How Do You Navigate Ningbo Airport (NGB)? Transfers, Terminals & Tips

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Ningbo Airport

Navigating Ningbo Airport (NGB) has a single main terminal divided into domestic and international sections, with clear signage for arrivals, departures, and transfer points.

Travelers can use airport shuttles, taxis, or public buses to reach the city center. Check the terminal map in advance to locate check-in counters, security, lounges, and gates. For smooth transfers, allow sufficient time between connecting flights and follow directional signs to avoid confusion.

In this guide, we'll take you to get detailed info about terminal map, arrival/departure info, flight codes, transfers & tips for lounges, transport & facilities in simple terms.

About Ningbo Lishe International Airport (Code, Location, etc.)

Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Know basic info about Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Ningbo Lishe International Airport (IATA: NGB) is in Haishu District, about 16 km from downtown Ningbo. It connects to the city via taxis, buses, and Ningbo Rail Transit Line 2.

Terminal 2 (T2), opened in 2019, spans 112,400 m² over 4 floors and handles 12 million passengers annually (Haishu Government, 2019). In 2024, the airport served over 14 million passengers and 168,600 tons of cargo, with Terminal 1 (T1) reopened for domestic flights (Zhejiang Provincial Transport Department, 2025).

You can fly to over 90 cities, including places like Tokyo and Bangkok. Airlines like China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines operate here, alongside 20 international routes to cities across Asia and beyond.

Ningbo Airport Basic Info

IATA Code

NGB

Location

16km SW of Ningbo downtown

Terminal

T2 (112,400 m², 4 floors)

Runway Level

4E (3,200 meters)

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How to Get from Ningbo Airport to the City?

Ningbo metro line 2 from the airport

Get from Ningbo Airport to the city by metro line 2

Option

Cost

Time

Tips

Metro Line 2

¥6

20 mins

Fastest & cheapest. Follow signs to B2 after baggage claim.

Taxi

¥45–55

25 mins

Watch for drivers refusing short trips. Use

Didi

(ride-hail) if needed.

Airport Bus

¥12

25 mins

Slower than metro but drops you at train station.

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​By Metro (Line 2)​

  • ​Where to catch it​​: Inside the airport’s Ground Traffic Center (B1 floor, next to Terminal 2). Follow signs for the metro.
  • ​Ride details​​:
    • Takes ​​20 minutes​​ to reach downtown (e.g., Gulou or City God Temple stations).
    • ​Cost​​: ¥6 (varies slightly by distance; ¥2–¥10 total).
    • ​First/last train​​: First departs airport at 6:00 AM, last at 10:20 PM. Trains run every ​​~7 minutes​​.
  • ​Why use it​​: Fastest and cheapest option. Direct link to downtown shopping and hotels.

​By Taxi​

  • ​Where to catch it​​: Exit Terminal 2’s 1st floor arrivals hall. Official taxis line up here.
  • ​Ride details​​:
    • ​Cost​​: Around ​​¥45–¥55​​ (daytime) or ​​¥55–¥65​​ (night).
      • Daytime (6 AM–10 PM): ¥10 base fare for first 3 km, then ¥1.8/km up to 10 km, ¥2.7/km after.
      • Night (10 PM–6 AM): 20% extra surcharge.
    • ​Time​​: 25–30 minutes (traffic-dependent).
  • ​Why use it​​: Best for groups, late-night arrivals, or heavy luggage.

​By Airport Bus (Line 1)​

  • ​Where to catch it​​: Terminal 2’s 1st floor arrivals hall (look for ticket counters).
  • ​Ride details​​:
    • ​Route​​: Airport → Ningbo Railway Station (downtown).
    • ​Cost​​: ¥12 per person.
    • ​Time​​: 25 minutes.
    • ​Schedule​​:
      • Airport to downtown: Runs from ​​9:30 AM until the last flight lands​​ (every ~30 minutes).
      • Downtown to airport: ​​10:00 AM–5:00 PM​​ (hourly buses).
  • ​Why use it​​: Good for early/late flights, but limited daytime return trips.
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What Are the Hotel Options near Ningbo Airport with Free Shuttle?

If you catched a red eye flight or arrive at Ningbo Airport super early in the morning, consider these hotels with shuttle service!

1. Atour Hotel (Ningbo Airport Yinzhou Avenue)

Great spot near Ningbo Airport (just 6km away)! They offer free airport pickup/drop-off, comfy rooms with smart controls, and a 24/7 gym. Breakfast gets rave reviews, and the lobby has a cool library. Perfect for business trips—free Wi-Fi, conference rooms, and even robot helpers. Taxis are easy to book too.

