A Guide to How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
Hong Kong and Shenzhen are two bustling cities in southern China, separated by the Shenzhen River. Whether you’re traveling for business, shopping, or sightseeing, there are multiple convenient ways to make the journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best option for your trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.
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1. By MTR (Fast and Convenient)
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is one of the most popular and efficient ways to travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Routes
- East Rail Line: Take the MTR East Rail Line to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations, which connect directly to Shenzhen.
- Lo Wu Station: Connects to Shenzhen’s Luohu District.
- Lok Ma Chau Station: Connects to Shenzhen’s Futian District via the Huanggang Port.
Ticket Information
- Cost: HKD 40–50 (one way) from urban Hong Kong stations like Kowloon Tong or Admiralty.
- Duration: Approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on your starting point.
- Frequency: Trains run every 5–10 minutes.
Tips for Taking the MTR
- Bring your passport, as you’ll need to clear immigration at the border.
- Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM) to skip the crowds.
- Use an Octopus card for seamless travel within Hong Kong.
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2. By Cross-Border Bus (Affordable and Flexible)
Cross-border buses operate between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, offering a comfortable and affordable option.
Bus Operators
- Eternal East Cross-Border Bus: Connects multiple points in Hong Kong to Shenzhen.
- Trans Island Limousine: Offers luxury bus services with comfortable seating.
Departure Points in Hong Kong
- Kowloon: Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Kwun Tong.
- Hong Kong Island: Causeway Bay and Wan Chai.
- New Territories: Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.
Arrival Points in Shenzhen
- Luohu District: Near Luohu Commercial City and Shenzhen Railway Station.
- Futian District: Close to Shenzhen’s central business district.
- Nanshan District: Near Shekou and the Shenzhen Bay Port.
Ticket Information
- Cost: HKD 50–100 (one way), depending on the route and operator.
- Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic and border crossing times.
- Frequency: Buses run every 15–30 minutes.
Tips for Taking the Bus
- Book tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Be prepared for immigration checks at the border.
- Check the bus schedule for your return trip to Hong Kong.
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3. By Ferry (Scenic and Comfortable)
Ferries are a great option for travelers heading to Shenzhen’s western districts, such as Shekou.
Ferry Operators
- TurboJET: Operates ferries between Hong Kong and Shekou.
Departure Points in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre): Located in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island.
- China Ferry Terminal: Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Arrival Point in Shenzhen
- Shekou Ferry Terminal: Located in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District.
Ticket Information
- Cost: HKD 120–150 (one way).
- Duration: Approximately 50–60 minutes.
- Frequency: Ferries run every 30–60 minutes.
Tips for Taking the Ferry
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in and immigration.
- Bring your passport for border clearance.
- Enjoy the scenic views of the Pearl River Delta during the journey.
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4. By High-Speed Train (Fast and Modern)
The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) connects Hong Kong to Shenzhen in just 14–20 minutes.
Departure Point
- Hong Kong West Kowloon Station: Located in Kowloon, near the Elements shopping mall.
Arrival Point
- Shenzhen North Station: Located in Shenzhen’s Longhua District.
Ticket Information
- Cost: HKD 75–90 (one way).
- Duration: Approximately 14–20 minutes.
- Frequency: Trains run every 10–15 minutes.
Tips for Taking the High-Speed Train
- Book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Arrive early for security and immigration checks.
- Use the automated ticket machines for quick and easy ticket purchases.
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5. By Private Car or Taxi (Flexible and Direct)
For a more personalized journey, you can hire a private car or taxi to take you across the border.
How It Works
- Hire a car or taxi with a cross-border permit.
- Drive across the Shenzhen Bay Bridge or Lok Ma Chau border.
Cost
- HKD 500–1,000, depending on the service and vehicle type.
Tips for Private Transfers
- Book in advance with a reputable service provider.
- Ensure the driver has the necessary permits for cross-border travel.
- Be prepared for immigration checks at the border.
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6. By Metro (From Shenzhen Bay Port)
If you’re traveling to Shenzhen via the Shenzhen Bay Port, you can take the Shenzhen Metro to reach your destination.
How It Works
- Cross the border at Shenzhen Bay Port.
- Take the Shenzhen Metro Line 11 or Line 9 from the port to your destination in Shenzhen.
Ticket Information
- Cost: RMB 2–10 (one way), depending on the distance.
- Duration: Varies depending on your destination.
Tips for Taking the Metro
- Purchase a Shenzhen Tong card for convenient travel on the metro.
- Check the metro map to plan your route in advance.
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7. Tips for Traveling Between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
1. Check visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visas for both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
2. Bring your passport: You’ll need it for immigration checks.
3. Plan your timing: Consider traffic, train schedules, and immigration wait times.
4. Carry local currency: Have some Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and Chinese yuan (CNY) for transportation and small purchases.
5. Stay connected: Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device for navigation and communication.
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Whether you choose the speed of the MTR, the convenience of a cross-border bus, or the luxury of a private car, traveling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen is a seamless and enjoyable experience.
