24 hours: 10 CNY
    • Items 20–26 inches:
      • 0–4 hours: 10 CNY
      • 4–10 hours: 15 CNY
      • 10–24 hours: 20 CNY
    • Items over 26 inches:
      • 0–4 hours: 10 CNY
      • 4–10 hours: 15 CNY
      • 10–24 hours: 20 CNY

Currency Exchange

  • Provider: Ctrip Foreign Exchange
  • Location: L4, near Check-in Counters A/B, Departure Hall, before Security
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM until the end of international check-in

Free Wi-Fi at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

Passengers can connect to free Wi-Fi by searching for Airport-Qingdao-Free.

  • Login Options:
    • Enter your mobile number and receive a verification code to log in.
    • Use a self-service machine inside the airport to get a temporary login code.

Note: Accessing certain sites, like Google, may require a VPN.

Overnight Stay at the Airport

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport offers a free overnight rest area for travelers, equipped with reclining chairs, men’s and women’s changing rooms, a nursery, restrooms, charging stations, and drinking water facilities.

  • Operating Hours: 10:30 PM – 6:00 AM
  • Location: Level 1, Ground Transportation Center
Overnight passenger rest area at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport

Check-In Deadlines

  • Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 40–60 minutes before departure.
  • International Flights: Check-in typically closes 45–60 minutes before departure.

Boarding Gate Opening and Closing Times

  • Domestic Flights: Boarding gates close 20 minutes before departure.
  • International Flights: Boarding gates close 30–40 minutes before departure.