As a major city in northern China, Dalian has convenient air connection with most important domestic and international cities. There are daily flights from Beijing (1 hour and 10 minutes), Shanghai (1 hour and 35 minutes), Guangzhou (2 hours and 55 minutes) and Hong Kong (3 hours) to Dalian. The city also has regular flights to and from cities in Japan and South Korea.

Although Dalian is linked to the national railway system, the city only has direct trains running to Beijing and most major cities in Northeast China, including Changchun, Shenyang, Qiqihar, Jilin and Harbin. For destinations in southern and western China, travelers might need to transfer via Beijing.

Dalian has regular passenger boat services to many cities. Besides the frequent fast ferry boats to Weihai and Yantai in Shandong Province, boats are available to Shanghai, Qinhuangdao and Inchon in Korea. There is regular ferry service from Tianjin, Shanghai, Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai to Dalian.

Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal in the east of Dalian, not far from the Friendship Hotel. Tickets are also sold at a booth in front of the railway station. Bus No.13 offers transfer service from the railway station to the passenger ferry terminal.

Taxi The basic rate is 10 yuan and remind the driver to use the meter. Tram For those not in a hurry, take the tram which provides the charm of old times. Three lines are in operation, with a flat rate of 0.5 yuan. Trams glide around the city and run until 11 pm.

Bus The bus is the best in China since the government has invested large funding to upgrade its fleet of buses. Bus No.13 runs from the railway station to the passenger ferry terminal. Minibuses follow the same routes and charge 2 yuan.