Getting To & Around Qingdao
The airport's far out, the metro covers the coast, and the old town is walkable β how to move in Qingdao.
Arriving
Qingdao Jiaodong Airport (TAO) is 40 km from the city β allow an hour. Metro Line 8 connects to the city center in 50 minutes; a DiDi is Β₯120 and 40 minutes. High-speed rail links Qingdao to Beijing (3 hours) and Shanghai (4.5 hours).
Getting around
The metro (Lines 2, 3, 11) covers the coast, old town and the brewery. The old German quarter is compact and walkable. To the beaches, take Line 11 or a DiDi.
Taxis & ride-hailing
DiDi works everywhere; taxis are metered. Few drivers speak English β use the app's map pin.
To the beaches
Golden Sand Beach and Number One Bathing Beach are 30β40 minutes from the center. Go early; sea fog rolls in by afternoon.
Locals' Tip
Take Metro Line 3 between the train station, brewery and old town β it skips the traffic and the one-way streets.