Getting Around Shenzhen: A Practical Transport Guide
Shenzhen has an extensive transport network offering visitors multiple ways to move around the city. Whether you're arriving at the airport, traveling between neighborhoods, or exploring beyond the city, you'll find a range of options from metro and buses to taxis and ride-hailing services.
Arriving at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is the main airport serving the city. Several transport options connect the airport to downtown Shenzhen and surrounding areas:
- Metro: Metro Line 11 offers the most direct connection to downtown, taking approximately 30 minutes. Services run from early morning (06:17) until late evening (00:18), with fares around ¥10 for standard tickets. A business class option is also available at triple the standard fare.
- Buses: Airport buses serve various destinations within Shenzhen, including downtown areas like Futian and Luohu, as well as the nearby Airport East metro station. Service hours run from 06:15 to 24:00. Long-distance coaches also depart from the airport to other cities including Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Zhongshan, with overnight service available.
- Taxis: Taxis operate 24 hours. Fares to central Futian are approximately ¥100 and to Luohu approximately ¥150, including tolls.
- Ride-hailing: Apps like Didi Chuxing operate from a well-marked designated pickup area. Drivers can be directed to specific numbered positions.
- Airport shuttle buses: Direct shuttle buses to downtown cost ¥20, though you should check schedules in advance and note that English services may be limited.
- Ferry: A ferry terminal (Fuyong Ferry Terminal) connects the airport to Hong Kong, Macau, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai, with a free shuttle bus from the airport to the terminal.
- Rail: Regional rail services from the airport serve nearby towns and connect to Guangzhou and beyond.
The Metro System
Shenzhen Metro is an extensive network covering most of the city. The system consists of multiple lines with hundreds of stations and interchange points, making it one of the most convenient ways to travel around Shenzhen.
Single journey tickets cost between ¥2 and ¥15 depending on distance. You can buy individual tickets at each journey, but the Shenzhen Tong IC Card or mobile payment options offer a 5% discount on fares. Purchase tickets from ticket machines at metro stations using cash or cards.
Several major railway stations offer metro connections, making it easy to combine rail and metro travel. Shenzhen North railway station connects to Lines 4, 5, and 6; Shenzhen East railway station connects to Lines 3, 5, and 14; Futian railway station connects to Lines 2, 3, and 11; and Shenzhen railway station connects to Line 1. The metro system is operated by two companies: Shenzhen Metro Corporation and MTR Corporation Shenzhen.
Rail Network
Shenzhen is served by China's national railway network, with passenger stations offering both high-speed rail and conventional train service to destinations across China and to nearby regions.
Shenzhen North railway station is the main terminal for high-speed rail, offering frequent service on major routes including the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link and Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway. Shenzhen railway station in Luohu District is the most important station, with connections to Hong Kong and frequent service on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Railway. Shenzhen East railway station serves as a major terminal for long-distance trains. Additional stations at Futian, Pingshan, Guangmingcheng, and Pinghu offer en route service on various rail lines.
Regional intercity rail services also operate from dedicated stations serving Bao'an District and nearby areas.
Tram (Light Rail) System
Shenzhen operates tram (light rail) networks in two districts:
- Longhua District: Two tram lines connect central Guanlan and northern Longhua to the city's broader rail network, with single tickets costing ¥2.
- Pingshan District: A single tram line opened in late 2022, connecting central Pingshan and Pingshan Railway Station to the city rail network, with tickets costing ¥2 or ¥3.
Buses
Shenzhen operates an extensive bus network consisting of about 900 regular routes run by three main franchised bus companies. Bus services operate throughout the city and are generally affordable and accessible.
Fares are set by government guidelines, typically ranging from ¥2 to ¥10 depending on distance. On short-haul routes and express buses, you pay the fare when boarding without change. On longer routes, fares are collected when boarding and disembarking based on your travel distance. The Shenzhen Tong IC Card or mobile payment offers at least 20% off most routes.
Bus routes are categorized into three types:
- Expresses: Long-haul routes connecting the city to suburbs and exurbs, using coach-style buses that typically don't allow standing passengers. These charge a flat fare up to ¥10 and have route numbers starting with E.
- Main-lines: Medium to long routes traveling on trunk roads, using standard transit buses. Fares are charged by distance (¥2–¥10) with sectional fares for longer journeys. These routes start with M or use older numbering schemes.
- Local/branch routes: Shorter routes for neighborhood travel within the city.
Shenzhen is notable for having become the world's first city to achieve full electrification of its urban bus fleet, significantly reducing noise and emissions.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis operate throughout Shenzhen 24 hours a day and offer a convenient option for door-to-door travel, though fares can be higher than public transport. Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing are widely available and popular for getting around the city.
Walkability and Other Transport
Shenzhen has pedestrian infrastructure for walking in urban neighborhoods, and the city also operates a public bicycle system for short trips. A greenway system provides dedicated paths for pedestrians and cyclists in various areas.
Getting to Shenzhen from Hong Kong
Several options connect Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong's city areas to Shenzhen:
- Ferry from Hong Kong Airport: Direct ferry service operates to Shenzhen's Shekou Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Airport Fuyong Terminal, allowing you to bypass Hong Kong immigration and customs entirely. This is a convenient option if connecting between flights at the two airports.
- Train from Hong Kong: A cost-effective option involves taking the Airport Express from Hong Kong International Airport to Tsing Yi, then transferring through multiple MTR lines (Tung Chung, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, and East Rail Line) to Lo Wu. The total journey takes about 78 minutes with transfers and costs approximately HK$60. After exiting at Lo Wu, you can access the Shenzhen metro system at Luohu station.
- Bus from Hong Kong: Taking a bus from Hong Kong Airport to Sheung Shui and then transferring to the East Rail Line is a cheaper option (around HK$30.90) that typically provides a seat and views of the journey.
- Taxi van from Hong Kong Airport: Available via the Huanggang border for approximately HK$150, including onward transport to some Shenzhen destinations after immigration clearance.
- Land border crossings: Multiple checkpoints allow entry to Shenzhen from Hong Kong, though visa requirements vary by nationality. A five-day Special Economic Zone Tourism Visa On Arrival is available at some land borders for eligible visitors arriving from Hong Kong, though availability and approval depend on nationality and other factors.