Complete Guide to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport for Travelers

Hi there! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. I love exploring remote corners of the world and sharing tips on how to travel around China on a budget. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, including transportation options, facilities, and useful travel tips to make your trip to Xiamen smoother and more enjoyable.

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Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Overview

• Airport Code: XMN
• Address: 121 Xiangyun Road, Huli District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
• Distance to Downtown: 10 km
• Terminal Information
  • T3 Terminal: Handles both international and domestic flights. Opened in 1996, it covers an area of 129,000 square meters.
  • T4 Terminal: Dedicated to domestic flights only. Opened in 2014, it spans 108,000 square meters.

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4 Best Ways from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown

Compared to other cities in China, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport currently does not have direct metro access. However, you can use public transportation like buses or the rapid transit system (BRT) for an easy and budget-friendly commute to the city center.

1. How to Take Public Buses or BRT from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Exit the arrivals hall and head down to the basement level. Follow the signs toward the parking area to find the bus stops.
• Fare: Airport express buses start at ¥1 and take you to places like Zhongshan Road (Zhongshan Lu). Transfers to other buses can bring you to metro stations.
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes.
• Operating Hours: First bus at 8:30 AM; last bus at 6:00 PM.

From T4 Terminal

• Location: Exit from Gate 7 and walk about 150 meters to the main road. Look for the underground passage that leads to the bus stops.
• Routes:
  • Kuaixian 1: First Pier – Xiamen North Railway Station
  • Kuaixian 2: First Pier – Tong’an
  • Kuaixian 5: Qianpu – Tong’an
  • Kuaixian 6: Qianpu – Xiamen North Railway Station
• Fare: Starts at ¥1, up to ¥4 depending on the distance.
• Duration: About 40 minutes.
• Operating Hours: First bus at 6:10 AM; last bus at 9:15 PM.

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2. How to Take the Airport Express Bus from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Ticket counters are located across from Gate 9 on the arrivals level.
• Fare: ¥15–20, depending on your destination.
• Duration: Between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Routes:
  • City Line: Zhongshan Road (Zhongshan Lu), Gulangyu Ferry Terminal, Zengcuo’an, Xiamen University White City, and more.
  • North Station Line: Gaoqi Metro Station and Xiamen North Railway Station.
• Operating Hours: 8:40 AM to 8:10 PM.

From T4 Terminal

• Location: Ticket counters are available near Gate 7 and across from Gate 3 on the arrivals level.
• Other Details: The same routes and schedules apply as T3 Terminal.

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3. How to Take a Taxi from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Taxi stands are located outside Gate 7 on the arrivals level.
• Fare: Approximately ¥30.
• Duration: Around 20 minutes.

From T4 Terminal

• Location: Taxi stands are available outside Gate 3 on the arrivals level.
• Fare: About ¥30.
• Duration: Roughly 20 minutes.

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4. How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown

You can use apps like Alipay or Didi Chuxing to book a ride.

From T3 Terminal

• Location: Head to the basement level of the arrivals hall for the ride-hailing pick-up area.
• Fare: Around ¥20.
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes.

From T4 Terminal

• Location: Exit through Gate 7, turn right, and proceed to the designated pick-up area across from Gates 9–13. The pick-up location will be listed as “T4 Terminal – Arrivals Level” in the app.
• Fare: About ¥20.
• Duration: Roughly 20 minutes.

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4 Best Ways to Get from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Xiamen Railway Station

From T3 Terminal

1. Public Bus or BRT

• Location: Exit the arrivals level and head to the basement parking area. Follow the signs to locate bus or BRT stops.
• Recommended Route: Take the airport express bus to Zhongshan Road or other stops on Xiamen Island, then transfer to Metro Line 1 to reach Xiamen Railway Station.
• Fare: Starts at ¥1, depending on distance.
• Duration: Approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on transfer times.
• Operating Hours: 6:10 AM to 9:15 PM.

2. Airport Express Bus

• Location: Across from Gate 9 on the arrivals level, at the airport express bus ticket counter.
• Route: Direct shuttle service to Xiamen Railway Station, offering a convenient and comfortable ride.
• Fare: ¥15–20.
• Duration: Around 30 minutes.
• Operating Hours: 8:40 AM to 8:10 PM.

3. Taxi

• Location: Taxi stands are outside Gate 7 of the arrivals level.
• Fare: Approximately ¥30, with slight variations depending on traffic.
• Duration: About 20 minutes.

4. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Location: The designated pick-up area is in the basement level of the arrivals hall. Look for clearly marked signs.
• Platforms: Use Didi Chuxing or Alipay to book a ride.
• Fare: ¥20–30, depending on the car type and traffic conditions.
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes.

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From T4 Terminal

1. Public Bus or BRT

• Location: Walk from Gate 7 on the arrivals level to the ground-level BRT station.
• Recommended Route: Take routes like Kuaixian 1 or Kuaixian 5 to Zhongshan Road and transfer to Metro Line 1 to reach Xiamen Railway Station.
• Fare: Starts at ¥1, depending on the distance.
• Duration: Around 40–60 minutes.
• Operating Hours: 6:10 AM to 9:15 PM.

2. Airport Express Bus

• Location: Ticket counters are located near Gate 3 and Gate 7 on the arrivals level.
• Route: Direct shuttle service to Xiamen Railway Station, offering a quick and hassle-free option.
• Fare: ¥15–20.
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
• Operating Hours: 8:40 AM to 8:10 PM.

3. Taxi

• Location: Taxi stands are located outside Gate 3 of the arrivals level.
• Fare: Around ¥30.
• Duration: About 20 minutes.

4. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Location: The designated ride-hailing pick-up area is near Gate 7, in a clearly marked zone.
• Platforms: Use Didi Chuxing or Alipay for easy bookings.
• Fare: ¥20–30, depending on the car type and traffic.
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes.

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International to Domestic Flight Transfer at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

If you’re transferring from an international flight to a domestic one at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Immigration Check
   • Upon arriving on your international flight, proceed to the immigration area for passport verification. Ensure you have your passport, visa, and any other required entry documents ready in advance.
2. Baggage Claim
   • After clearing immigration, head to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage.
3. Customs Inspection
   • Pass through the customs inspection channel with your luggage. If you have items that require declaration, choose the “Declaration Channel” and provide accurate information.
4. Recheck Your Bags
   1. Proceed to the domestic departure area and check in for your domestic flight. This includes rechecking your luggage at the check-in counters.
   2. Both T3 and T4 terminals have domestic check-in areas, so refer to your flight details for terminal-specific information.
5. Security Check
   • After check-in, go through the security screening process.
6. Boarding
   • Once past security, follow the directions to your assigned gate as indicated on your boarding pass.

Tip: To avoid any delays, it’s highly recommended to allow at least 3 hours for this transfer process.

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Domestic to International Flight Transfer at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

If you’re transferring from a domestic flight to an international one, follow these steps to ensure a seamless connection:

1. Arrival at Domestic Flight Area
   • Once your domestic flight arrives, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage (if applicable).
2. International Check-in
   1. Head to the international flight check-in counters with your passport, visa, and flight ticket.
   2. Most international flights operate from the T3 Terminal, so confirm your terminal and check-in location based on your flight details.
3. Baggage Drop-off
   • At the check-in counter, drop off your luggage and receive your boarding pass for the international flight.
4. Customs and Border Control
   • Proceed to the customs and border control area for exit clearance. Have your passport, visa, and boarding pass ready for a swift process.
5. Security Screening
   • After border control, complete the security check at the designated international security area.
6. Boarding
   • Once through security, follow the signage to your assigned gate and prepare to board your international flight.

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Guide to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Tax Refund Services

• Eligibility:
  • Purchases made on the same day at the same tax refund store by a foreign traveler must total at least ¥500.
  • The tax refund must be claimed within 90 days of purchase.
• Refund Amount:
  • Tax refunds are 11% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 9% returned to the traveler.
• Process:
  • Before security, have your purchases inspected and verified by customs. Follow the airport signage to locate customs checkpoints.
  • After security, the tax refund counter is located on the left-hand side after the second security check.

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Buying SIM Cards

• Location: SIM cards are available at the international arrivals area, with service counters for China Unicom and China Mobile.
• Plans:
  • 7-day plan: 30GB data + 100 minutes of calls for ¥80.
  • 15-day plan: 50GB data + 200 minutes of calls for ¥100.
• Note: A VPN is necessary for accessing Google, Line, and other restricted services in China.

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Inter-Terminal Transfers: T4 to T3 and T3 to T4

A free shuttle bus operates between T3 and T4 terminals from 5:15 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Peak Hours (5:15 AM–8:00 PM): Every 15 minutes.
• Non-Peak Hours (8:00 PM–10:00 PM): Every 30 minutes or when full.
• T3 Shuttle Stop: Located on the east side of the arrivals level, near the former long-distance bus waiting area.
• T4 Shuttle Stop: Located at Lane 2 on the arrivals level.

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Dining Options and Hours

T3 Terminal (Post-Security)

• McDonald’s: Located near Gate 11 in the arrivals hall. Open from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Serves burgers and other fast food.
• KFC: Located in the international departure hall (east side). Open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

T4 Terminal (Post-Security)

• McDonald’s: Inside the terminal’s secure area. Open from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

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Duty-Free Shopping Hours

T3 Terminal

• Locations:
  • Fragrance Shop: Near Gate 10 in the international departure area.
  • Specialty Store: Near Gate 10 in the international departure area.
  • Tobacco and Liquor Stores: Near Gates 8–9 and Gates 11–12 in the international area, and in the arrivals area.
• Hours:
  • International departure area: 5:30 AM to the last flight.
  • International arrivals area: 9:00 AM to the last flight.
• Products: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics.

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Luggage Storage

• T3 Terminal: Located at the luggage storage counter in the arrivals hall. Open from 5:30 AM to the last flight.
  • Fees: Small items (30x20x10 cm): ¥10 for 0–10 hours, ¥15 for 10–24 hours. Large items (100x60x40 cm): ¥20 for 0–10 hours, ¥25 for 10–24 hours.
• T4 Terminal: Located at the luggage storage counter in the arrivals hall. Open from 5:30 AM to the last flight.
  • Fees: Same as T3 Terminal.

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Currency Exchange

T3 Terminal

• Departure Hall: Near the business center. Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• International Area: Near Gate 12 in the departure area. Open from 8:30 AM to the last flight.
• Domestic Arrivals: Near the domestic arrivals exit. Open from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

T4 Terminal

• Departure Hall: West side near the information desk. Open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Arrivals Hall: Near Counter 12. Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

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Free Wi-Fi

Passengers can connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi by entering their phone number and receiving a verification code via SMS. Note: A VPN is required to access websites like Google.

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Overnight at the Airport

• Operating Hours:
  • T3 Terminal: Opens at 5:00 AM.
  • T4 Terminal: Opens at 4:30 AM.

After the day’s last outbound flight, both terminals’ departure areas are closed, and passengers cannot stay there overnight. Travelers needing overnight accommodations can rest in the arrivals area.

• T3 Transfer Passenger Lounge: Free but has limited reclining chairs. After 10:00 PM, finding an available spot can be challenging.

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Check-in Deadlines

• Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
• International Flights: Check-in usually closes 40–45 minutes before departure.