Dalian has a reasonably well-developed public transportation system, with an extensive bus network and various bus routes running across the city. The cost of taking a bus is typically minimal, and buses are typically dependable and effective. Most portions of the city are served by a light rail system in addition to buses. Although they are typically more expensive than other types of public transportation, taxis are also readily available. Moreover, the city has a number of bike-sharing programs and offers boat transportation to adjacent islands. Overall, using public transportation to navigate around Dalian is effective and practical.

Metro system in Dalian – Basic information

The metro system in Dalian is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. It is one of the most advanced cities in China, with a total of 6 lines and 106 stations, many of which are connected to other public transportation including buses and ferries. The lines are named with letters and colors, with the first line being Line 1 (Green). The fare system is based on distance and is relatively inexpensive, with a single ride costing as little as 2 RMB. Additionally, the metro runs from 6:00 am to 11:30 pm daily and is a safe, efficient, and affordable way to explore the city.

The lines of the Dalian subway system

• The Dalian Metro’s Line 1 (M1; Chinese: 1; pinyin: Dàlián Dti Y Hào Xiàn) is a rapid transit line that crosses central Dalian from north to south. The day of its debut was October 30, 2015. There are 22 stops throughout the 28.34-kilometre (17.61 mi) line.
• Rapid transit line 2 of the Dalian Metro (M2; Chinese: 2; pinyin: Dàlián Dti r Hào Xiàn) forms a “c” in the heart of Dalian. The line’s first phase officially opened on May 22, 2015. There are 29 stations along the 37.97 km (23.59 mi) long line at the moment. Most station names were converted from Pinyin to standard English in October 2017.
• Rapid transit line R3 of the Dalian Metro links the southwest and northwest of the city (Chinese: 3; pinyin: Dàlián Dti Sn Hào Xiàn). The inauguration day was November 8, 2002. This 63.45 kilometer (39.43 mi) railway has 12 stations. It is elevated for 13.89 kilometers (8.63 miles), underground for 1.123 kilometers (0.698 miles), and at grade for 31.39 kilometers of Line 3’s total length (19.50 miles). The other stations have grade-level platforms, while six have elevated platforms. Transfers to trams and trains are offered at the Dalian Railway Station.
• The Dalian Metro Line 5 is a rapid transit line in Dalian, Liaoning, China (Chinese: 5; pinyin: Dàlián Dti W Hào Xiàn). It extends from north to south. The line went live on March 17, 2023.
• The Dalian Metro’s Line 12 (Chinese: 12; pinyin: Dàlián Dti Sh’èr Hào Xiàn) is a rapid transit line that travels through northern Dalian. It debuted on May 1st, 2014. With 8 stations running from east to west, the route runs 40.38 kilometers (25.09 miles) from the center of Dalian to Lüshunkou. The Hekou station is the starting point of this route, which runs southwest and ends at Lüshun New Port station. Similar to Line 3, all of the stations feature side platforms with tracks that are not on ballast (gravel) in the platform area but are on it outside the station. Moreover, a concrete roof and translucent corrugated sheets cover all stations. Most station names were converted from Pinyin to standard English in October 2017.
• Rapid transit line 13 of the Dalian Metro (R4; Chinese: 13; pinyin: Dàlián Dti Shisn Hào Xiàn) mainly serves northern Dalian. The first phase of Line 13 was inaugurated on December 28, 2021. With 12 stations, the route is 43.152 kilometers (26.813 mi) long. The route was previously known as the Jinzhou-Pulandian intercity railway in the early plan bluebooks. Now, trains on Line 13 run continuously between Pulandian Zhenxing Street and the Line 3 branch’s Dalian Development Area.

Map of Dalian Metro 2023 – Free Download in PDF

You can now download the Dalian Metro 2023 map for free in PDF format. The map provides a thorough picture of the Dalian Metro network, including all interchange stations, line numbers, and station names. Also, it offers information on the many attractions, like shopping centers and dining options, that can be found inside each station. The map is simple to read, enabling quick and simple travel planning within the city. It greatly simplifies city navigation, enabling visitors to make the most of their stay in Dalian.

