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How to Get to Zhuhai

How to Get to Zhuhai

Zhuhai Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Major Airports & Flights

Airports Serving Zhuhai

Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH): Zhuhai's main airport, handling domestic flights only. For international arrivals, use nearby major hubs.

Nearby International Airports

  • Hong Kong special administrative region International Airport (HKG): Global hub, accessible via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) or ferry.
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Major international hub, 2-3 hours from Zhuhai by bus/train.
  • Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Significant international hub, 1.5-2 hours from Zhuhai by ferry/bus.

Flight Availability & Pricing

No direct international flights operate to ZUH. International travelers fly into HKG, CAN, or SZX and subsequently transfer to Zhuhai. Use Dollar Flight Club for discounts or Skyscanner for broad searches.

Pricing & Booking Tips

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Flights become more expensive and crowded during major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, The Golden week holidays).
  • Booking: Booking flights well in advance is recommended during peak periods. Prices remain stable outside these times.
  • Airport Facilities (ZUH): Offers standard airport facilities, restaurants, shops, car rental, taxis, and express bus services.

ZUH Transfers

Airport Express buses connect directly to various points in Zhuhai city. Taxis are also readily available.

HKG Transfers

HZMB buses (cross-border) to Zhuhai Port, or high-speed ferry from HKIA Skypier to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port (bypasses HK immigration).

CAN/SZX Transfers

Intercity buses from CAN. High-speed rail from Guangzhou South to Zhuhai. High-speed ferries from Shenzhen Shekou to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port.

Transfer Options from Airports to City/Accommodation

From ZUH & HKG

  • ZUH: Airport Express buses or taxis directly into Zhuhai city.
  • HKG: Cross-border buses from HKIA to HZMB Hong Kong special administrative region Port, then Golden Bus to HZMB Zhuhai Port.
  • HKG: High-speed ferry from HKIA Skypier directly to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port.
  • Ferry from HKIA Skypier is frequently the most straightforward way to reach Zhuhai without Hong Kong immigration.

From CAN & SZX

  • CAN: Intercity buses directly to Zhuhai are common and economical.
  • CAN: High-speed rail from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Zhuhai Railway Station (requires transfer from airport to Guangzhou South).
  • SZX: High-speed ferry services from Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port.
  • SZX: Intercity buses also connect SZX to Zhuhai.

Land Transportation to Zhuhai

Border Crossings

Gongbei Port: Main crossing to Macau, 24/7. Expect congestion. HZMB Zhuhai Port: Connects to Hong Kong/Macau by bus. Qingmao Port: Pedestrian-only to Macau, often less crowded.

Train Connections

Zhuhai Railway Station: High-speed rail to Guangzhou South (approx. 1 hour), connecting to national network. Zhuhai Intercity MRT for local Pearl River Delta travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Extensive network to Guangdong cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan). Major hub: Zhuhai Gongbei Bus Station. Book tickets at station or by means of Trip.com/Fliggy.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-Driving Considerations

Car rental is generally not recommended for foreign tourists.

Driving Requirements & Advice

  • Licensing: A valid Chinese driving license or temporary Chinese driving permit is necessary. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized.
  • Difficulty: Obtaining a temporary permit is complex and time-consuming for short-term tourists.
  • Recommendation: Not recommended due to licensing, local driving conditions, plus outstanding public transport. For car rentals, see DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Road infrastructure in Zhuhai and Guangdong is generally modern and well-maintained.

Road Safety Tips

  • Toll Roads: Common for intercity travel.
  • Traffic: Urban areas experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Drivers should remain vigilant.
  • Signs: Signs on the road are mainly in Chinese; major highways often have English translations.

Sea/River Arrivals to Zhuhai

Ferry services are a main way of arriving in Zhuhai from nearby international and regional hubs, and for island excursions.

Ferry Services & Routes

  • Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port (九州港): Main ferry terminal. Directions to Hong Kong (Sheung Wan, HKIA Skypier), Shenzhen (Shekou), Macau (Outer Harbour, Taipa). Services with high frequency.
  • Xiangzhou Port (香洲港): Primarily serves ferry services to Zhuhai's Wanshan Archipelago (Dong'ao, Wailingding, Guishan Islands).
  • Immigration: Standard immigration/customs checks apply for international/regional arrivals.

Departure Information from Zhuhai

Consider exit procedures, timing, and available facilities when planning your departure from Zhuhai.

Exit Procedures & Timing

  • Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes for departing mainland China/Zhuhai.
  • Timing: Domestic flights (ZUH): 1.5-2 hours before. International flights (HKG, CAN, SZX): 2-3 hours before. Ferries: 30-60 minutes before.
  • Border Crossings (Gongbei, HZMB): 1-2+ hours due to queues, especially during peak times/holidays. High-speed rail: 30-45 minutes.

Departure Checklist

  • Confirm details about your departure (terminal, gate) the day before.
  • Factor in potential traffic delays to the airports or ports.
  • Have your passport and visa ready for all immigration checks.
  • Airport/Station Facilities: ZUH, Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai Railway Station offer standard facilities. International airports (HKG, CAN, SZX) have extensive duty-free, dining, lounges.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Both Jiuzhou and Xiangzhou Ports are well-connected to Zhuhai's city center by taxi and public bus.
  • River Transportation: mainly for cargo; less common for tourist arrivals.

Travel Advice

Intercity Travel Tip

For travel between Zhuhai and Guangzhou, the high-speed train is often the fastest and most comfortable option.

Ferry from Hong Kong/Macau

  • Deposits you directly into the city at Jiuzhou Port.
  • Often avoids longer border crossing times.

Border Crossing Timing

Allow ample time for border crossing procedures, especially at Gongbei Port.

Peak Hours & Holidays

  • Queues can be significant during peak hours (mornings, evenings, weekends).
  • Expect longer waits during major Chinese holidays.
  • Check real-time queue conditions via local apps when possible.

Confirm Departures

Always confirm your details about your departure the day before your trip.

Traffic Awareness

Factor in potential traffic delays when traveling to airports or ports.

Documents Ready

Keep your passport and visa accessible for all exit procedures.

Final Travel Notes

Connecting Flights/Trains

If you have connecting flights or trains from Zhuhai, allow ample buffer time between connections.

Minimize Stress

  • Unexpected delays can occur with any mode of transport.
  • Especially important for international flights from HKG, CAN, or SZX.

Travel Insurance Reminder

Ensure your travel insurance is active and covers potential travel disruptions.

Coverage Details

  • This comprises flight delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
  • Keep your policy details easily accessible.
  • Know the emergency contact numbers for your provider.

Regional Connectivity Overview

Hong Kong

Connected via HZMB and ferry from Jiuzhou Port. HKIA is a major international gateway.

Macau

Directly bordered by Gongbei Port and Qingmao Port, and HZMB. Ferry services also available.

Guangzhou/Shenzhen

Well-connected by high-speed rail and buses between cities. Ferries link to Shenzhen.

Travel Planning Summary

Zhuhai's excellent connectivity to primary modes of transportation hubs and its efficient local networks ensure a smooth travel experience.