Arriving at Shenzhen Airport for the first time? You have 7 convenient ways to reach the city centre, including: the Metro, taxis, e-hailing services (e.g., Didi), airport express buses, public buses, private transfers, car hire. We can help you choose the best way to get to the centre of Shenzhen.
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🛬About Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is located in Bao'an District, about 32 km (20 miles) northwest of Shenzhen city centre. It is a modern transport hub with air, land, and sea connections.
The airport currently operates:
- Terminal 3 (T3): Main terminal with hotels, transport links, and large car parks
- Satellite Hall S1: Located north of T3
Transport Options from Shenzhen Airport:
- Metro (Line 11): Station at B1 level (Ground Transport Centre). To Futian (06:04-00:01) or Bitou (06:41-00:05).
- Taxis: Available 24/7 at Gate 13.
- Ride-Hailing (Didi, etc.): Pickup at Gate 15 (24/7). Pro tip: Use colour-coded lanes (blue/green/orange) for quick pickup.
- Airport Express Buses: 7 routes (A1–A6, A10, T308) to Futian, Luohu, Longhua, etc. Fare: 20–40 RMB. Hours: 7:00–02:00 (varies) at Gate 17.
- Public Buses: Routes A7, E16, M527 to Qinghu, Longhua, Nanshan, etc. Hours: 6:20–22:30 (varies).
- Ferry (Airport Pier): M590 High-speed boats to Zhongshan & Zhuhai (7:30–21:30).
- Long-Distance Buses: To Dongguan, Huizhou, Guangzhou (8:00–21:30).
- Guangzhou-Shenzhen Intercity Railway: B1 level station (7:15–21:21).
- Private Transfers: Pre-book for on Trip.com direct hotel service
- Car Rentals: Available at P3 car park in the Arrival Hall (driving licence required)
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🚍Transport Options from Shenzhen Airport to City Centre
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport offers 7 transport options to reach the city centre, including: the Metro, taxis, ride-hailing services (e.g., Didi), airport express buses, public buses, private transfers, car hire. Below is a detailed comparison to help you choose the best option.
| Transport | Duration | Price (¥) | Operating Hours | Pick-up Point |
Metro Line 11 | 30-40 min | 7-10 | 06:04-00:01 (to Futian) | B1 Level (Ground Transport Centre) |
Taxi | 40-60 min | 80-120 | 24/7 | Gate 13 (Outside Arrivals) |
Ride-hailing | 40-60 min | 60-100 | 24/7 | Gate 15 (Didi Zone) |
Airport Express Bus | 50-80 min | 25 | 22:30-05:00 (NA1 to Futian/Luohu) | Gate 17 (Ticket Counter) |
Public Bus | 60-90 min | 2-10 | 06:20-22:30 (varies) | Gate 15 (Bus Platform) |
Private Transfer | 40-50 min | 150-300 | Book in advance | Arrivals Hall (Meet & Greet) |
Car Rental | Flexible | ~200+/day | 24/7 (eHi/CAR at P3 Car Park) | P3 Car Park (Counters) |
🚇Shenzhen Airport to the City Centre by Metro
1. Go to the Metro Station
- Follow signs to B1 Level (Ground Transport Centre) in Terminal 3.
- Look for Line 11 (Airport Line) – it is clearly marked in purple.
2. Buy a Ticket or Use Contactless Payment
- Single-journey tickets cost ¥7-10 (depending on distance).
- You can also use contactless payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay, or Shenzhen Tong card).
4. Take Line 11 to Futian
- Board the train bound for Futian (direction signs are in English).
- The journey takes 30-50 minutes to central stops like Futian Station or Chegongmiao.
5. Transfer to Other Lines (If Needed)
- At Futian Station, you can switch to Line 3 (Longgang Line) or Line 2 (Shekou Line) for more destinations.
How to Use Shenzhen Metro? See the Guide Below! 👇
🚕Shenzhen Airport to the City Centre by Taxi
Image source: Shenzhen Local Treasure
1. Find the Taxi Stand
- Go to Gate 13 (outside arrivals)
- Look for the official taxi queue
2. Know the Fare
- Starting fare: ¥10 (first 2km)
- Then ¥2.7 per km
- Total to city centre: ¥80-120 (40-60 mins)
- Extra charges may apply at night or during holidays
3. Prepare Your Destination
- Have your hotel/address ready in Chinese
- Show the address to the driver (or show on map)
4. Payment
- Pay by cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay)
- Ask for a receipt if needed
🚗Shenzhen Airport to the City Centre by E-Hailing
1. Book Your Ride
Use the Didi, Amap app (or other e-hailing apps) to book your car. Fares start from ¥65 to the city centre (40-60 mins travel time).
Foreigner-friendly Taxi Apps
2. Go to Pick-up Area
Head to Gate 15 for e-hailing. We recommend using 🔥Pick-up Area for E-Hailing (Area B)-indoor - it's more convenient here and avoids waiting outside in sun/rain. (Pick-up Area for E-Hailing (Area A)-outdoor.)
