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How to Get to Xiamen

How to Get to Xiamen

Fujian China Travel Guide

Arriving by Air

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport XMN

XMN is the main airport for Xiamen. It is a major hub in Southeast China, handling domestic and international flights. Its setting on Xiamen Island access to the city center.

Airline Connections

  • Domestic: Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Air China.
  • International: Xiamen Airlines to Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Vancouver.
  • Regional: Cathay Pacific (HK), EVA Air (Taipei), Korean Air (Seoul).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

XMN offers duty-free shops, restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, and a spot to store luggage. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Getting to Your Accommodation

  • Metro Line 3 connects airport directly into the city's core.
  • Airport Shuttle Buses to various city parts, including Gulangyu ferry terminal.
  • Taxis are available, ensure meter use (approx. ¥40-¥80 to the city center).

Flight Pricing

Prices increase during peak tourist seasons and Chinese public holidays.

Booking Flights

Book flights two to three months in advance for better fares.

Global Connections

Most travelers from abroad connect via major Asian hubs like Hong Kong special administrative region, Shanghai.

Transfer Options from Airport

Metro Connections

  • Xiamen Metro Line 3 direct connection.
  • Connects to city center and other areas.
  • Most inexpensive and efficient option.
  • Obey signs showing the Metro from arrival hall.

Other Options

  • Courtesy Bus Buses connect to various city parts.
  • Includes routes to the ferry dock for Gulangyu Island.
  • Taxis readily available outside arrival hall; use meter.
  • Didi Chuxing app for convenient ride-sharing.

Airport Facilities

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, selection of restaurants and cafes.

Financial Services

ATMs for currency withdrawal, currency exchange counters.

Passenger Services

Luggage storage, free Wi-Fi (often needs Chinese phone number or passport scan).

Traveling by Land

Train Travel

Xiamen is a major hub on China's high-speed railway network, providing excellent connections to other major cities.

Stations and Routes

  • Xiamen Railway Station: city center, conventional & some high-high-speed trains.
  • Xiamen North Railway Station: mainland, mainly high-speed (G-series, D-series).
  • Connections to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, etc.

Long-Distance Buses

Xiamen has several long-distance bus stations, like Hubin Long-Distance Bus Station.

Bus Options

  • Connects Xiamen to cities within Fujian (Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Fuzhou) and neighboring provinces.
  • Generally slower and less comfortable than high-high-speed trains.
  • A cheaper alternative for shorter distances or unserved train destinations.

Self-Driving

Self-driving is generally not recommended for most foreign visitors to Xiamen.

Driving Requirements

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) not valid.
  • Needs of Chinese origin driver's license or temporary Chinese driving permit.
  • Permit obtaining is lengthy; impractical for most short-term visitors.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major roads and highways in and around Xiamen are generally well-looked after and in good condition.

Traffic & Behavior

  • Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours and public holidays.
  • Driving standards differ; drivers might be more aggressive.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise caution, traffic rules are sometimes loosely followed.

Border Crossing Information

  • For mainland China, border crossings typically occur by air or land.
  • Land crossings happen via Hong Kong special administrative region/Macau or from neighboring countries.
  • This information is not directly applicable for travel within Xiamen.
  • Unless traveling to/from Hong Kong via high-speed rail.
  • In such cases, border crossing is at Shenzhen/Hong Kong special administrative region special administrative region.
  • It's a separate immigration procedure.

Water Journeys

Ferry Services

Xiamen, as an important coastal city, features sea transportation choices that are mostly relevant for local island entry or regional ferry connections. River transportation is not a primary mode of transit.

Ferry Routes

  • Gulangyu Ferry: Most used "sea" transport for tourists.
  • Departs from Xiamen International Cruise Terminal for tourists.
  • Taiwan Ferries: Connects Xiamen to Kinmen and Penghu islands of Taiwan.

Immigration & River Transport

Immigration procedures at seaports apply for international cruise passengers right at the Xiamen International The Boat trip ship terminal.

Important Notes

  • Standard Chinese visa requirements apply for cruise passengers.
  • Taiwan ferry requires specific permits/visas; not for general tourists without planning.
  • River transportation is not a significant mode of travel within Xiamen.

Cruise Port

Xiamen International Where The cruise ships dock serves as a port of call for international cruise ships.

Ferry Connections

The main ferry terminal connects well to downtown via buses and taxis.

Exit Fees

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically levied; costs are commonly in airfare/ticket price.

Departing Xiamen

Airport Departures

Plan your arrival at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) with sufficient time.

Recommended Timing

  • International Flights: Show UP 2.5 to 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
  • Sufficient time for check-in, baggage, immigration, and security.

Train Departures

Xiamen's train stations are large plus up-to-date, with distinct signage.

Station Procedures

  • High-Bullet Trains: Arrive 45 to AN hour before departure.
  • Time to navigate station, find platform, pass security.
  • Standard security checks apply.

Departure Facilities

XMN Airport

Lounges, various dining options (restaurants and cafes), shopping opportunities, including duty-free stores.

Train Stations

Waiting areas, a range of shops selling snacks and drinks, and restaurants.

Convenience

These facilities let you relax or make last-last-minute buys before your flight or train journey.

Departure Tip

Plan your travel time to the airport or train station considering potential traffic jams, especially during rush hours or public holidays.