Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)
Qingdao (Jiaozhou), CN 🇨🇳 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ZSQD
IATA
TAO
Elevation
30 ft
Region
CN-37
Local Time
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GPS Code: ZSQD
Local Code: Not available
Location: 36.361953° N, 120.088171° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Large International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (ZSQD (TAO)) generally receives positive traveler sentiment, praised for its modern design and impressive facilities. While the airport offers a comfortable and efficient experience for many, some aspects, particularly concerning its distance from the city and WiFi accessibility, have drawn criticism.
What Travelers Love
- Modern Design and Spacious Terminal: Travelers consistently highlight the airport's magnificent, modern design and its spacious, starfish-shaped terminal that manages to feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
- Cleanliness and Amenities: The airport is frequently lauded for its cleanliness and offers a wide array of amenities including ample seating areas, phone charging stations, and a beautiful internal garden.
- Efficient Security and Immigration: Many travelers report fast security checks and check-in processes, along with spacious and efficient customs facilities. The airport also utilizes face recognition technology for a touchless experience at security and gates.
- Diverse Dining and Shopping: A variety of dining and shopping options are available, encompassing local specialties, Western food, and duty-free stores.
- 144-hour Visa-Free Transit: The airport offers a convenient 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible travelers.
Common Complaints
- Distance from City Center: A significant complaint is the airport's location, which is approximately 39-55 kilometers from Qingdao city center, resulting in longer travel times (around an hour or more) and relatively higher taxi fares compared to the old airport.
- Problematic Wi-Fi Access: The free Wi-Fi system can be challenging for foreign visitors, often requiring a text code for access which can incur roaming charges for international phones.
- Security Wait Times and Strictness: While often efficient, some travelers have experienced slow security queues, even when lines appear short. There are also mentions of very tight and professional security checks with strict enforcement of baggage weight restrictions. Current security wait times can be around 28-30 minutes, and immigration around 8 minutes.
- Limited Lounge Options/Quality: Some reviews suggest that food and beverage choices in certain airport lounges can be limited.
- Transportation Limitations: Although served by Metro Line 8 (70-80 minutes to city center) and airport shuttle buses (60-90 minutes), the metro can get crowded, and high-speed rail connections from the airport to downtown have limited daily frequencies.
Overall, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is a modern and impressive facility that significantly improves upon its predecessor, offering a generally positive experience with its spaciousness, cleanliness, and efficient processes. However, travelers should account for the considerable travel time to and from the city center and be aware of potential Wi-Fi access issues for foreign devices.
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Airport Routes
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) offers 89 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Shandong Airlines, China Eastern, Qingdao Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Qingdao (Jiaozhou) include Changchun Longjia Int'l, Wuhan Tianhe, Lanzhou Zhongchuan International, Shenyang Taoxian Int'l and Hefei Xinqiao Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Changchun Longjia Int'l (CGQ) 5
- Wuhan Tianhe (WUH) 4
- Lanzhou Zhongchuan International (LHW) 3
- Shenyang Taoxian Int'l (SHE) 3
- Hefei Xinqiao Airport (HFE) 3
- Nanchang Changbei Int'l (KHN) 3
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l (HGH) 3
- Kansai Int'l (KIX) 2
- Hohhot Baita Int'l (HET) 2
- Incheon Int'l (ICN) 2
- Xi'an Xianyang Int'l (XIY) 2
- Kunming Changshui Int'l (KMG) 2
Newly Discovered
- Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l (BKK) new
- Chifeng Yulong Airport (CIF) new
- Nanjing Lukou Int'l (NKG) new
- Incheon Int'l (ICN) new
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l (HGH) new
- Ezhou Huahu (EHU) new
- Shenyang Taoxian Int'l (SHE) new
- Yulin (UYN) new
- Changchun Longjia Int'l (CGQ) new
- Shanghai Pudong Int'l (PVG) new
- Wuhan Tianhe (WUH) new
- Dalian Zhoushuizi Int'l (DLC) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Qingdao Jiaodong International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shandong Airlines
CDG
/ SC
|
27 | 66 | 27 | Feb 2, 2026 |
China Eastern
CES
/ MU
|
15 | 30 | 15 | Aug 9, 2025 |
Qingdao Airlines
QDA
/ QW
|
12 | 29 | 12 | Aug 8, 2025 |
Beijing Capital Airlines
CBJ
/ JD
|
5 | 10 | 5 | Jan 1, 2026 |
China Southern Airlines
CSN
/ CZ
|
6 | 8 | 6 | Aug 9, 2025 |
|
Longhao Airlines
LHA
/ GI
|
2 | 8 | 2 | Nov 3, 2025 |
Zhejiang Loong
CDC
/ GJ
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Aug 8, 2025 |
Shenzhen Airlines
CSZ
/ ZH
|
1 | 4 | 1 | Jul 29, 2025 |
Juneyao Airlines
DKH
/ HO
|
3 | 4 | 3 | Jan 19, 2026 |
SF Airlines
CSS
/ O3
|
2 | 3 | 2 | Aug 9, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16/34 |
11811 ft | 197 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
17/35 |
11811 ft | 148 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official taxis are available 24/7 at the designated taxi stands in the Ground Transportation Center (GTC). Fares are metered, and a trip to downtown Qingdao (e.g., May Fourth Square) typically takes 60-90 minutes, costing around CNY 150-200, depending on traffic. It is advisable to have your destination address written in Chinese.
Rental Cars
Several car rental companies, including international and local providers like Avis, eHi Car Services, and Shenzhou Zuche (CAR Inc.), have counters in the Ground Transportation Center (GTC). Note that foreign visitors typically need a Chinese driver's license to rent and drive a car in China; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually not sufficient on its own. Chauffeur services are often available as an alternative.
Public Transportation
The airport is integrated with a comprehensive Ground Transportation Center (GTC) offering multiple options:
* Metro: Qingdao Metro Line 8 connects the airport directly to Qingdao North Railway Station, providing a fast and efficient link to the city's subway network.
* Airport Shuttle Buses: A network of shuttle buses connects the airport to major districts in Qingdao and neighboring cities like Yantai, Weihai, and Rizhao. Ticket counters and bus platforms are located in the GTC.
* High-Speed Rail: The Jiaodong Airport Railway Station is part of the GTC, offering direct access to China's high-speed train network for convenient travel to cities like Jinan, Weifang, and Beijing.
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