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How to Get to Shenzhen

How to Get to Shenzhen

Shenzhen Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Airport Facilities and Services

Airport Overview

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), located in the Bao'a District, is a large, modern airport handling both domestic and international flights. It is a significant gateway to the Pearl River Delta region.

Airlines and Routes

  • Major Chinese airlines: Air China, China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Hainan Airlines.
  • Extensive domestic routes: Across China.
  • International carriers: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, various European airlines.

Direct Flights and Seasonal Pricing

Direct flights are available from a limited but growing number of major global cities. Check specific airline routes from your departure city for current information. Major Asian hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok serve as potential connecting points if direct flights are unavailable.

Price Fluctuations

  • Prices significantly rise during major Chinese national holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day, May Day).
  • Higher prices also occur during peak travel seasons, typically Spring and Autumn.
  • Booking well in advance is recommended to secure better fares. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, a wide selection of dining options, from fast food to local and international cuisine.

Connectivity & Comfort

Various airline and pay-per-use lounges. Free Wi-Fi generally available throughout the terminals.

Financial Services

Currency exchange and ATMs are readily available for financial transactions. Airport hotels are also options.

Transfer Options from Airport

Public Transport Links

  • Metro: Shenzhen Metro Line 11 directly links the airport to Futian and Luohu districts. This is often the most efficient and economical choice.
  • Airport Express Buses: Several designated airport express bus routes connect SZX to various areas across Shenzhen and to neighboring cities. Check route numbers carefully.
  • Follow signs for "Metro" or "Bus" upon arrival.
  • Ensure you have WeChat Pay or Alipay set up for bus and metro fares.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

  • Taxi: Readily available at designated stands outside the terminal. Follow signs to official taxi queues.
  • Didi: The dominant ride-hailing app. Services are available via the app.
  • Ensure WeChat Pay or Alipay are set up to use Didi.
  • These options offer direct transport to your accommodation.

Additional Airport Details

Major Hub

SZX functions as a significant hub for prominent Chinese airlines, offering numerous domestic routes.

International Connections

Typical international routes connect to major Asian cities, with a growing number of direct flights to European cities and North America.

Connecting Options

Many global routes involve a layover in another major Chinese city (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) or a major Asian hub.

Land Transportation: Traversing Borders and Regions

Border Crossings with Hong Kong

Shenzhen shares several land borders with Hong Kong, serving as major entry and exit points for cross-border travelers. Prepare for immigration and customs checks at these crossings.

Border Ports

  • Luohu Port (罗湖口岸): A busy train-based crossing to Lo Wu MTR station, popular for Shenzhen-Hong Kong New Territories travel.
  • Futian Port (福田口岸): Another active train-based crossing, connecting to Lok Ma Chau MTR, often preferred for more direct access to Hong Kong's urban areas.
  • Huanggang Port (皇岗口岸): Open 24/7, serving cross-border buses and private vehicles.

Train Connections and Services

Shenzhen's land connections are robust, notably with Hong Kong and other major Chinese cities via high-speed rail.

Rail Transport

  • High-Speed Rail: Shenzhen North Railway Station (Shenzhenbei 深圳北站) offers fast links to Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Hong Kong West Kowloon (15-20 minutes).
  • Conventional Rail: Shenzhen Railway Station (Shenzhen Zhan 深圳站) at Luohu handles services mainly within Guangdong Province.
  • Allow 1-2 hours for immigration/customs at borders, especially during peak times.

Long-Distance Buses and Self-Driving

Shenzhen has several long-distance bus stations providing connections within Guangdong Province and other parts of China.

Bus and Car Information

  • Buses are an economical alternative to trains for certain routes.
  • Self-Driving: An international driving permit is not recognized. A Chinese driver's license is mandatory and typically not viable for short visits.
  • Highways are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be heavy, notably during peak hours.

Sea/River Arrivals: Ferry Connections

Shenzhen's coastal location means ferry services offer additional international and regional connections. Shekou Cruise Homeport (蛇口邮轮中心) is the main ferry terminal.

Ferry Services

  • Regular ferry services to Hong Kong International Airport (SkyPier), Hong Kong (various terminals), Macau (Outer Harbour, Taipa), and Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port.
  • River transportation is not a common mode for tourist travel within Shenzhen itself.
  • Standard immigration and customs procedures apply at Shekou Cruise Homeport.

Travel Advice

  • Allow ample time (1-2 hours) for border crossings, especially during peak times.
  • Self-driving is not a practical option for tourists due to license requirements.
  • Be prepared for aggressive driving styles common in large Chinese cities.
  • Ferry services are mainly for cross-border and regional travel, not inner-city.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not typically available to tourists.
  • Traffic can be heavy on major holidays.

Departure Information: Planning Your Exit

Departure Procedures and Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply upon departure from mainland China for international travelers.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Flights (SZX): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure for international flights.
  • Domestic Flights: 1.5-2 hours usually suffices.
  • High-Speed Rail: Arrive at Shenzhen North Railway Station at least 45-60 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and major railway stations present a range of facilities for departing travelers.

Available Services

  • Duty-free shops: At the airport for last-minute purchases.
  • Restaurants and cafes: For a meal before you leave.
  • Lounges: For relaxation while waiting for your departure.

Border Crossing Timing

Allow 1-2 hours for immigration and customs when crossing into Hong Kong, especially during peak times.

Information Desks

Information desks are available for any last-minute questions before you depart.

Smooth Exit Strategy

Adequate time allocation for check-in and security processes leads to a relaxed departure.

Travel Tips for Getting Around

Shenzhen Tong Smart Card

If staying for more than a few days, consider purchasing a Shenzhen Tong smart card for public transport. It offers slight discounts on fares and makes payments convenient.

Card Benefits

  • Offers slight fare discounts.
  • Simplifies payment on metro and buses.
  • Purchase and top up at metro stations or convenience stores.

Polite Bargaining

At markets where prices are not fixed (e.g., Luohu Commercial City, Dongmen Pedestrian Street), bargaining politely is expected and can assist you in securing better deals.

Bargaining Guidelines

  • Expected at non-fixed price markets.
  • Do not bargain in department stores or fixed-price shops.
  • A polite and friendly approach works best.

Visit Free Attractions

Parks

Shenzhen features many free public parks like Lianhuashan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. These are great for relaxation and enjoying nature.

Museums

Many museums offer free entry with your passport. Incorporate these into your itinerary for cultural exploration without cost.

Pedestrian Areas

Areas like Dongmen Pedestrian Street offer free exploration and local experiences.

Financial Smartness

These money-saving strategies greatly assist in managing your budget while experiencing Shenzhen's diverse offerings.