How to get to Jinan

Located in eastern China, Jinan is renowned as the picturesque "City of Springs" and a vital administrative hub of Shandong Province. If you have decided to travel to Jinan, you will be pleased with the metropolis's excellent transport accessibility: you can comfortably fly here, take a high-speed train, or use road transport. Choosing the optimal route depends on your starting point, but finding out how to get to Jinan is simple thanks to its status as a major logistics hub.

The main air hub serving Jinan is Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA). It is located approximately 30 kilometres northeast of the city centre and boasts modern infrastructure, receiving numerous scheduled flights from various regions.

The airport has an extensive route network connecting it with most major metropolises in China. For travellers from abroad, the most convenient option is often a flight with a connection in the country's main aviation hubs—Beijing or Shanghai. Upon arrival, getting to the city is effortless: taxis and special shuttle buses running to central districts are available for passengers.

Rail travel is one of the most convenient and popular ways to reach the city, as Jinan is a crucial transport hub in eastern China. The metropolis is strategically located at the intersection of key main lines, making it easy to reach by train from almost any major region of the country.

Special attention should be paid to high-speed trains (CRH). The famous Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line passes through the city. A journey on the "bullet train" from the capital will take only about one and a half to two hours, while the trip from Shanghai lasts approximately 3–4 hours. This makes travelling by rail not only scenic but often a faster alternative to air travel when considering check-in times.

Several railway stations operate in the city, but the main load is borne by two stations: the historic Jinan Station in the centre and the modern Jinan West. It is to the West Station that the majority of high-speed expresses arrive. Both terminals possess developed infrastructure and are integrated into the urban transport system, allowing tourists to comfortably reach their accommodation immediately upon arrival.

An extensive network of modern highways makes bus travel across Shandong Province comfortable and accessible. If you are heading to Jinan from neighbouring Jining, the trip will take about 2–3 hours, during which you will cover approximately 160 kilometres, watching the local landscapes change. The route from Dongying is also in demand: comfortable buses travel 220 kilometres in about 3–3.5 hours, linking the coast with the administrative centre.

For those departing from Weifang, the 210-kilometre journey will take no more than 2.5–3 hours. Most intercity services arrive at the city's main bus station, which is considered one of the busiest and best organised. This is an excellent option for tourists wishing to save on tickets and see non-tourist China from the vehicle window.

Travelling by car to Jinan allows you to appreciate the high quality of the road network in Shandong Province and enjoy the views at your own pace. A drive from Jining will take about two hours to cover approximately 160 kilometres, while the 220-kilometre route from Dongying requires about three hours on the road. It is also convenient to get there from Weifang: the distance of 210 kilometres can be comfortably driven in 2.5 hours on modern expressways.

If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can use intercity taxi services or book a transfer via popular Chinese apps. The cost of the trip will depend on the meter and the class of the car; however, travellers should take into account additional expenses for toll road fees, which are found everywhere in China.

Jinan is a hospitable and distinctive city, but as with any journey, there are nuances here that are worth knowing in advance. To ensure your trip to this corner of China passes as comfortably as possible and without unnecessary hassle, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. Jinan has four distinct seasons. Summers here are hot and humid, so choose loose clothing made from natural fabrics. In winter, the temperature drops below freezing, and cold winds blow—be sure to bring a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves. Spring and autumn are usually mild and pleasant, ideal for long walks in a light windbreaker.
2. Transport. The urban transport network is excellently developed, but buses can be overcrowded during peak hours. For tourists, the most convenient options remain taxis or the metro. We recommend writing down the names of the places you need (hotel, attractions) in Chinese characters in advance to show drivers, as English names are rarely understood by ear.
3. Finances. China has almost completely switched to cashless payments via mobile apps. Cash is accepted, but change may not be available. Before the trip, install Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your bank card to them—this is the most reliable payment method everywhere, from large malls to street kiosks.
4. Health and Safety. Jinan is a safe city for tourists. However, drinking tap water is strictly not recommended—buy bottled water, which is sold at every turn. Pharmacies can be recognised by the green cross sign, but it is better to carry a basic set of medicines with you, as finding familiar international brands can be difficult.
5. Communication. English is not very common here outside of international hotels. Be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone with voice input and photo translation functions (for example, for reading menus). This app will become your main assistant in communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Be prepared for the fact that personal space in China is perceived differently, and people may stand very close to each other in queues. A greeting is usually limited to a nod or a light handshake. Hand over money or business cards with both hands as a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of unofficial taxi drivers who intrusively offer services at the exits of train stations or the airport. Their prices are often inflated several times over. Always join the official taxi queue or book a car via an aggregator app.
8. Extra Tip. Jinan is famous for its underground waters. Take an empty bottle with you: in many parks, for example, at the Black Tiger Spring, there are specially equipped places where you can fill up with pure spring water absolutely free of charge, just as the locals do.

By following these simple practical tips, you can avoid everyday difficulties and fully concentrate on exploring the unique culture and natural beauties of the "City of Springs".