Navigating Your Journey: Xiamen

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 location 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 luggage storage. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Getting to Your Accommodation

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

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 international travelers connect via major Asian hubs like Hong Kong, Shanghai.

Transfer Options from Airport

Metro Connections

Xiamen Metro Line 3 direct connection.
Connects to city center and other areas.
Most economical and efficient option.
Follow signs for the Metro from arrival hall.

Other Options

Airport Shuttle Buses connect to various city parts.
Includes routes to the ferry terminal 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 rail network, providing excellent connections to other major cities.

Stations and Routes

Xiamen Railway Station: city center, conventional & some 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-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 a Chinese 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-maintained 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/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.
It's a separate immigration procedure.

Water Journeys

Ferry Services

Xiamen, as a significant coastal city, features sea transportation options that are mostly relevant for local island access or regional ferry connections. River transportation is not a main 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 directly at the Xiamen International Cruise 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 Cruise Terminal serves as a port of call for international cruise ships.

Ferry Connections

The main ferry terminal connects well to the city center via buses and taxis.

Exit Fees

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

Departing Xiamen

Airport Departures

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

Recommended Timing

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

Train Departures

Xiamen's train stations are large and modern, with clear signage.

Station Procedures

High-Speed Trains: Arrive 45 to 60 minutes 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 allow you to relax or make last-minute purchases before your flight or train journey.

Departure Tip

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

Navigating Your Journey