How to Get to Zhongshan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Zhongshan

Major Airports Serving Zhongshan

Closest airports include Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) and Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), each approximately 1.5-2 hours drive. Hong Kong International (HKG) is a major global hub, around 1-2 hours by ferry or 2-3 hours by bus/train.

Flight Information

CAN/SZX: Served by international and domestic carriers.
Direct flights from global hubs to CAN/SZX/HKG.
Prices surge during Chinese holidays; shoulder seasons may offer better deals.

Airport Transfers to City

All major airports (CAN, SZX, HKG) present comprehensive facilities including duty-free, dining, lounges, currency exchange, and car rental. Find deals with Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Transfer Options

Airport Express Bus from CAN/SZX to Zhongshan.
Taxi/Ride-sharing (Didi) available, but more expensive (¥300-400).
Ferry from Shenzhen Fuyong or HKIA Skypier to Zhongshan Port.

From Guangzhou CAN

Airport Express Bus (2 hrs), Taxi/Didi (¥300-400), Metro to Guangzhou South then high-speed rail.

From Shenzhen SZX

Airport Express Bus (1.5-2 hrs), Taxi/Didi (¥300-400), Ferry from Fuyong Ferry Terminal (45-60 min).

From Hong Kong HKG

Direct high-speed ferry from Skypier (70-80 min), Cross-border bus (2-3 hrs), High-speed rail via Guangzhou South.

Land Transportation to Zhongshan

Train Connections

High-speed rail to Zhongshan North or Zhongshan Station.
Frequent connections to Guangzhou South (25-30 min).
Book tickets online via 12306.cn or Trip.com.
Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Long-Distance Bus & Self-Driving

Extensive bus network to cities across Guangdong. More economical than rail.
Self-driving: Not recommended for most tourists due to Chinese driving license requirements.
Roads are well-maintained; heavy traffic in urban areas. Assertive driving culture.
International Driving Permit (IDP) not recognized.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Zhongshan Port high-speed ferry services to Hong Kong (70-90 min) and Shenzhen Shekou Port (45-60 min). Efficient and comfortable.

River Transportation

Mainly commercial; not commonly for tourist travel. Pleasure boat rides on Qijiang River may be for sightseeing only.

Immigration at Seaports

Similar to airports: passport, visa (or transit eligibility), landing card, immigration, customs. HKIA Skypier transit can bypass Hong Kong special administrative region immigration.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged at airports or seaports in mainland China. Airline tickets usually include any applicable departure taxes.

Timing Recommendations

Airports (CAN, SZX, HKG): 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
High-Speed Rail: At least 30-45 minutes before departure.
Ferry: At least 30-60 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Allow sufficient time for check-in, bag check, security screening, and immigration (if applicable). Large transport hubs have multiple terminals/stations.

Departure Facilities

Departure terminals at major airports: dining, shopping, lounges, duty-free.
High-speed rail stations: waiting areas, shops, food stalls.
Ferry terminals: basic waiting areas and some kiosks.

Road Conditions & Safety

General Road Conditions

Zhongshan has a well-developed road network, with expressways connecting it to other major cities in the Pearl River Delta. Road conditions are generally good.

Traffic & Navigation

Traffic congestion is common in urban centers, especially during peak hours.
GPS with Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) is useful for navigation.
Road signs often display Chinese characters with pinyin (Romanization).

Driving Safety & Habits

Exercise caution and be aware of theectric scooters and bicycles, which are widespread and may not always follow traffic codes strictly.

Local Driving Culture

Driving culture can be assertive. Maintain awareness.
Speed limits are enforced.
Strict DUI laws apply.

Border Crossing Information

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge HZMB

Cross-border buses departing from Hong Kong to Zhuhai, then local transport to Zhongshan. An efficient overland travel route.

Other Land Ports

Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port, Lo Wu Port (between HK and Shenzhen) for train or bus connections into Shenzhen, then onward to Zhongshan.

Requirements

Valid passport and a Chinese visa (or eligibility for the 144-hour visa-free transit program).

Helpful Tip

Always check the exact location of your departure terminal or station in advance, as large transport hubs can have multiple.

How to Get to Zhongshan