Transport · Airports · DLC
大连周水子国际机场 · DLC / ZYTL. Dalian's compact airport at the tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, known for seafood, a Russian–Japanese colonial legacy, and easy metro access to the city.
About this airport
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport occupies a constrained site on the Liaodong Peninsula, just 10 kilometres from the city centre. The airport's location in a residential area limits expansion, which has led to planning for an eventual new airport on a more suitable site.
Dalian is one of northeastern China's most pleasant cities to visit: a relatively green, hilly port city that retains architectural reminders of Russian rule (1898–1905) and subsequent Japanese colonial development (1905–1945). The Russian-built street grid and Japanese municipal buildings coexist with modern commercial development along the waterfront.
The city is also one of China's major seafood markets. Dalian sea cucumber, hairy crab (in autumn), and fresh oysters are served throughout the city and at airport restaurants. Metro Line 2 provides a quick, cheap connection between the airport and the city centre, making Dalian straightforward to navigate as a transit stop.
International services from DLC connect principally to Japan and South Korea, reflecting the strong economic ties between the peninsula and those countries, as well as routes to Southeast Asia. The compact nature of the airport makes it one of the easier Chinese airports to process through quickly.
Terminals
Single passenger terminal with both domestic and international piers. A new airport (Dalian New Airport) was under planning as of 2026 to replace the constrained existing site.
Transit to the city
Metro Line 2 connects the airport to the city centre in about 25 minutes (CNY 4). Taxis cost CNY 40–70 to the central square or waterfront.
Priority Pass lounges
Food
The terminal has a reasonable food court with seafood-focused Dalian dishes, including sea cucumber and hairy crab stalls in season. Standard fast food chains and a coffee shop are also present.
Sleep options
No airside hotel. The Kempinski Hotel Dalian and several Marriott properties are in the city centre.
Transit visa-free rules
Dalian holds a 72-hour TWOV for eligible nationalities on qualifying routes, covering travel within Liaoning province.