Shenzhen Train Stations: Where and How to Take a Train?

A laboratory city for Chinese modernity, Shenzhen has built a railway network that reflects its own character: fast, dense, and forward-looking. The metropolis boasts several stations, but three of them handle the vast majority of travellers!

Shenzhen North Station for high-speed trains across China, Futian Station to zip over to Hong Kong in just 14 minutes, and Luohu Station for those historic cross-border connections.

Trip.com tells you everything you need to know to choose the right station, its services, and all our top tips for stress-free travel!

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Main Train Stations in Shenzhen

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Now, let's take a closer look at the key railway stations you won't want to miss for your travels and adventures in Shenzhen.

Shenzhen North Railway Station – 深圳北站

Shenzhen North is the beating heart of the city's railway network! Opened in 2011, it has established itself in just fifteen years as one of the busiest high-speed hubs in southern China. Its futuristic double-arch structure, bright halls, and bilingual signage make it a station that is particularly well-designed for international travellers.

Located in the Longhua district, north of the city centre, this station handles almost all G-train services to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hong Kong. If you're travelling outside the Guangdong region, this is where your train will depart from.

How do I get there?

How to book your tickets?

For this station or any others in Shenzhen, you have three options:

• Book on Trip.com (Recommended ✅): The easiest way to book tickets online. Book in a few clicks and get an e-ticket linked to your passport. Available in English and other languages, and supports credit card or PayPal payment. Book in 3 minutes, get your ticket in 10 minutes. Just scan your passport to board the train.
• Via the 12306 app: This is China's official railway platform. It now has an English interface, so it's easier to use. However, you may need to wait 3–5 days for identity verification before you can buy tickets. Once set up, it works well.
• At the on-site ticket counters: Go to the ticket office at the station (usually on level 1, follow station signs). At larger stations, you can usually find a counter for international travellers with English-speaking staff. Bring your passport, choose your train, and pay at the counter. It's best to allow extra time, especially during busy periods.

How to catch your train?

Catching your train from Shenzhen North Station, or even from the city's two other main stations, couldn't be easier!

• Please arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure (earlier during busy periods);
• Go through identity verification and security checks at the entrance (passport required, luggage X-rayed);
• Head to the waiting area and check the departure screens for your train and boarding gate;
• Proceed through the ticket gates when boarding starts (usually 15–30 minutes before departure; passport required);
• • Foreign passport holders: use the Manual Channel and show your passport to staff.
  • Foreign Permanent Residence ID card holders: use self-service or manual channels.
• Follow the signs to your platform and find your carriage and seat.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide, please see below.

Services available at the station

Whether you're just passing through or staying a while, you'll find plenty of services at the station to keep you entertained:

• 🍜 Dining: McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, McCafé, Hefu Noodle, Zhen Gongfu, and Dicos are all located on Level F2.
• 🛍️ Shops: snack bars, convenience stores, newsagents, pharmacy
• 🧳 Luggage storage: Level F1, main hall (~15–20 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines are available on levels F1 and F2, and international cards are accepted.
• 💼 Business Centre: ICBC workspace available on level F2

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

The VIP lounge at Shenzhen North is one of the best-equipped in the entire region. Located near gate A12, it's open to first and business class passengers upon presentation of their ticket. Enjoy ultra-comfortable armchairs, self-service drinks and snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and a private relaxation area!

The maximum stay is 3 hours; paid access is available for other travellers.

Main routes from Shenzhen North

Shenzhen Futian Railway Station – 深圳福田站

Buried 32 metres beneath the Futian business district, Shenzhen Futian underground station is a true feat of urban engineering. Opened in 2015, it was designed specifically for busy travellers looking to reach Hong Kong in the shortest time possible.

And the result is spectacular: it takes just 14 minutes to travel between Futian and West Kowloon in Hong Kong. It's now the quickest and most central way to cross the border by train.

Its location in the heart of Shenzhen's CBD, with direct links to several metro lines, also makes it the most convenient station for business travellers based in the Futian towers.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

Just like most train stations, you'll find plenty of services and shops on-site to make your journey that little bit easier:

• 🍜 Dining: cafés, snack bars, and convenience stores on levels B1 and B2
• 🛍️ Shopping: duty-free shops for flights to Hong Kong, pharmacy
• 🧳 Luggage storage: Level B2 (~15 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines are located on level B1; they accept international cards and dispense HKD.
• 🛂 Customs: passport control desks located directly in the station for trains to Hong Kong

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

Futian Station features a VIP lounge that's open to first and business class passengers, as well as DragonPass members.

With a capacity of 145 seats and spanning 380 m², it offers comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a selection of coffees, teas, and snacks. Access is available for a fee for other travellers.

Main routes from Shenzhen Futian

Shenzhen Railway Station (Luohu) – 深圳火车站

It may lack the glitz of the new high-speed rail stations, but Luohu Station carries the entire history of Shenzhen within its walls. Built in 1911, it is the oldest railway station still in operation in the region.

Located right next to the Luohu border crossing, it was the essential gateway between mainland China and Hong Kong for decades, and it remains one of the busiest border crossings in the world today.

It primarily serves conventional trains to Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Foshan, as well as regional shuttles with very affordable fares.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

Here too, you'll find plenty of services and shops available if you arrive at the station early or are just passing through:

• 🍜 Dining: traditional Cantonese restaurants, noodle bars, and snack bars on levels 1 and 2
• 🛍️ Shops: pharmacy, newsagent, and boutiques featuring regional products from Guangdong
• 🧳 Luggage storage: main hall (~15 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines are located at the main entrance, and international cards are accepted.

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

Luohu Station features a simple yet functional VIP waiting lounge, accessible to first and business class passengers. With comfortable armchairs, hot drinks, and power sockets, it has everything you need to relax before your departure.

Access is available for a fee for other travellers (~35 CNY).

Main routes from Shenzhen Luohu

Six Tips for Easy Train Travel from Shenzhen

💡 Choose your station based on your destination

Shenzhen North is your go-to for destinations beyond Guangdong province, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an. Head to Futian for the ultra-fast 14-minute ride to Hong Kong West Kowloon. For budget-friendly regional trains to Guangzhou or Dongguan, Luohu Station is your best choice.

💡 Book as soon as your dates are set

Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure. Shenzhen–Hong Kong services often sell out within hours during peak periods, including Golden Week, Chinese New Year and public holidays. Book early on Trip.com to secure your seat!

💡 Allow extra time for trains to Hong Kong

When travelling to Hong Kong from Futian or Shenzhen North, you will complete customs and immigration procedures inside the station. Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before your train departs.

💡 Keep your passport handy at all times

Your passport is required for station entry and boarding. No ticket collection is needed, just keep it easily accessible. For cross-border services to Hong Kong, it will also be checked during customs clearance.

💡 G-train or conventional train: different stations

High-speed G-trains between Shenzhen and Guangzhou leave from Shenzhen North or Futian. Slower D and conventional K trains usually depart from Luohu. Always check the train prefix when booking to avoid going to the wrong station.

💡 Stay connected throughout your journey

Wi-Fi is available at all Shenzhen train stations, but you'll need a VPN to access Western apps. Some underground areas (especially in Futian) may have limited 4G coverage. Be sure to get a China eSIM and download DiDi (available in English) for all your taxi journeys.

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