Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport
Qingdao, China · Since 2021
Last updated:
About TAO
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is a brand-new facility that opened in August 2021, replacing the older Liuting Airport. Located in Jiaozhou, about 39km northwest of Qingdao city center, it is designed as a major regional hub for Shandong Province. The airport features a single enormous sea-star-shaped terminal inspired by Qingdao's coastal identity, with six concourses radiating from a central hub. It handles over 25 million passengers annually. Qingdao is famous for its German colonial architecture, Tsingtao Brewery, beautiful coastline, and fresh seafood.
Hub For
Shandong Airlines (hub), China Eastern Airlines (focus city)
Terminals
Main Terminal
Brand-new sea-star-shaped terminal opened in 2021, one of the most modern airports in China. Six concourses radiate from a central hub with a stunning skylight atrium. Features smart self-service check-in, biometric boarding gates, and an integrated high-speed rail station underground. The terminal includes extensive Qingdao-themed art installations and ocean-inspired design elements throughout.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at TAO
Shandong Airlines
Main Terminal Hub
Air China
Main Terminal
China Eastern Airlines
Main Terminal
9 Air
Aero K
Air Busan
Air Guilin
Air Macau
Showing 8 of 37 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Metro Line 8 (extension), airport express buses, taxis, Didi, high-speed rail (integrated station), intercity coaches
Taxi
$18-25
50-70 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$1.50-3.00
60-90 minutes to city center
Parking at TAO
Modern multi-level parking structure with smart parking system and over 5,000 spaces. License plate recognition for automated entry and exit....
P1 Main Parking Building
P2 Parking
Remote Economy Lot
Airport Lounges
Shandong Airlines Blue Sky Lounge
Main Terminal
Modern hub lounge with ocean-themed design reflecting Qingdao's coastal identity. Hot buffet with Shandong cuisine including braised sea cucumber and Qingdao-style seafood dumplings. Tsingtao draft beer on tap. Shower suites and nap area.
Ocean Breeze VIP Lounge
Main Terminal
Premium independent lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary coastal design. Serves hot Shandong dishes, fresh dumplings, seafood snacks, and craft Tsingtao beer. Shower rooms, rest pods, and business center.
Air China Business Lounge
Main Terminal
Comfortable airline lounge with standard hot and cold buffet, beverages, quiet work area, and recliners for resting. Clean and well-maintained new facility.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Qingdao Airport Rest Hotel
Inside the terminal building, airside near Concourse D
Capsule-style rest hotel inside the terminal for transit passengers. Modern pods with privacy curtains, charging ports, and shared shower facilities. Day-use from 2 hours. Very convenient for long layovers.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Qingdao Airport
10-minute drive from terminal, free shuttle
Reliable international chain near the new airport. Free shuttle service, complimentary breakfast, and modern rooms. Good value for overnight stays between flights.
Food & Dining
Lanzhou Beef Noodle Express
Chinese/Halal
Main Terminal (Landside)
Hand-pulled halal beef noodle soup made fresh to order. A staple of Chinese airports and train stations, consistently good and very affordable. Quick service for travelers in a hurry.
5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Qingdao Seafood Dumplings
Chinese/Shandong
Main Terminal (Airside)
Fresh handmade dumplings (jiaozi) with Qingdao-style seafood fillings—shrimp, sea cucumber, mackerel, and pork with chives. Also serves pan-fried dumplings and Shandong-style stir-fries. Paired with draft Tsingtao beer.
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tsingtao Beer House
Chinese/Pub
Main Terminal (Airside)
Celebrate Qingdao's brewing heritage at this airport beer house. Draft Tsingtao in multiple varieties including the premium unpasteurized "original" only available locally. German-Chinese fusion snacks including pretzels, sausages, and spiced peanuts.
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Car Rental
China Auto Rental (CAR Inc.)
Arrivals Hall, Ground Transportation Counter Area
Major domestic chain. Useful for exploring Qingdao's coastline and nearby Laoshan Mountain. International driving permits not valid in China.
eHi Car Rental
Arrivals Hall, near Exit 5
Good rates and modern fleet. Popular for coastal road trips along the Shandong Peninsula. Book via app for best prices.
Avis China
Off-airport, free shuttle from arrivals
International brand with English support. Higher rates but familiar booking process for foreign visitors. Shuttle pickup at arrivals exit.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Ocean Breeze Lounge & Beer
Enjoy the premium Ocean Breeze VIP Lounge with hot food, fresh Tsingtao draft beer, and modern amenities. The brand-new terminal also has interesting art installations and ocean-themed design worth exploring during your layover.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Tsingtao Brewery Museum
Visit the original Tsingtao Brewery built by German settlers in 1903. Learn about beer-making history, tour the original brew house, and taste fresh unpasteurized Tsingtao straight from the source. Entry about $8 including two beer tastings. Located on Dengzhou Road in the old town.
Qingdao Old Town & Waterfront Walk
Explore the charming German colonial district with its red-roofed European architecture, visit the iconic Zhan Bridge pier, and walk along the scenic waterfront promenade. The old town area around Zhongshan Road is compact and walkable. Free to explore.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese), USB
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $2-5/day
- Showers: Free in premium lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Exchange: Bank of China counter in arrivals hall and international departures
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China. No tips expected at restaurants, hotels, or for taxi rides.
Limited international exchange options compared to larger airports. Bring some CNY or use ATMs. WeChat Pay and Alipay accepted almost everywhere.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms on each level of the terminal
Lost & Found
- Phone: +86-532-96567
Lost and found center in the arrivals hall. The airport has a 24/7 service hotline.
When to Fly
Best time: April-June, September-October
Peak seasons: Qingdao Beer Festival (Aug), National Day (Oct 1-7), Summer beach season (Jun-Sep)
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, left luggage, VIP lounges, nursing rooms, children's play areas, smoking rooms, prayer rooms, medical center, charging stations, duty-free shops, high-speed rail integration
Official Website
Traveler Reviews
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