ShenzhenTransportation Guide

Shenzhen Metro has 18 lines. You can use Alipay’s ride code to pay. Line 1 goes to Window of the World and Huaqiangbei. Line 2 goes to Sea World, Civic Center, and Talent Park. Lines 2 and 7 stop at Huaqiangbei Station. Lines 3 and 4 stop at Children’s Palace Station (Lianhua Mountain). Lines 2, 10, 11, and 14 stop at Gangxia North Station. Line 11 goes directly to Bao’an Airport.Starting in June 2026, international Visa and Mastercard cards can be tapped directly to enter stations; dedicated turnstiles are available at each station. On days with light shows, metro service is extended until 11:30 p.m.

The starting fare is 10 yuan (2 kilometers). Didi is integrated into WeChat and Alipay. Short trips within the city cost 20–35 yuan. A ride to Bao’an Airport costs 80–120 yuan (Line 11 of the subway is more convenient and cheaper). Traffic congestion in the city center is severe during rush hour.

Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Take Metro Line 11 directly (about 30 minutes, 7 yuan). A taxi costs 80–120 yuan (about 40–60 minutes). The airport shuttle bus costs 20–25 yuan. The airport is about 30 kilometers from the city center.

Shenzhen has three high-speed rail stations. Shenzhen North Station: The largest, serving the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong and Xiamen–Shenzhen high-speed rail lines; takes 25 minutes to reach the city center via Lines 4, 5, and 6. Futian Station: Serves the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong high-speed rail line; located underground in the downtown CBD, connected to Lines 2, 3, and 11. Shenzhen Station: Located next to Luohu Port, serving the Guangzhou–Shenzhen Intercity Line; takes 5 minutes to reach the city center via Line 1. To Hong Kong: Take the high-speed rail from Futian Station—it’s a 14-minute ride to West Kowloon.