How to Travel From Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport by Train, Bus, and Car

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Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport

Address

JRP7+PRQ, Baoan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China

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Phone +86 755 2345 6789

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Shenzhen is the sub-provincial city that links Hong Kong to mainland China, but it's more than just a bridge. Rather, this sprawling metropolis is a tourist destination of its own. Named a UNESCO City of Design, Shenzhen is teeming with innovation—you can see it in every art installation and tower. It's also a gateway to the Nanshan mountains nearby. The Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport sees about 50 million passengers per year and makes for the perfect entry point to Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other destinations in southeastern China. Getting to it from the city center is easiest by train, but you can also take a bus or a taxi.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport? 

The cheapest way to get to the airport from the city center is by Metro. Fares depend on where in the city you travel from, but it should cost around $1. Perhaps the easiest route it to catch the Airport Express Line (Line 11) from Futian Station, which takes 35 minutes to get to Airport Station. This line includes 18 stops between Futian and Bitou, stopping at the airport in the middle. It departs every eight minutes (five minutes during rush hour) and runs between 6 a.m. and midnight.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport? 

If you don't mind spending a bit extra, you can get to the airport quicker via taxi or by driving yourself. The airport is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) outside of downtown Shenzhen, which takes about 20 minutes to drive in average traffic conditions. If traveling from the airport, there's a taxi stand on the east side of the second-floor Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) at Terminal 3 where you'll find red and blue taxis. You should expect to pay about $14 for a cab to or from the city.

Is There a Bus That Goes From Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport? 

If you happen to be staying near a bus stop, it might be more convenient to take a bus directly from your doorstep rather than deal with Shenzhen's Metro system. The airport offers 11 shuttle buses that stop at all sorts of downtown destinations, including the Convention & Exhibition Center, Nanshan Cultural Center, Shenzhen West railway station, and more. The trip typically takes about 45 minutes and costs between $2 and $4.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Shenzhen Airport? 

It's best to avoid rush hour when traveling to the airport from the center, especially if you plan to take a taxi. You'll be faced with gridlock traffic and inflated fares if you attempt a trip during morning or late afternoon. Stick to early, late, or smack dab in the middle of the day for a quicker, cheaper journey. Similarly, if you're taking public transportation, the subway and buses can get clogged during peak times despite the fact that there are more trains.

What Is There to Do in Shenzhen? 

You may want to fly into Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport as an alternative to the much busier Hong Kong International Airport, seeing as the tourist-popular city is just a ferry ride away. But for those who want to explore a bit of Shenzhen, there's plenty to do in this modern metropolis. To get a bird's eye view of the city UNESCO has praised for its design, you can head to the Meridian View Centre on the 69th floor of Diwang Mansion, one of Shenzhen's loftiest buildings. The Futian district puts on a good display of the city's world-renowned architecture, too. You won't see a ton of history or nature within central Shenzhen, but you can learn about the city's roots at the Shenzhen Museum or head to the outskirts for a hike in the Nanshan mountains.