Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is about 10 km from Xiamen city centre. Transport costs vary depending on your method, destination, and time of day, and fares are revised periodically — check the current rate before you travel rather than relying on a fixed figure.
By transport type
Metro Line 1 (BRT also available): Distance-based fare, set by Xiamen Metro. Metro Line 1 connects the airport to central Xiamen. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system also provides fast connections. The journey to the city centre takes only 15-25 minutes. Runs approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30-11 PM. Check the current fare on the ticket machine or the Xiamen Metro app.
Fixed-price private transfer
XMN Xiamen City Center
From€48for 2 passengers
Airport bus: Fare depends on the route; check the price posted at the ticket counter in arrivals. Slow but inexpensive relative to a taxi.
Taxi: Metered on the official city tariff. After 11 PM, a standard night surcharge applies. Rush hour traffic pushes fares toward the higher end because the meter runs on both time and distance.
Pre-booked transfer: Fixed price for a sedan, agreed and confirmed at booking. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price does not change with traffic.
By destination
Exact taxi and transfer prices vary by destination, traffic, and the tariff in force at the time, so a fixed price table here would go stale. Zhongshan Road (old town), SM City, Xiamen University, Gulangyu Ferry Terminal, Zengcuo'an village, and Jimei district are all within Xiamen's compact main-island geography, so taxi rides from the airport to any of them are short by Chinese-city standards. Check the meter (taxi) or your booking confirmation (pre-booked transfer) for the actual price on the day.
Hidden costs to consider
- Late-night surcharge: Taxi meters increase after 11 PM under the standard night tariff.
- 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Xiamen Airport from the city center?
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is only about 10 km from the city center, making it one of China's most conveniently located airports. A taxi takes 15-25 minutes outside rush hour.
How much is a taxi from Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu?
A taxi to the Gulangyu ferry terminal is a short, metered ride given the airport's 10 km distance from the centre — check the meter for the exact fare. From there, you take the ferry to Gulangyu island. The total journey takes about 30-45 minutes including the ferry wait.
Is there a metro from Xiamen Airport?
Yes, Metro Line 1 connects Xiamen Airport to central areas. The fare is a standard distance-based Xiamen Metro fare — check the current price on the ticket machine or the Xiamen Metro app. The journey takes 15-25 minutes, running from approximately 6:30 AM to 10:30-11 PM.
What is the cheapest way from Xiamen Airport to the city?
Metro Line 1 is the cheapest option, at the standard Xiamen Metro distance-based fare. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is similarly priced. Both are fast and efficient given the airport's close proximity to the city.