Passing through Luzhou Airport? A layover in Luzhou is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 70 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Before You Step Outside LZO
A few things to sort out before you leave LZO:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for China. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Luzhou takes about 70 minutes by Airport Shuttle Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is CNY. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Exploring Luzhou on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Luzhou:
Start with Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Dongyan Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
If you’d rather stay inside LZO — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport VIP Lounge
- Airport Retail Shops
Food & Dining Options
In Luzhou
If you make it into town, Ba Dao Tang Hot Pot is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Shuizhu Sanxi Restaurant.
Inside LZO
If you’re staying in the terminal, Local Noodle House is your main option. Airport Cafe & Bakery works too if you want something quick.
Getting from LZO to Luzhou
From LZO, the Airport Shuttle Bus gets you to Luzhou in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airport Shuttle Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Luzhou might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$7 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$22 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage is available at Luggage storage/lockers are likely unavailable or extremely limited at this regional airport.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Luzhou.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LZO, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Luzhou itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for China that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at LZO
Long overnight layover? Your options at LZO include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in China also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Luzhou with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Luzhou may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.