Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is about 10 km from Xiamen city centre. Transport costs vary depending on your method, destination, and time of day.
By transport type
Metro Line 1 (BRT also available): CNY 3-5 per person. 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.
Airport bus: CNY 15-30 depending on the route. Slow but inexpensive.
Taxi: CNY 25-50 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: $15-35 USD for a sedan. Minivans and premium vehicles cost more. The price is fixed regardless of traffic.
By destination
| Destination | Taxi (CNY) | Transfer (CNY) | |-------------|------------|----------------| | Zhongshan Road (old town) | 20-35 | 80-130 | | SM City (shopping) | 15-25 | 50-90 | | Xiamen University | 20-35 | 70-120 | | Gulangyu Ferry Terminal | 20-35 | 80-130 | | Zengcuo'an village | 15-30 | 60-110 | | Jimei district | 15-25 | 50-100 |
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 3-5 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.