By Air
Suzhou is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, and it is easily accessible by road, rail and air, though most travelers to Suzhou stick to the first two transit options. The highway network surrounding the city is extensive and well developed, and while the local airport is small and serves only local routes, there are numerous direct 30-minute bullet trains from Suzhou to Shanghai's nearby Hongqiao International Airport.
Upon Arrival in Shanghai
Shanghai is the only Chinese city owning two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Both airports are equipped with very advanced facilities. Every day, about 1,000 flights travel through the two airports, linking Shanghai with many domestic and international cities. From the airport, you can take Airport Shuttle Bus to Shanghai downtown or nearby cities.
Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in Pudong New District, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Shanghai's downtown area and about 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) from Hongqiao International Airport.
Upon Arrival in Nanjing
Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Nanjing Lukou International Airport enjoys convenient transportation and serves as the key airport of China. It was built in February, 1995 and put into service on July 1, 1997. The terminal measures 13.2 square meters (16 square yards), with a 44.7 square meters (53 square yards) parking apron. The runway, on the other hand, measures 3,600 -meter-long (3,937-yard-long). As an alternate airport to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, it now services to 45 domestic cities and 12 international cities, including Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Singapore and Seoul.
Passenger Guidance
How to get to my university from Pudong International Airport or Nanjing Lukou International Airport
SICAS Airport Pick-up Service
If you want to meet us at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, you can book an airport pick-up service with SICAS. At least 72 hours notice is required for booking the airport pick-up (Collection) service. You must include the following information on your application:
1. Airline
2. Flight Number
3. Arrival Date
4. Arrival Time
5. Terminal
Contact Us
By Train
Suzhou is an important train terminus and daily routes to Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are offered. The new High Speed Train line has included Suzhou on the route, and the city is connected to Shanghai and Nanjing on this network. There is also a good network of long-distance bus routes (Shanghai, with departures every 20 minutes, is particularly convenient). Scenic cruises on the ancient Grand Canal are a popular option, and interested visitors should check out the trips on offer.
By Bus
Suzhou's public transportation is well developed and reliable. Public buses cover the major routes in the city and fares are fairly reasonable –1 RMB for a non-air conditioned bus and 2 RMB for a cooler ride. Change is not available, so carry small notes. The five bus lines for the Suzhou suburbs all have different prices for tickets. Prices usually range from 2-3 RMB.
Suzhou Public Transport Co.
Add: 64 Renmin Nanlu, Canglang District,Suzhou
Tel: 0512 6525 0920
Fax: 0512 6563 6178
Website: http://www.szgjgs.com/
By ship
Suzhou is famous for its canals, and it is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". The canals eventually link up with the Grand Canal which was once a water transport route between Beijing and Hangzhou. Today, it is still possible to take scheduled cruises between Suzhou and Hangzhou.
A. Wharfs
Located 200 meters east of the Nanmen People's Bridge on the northern bank of the river is the 'New Steamboat Wharf'. Passengers from the Suzhou-Hangzhou boat can embark and disembark at this station. The wharf also offers scenic tours along the round-the-city river to places like Hanshan Temple, Tiger Hill, Tongli, Zhouzhuang and other tourist spots.
Bus Route: 1, 7, 16, 28, 101, 102, 513, 514 (get off at the People's Bridge [Renmin Qiao] bus Stop)
Tourism bus: 2, 50, 59, 65
South Gate Dock (Nanmen Dock)
Add: 8 Renmin Lu, Suzhou
Inquiry: (0512) 6520 6681
Ticket booking: 0512-6520 9076, 6520 5720
B. Scheduled Steamboats
Currently there is one scheduled cruise offered to Hangzhou, which is located approximately 150 kilometers west of Suzhou. The Suzhou-Hangzhou boat departs Suzhou at about 5:30pm and arrives in Hangzhou at about 6:30am the next day. This is a relaxing way of traveling a short distance, and is a great way to rest for several hours before arriving at your next destination. This all-inclusive overnight ride includes food and beverages, and features air-conditioned rooms. Cabin sizes vary to accommodate two, four or six passengers, depending on the season.
It is recommended that travelers board the boat at least 30 minutes prior to departure. During the low season, tickets can be purchased just two hours in advance. During peak season, travelers need to purchase tickets well in advance, as they sell out very quickly.
Ticket Offices:
Suzhou Steamboat Transport Company
Add: 8 Renmin Lu, Suzhou
Tel: 0512-65206681, 6520 5720
Nanmen Ticket Office
Add: north end of Renmin Bridge, Suzhou
Tel: 0512-65203010
People's Road Ticket Office of Suzhou United Transport Company
Add: 556 Renmin Lu, Suzhou
Tel: 0512-6729 5523
By Taxi
The only time that it is difficult to find a taxi is during rush hour. Otherwise, it is easy to flag them down on the street. The flag fall is 10 RMB, with 1.8 RMB charged for each km after the first three. After 5 kilometers, a 50% surcharge will be added to the total bill. If waiting time exceeds five minutes, you will be charged extra. From 23:00-5:00, Suzhou cabs will charge an extra night fare of 20% to the total fare. Even if visitors speak Chinese, it is advised to write down the address in Chinese characters, as the local dialect is fairly strong here. Most hotels can help you with this.
Suzhou Comfort Taxi Co., Ltd.
Suzhou Comfort Taxi Co., Ltd. was established in March 1994. It is a large-scale comprehensive enterprise that deals with taxis, automobile repair, automobile sales, and auto parts distribution.
Add: 188 Jinjihu Lu, Industry District, Suzhou
Tel: 0512 6762 0200
Fax: 0512 67610101
