Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is about 32 km from Shenzhen city centre. Transport costs vary depending on your method, destination, and time of day.
By transport type
Metro Line 11: CNY 7-11 per person. Metro Line 11 (the Airport Express line) runs from the airport to Futian, Shenzhen's central business district. It is fast and modern, taking about 45-60 minutes to Futian station. Runs approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30-11 PM.
Airport bus: CNY 15-30 depending on the route. Slow but inexpensive.
Taxi: CNY 100-170 to central areas. Meters are standard. After 11 PM, fares increase by roughly 20 percent. Rush hour traffic pushes fares toward the higher end.
Pre-booked transfer: $35-60 USD for a sedan. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price is fixed regardless of traffic.
By destination
| Destination | Taxi (CNY) | Transfer (CNY) | |-------------|------------|----------------| | Futian (CBD) | 90-130 | 280-400 | | Nanshan (tech hub) | 50-80 | 180-280 | | Luohu (HK border) | 120-170 | 350-500 | | Shekou (port area) | 60-90 | 200-320 | | Huaqiangbei (electronics) | 80-120 | 260-380 | | Hong Kong (cross-border) | 200-300 | 500-800 |
Hidden costs to consider
- Late-night surcharge: Taxi meters increase after 11 PM. Budget an extra 20 percent.
- Traffic factor: Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) fares can be significantly higher as the meter runs on both time and distance.
- Language confusion: If a taxi driver misunderstands your destination, the detour costs you money on the meter. Having your address in Chinese reduces this risk.
- Payment friction: Without WeChat Pay or Alipay, you are limited to cash. ATMs are available in arrivals.
Tips for managing costs
- The metro at CNY 7-11 is by far the cheapest option, but factor in walking and possible transfers to your final destination.
- For groups of 3-4 people, a taxi or transfer becomes more cost-effective per person than individual transit fares.
- Cash in CNY is the most reliable payment for taxis. ATMs in the arrivals hall accept international cards.
- Pre-booked transfers include the price for the vehicle, not per person, making them economical for families and small groups.