Ultimate Guide to Navigating Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport: Transport, Services, and More

Hello everyone! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler. For those of you who love exploring diverse and even remote destinations worldwide, independent travel offers a unique and adventurous experience. Today, however, I want to introduce you to a place a bit closer to home—Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. I’ll be sharing how to get from the airport to Shenzhen’s city center in a budget-friendly way. As a fan of low-cost travel, I’m here to offer practical tips and a detailed transportation guide to help you kick off an unforgettable journey in Shenzhen!

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Overview of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

• Airport Code: SZX
• Location: Bao’an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, on the eastern shore of the Pearl River
• Distance from Downtown: Approximately 32 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • Terminal 3: Shenzhen Bao’an Airport operates with a single terminal, T3, as terminals T1 and T2 were closed in 2013. Terminal 3 opened in November 2013, covering an impressive 451,000 square meters.

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Top 5 Ways to Get from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Downtown Shenzhen

1. Taking the Metro from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Downtown (Recommended)

For most locals, the Metro is a convenient way to travel from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to the city center. You can take Line 11 (Airport Express), which offers a direct route.

• Location: B1 Level of the airport
• Operating Hours: 5:52 AM to 12:02 AM
• Ticket Price:
  • Standard Car: Between 2 and 10 RMB
  • Business Car: Between 6 and 30 RMB
• Travel Time to Downtown: About 40 minutes

How to Buy Tickets:

• Ticket Machines: Accepts cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
• Mobile Payment: Use Alipay to scan and enter directly.
• Service Counters: Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB) are accepted.

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2. Taking the Airport Shuttle Bus from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Downtown

Another option is the airport shuttle bus, which is available for travelers at night and early morning.

• Location: Ground Transportation Center (GTC) at Gate 17
• Ticket Price: 25 RMB
• Operating Hours: 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM (every 30 to 60 minutes)
• Travel Time to Downtown: Approximately 60 minutes

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3. Taking a Public Bus from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Downtown

Public buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel, though they take longer to reach the city center.

• Location: Outside Gate 16 on the second floor of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
• Ticket Price: 2-5 RMB, depending on the route
• Operating Hours: 6:20 AM to 9:30 PM
• Travel Time to Downtown: About 90 minutes

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4. Taking a Taxi from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Downtown (Recommended)

For a faster and more direct route, taxis are a popular choice. Taxis are available 24/7, making them convenient for travelers with large luggage or arriving at odd hours.

• Location: Outside Gate 13 on the second floor, east side of the GTC
• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Fare:
  • Daytime: Approximately 100 RMB
  • Nighttime: About 150 RMB (with a 30% surcharge)
  • Day Rate Calculation: 10 RMB base fare + 2.7 RMB per km + 0.8 RMB per minute wait time
  • Night Rate Calculation: 13 RMB base fare + 3.51 RMB per km + 0.8 RMB per minute wait time
• Travel Time to Downtown: Around 40 minutes

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5. Taking a Ride-Hailing Car from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Downtown

While ride-hailing is generally convenient, the pick-up process at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport can be a bit complex, especially if you’re meeting the driver in the B Zone. Because of this, it’s usually not the top recommendation here.

• Location: Outside Gate 15 on the south side of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)
• Operating Hours: 24 hours
• Fare:
  • Daytime: About 60 RMB
  • Nighttime: Around 100 RMB
• Travel Time to Downtown: Around 40 minutes

Pick-Up Zone Guide:

• Zone A: Located outdoors. After booking, tell the driver your exact spot, such as “Blue 105.”

• Zone B (more complex): Located indoors, often quieter and closer.
  • Choose “B Zone” as your pick-up location when booking.
  • Enter the car’s license plate number into the machine to ensure the driver can access the airport.
  • Wait for your driver to arrive and prepare to board.

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Top 2 Ways to Travel Between Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport

From Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport

Option 1: Ferry

The ferry offers one of the quickest and most convenient ways to travel from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Hong Kong International Airport, especially for those looking to avoid road traffic.

Steps:

1. Upon arrival at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, take the free shuttle from the Ground Transportation Center to Shenzhen Fuyong Pier.
2. At Fuyong Pier, buy your ferry ticket and complete boarding procedures. Some airlines also allow you to check in your luggage here and collect your boarding pass.
3. After clearing customs at Fuyong Pier, board the ferry to the SkyPier Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport.
4. Upon arrival at SkyPier, claim your luggage and complete check-in with your airline (if you checked in at Fuyong, you can proceed directly to security).
5. Pass through security and take the airport transit system to reach your boarding gate at Hong Kong International Airport.