Public transport tickets in Dalian – Best types for travelers & actual prices

In Dalian, using the public transportation system is a cheap and practical way to get around the city. Visitors can tour the city with the selection of tickets offered without worrying about the cost of transportation.

In Dalian, one-way tickets, prepaid cards, and bus coupons are the most often used types of tickets. Any bus station in the city will sell single-trip tickets, which are good for just one travel on any bus in the city. Each of these tickets costs about 2 CNY. Prepaid cards are also sold at bus terminals and cost between 10 and 20 CNY. These cards are rechargeable and can be used on numerous trips. Several convenience stores also sell bus vouchers, which cost about 5 CNY for ten coupons.

The “Dalian Tourist Card” is another alternative for purchasing tickets for visitors to Dalian. This card can be used on all city buses, subways, and ferries and has a 3-day validity period. The card has discounts for several sites and costs about 50 CNY. The “Dalian Tourist Card” is the finest choice for travelers who will be in Dalian for three days. All city public transportation is accessible with this card, which also offers discounts at several sites. It’s a cost-effective and practical method to see the city.

Summary of fares for public transport in Dalian

• One-way tickets cost approximately 2 CNY, prepaid cards cost between 10 and 20 CNY, and bus coupons cost about 5 CNY for 10 coupons.

• The “Dalian Tourist Card,” which has a 3-day validity period and costs roughly 50 CNY, offers discounts at a number of locations.

Timetables & Schedules of the Dalian Metro system

Every day from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, trains run on the Dalian Metro system, stopping every five to ten minutes. On holidays, the system runs with somewhat longer intervals from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. It is crucial to check the service schedule before traveling because the majority of the lines operate every day and a few only operate during the week. Depending on the distance traveled, the fee for a single trip ranges between 2 and 3 RMB. A quick and inexpensive method of getting about the city is the Dalian Metro system.

What Are Other Options For Public Transportation In Dalian?

In recent years, in Dalian, China residents have relied more and more on the city’s public transit system, which is constantly being improved. There are a number of other options for public transportation in Dalian for those seeking alternatives, even if the Dalian Metro has grown to be a well-liked and dependable option for many.

The bus system is Dalian’s most widely used and well-liked form of public transportation. There are buses available all across the city, and there are routes that link the major neighborhoods and locations. Buses are often comfortable and clean, and tickets are moderately priced. For those trying to save money on transportation while enjoying the city, buses can be a fantastic alternative.

In Dalian, taxis are very generally accessible. Taxis are renowned for being both practical and reasonably priced. The duration of the trip, the route used, and the time of day can all affect the cost, though. Also, it is advised to have the final destination written down in Chinese characters because cab drivers might not always know English.

The ferry is an additional mode of public transit in Dalian. Both visitors and locals enjoy using this mode of transportation since it offers breathtaking views of the city from the ocean. Many of the important areas and ports within the city are connected by ferries, which are typically inexpensive.

Dalian also has a robust system for sharing bicycles. For a few yuan, bicycles can be rented and returned at any station in the city. This is a fantastic way to see the city, get some exercise, and cut costs.

In general, Dalian offers a variety of public transportation choices, including buses, taxis, ferries, and bike-sharing. Before determining which form of transportation is ideal for a certain situation, it is vital to weigh all of the available possibilities because each one of them has unique advantages.

How To Get From Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (dlc) To The City Center With Public Transport?

Public transportation makes it simple and convenient to go from Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport to the heart of the city. Depending on your time and money constraints, you have a number of possibilities.

The Airport Shuttle Bus is the first available choice. From the airport, a shuttle bus travels to the Dalian Train Station, where you can change to a bus or metro to get where you’re going. From 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, the shuttle bus costs 10 yuan (about 1.5 USD) and runs every 15 minutes.

Taking a taxi is the alternate choice. Taxis are accessible from the airport around-the-clock. Depending on the route and the time of day, the fare will normally range from 70 to 100 yuan (10-15 USD).

Taking the Metro is the third choice. Metro Line 2 has a direct connection to the airport. To reach to the city center, it will take you about 35 minutes and will cost you 5 Yuan (0.7 USD). From 6:00 am until 11:00 pm, the metro operates.

