Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) is close to Hong Kong and offers numerous domestic and international routes, making it a popular alternative for many Hong Kong residents. There are several ways to get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport, each with its own pros and cons.
Trip.com has rounded up 6 major transport options from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport, plus recommendations on the quickest routes from different parts of Hong Kong.
Top 6 Ways to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport
Transportation Options | Duration | Benefits | Downsides |
High Speed Rail + Shenzhen Metro | About 1 to 1.5 hours | Fast, comfortable, and on time—unaffected by traffic jams. | You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance, and the stations are a bit spread out. |
About 1 to 1.5 hours | No transfers needed, point-to-point service, ideal for travelers with luggage | May be affected by traffic congestion | |
MTR + Shenzhen Metro | About 1.5 hours | Budget-friendly, frequent departures | This route involves multiple transfers and isn’t suitable for travelers with large luggage. |
Shenzhen Bay Port A3 Bus | About 1.5 - 2 hours | Affordable prices and beautiful scenery along the way | Travel may be slower, with possible delays due to heavy traffic. |
Ferry | About 1.5 hours | A comfortable journey, ideal for travelers who prefer to avoid ground transportation. | Departures are limited, so you'll need to coordinate with your flight schedule. |
About 1 - 1.5 hours | Flexible and convenient, customizable itineraries | Higher prices; there are restrictions on cross-border vehicles. |
How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport #1: High-Speed Rail
Traveling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport by high-speed rail is a quick and convenient option. You can take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen North Station, then transfer to the Shenzhen Metro for a direct ride to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
Pros of taking the bullet-train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- The high-speed rail is fast—the entire journey takes only about 30–40 minutes.
- Trains are comfortable and on time, and aren’t affected by traffic.
- Ideal for time-crunched business travelers or travelers who want to get there fast
Cons of taking the bullet-train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- You’ll need to book high-speed rail tickets in advance—availability may be limited during peak season.
- You'll need to transfer to the metro at Shenzhen North Railway Station, which is a bit inconvenient.
Image source: Hong Kong High-Speed Rail official website
How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport #2: Cross-Border Direct Bus
Cross-border direct buses are a convenient point-to-point option from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport. You can hop on from multiple city locations in Hong Kong—such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, or Yuen Long—and head straight to Shenzhen Airport, saving yourself the hassle of multiple transfers.
Pros of taking bus from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- No transfers required—direct to Shenzhen Airport, ideal for travelers carrying large luggage.
- Reasonably priced
- The vehicle features a luggage storage area and offers a comfortable ride.
Cons of taking bus from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- Your itinerary may be affected by road traffic congestion, which could result in delays.
- Buses run less frequently; check departure times in advance.
How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport #3: MTR + Shenzhen Metro
Riding the MTR and the Shenzhen Metro is a budget-friendly way to travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport. From Hong Kong, take the MTR to Lo Wu or Futian Checkpoint; after crossing the border, switch to the Shenzhen Metro to reach Shenzhen Airport.
Pros of taking metro from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- Budget-friendly, the total fare for the MTR and subway is approximately HK$50–HK$80.
- The MTR and Shenzhen Metro have frequent service, with short wait times.
- For travelers who frequently use public transit, the routes feel familiar and convenient.
Cons of taking metro from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- You'll need to make several transfers, so it's not ideal for trips with lots of luggage.
- This itinerary is quite lengthy, taking approximately 1.5 hours or more.
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How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport #4: Shenzhen Bay Port A3 Bus
Taking the A3 bus from Shenzhen Bay Port to Shenzhen Airport is a budget-friendly choice, ideal for travelers heading to the airport from New Territories West.
Pros of taking the bay bus from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- Affordable prices
- Enjoy the scenery along the way, making the journey even more relaxed and enjoyable.
Cons of taking the bay bus from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- You'll need to transfer at the border, and it takes longer (about 1.5 - 2 hours).
- Your itinerary may be delayed due to traffic congestion.
How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport #5: Ferry
If you want to avoid road traffic, taking a ferry is a comfortable option. Depart from Hong Kong’s China Hong Kong City Ferry Terminal on a Chu Kong Passenger Transport ferry for a direct trip to Shenzhen Airport.
Pros of taking a ferry from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- A comfortable journey, ideal for travelers who don't like traveling by land
- Unaffected by road traffic congestion, your itinerary stays more reliable.
Cons of taking a ferry from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- Departures are limited, so you’ll need to make sure they align with your flight times.
- Costs are on the high side.
Photo credit: Pearl River Passenger Shipping official website
How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport #6: Rent a Car
Renting a cross-border vehicle is another convenient option—you can choose a chauffeur-driven ride or drive yourself and head straight from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport.
Pros of renting a car from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- Flexible and convenient—your itinerary is fully customizable.
- Perfect for group trips—split the costs for an even better value.
Cons of renting a car from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
- Costs are relatively high
- Limited rental car availability—advance booking required.
The Fastest Way to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport
Based on Hong Kong’s different areas, here are the recommended fastest ways to get to Shenzhen Airport:
Hong Kong Departure Point | Border crossings | Transportation to Shenzhen Airport |
Hong Kong Island Area (Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai) | Lo Wu (East Rail Line) | Shenzhen Metro: From Luohu Station, take Line 1 to Chegongmiao Station, then transfer to Line 11 to Airport Station |
Lok Ma Chau (East Rail Line) | Shenzhen Metro: Take Line 10 from Futian Checkpoint Station to Gangxia North Station, then transfer to Line 11 to Airport Station | |
New Territories West (Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, Kam Tin) | Shenzhen Bay Port | Bus: A3 |
Hong Kong Island (Sheung Wan, Causeway Bay, Ocean Park) | Shenzhen Bay Port / Huanggang Port | Bus: Trans-Island Chinalink |
Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) | China Hong Kong City | Ferry: Pearl River Passenger Transport Services |
Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport FAQs
How early should I buy tickets for the high-speed train?
It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during holidays or peak seasons. You can reserve tickets ahead on Trip.com.Can I buy cross-border bus tickets anytime?
Most bus companies allow on-site ticket purchases, but to secure a seat, it’s recommended to book in advance on Trip.com.What preparations are needed to drive from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport?
U.S. drivers need an IDP, Hong Kong & China vehicle permits, proper insurance, and must clear border checks.What documents do I need to enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong?
As a U.S. citizen, you need a valid passport and a Chinese visa to enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong.How long does it take to get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport?
Travel time varies by transport: high-speed train (~1.5–2 hrs), cross-border bus (~1.5–2.5 hrs), or driving (~1.5 hrs depending on traffic).