Ningbo Lishe International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (NGB)

Ningbo Lishe Airport serves the important port city in Zhejiang province, about 12 km from the centre, among the world's busiest cargo ports.

Ningbo has a rich historic centre with temples and canals, often considered a quieter destination compared to nearby Shanghai.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: www.nbairport.com

How to get to Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Ningbo city center is approximately 12 km from the airport: the metro is the fastest solution, roughly 20-25 minutes to downtown.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Ningbo's center in approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Train

Metro: line 2 of the metro system connects the airport directly to Ningbo's city center in approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Bus

Multiple dedicated bus lines connect the airport to Ningbo's city center.

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Tips Ningbo is well connected by high-speed rail to Shanghai and Hangzhou: consider a day trip if time permits. Activate Alipay or WeChat Pay at the airport.

Average travel time to NGB

Train20-25 minutes (metro)

Shuttle bus20-25 minutes

Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes

Parking near Ningbo Lishe International Airport

The official parking is located right in front of the terminal.

It is not staffed but is video-monitored; first 30 minutes free, then 10 CNY up to 2 hours, +6 CNY/hour thereafter, cap 80 CNY in 24 hours.

How to get to Ningbo from NGB

By Train

Metro: Line 2 directly connects the airport to Ningbo Railway Station in approximately 21 minutes; tiered fares 2-6 CNY depending on distance.

By Bus

Multiple dedicated bus lines connect the airport to Ningbo city center.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; metered fares are standard for rides to the city center, approximately 40-60 CNY (6-8 USD), airport pickup surcharge included.

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Car rental at Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Only some car rental operators have a desk at arrival.

The majority of travelers here rely on taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than car rental.

Hotels near Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Lishe is among the most central airports in this group: metro Line 2 departs from level B1 of the Ground Traffic Center, next to Terminal 2, and reaches downtown, towards Gulou and the City God Temple, in about 20 minutes for 6 yuan. This makes Ningbo one of the few airports where it's almost always worth aiming for downtown rather than staying in the airport area, unless it's a layover of just a few hours or a dawn flight, when the trains aren't running yet.

Airport area

Both hotels are 6-8 km from the terminal: the Atour offers a free shuttle, while the JI Hotel is 520 metres from the Ouchi metro station.

Best for: Layovers of a few hours and departures before 6am, when metro Line 2 isn't running yet.

Pros

The Atour's free shuttle also runs before the metro's operating hours
The JI Hotel is just steps from the metro, handy for both the airport and downtown

Cons

An area with no restaurants or evening life outside the hotels
Without a car of your own, outside metro hours only the taxi remains

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Gulou and Tianyi Square

Metro Line 2 runs direct from the airport's Ground Traffic Center to Gulou station in about 20 minutes (6 yuan).

Best for: Anyone who wants central Ningbo, among the department stores of Tianyi Square and the riverfront restaurants, with a direct metro to the airport.

Pros

Tianyi Square, Ningbo's main shopping district, a 15-minute walk away
A direct metro to the airport with no changes, handy even with heavy luggage

Cons

A central, touristy area, so more expensive and busier in the evening
Some reviews mention slow check-in times during peak periods

Recommended hotels

Shangri-La Ningbo At the confluence of Ningbo's three rivers, next to exit A of the Gulou metro and a 15-minute walk from Tianyi Square; 562 rooms, many with river views. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport provides services befitting one of China's busiest port cities.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Chinese tea, baijiu, and dried fish products typical of Zhejiang's coastal tradition.

Lounges & relaxation

Access requires a paid day-pass, with operating hours aligned to departing flights from the terminal.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have service desks at the airport.

Families & Children

The terminal reserves basic-level assistance for families with children.

Terminal guide

The internal route takes about 15 minutes through a terminal designed for regional traffic.

Customs processing times vary: for international flights, it is prudent to arrive at least 3 hours early.

Map of Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Ningbo close to Shanghai?

Yes, well connected by high-speed train, convenient for a day trip from Shanghai or vice versa.

Q. What to see in Ningbo?

The canals and historic temples of the city centre, along with the port, among the busiest in the world for maritime trade.

Q. What historic sites to see in Ningbo?

Tianyi Pavilion, a private library founded in the 16th century, is the oldest surviving library in China: a site that tells the story of the city's long cultural tradition beyond its role as a trading port.