You may finally board a bus. The airport is connected to the city center by bus lines 5 and 6. The trip takes around an hour and costs 2 yuan (0.3 USD). From 6:00 am until 11:00 pm, buses run.

Regardless of the route you take, it is simple and convenient to go from Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport to the city center. You can simply discover a means to go where you’re going with a little bit of preparation.

What kind of sightseeing do you have to see if you visit Dalian for the first time?

On the Liaodong Peninsula in northeastern China, the enormous port metropolis of Dalian is located. Dalian is a must-visit location for those who wish to learn about China because of its breathtaking natural surroundings and vibrant culture. Here are the greatest places to do in Dalian, from historic temples to cutting-edge museums.

The Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park is one of the best places to see in Dalian. The park, which is situated on the Dalian Bay shoreline and is home to a diverse variety of marine species, is a fantastic location to learn about the ocean. Together with a sizable aquarium, the park is also home to a number of other attractions, such as a roller coaster and a ferris wheel.

The Tiger Beach is yet another well-liked destination in Dalian. This beautiful beach is one of Dalian’s most popular tourist destinations and is situated along the city’s coast. The beach is a well-liked location for swimming and tanning due to its beautiful seas and white sand.

In search of culture? Visit the Dalian Museum of Art. This museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the city and is home to a variety of Chinese and foreign artworks. The museum also conducts a variety of cultural activities, such as talks and movie screenings.

Visit the Dalian Great Wall Site for a sample of traditional Chinese culture. The Great Wall of China remnants are located at this location, which is also an excellent destination to learn about Chinese history and culture. With breathtaking city vistas, it’s also a fantastic location for photography.

Finally, don’t forget to visit Xinghai Square. It’s a terrific area to people watch and take in the sights because it’s right in the middle of the city. The area is an excellent site to learn about the history of the city because it is also the location of several monuments and statues.

Dalian is a thriving, dynamic city with a wide variety of things to see and do. Dalian has something for everyone, whether they are seeking culture, history, or just a good time. Dalian is a must-visit location for tourists interested in learning more about China because of its breathtaking natural surroundings and dynamic culture.

Summary of our tour guide for Dalian

In China’s Liaoning province, the city of Dalian is a contemporary port. Dalian, which has a population of over 6 million, is a bustling metropolis with a variety of attractions. Dalian’s public transportation is dependable and reasonably priced, with buses, taxis, and a metro system offering easy access to the entire city. Dalian is the perfect place for travelers looking for an exciting and distinctive trip experience thanks to its convenient location and dependable public transit.

Top 5 FAQs and answers about Dalian public transport?

1. What kinds of public transportation are offered in Dalian?
   • The buses, taxis, ferries, and metro make up Dalian’s public transportation network. With more than 1,500 buses operating in the city, buses are by far the most used form of transportation. Moreover, the city has approximately 8,000 taxis that may be reserved in advance or flagged down on the street. With services running throughout the day, ferries are mostly used to commute between the mainland and the adjacent islands. The city’s four operating subway lines make up an effective system.

2. How much does Dalian public transportation cost?
   • The cost of using Dalian’s public transportation varies based on the form of transportation. The cost of a bus or ferry ride begins at 1 yuan. Taxi fares begin at 8 yuan for the first 3 kilometers and increase by 2 yuan for each additional kilometer. The cost of the subway is 2 yuan for the first 6 kilometers and 2 yuan for each extra 6 kilometers.

3. Are there any late-night public transportation options?
   • I’d say there is. Certain lines of the bus system and the subway run till after midnight. Also, the ferries operate well into the evening. The cabs can be reserved in advance and are available around-the-clock.

4. Are there accessible transportation options for people with disabilities?
   • Absolutely, disabled people can use Dalian’s public transportation. The majority of buses and ferries offer wheelchair-accessible seats and ramps. The subway also provides special access for people with disabilities, including tactile walkways and audio announcements for people who are blind.

5. Are there any specials for Dalian’s public transportation system?
   • There are, indeed. For various passenger types, the public transportation system in Dalian provides a number of discounts. Discounts on bus and ferry tickets are available for seniors, students, and those with disabilities. Moreover, disabled people receive a 50% discount on the subway.