Getting from the Airport to the City
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is located on Xiamen Island and provides convenient access to the city center. For travelers arriving by air, several options are available for reaching downtown:
- Taxi: A direct taxi ride from the airport to the city center typically takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately ¥30-40.
- Bus: Multiple bus lines serve the airport with stops at key locations, including the train station. Specific routes include the #18 (to Xiamen University), #27 (to the harbor), #37 (to the train station), #41 (to the SM Mall area), and #91 (to the Exhibition Center). Route #105 travels north into the suburbs via Jimei and Tong'an.
- BRT: A convenient public transportation option is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Visitors should use the "T4" terminal station rather than the "Gaoji Airport" station for city access.
Rail and Metro Networks
Xiamen is well-integrated into China's extensive rail infrastructure, offering both high-speed and conventional rail options.
- High-Speed Rail: The city features two primary high-speed railway stations. Xiamen Station (located in the Siming District) serves as a major hub connecting the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. Xiamen North Railway Station serves high-speed trains along the Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen corridor.
- Metro: The metro system connects various parts of the city, including the Xiamen North station (served by Metro Line 1). Future expansions include a connection between the new Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport and the city center via Metro Line 3.
Buses and Other Public Transport
The city is served by an extensive bus network that connects various districts and landmarks. For ease of use, local public transit can be paid for using the "Xiamen public transit" mini-app.
- City Buses: These provide wide coverage across the urban area, including routes to major shopping centers, universities, and transport hubs.
- Ferry Services: For those traveling specifically to nearby islands, a ferry service operates from the Wutong terminal to Kinmen's Shuitou port. Note that because this involves crossing into Taiwanese-controlled waters, travelers must ensure they have the correct visa status (such as a multiple-entry visa) if they intend to return to mainland China.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
While specific ride-hailing apps are common in Chinese cities, taxis remain a standard and reliable method for navigating between districts or reaching destinations not directly served by the metro or bus lines.
Walkability
Xiamen features various distinct areas including Xiamen Island (divided into Huli and Siming districts) and mainland areas like Haicang, Jimei, Tong'an, and Xiang'an. The urban core, particularly around the historic port area in Siming District, offers accessible ways to explore the local landmarks.