Qingdao has a complete transportation system. It boasts one of the China’s most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by ferry, taxi, bus or trolley, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way.

For convenience, use the Qindaotong Card, an electronic stored-value card that is accepted on most public transport.

Buses & Trolleys:

Buses in Qingdao are most convenient due to its special topography. Bicycle or motorbike can be hardly seen in the city. Qingdao Public Transport Group offers 124 bus routes & 2 trolley routes covering almost all of the urban/rural areas. Especially popular are the double-deckers that run along the seashore and offer great views of the sailing city. The ticket price within the urban area is RMB 1 for non air-conditioned bus or RMB 2 for air-conditioned bus, but in rural area fares are based on distance traveled. Qinkatong cards are accepted.

Taxis:

Taxis are the best choice for foreigners. Even if you can’t speak Chinese, show the driver the card or name of the hotel or restaurant and they will take you to the destination.

The starting price is RMB7 for 3km and RMB1.2/km and RMB1.5/km from 22:00 -5:00. There are a small number of luxury taxis with the starting price of RMB 10.00 for 3km and a unit price of 1.70 RMB/km.

Ferries:

With its coastal location and many outlying islands, Qingdao operates regular ferry routes connecting Qingdao, Huangdao Island, Xuejiadao Island and the Outlying Islands, as well as neighbouring cities in China. Besides, Qingdao Ferry also offers direct international service to Incheon, South Korea and Shimonoseki, Japan.

Two types of ferries operate on most routes: standard ferries and the slightly more expensive fast ferries.

Qingdao – Huangdao

Price: 7 RMB/person

Frequency: every 20 min.

First Ferry: 6:30

Last Ferry: 21:10

Hours Underway: 40 min.

Qingdao - Xuejiadao

a. Standard Ferry

Price: 10 RMB/person

Frequency: every 40 min.

First Ferry: 6:40

Last Ferry: 19:10

Hours Underway: 40 min.

b. Fast Ferry

Price: 15 RMB/person

Frequency: every 30 min.

First Ferry: 7:15

Last Ferry: 17:15

Hours Underway: 20 min.

Qingdao – Incheon

Operator: Weidong Ferry Co., Ltd.

Tel: 86-532-82803574

Fax: 86-532-82821152

Website: http://www.weidong.com/?stlng=en

Qingdao - Shimonoseki

Price: JPY 15,000-60,000/person

Frequency: 3 voyages/week on Mon, Thu & Sat.

Hours Underway: 27.5 hours

To and from the Qingdao Ferry

Bus: Route 8, 301, 304, 311, 312, 321.