Tianjin Binhai Layover Guide (TSN)

What are you looking for in TSN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Tianjin Airport (TSN) is an international airport located in Dongli District, Tianjin, China. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Tianjin. The airport officially opened in 1939. Tianjin is one of China’s major port cities and a key economic hub in the north. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique blend of architecture, and vibrant culinary scene, making it a dynamic destination for both work and leisure.

Can you leave Tianjin Airport (TSN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Tianjin (TSN) holding confirmed onward tickets within 24 hours may exit visa-free. Nationals from 53 eligible countries enjoy a 144-hour stay in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Others must obtain a Chinese transit (G) visa in advance. You must hold a passport and an onward ticket to a third country. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ancient Culture Street Ancient Culture Street bustles with traditional shops selling folk crafts, antiques, and local snacks, while ornate Qing dynasty arches frame cobblestone lanes full of vibrant cultural performances and street art, perfect for cultural photography. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~40 min or Metro Line 2 to Nanjing Road Station + 5 min walk.)
• Eye of Tianjin The Eye of Tianjin, a 120-meter-high ferris wheel built over Yongle Bridge, offers panoramic views of the Haihe River and skyline, especially stunning at sunset when city lights shimmer, truly unforgettable experience. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min or Metro Line 2 to Tianjin Railway Station + 10 min walk.)
• Porcelain House Hidden in a French colonial courtyard, the Porcelain House dazzles with mosaics made from millions of antique porcelain shards, creating a whimsical museum space blending Chinese ceramic art with European architecture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min.)
• Italian Style Street Italian Style Street transports visitors to early 20th-century Italy, lined with elegant yellow villas converted into cafes, galleries, and boutiques, perfect for leisurely strolls and European-inspired afternoon tea. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min.)
• Five Great Avenues The Five Great Avenues neighborhood showcases colonial-era mansions along tree-lined streets named after world cities, offering architecture tours by bike or foot with charming cafes and boutique shops dotted between historical villas. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 1 to Fuguo Road Station + 5 min walk or taxi ~35 min.)
• Jingyuan Garden Jingyuan Garden, once residence of Qing dynasty official Li Ching, features exquisite pavilions, tranquil ponds, and classical landscaping, providing a peaceful retreat contrasting Tianjin’s urban bustle, ideal for quiet reflection. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min or Metro Line 2 to Gulou Station + 5 min walk.)
• Haihe River Cruise Enjoy a Haihe River Cruise aboard glass-top boats passing under historic bridges, illuminated landmarks, and riverside promenades, offering unique perspectives on Tianjin’s architectural heritage both day and night. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or Metro Line 2 to Tianjin Railway Station + 15 min walk.)
• Tianjin Museum Tianjin Museum houses over 200,000 artifacts, including ancient ceramics, calligraphy, and local folk relics, within its modern glass-and-steel building, offering free admission and rotating special exhibitions. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 to Yingkoudao Station + 10 min walk or taxi ~40 min.)

Things to Do in Tianjin Airport (TSN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Tianjin Airport hosts two pay-in and membership lounges in each terminal, offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, newspapers and free Wi-Fi. Business travelers can enjoy shower facilities and workstations. Access via priority cards (e.g., DragonPass, Priority Pass) or single-visit fees, open daily from 06:00 to 22:00. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
A 210-room on-site Jinbin Hotel sits steps from the main terminal, connected by covered walkway and courtesy shuttle. Day-use rooms and full overnight stays are available. Nearby airport hotels (Holiday Inn, Ibis) offer 24-hour shuttles. Reservations recommended, especially during peak travel seasons for best rates and guaranteed availability. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
In both terminals, dedicated quiet zones feature reclining lounge chairs and dimmed lighting for short naps. Along corridors, clusters of padded benches provide informal resting spots. No showers or private pods. Security and cleaning staff patrol regularly; earplugs and travel pillows recommended for added comfort during overnight stays or long layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout public and airside areas. Connect to “TBIA_Free_WiFi,” register with your mobile number or passport, then enjoy two hours per session. Unlimited re-login allowed. Speeds reach up to 20 Mbps for basic browsing and messaging; premium packages for faster bandwidth can be purchased at telecom kiosks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Arrival halls house China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom counters selling SIM and eSIM packages. Present passport to activate. Prepaid plans start around ¥50 for 3 GB data and local calls. eSIM activation requires a QR code scan via smartphone. Top-ups available at vending machines and convenience stores. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis queue outside Arrivals on levels 1 and 2. All vehicles are metered: initial ¥10 for 3 km, then ¥2.5 per km. Downtown Tianjin costs about ¥100–120 depending on traffic. Credit cards and mobile payments accepted. 24/7 service; express taxis (higher fare) reduce wait times and offer English-speaking drivers.

Train: Tianjin Airport Railway Station sits adjacent to Terminal 2, served by the Jinbin Intercity Railway. Trains depart every 15 minutes between 06:00–22:00, reaching Tianjin South Station in 30 minutes. Comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. (more info).

Bus: Six city bus routes connect the airport with downtown and Tianjin Railway Station. Operating hours vary by line (05:30–23:00), with fares ¥2–15. Tickets sold at service counters or directly payable via transit cards. Bilingual signage and announcements aid navigation. (more info).

Shuttle: Free inter-terminal shuttle buses run every 10 minutes between Terminals 1 and 2 (operational 24 hours). Hotel shuttle services to nearby properties depart from designated bays outside Arrivals; schedules depend on each hotel’s front-desk reservation. Courtesy shuttles to the Airport Railway Station operate hourly from 06:00–21:00.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, China Auto) maintain counters in both terminals’ car rental halls. Rental cars include economy to SUV classes. Requirements: valid international driving permit or Chinese license, passport, deposit. Operating hours 07:00–23:00; after-hours pick-ups by prior arrangement. Youth and insurance surcharges may apply. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Four multi-storey lots (P1–P4) serve short- and long-term stays. P1 and P2 closest to terminals offer hourly rates of ¥10 for first hour, ¥5 each additional, max ¥80 per day. P3 and P4 economical long-term parking at ¥30/day. License plate recognition automates entry and exit.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left-luggage counters in Arrival Halls 1 and 2 provide staffed storage (small bags ¥15/day, large ¥30/day). Coin-operated lockers near security checkpoints accommodate carry-on items in three sizes (¥5–¥15/24 h). Services run 24 hours; receipts required for retrieval. Emergency baggage carts available nearby. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tianjin Airport (TSN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks