Asia > China > Dalian (DLC)
The Car or no Car advice for Dalian can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Dalian ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Dalian ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Dalian?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚗 Renting a car — possible but not simple
China does not recognise foreign driving licences. You must hold a Chinese licence to legally drive, which makes self-drive rentals effectively inaccessible to most travellers. While car-and-driver services exist, they are usually aimed at business travellers, not tourists.
Therefore, almost all visitors rely on Dalian’s public transport network. Fortunately, the city makes this incredibly easy.
🚇 Metro, buses and trams — the best way to move around
Dalian has a growing metro system, and Line 1 and Line 2 cover the most important areas for visitors. Stations are clean, modern and clearly signed in English. Because the city spreads along the coast, the metro often saves a lot of time compared with surface traffic.
Buses are frequent and cheap. They reach beaches, parks and suburban areas that sit beyond the metro. Dalian also has historic trams, which still run through parts of the city and add character to local journeys.
Between these three options, travelling without a car is simple.
🏖️ Car-free highlights
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Xinghai Square, one of the largest city squares in the world.
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Tiger Beach Ocean Park, linked by metro and bus.
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Laohutan Scenic Area, with coastal views and walking trails.
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Dalian Forest Zoo, reached easily by taxi, metro or bus.
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Golden Pebble Beach, served by the interurban light rail.
Because Dalian is known for its coastal scenery, you can enjoy many of its best attractions on foot once you get there.
🌅 Day trips — do you need a car?
You rarely need a car for day trips, because several destinations are well linked by intercity trains or light rail:
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Jinshitan (Golden Pebble Beach) — direct light rail from the city.
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Lüshun (Port Arthur) — bus and rail options available.
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Dandong — a longer train trip for those curious about the North Korea border region.
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Shenyang — fast trains from Dalian North Station.
Hiring a car with a driver is possible, but most travellers prefer trains because they are fast, cheap and easy.
🧳 Conclusion — Should you rent a car in Dalian?
No — not for self-drive. China’s licensing rules make it impractical for most visitors. Thankfully, Dalian’s metro, trams, buses and well-priced taxis give you everything you need. If you want to explore farther afield, trains and light rail make regional travel smooth and enjoyable.
