Xiamen Airport: Transport, Services and Travel Tips

Gaoqi is Xiamen’s main airport and the hub used by XiamenAir flights. Located in the north of Xiamen Island, it is only around 10 km from the city centre, which makes it much more convenient than many airports in China that are located far from urban areas.

However, this convenient location will not last forever. From 2026, Gaoqi Airport will gradually be replaced by the new Xiang’an Airport.

Before this major change, here is everything you need to know about navigating Terminals T3 and T4, getting to the city centre easily, and making the most of your stopover or stay in Xiamen. ✈️

Essential information about Xiamen Airport (XMN)

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) opened in 1983 and has been upgraded over the years. Today, it is one of China’s busiest airports, ranking among the top airports nationwide by passenger traffic, with nearly 30 million passengers per year.

Its biggest advantage is its location: the airport is located on Xiamen Island itself, only around 10–12 km from the seafront and Zhongshan Road area. Unlike many major Chinese airports that require long transfers, you can usually reach central Xiamen in around 20 minutes.

• Distance from city centre: Around 10 km northeast, in Huli District
• Terminals: 2 terminals (T3 and T4), around 3-4 km apart and connected by a free shuttle bus
• Runway: One 3,400 m runway (Category 4E, suitable for large aircraft)
• Main airline: XiamenAir, which uses the airport as its main hub

🔄 Major change: Xiang’an will replace Gaoqi Airport in late 2026

This is an important update many travellers may not know before booking their flights. Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport is expected to open by the end of 2026, and Gaoqi Airport will stop handling civil flights after the transition. The two airports will not operate together permanently.

Located on Dadeng Island in Xiang’an District, the new airport is around 25 km from central Xiamen, making it further away than Gaoqi Airport. It is designed to handle 45 million passengers when it opens, with future capacity of up to 62 million passengers in the near term and 85 million passengers in the long-term plan. Its runways will also be able to accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.

✈️ Travelling in late 2026 or 2027? Keep these points in mind:

• The airport code XMN will move to Xiang’an Airport after the transition. A ticket showing “XMN” may refer to either Gaoqi or Xiang’an depending on your travel date.
• Always check the full airport name and address on your booking before arranging a taxi or transfer.
• Allow extra travel time, as Xiang’an Airport is further from the city centre and transfers may take longer and cost more than journeys to Gaoqi Airport.

🚨 Common confusion: Gaoqi Airport does not have a direct metro station

Some travel guides incorrectly suggest that Gaoqi Airport has a metro station inside the terminals. In fact, there is no direct metro connection to the airport terminals.

The quickest public transport option is usually the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). The BRT station is located at Terminal 4 and connects with routes towards areas such as Zhongshan Road, Xiamen Railway Station and the ferry terminals.

If you want to take the metro, you will first need to reach a metro station by bus or BRT.

Transport to and from Xiamen Airport

As mentioned, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is only around 10 km from the city centre, making it one of the more conveniently located airports in China. The journey is usually quick, even during busy periods, with most trips taking around 20–30 minutes by car.

Here are the main transport options from Gaoqi Airport, where most international travellers arrive:

⏱️ Tips to save time

• Do not confuse the metro with the BRT system. Currently, there is no metro station directly connected to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport’s T3 or T4 terminals. The stops named “Gaoqi Airport” and “T4 Terminal” belong to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) network, not Metro Line 3.
• To reach T4 Terminal by public transport, take the BRT, get off at “T4 Terminal”, then walk a few minutes to the terminal. Getting to T3 is less direct and may require a bus connection or a short taxi ride.
• For taxis, always use official metered taxis. Taxi pick-up areas are located on the ground floor of T3 and T4 terminals.
• DiDi works well in Xiamen and shows the fare before you confirm your ride, making it a convenient option for international visitors.
• A taxi to the historic city centre costs around CNY 33 (about £4), with slightly higher fares if you are travelling to the ferry terminal for Gulangyu Island.

