Getting Around: Xiamen

Public Transit Overview

Xiamen's public transportation system is modern, clean, and a cost-effective way to travel. The metro and bus networks cover most areas, making exploration convenient.

The Xiamen Metro is a modern, clean, and efficient subway system with multiple operational lines. It links areas including the airport, both railway stations, major ferry terminals, and numerous tourist sites. The metro is a fast and comfortable way to bypass street traffic.

System Highlights

Metro: Fast, clean, extensive network (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6+).
Buses: Extensive network, inexpensive (¥1-¥2/ride), but subject to traffic.
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): Elevated dedicated lanes for faster service.
Trams: Xiamen does not have a comprehensive tram system.

Route Maps & Hubs

Clear metro maps in stations and apps. Hubin East Road, Wushipu, Xiamen North Railway Station are hubs.

Ticketing & Fares

Single-journey tokens (¥2-¥8). Xiamen Travel Card is rechargeable for metro, buses, BRT.

Mobile Payment

WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted via QR codes on metro/buses.

Operating Hours & Accessibility

Service Times

Metro: 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM (frequent trains, 5-10 min peak).
Buses: Generally 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (route specific variations).
Avoid rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM) for less crowded journeys.

Accessibility

Metro stations have elevators and escalators; designated wheelchair spaces.
Newer buses are low-floor, but overall fleet accessibility varies.
Older city areas have uneven pavements.

Navigation & Payment Tips

Mapping Apps

Download Baidu Maps or Amap for real-time info.

Station Names

Learn names in Chinese characters or Pinyin.

Mobile Payment Setup

Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before first use.

Local Card

Consider Xiamen Travel Card for convenience.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services provide comfortable transportation options, especially for direct routes or with luggage.

Taxi Services

Look for official taxis: meters, clear branding (yellow, blue, green).
Hail on street, find at stands (hotels, stations, malls).
Accept cash and mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay preferred).
Flag-down fare: ~¥10-¥12 for first few km; night rates higher.

Didi Chuxing

Dominant ride-sharing app in China, similar to Uber/Lyft.
Can use international phone number.
Link to international credit cards or WeChat Pay/Alipay.
English interface for the app.

Safety Tips

Taxis: Always ensure meter use.
Have destination written in Chinese to avoid miscommunication.
Be wary of flat rate scams; insist on meter.

Didi: Generally safe; drivers registered, trips GPS-tracked.
Share trip details with a friend for added safety.
App has driver and vehicle information.

Vehicle Rentals

Car Rental

IDP not valid. Needs Chinese driver's license or temporary permit, which is difficult for tourists to obtain. Not practical for most.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common for tourists. Electric scooters are generally privately owned.

Bicycle Rentals

Easily available, especially for scenic rides along Huandao Road. Dockless bike share apps (Meituan Bike, Hello Bike) are widely available.

Exploring on Foot & Bike

These modes of transport offer flexibility and a slower pace for exploration.

Pedestrian Friendly Areas

Gulangyu Island: Entirely pedestrianized (except electric buggies).
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street: Bustling commercial area.
Huandao Road (Island Ring Road): Scenic coastal walks with dedicated paths.
Xiamen Botanical Garden: Extensive walking paths.

Cycling Infrastructure

Dedicated cycling paths, especially along Huandao Road.
City cycling can be challenging due to traffic; use dedicated paths.
Helmet use is recommended for safety, though not universally worn.
No-go areas for pedestrians/cyclists: highways, major arterial roads, construction zones.

Safety Considerations

Gulangyu Terrain

Cobblestone streets, hills, and numerous stairs.

City Pavements

Can be uneven in older parts.

Traffic Signals

Always use designated pedestrian crossings and follow traffic signals.

Walking Tour Options

Guided Tours

Many local tour operators have guided walking tours.
Especially on Gulangyu Island.
Through historical areas like Zhongshan Road.

Self-Guided Tours

Simple with mapping apps and online information.
Create your own itinerary.
Explore at your own pace.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians & Cyclists

Highways and Major Arterial Roads: Not safe for walking or cycling.
Avoid Construction Zones due to potential hazards.
High-speed traffic on major roads.
Always use designated pedestrian crossings and follow traffic signals.

These areas are designed for vehicle traffic, not pedestrian or bicycle use.
Safety is the main concern; avoid unnecessary risks.
Adhere to local traffic laws and signage for your protection.
Be mindful of surroundings, especially near active construction.

Unique Transport Modes

Xiamen has a few specialized transportation options that frame the tourist experience.

Sightseeing & Water Tours

Tourist sightseeing buses connect major attractions.
Main water transport is the ferry to Gulangyu Island.
Leisure boat tours along Xiamen coast for scenic views.
Yundang Lake also has boat tours.

Aerial & Accessibility

Botanical Garden Cable Car: panoramic views over the garden and city.
No funiculars or other unique local transport types beyond this cable car.
Newer infrastructure accessibility has ramps and elevators.
Older areas/Gulangyu have mobility challenges (uneven pavements, stairs).

Tour Buses

Connect major attractions; some have hop-on-hop-off.

Boat Tours

Leisure tours along coast or on Yundang Lake.

Cable Car

In Botanical Garden, panoramic views.

Accessibility Services

Improving Infrastructure

Newer infrastructure (Metro, malls, hotels) has ramps and elevators.
Generally good design for accessibility in modern areas.
Plan itinerary to suit specific needs.

Challenges

Older parts of the city and Gulangyu Island present challenges.
Gulangyu has cobblestone streets, hills, and numerous stairs.
Pavements can be uneven.

Final Tip

Download local mapping apps like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) for real-time public transport information and navigation.

These apps are indispensable for finding routes and estimated travel times.

Getting Around Xiamen