2. Quanji Hotel (Ningbo Lishe Airport Qiyun Road Branch)

Newly opened in 2024, this hotel is super close to the airport (8km) and metro. Clean, modern rooms with robot deliveries, free parking, and a laundry room. The breakfast buffet is cheap (¥40), and staff are super friendly. Good for families or business travelers—plus they’ve got EV chargers!
9.6/10
2600 reviews
10/10
Superior Room (2 Beds)
I chose this Atour Hotel because I had an early flight the next day, and it's conveniently located just ten minutes away. The airport shuttle service was a huge plus, so I didn't have to worry about finding a taxi. The front desk staff were very welcoming; they offered me hot water as soon as I arrived and even upgraded my room. The room was clean, the mattress and pillows were very comfortable, and it even had a nice river view.
review picture
10/10
Superior Room (2 Beds)
Superb value for the price. Nice looking hotel. Room was nice and quiet. Great shower with plenty of pressure. Clean room with lots of space for a person in transit. Bed was a bit soft, as were the pillows. Room heating worked fine. Only ten minutes from the airport. Again, this hotel was amazing value. Definitely recommend it.
review picture
10/10
Superior Double Room
Everything ok. Good hotel😊
review picture
10/10
Superior Room (2 Beds)
Provide airport pick-up service, ten minutes away from the airport, first choice for early morning flights. Dining around is inconvenient, late night porridge service is very considerate. Will stay again...
review picture
10/10
Executive Family Friendly Room
Very comfortable stay experience, good front desk service, very good soundproofing in the room, excellent soundproofing, the late night porridge at night was also very good, the porridge was quite considerate, the pickles were delicious, the late night porridge was warm and considerate, the facilities and equipment were also very good, the warm water given upon leaving the hotel was very heartwarming, overall a very good hotel.
review picture

How to Transfer from Shanghai to Ningbo?

Ningbo Station

Credit: Wikipedia, transfer from Shanghai to Ningbo Station

1. High-Speed Train (Fastest & Most Popular)

  • Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
  • Cost: ¥115–¥165 (economy class)
  • Departure Stations:
    • Shanghai Hongqiao Station: Most trains depart here, with frequent services (e.g., G7541 at 05:52, arriving at 07:50).
    • Shanghai South Station: Fewer options but still convenient (e.g., D2287 at 06:56, arriving at 09:16).
  • Key Tips:
    • Book tickets early via Ctrip or 12306 for popular times.
    • Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) for smoother travel.
    • Trains arrive at Ningbo Railway Station, which is downtown.
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2. Regular Train (Cheap Option)

  • Duration: 4–5 hours
  • Cost: ¥46.5 (hard seat) to ¥140.5 (soft sleeper)
  • Best for: Overnight travel or budget travelers.

3. Flight (Short but Limited)

  • Duration: ~1 hour (plus airport transit time)
  • Airlines: China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines operate occasional flights (e.g., MU5699 from Pudong to Ningbo).
  • Pros: Direct route (160km), ideal for connecting to international flights.
  • Cons: Few daily flights; trains are often more reliable.

4. Long-Distance Bus (Flexible but Slow)

  • Duration: ~4 hours
  • Cost: ¥100–¥150
  • Departure: Shanghai South Bus Station or Hongqiao Bus Station.
  • Best for: Last-minute travel when trains are sold out.

5. Private Car/Taxi (Convenient but Pricy)

  • Duration: ~3 hours (via G15 Shenhai Expressway)
  • Cost: ¥500–¥800 (one-way)
  • Tip: Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for shared rides.

What's the Map of the Station at Ningbo Airport?

Ningbo Airport station map

Credit: china airline travel, Ningbo Airport station map

(Note: T1 reopened in 2023 but currently handles only select airlines like Hainan Air and Longjiang Air)

Level

Key Facilities & Services

Access Notes

4F

-

Departures Hall

(Check-in Islands E/F/G) -

Self-service kiosks

(21 sets at Entrances 1-3) -

First-class lounges

(e.g., Yongyi Lounge near Gate 222)

Domestic check-in closes 45 mins before flight.

3F

-

Security check

-

International departures

(customs/immigration) -

Duty-free shops

Arrive 3+ hours early for international flights.

2F

-

Arrivals Hall

(domestic) -

Baggage claim

(carousels 1-9) -

Metro Line 2 entrance

(B2)

Free trolleys available for luggage.

1F

-

International arrivals

(quarantine/customs) -

Taxi stand

-

Airport Bus Line 1

to downtown (¥12)

Bus runs until last flight, every 30 mins.

B2

-

Metro Line 2 station

(to downtown in 20 mins, ¥6) -

Parking lot

(short-term)

Follow signs from baggage claim.

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How Do Arrivals & Departures Work at Ningbo Airport (NGB)?

Ningbo Airport departure gate

Know how to navigate through Ningbo Airport for arrival and departure

*Only for reference, there may be updates, pls check the airport official site for the latest info.