3. Authorise Your Vehicle
At Area B, find the self-service machine:
- Enter your car's licence plate number
- Authorise entry (if you cancel/rebook, you must re-enter the new plate number)
4. Meet Your Driver
Choose a parking spot (numbers 4-9 are less crowded). Send your spot number to the driver via app chat. They'll meet you at that exact parking space.
228398 booked
🚌Shenzhen Airport to the City Centre by Airport Express Bus
Image source: Shenzhen Local Treasure
The Shenzhen Airport Express Bus provides easy access to the city centre and is especially suitable for night travellers, as Line NA1 and NA2 operate from 10:30 to 5:00am when metro services aren't available. Ticket prices usually range from 20-40, depending on distance and route.
For central destinations, take the NA1 line (Futian-Luohu Line) and alight at either Investment Building or Shenzhen Building in the CBD area, with the journey costing ¥25. The service departs from Gate 17 of the Ground Transport Centre near T3 and runs every 30 minutes, providing a reliable alternative when the metro is not operating.
Shenzhen Airport Express Bus Service Information
Lines | Service Time | Price (¥) | Main Stops |
NA1 (Futian-Luohu Line) | 22:30-5:00 | 25 | Shenzhen Building ②, Investment Building ②, Xinghua Hotel East, Diwang Building, Outpatient Department ①, Hubei Metro Station, Huangbeiling Metro Station ② |
NA2 (Longhua Line) | 0:00-4:00 | 25 | Longsheng Metro Station, Century Spring City, Shenzhen North Station (West Emergency Parking) |
A4 (Longgang Line) | 7:00-4:00 | 35 | Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Ailian Metro Station, Longgang City Airport Terminal |
A5 (Pingshan Line) | 7:00-4:00 | 40 | He'ao Metro Station, Jinlong Metro Station (Pingshan City Airport Terminal), BYD Gate 1, Yuanzi Lake International Exhibition & Convention Center |
A6 (Guangming Line) | 9:00-4:00 | 20 | Minghu Park East, Dongchang Road Crossing, TCL China Star, Guangming City Airport Terminal |
NA8 (Buji/Yantian Line) NA8 (Extended Yantian Line) | 0:00-4:00 | 25 | Beihuan-Keyuan Overpass, Beihuan-Taoyuan Overpass, Shenzhen Petroleum Building, Nigang Village ①, Rongchao Garden ④ ⤵ |
0:30-4:00 | 35 | Luohu Gymnasium ①, Liantang Checkpoint ①, Jubao Road Crossing, Wutong Mountain South Metro Station, Shatoujiao Metro Station, Yantian District Government↩ | |
A10 (Futian Port Line) | 7:00-21:00 | 25 | Futian Checkpoint City Airport Terminal |
Source: Shenzhen Airport Express Bus Service Information in 2025
🚙Shenzhen Airport to the City Centre by Airport Transfer
Why Choose Trip.com Airport Transfer?
✔ Fixed Price – No hidden fees (e.g., tolls, waiting time).
✔ Flight Delay Protection – Driver waits for free if your flight is late.
✔ Compensation Guarantee – Full refund if the driver is late or doesn’t show.
✔ Free Cancellation – Cancel up to 24 hours before pickup without charge.
How to Book & Use the Airport Transfer Service
Step 1: Book Your Transfer
- Go to Trip.com and select "Airport Transfer".
- Enter:
- Flight number (e.g., CA3302) for real-time flight tracking.
- Pickup location: Bao’an International Airport T3 (select Terminal 3).
- Drop-off address: Hotel name or exact address (e.g., Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen).
- Car type: Choose Standard (4 seats) or Medium (larger car for extra luggage).
Step 2: Confirm Booking Details
- After booking, check your email or Trip.com app for:
- Driver’s contact number (sent 12 hours before pickup, or within 2 hours if booked last-minute).
- Pickup location (e.g., Arrivals Hall, Gate XX).
- Meet-and-greet sign (if you provided your English name).
Step 3: At Shenzhen Airport
- After landing, check your phone for updates.
- Go to the meeting point (shown in booking details).
- If you can’t find them, call the driver using the contact info provided.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Ride
- The journey to the city centre takes ~40-50 mins.
- No extra charges – price is fixed (e.g., ¥140-220 depending on car type).
Shenzhen Airport Transport FAQs
1. How far is Shenzhen airport from city?
32 km (about 40-50 mins by metro/taxi).
2. How much is a taxi from Shenzhen airport to city?
¥80-130 (daytime), more at night/holidays.
3. How to catch a taxi in Shenzhen?
Queue at Gate 13 (outside arrivals).
4. What metro line is Shenzhen Airport on?
Line 11: 06:04-00:01 (Direct to Futian).
5. How to pay for public transport in Shenzhen?
Use Shenzhen Tong card, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or single tickets.
6. How to buy a Shenzhen Metro ticket?
At station machines (English option) or via WeChat/Alipay QR codes.