In order to provide better service for the boatmen and improve the inland river navigation efficiency and waterway management level, we carried out a research on the construction conditions, site selection and distance of inland waterway service area based on the boatmen and experts’advices and suggestions. By analyzing the influential factors, and in combination of the actual circumstances of inland waterway in Jiangsu province, we put forward the construction conditions, the principles of site selection and recommended distance of inland waterway service area, which can be used as a guideline for the construction of waterway service area.