Option 2: Bus

• Service Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
• Service Counters:
  • Arrival Hall, 2nd Floor, Counter 2H-10-02
  • Ground Transportation Center (GTC), 2nd Floor, near Gates 16-17 (dedicated counters for Hong Kong travelers)
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

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From Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

Option 1: Ferry

Taking the ferry from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen Bao’an Airport is also a popular choice, offering a direct route that bypasses road border crossings.

Steps:

1. Upon arrival at Terminal 1, go to the E2 transfer area, then proceed to the Mainland/Macau Ferry Ticket Counter and purchase a ticket to Shenzhen Fuyong Pier. Present your baggage claim tag (no need to clear immigration).
2. Scan your ferry ticket at the boarding gate and confirm your baggage.
3. Use the airport transit system to reach the SkyPier Terminal.
4. Board the ferry to Shenzhen Fuyong Pier.
5. Upon arrival at Fuyong Pier, complete customs and quarantine procedures.
6. Take the free shuttle to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

Option 2: Bus

• Service Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
• Service Counters: Terminal 1, Arrival Hall (L5), Counters A17 and A18
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes (from 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM)

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Guide to Services Inside Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

Tax Refund Services

If you’re eligible for a tax refund at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Customs Stamp Before Security:
   • Location: Customs Inspection Point between Islands D and E on the 3rd Floor in the International/Regional Departures Hall.
   • Hours: Open 24/7
2. Tax Refund After Security:
   • Location: After passing through security, follow signs to the tax refund desk near Gates 8 and 9.
   • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed on weekends and public holidays. A 24-hour self-service option is also available.
   • Refund Process:
     • For refunds under 10,000 RMB, you can choose between cash and bank transfer.
     • For amounts over 10,000 RMB, refunds are processed via bank transfer.
     • Refund Rate: You’ll receive about 9% of the sales invoice value after a 2% handling fee is deducted.

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Dining Options After Security and Their Hours

Whether you need a quick meal or a coffee, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has several dining options beyond security:

• Burger King: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• KFC: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM (hours may vary depending on flight schedules)
• McDonald’s: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM (hours may vary depending on flight schedules)
• Starbucks: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (hours may vary depending on flight schedules)
• Kuanzhai Alley (Chengdu Cuisine): 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• 7-Eleven: 24 hours, with a second store open from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

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Duty-Free Shopping Hours

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport offers a variety of duty-free shopping options across different levels:

• Shenzhen Duty-Free: Open 24/7, with multiple stores on Levels 1, 2, and 3. The Level 1 store operates from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Armani: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (hours may vary depending on flight schedules)
• GUCCI: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (hours may vary depending on flight schedules)

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Baggage Storage

Need a place to store your luggage? Shenzhen Bao’an Airport offers 24-hour baggage storage.

• Location: Business Center, near Gate A on the 4th Floor of the Departures Hall
• Price: 5 RMB per hour or 30 RMB per day for large suitcases

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Currency Exchange Locations at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

Shenzhen Bao’an Airport offers multiple currency exchange locations to make it easy for travelers to exchange money within the airport. Here are the available exchange points, their names, locations, and hours of operation:

• 1st Floor, International Arrivals, Location 1H-01-01
  • Name: Tongjilong
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:40 PM
• 4th Floor, Check-in Hall, West Side, Location 4L-03-08
  • Name: Yunhuitong
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• 4th Floor, Check-in Hall, East Side, Location 4R-03-09
  • Name: Tongjilong
  • Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:40 PM
• 3rd Floor, East Wing Corridor, Location 3R-02-02
  • Name: United Money
  • Hours: Open 24 hours

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Free Wi-Fi Access at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport provides free Wi-Fi access with four easy login options:

• SMS Verification: Ideal for travelers with a Chinese mobile number
• WeChat Verification: Log in directly via WeChat
• Boarding Pass Verification: Use your boarding pass details to access Wi-Fi
• Kiosk Verification: Suitable for travelers without a mobile number

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Overnight Accommodation at the Airport

If you need to stay overnight, Shenzhen Bao’an Airport has a dedicated overnight rest area on the 2nd floor. Since space is limited, it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.

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Check-in Deadlines at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

To avoid missing your flight, be mindful of the check-in deadlines at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport:

• Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
• International and Regional Flights: Check-in closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.