Ningbo Airport Arrival Guide (Terminal 2, 1st Floor)

  • Domestic Flights:
    • Follow signs to Baggage Claim after landing. Check screens for your flight’s carousel number.
    • Free trolleys are available for heavy luggage. Dressing rooms are nearby if needed.
    • Exit options:
      • Metro Line 2 (B2 floor, ¥6, 20 mins to downtown) – Best option.
      • Taxi (1F, ¥45–55, 25 mins) – Watch for drivers refusing short trips; use Didi if needed.
      • Airport Bus Line 1 (1F, ¥12, 25 mins to Ningbo Railway Station) – Runs until last flight, every 30 mins.
  • International/HK/Macao/Taiwan Flights:
    • Quarantine & Immigration: Present travel docs and health declarations. Yellow fever vaccination cert may be required.
    • Customs: Use red channel for declarable items (e.g., >¥6,000 cash, pets), green for nothing to declare.
    • 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Available for 54 nationalities with onward tickets within 6 days.

Ningbo Airport Departure Guide (Terminal 2, 3rd Floor)

What to Know

​​Domestic Flights​​

​​International Flights​​

Check-in opens

2 hours before departure

3 hours before departure

Security wait time

10–20 mins (normal days)

20–30 mins (peak seasons)

Arrive by

2 hours before flight

3 hours before flight

Baggage allowance

20kg checked + 5kg carry-on

23kg checked + 7kg carry-on

*Only for reference, there may be updates, pls check the airport official site for the latest info.

  • Check-In:
    • Domestic: Opens 2 hours before flight; closes 45 mins prior.
      • Self-check kiosks: Available for most airlines (except China Southern/Chongqing/Spring/9Air) .
    • International: Opens 3 hours before flight; closes 50 mins prior.
    • Counters:
      • Island E: China Eastern/Shanghai Airlines.
      • Island F: Other domestic airlines.
      • Island G: International flights .
  • Security & Boarding:
    • Have ID/ticket ready. Arrive at gates 30–40 mins before departure.
    • Prohibited items: Weapons, liquids >100ml, sharp objects (e.g., knives). See full list .
  • Transport to Airport:
    • Metro Line 2: Direct to T2 (B2 floor), ¥6, 20 mins from downtown .
    • Taxi: Drop-off at 3F, T2. Daytime fare ~¥45 .

How to Get Access to Ningbo Airport Lounge?

Ningbo Airport lounge

Take a rest at Ningbo Airport lounge

1. Lounge Locations & Types

  • T2 Domestic Lounges (Post-Security)
    • "Yongyi" Lounge: Near Gate 222, features 270° glass walls for plane-spotting. Offers local snacks like Ningbo rice cakes
    • Ningbo Bank Lounge: Opposite Gate 5, smaller (26 seats) but quieter. Free Wi-Fi and fruit
    • General Lounges: Near Gates 9/215/218, with hot meals (e.g., noodles) during mealtimes
  • Independent VIP Lounges (Pre-Security)
    • "VIP Area 2": East side of T2. Full-service: baggage check-in, private安检, and golf cart to your plane
    • Bank Lounges: Separate buildings for招商/ICBC/农行. Need预约; some offer free parking (e.g.,宁波银行)

2. How to Access?

  • By Airline Status:
    • First/Business class or airline gold cards (e.g., China Eastern) get free entry to designated lounges
  • By Bank Cards:
    • Ningbo Bank白金卡: Free access to their lounge; call ahead to book
    • 农行/招行白金卡: 3-6 points per use. Booking required (call 400-619-5599)
    • 交行沃德卡: Scan app QR code at entrance
  • Paid Entry: ~¥150-300 by "Zhejiang VIP Card" or platforms like Trip.com

3. What’s Inside?

  • Food:
    • Hot meals (11:30-13:30/17:30-19:30): Expect stir-fries, soups. Non-meal times = instant noodles
    • Snacks: Local treats like dried fish, sesame crackers
  • Services:
    • Fast安检, boarding calls, and buggy rides to gates
    • Weak spots: Few power outlets, no showers

What to Prepare for a Trip to China?

  • Visa & Entry Tips China’s ​240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers ​54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
  • Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
  • Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.

Must-Have Apps in China

  • China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use ​Alipay (I like it better) or ​WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
  • China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
  • China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like ​DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
  • China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
  • China Dating Apps Locals use ​Tantan (China’s Tinder) and ​Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
  • China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.

FAQs about Ningbo Airport

  • Where is Ningbo Airport located?

    It is in Haishu District, about 16 km from downtown Ningbo.
  • How many terminals does Ningbo Airport have?

    Two terminals: T1 (mainly domestic) and T2 (international and some domestic flights).
  • How can I get from Ningbo Airport to the city?

    By taxi, airport bus, or Ningbo Metro Line 2.
  • Is Ningbo Airport international?

    Yes, it operates both domestic and international flights.
  • When should I arrive at Ningbo Airport before departure?

    At least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
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Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

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Ningbo Airport