Xiamen Airport arrivals and departures: practical tips

On arrival

• Immigration: Separate queues are available for foreign travellers. You will need to complete an arrival form, which is often provided during the flight.
• Baggage collection: For international flights, baggage claim is located on the 1st floor (1F) of Terminal 3.
• Customs: Follow the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel for items that require declaration. Checks on fresh food and cash amounts can be strict.
• Leaving the airport: Follow the signs to the basement level for ride-hailing services, Gate 7 for taxis (T3), or the inter-terminal shuttle service.

On departure

• Check-in: For international flights, check-in usually opens 3 hours before departure and closes 50 minutes before the flight. For domestic flights, arrive around 2 hours before departure, with check-in closing 45 minutes before take-off.
• Security checks: Allow extra time during busy periods, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
• Documents: Keep your passport with you. For domestic flights, identification documents are checked at several points throughout the airport.

💡 Payment tip: In China, most payments are made through Alipay or WeChat Pay, including taxis and transport services. It is recommended to have a working eSIM or mobile data plan as soon as you arrive, so you can book services such as Didi and access transport QR codes easily.

💡 Good to know: Airport terminals close after the last flight of the day. Overnight stays inside the terminals are generally not possible during a layover, so if you have an early morning connection, consider booking a hotel near the airport.

Arrival requirements in Xiamen: visa and regulations

Good news for British travellers: China currently offers a convenient visa-free entry policy, which has been extended until 31 December 2026.

• 30-day visa-free entry: Citizens of the UK and most EU countries can enter mainland China without a visa for tourism, business, family visits or transit, with stays of up to 30 days per entry. No advance visa application is required.
• 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit: Xiamen is one of the approved ports for this transit scheme. However, most UK travellers do not need to use this option, as the 30-day visa-free policy offers more flexibility.

Conditions to meet

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Your stay must not exceed 30 days per entry (the 30-day period restarts after each new entry).
• Your travel purpose must match the permitted categories, such as tourism, business, family visits or transit. Employment and study are not covered.

Services and facilities at Xiamen Airport

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is known for its efficiency and comfortable facilities. Here are the key services available:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available in both terminals. Passengers can connect using their mobile phone number or passport details at the self-service kiosks.
• Airport lounges: Eligible passengers can access the XiamenAir Lounge in Terminal 3. A transit lounge is also available on B1 level of Terminal 3 for connecting passengers.
• Food and shopping: Duty-free shops, cafés and restaurants are available, mainly in Terminal 3, offering local Fujian cuisine as well as international options.
• Useful services: Information desks, ATMs, luggage storage and charging stations are available throughout the airport halls.

🛋️ Available airport lounges

Note: Lounge access depends on your ticket class, membership programme or payment conditions. Availability and opening hours may change, so check the latest information before travelling.

🍜 Where to eat at the airport?

💡 Trip.com tip: Activate a China eSIM before your trip. Without one, some of your usual apps (such as maps and messaging services) may not work properly due to China’s internet restrictions, making it harder to book taxis or use local payment services.

What to do in Xiamen after landing?

Xiamen is one of China’s most relaxing cities, combining beautiful coastlines, islands and colonial-style architecture. From the airport, many of the city’s top attractions are easy to reach.

• Gulangyu (Kulangsu): A pedestrian-only island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic villas, Piano Museum and Sunlight Rock. Tourist ferries depart from the International Cruise Terminal (Dongdu).
• Nanputuo Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple located at the foot of Wulao Mountain, next to Xiamen University.
• Xiamen University: One of China’s most scenic university campuses, with a beautiful seaside location.
• Zhongshan Road: A lively pedestrian street famous for its arcade-style buildings and local street food, including shacha noodles and fresh seafood.
• Huandao Road (Island Ring Road): A scenic coastal route perfect for cycling, with views of the sea along the way.

Ready for your trip to Xiamen? Compare and book your London–Xiamen flights, hotels in Xiamen, and airport transfers on Trip.com now. 🌊

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