A guide to travelling to Shenzhen Airport from HKIA

You could fill many a weekend trip with Shenzhen’s diverse offerings, which range from natural wonders like misty mountain peaks and sandy shorelines, to urban gems that encompass huge retail complexes and colourful night markets. 

The city is also a major hub for connections to the rest of the Chinese Mainland, thanks to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. This makes Hong Kong International Airport’s strategic air-to-sea connection to Shenzhen ideal for travellers commuting through Hong Kong to the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

There’s no need to worry about going through multiple immigration checks or carting your suitcase around, either; HKIA’s ferry service to the Chinese Mainland and Macao includes direct baggage transfers, ensures you only go through the immigration process once, and is easily accessible from the moment you step off the plane. 

Here’s everything you need to know about taking the ferry to Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal from HKIA.

Before you go, double-check which travel documents you need for entry to the Chinese Mainland, and download our pdf guide to help you on your way.

1. Arriving at Hong Kong International Airport

When you land at HKIA, follow the signs to Mainland/Macao and Transfer Desks E2. They’ll bring you to the ferry ticketing desk where you can buy tickets for the ferry, as well as transfer your baggage to your destination. 

Alternatively, getting a Direct Air+Sea combined flight and ferry ticket when you book your flight with us will save you time and hassle, especially since ferry transfers can only be arranged for same-day arrivals.* Simply enter your destination as "Shenzhen, Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal (FYG)" and you’ll be automatically assigned the next available ferry after your flight’s arrival in Hong Kong.

2. Skip Immigration

You may pass the Immigration Hall on your way to the ferry ticketing desk. However, one of the benefits of transferring to the Chinese Mainland via ferry is that it saves you the trouble of going through Immigration at the airport, so just continue towards Mainland/Macao and Transfer Desks E2. 

3. Mainland/Macao connection via the SkyPier Terminal Ferry Service

You’ll know you’ve reached the ferry ticketing desks when you see an open waiting area with couches, indicated by a dark blue “E2” sign. Head towards the row of boat operators signposted by a green lightbox labelled “SkyPier Terminal Ferry Service”. Here, staff will help you get tickets and transfer your baggage to Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal.

Have your travel documents, flight ticket and baggage tag receipt (sometimes attached to your boarding pass) ready to show the ferry operator. They’ll confirm where you’re going and how many pieces of checked baggage you have before taking your baggage receipt to make sure your bags are transferred directly to your destination. One piece of baggage is free of charge, with an additional charge for extra items. 

If you’ve booked a combined flight and ferry ticket to Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal, the operator will print your ferry pass for you.

If you still need to purchase a ferry ticket, the operator will tell you when the next available ferries are, with ticket prices in HKD. You can pay by cash, credit card or WeChat Pay.

Be mindful that you can only do same-day transfers, meaning your ferry journey must take place on the same date printed on your flight ticket. This ensures that your bags are smoothly transferred from the plane to the ferry and onwards to your destination.

Plan ahead when booking your journey to make sure you can catch the last ferry of the day. You can check the ferry timetable in advance here , and it will also be displayed on the overhead monitors at the SkyPier Terminal Ferry Service.

4. Train to the SkyPier Terminal

To reach the SkyPier where you’ll board the ferry, go around the corner of the ticketing desk and look for a sign marked “Coach Ferry Boarding”. Here, airport staff will scan your ferry ticket and let you through to the Automatic People Mover (APM), which will take you to the SkyPier. 

Wrap up any last-minute duty-free shopping before you go, but you can leave the refreshments until later – they’re available to purchase at the SkyPier (as are washrooms).

5. SkyPier Terminal

After a two- to three-minute ride, you’ll alight at the only stop – the SkyPier. From here, head up the escalators or the lift to reach the ferry departure gates. You’ll also find a money exchange booth and a 7-11 convenience store at the gates. 

To find your gate, look for the sign to Shenzhen Airport or check the gate number on your ticket. When it’s time to board, scan your ferry ticket at the gate before proceeding to the dock to embark.

Don’t mind the “Baggage Reclaim” area at the SkyPier, as this only applies to travellers commuting by cross-boundary coach service.

6. On the ferry…

The journey to Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal takes around 50 minutes, so get comfortable.

7. …and off the ferry

When you disembark, look for the baggage claim area at the dock, which is indicated by a sign. The staff at the port will unload your baggage from the ferry, after which you can collect it and head towards the Arrivals Hall.

It’s a short walk to the Arrivals Hall from the dock. From here, follow the marked path to the Immigration Hall; you’ll pass a temperature check and go through the immigration process.

8. Immigration

As you pass through the Immigration Hall, be mindful of the guidelines posted on the walls asking you to not take photos or use your phone. Take off any hats, glasses or face masks to facilitate the identification process; the immigration officer will instruct you to do so if you haven’t already. 

Afterwards, head through Customs and complete a baggage security check before exiting into the lobby of the ferry terminal.

9. Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal

Ready to connect to Shenzhen and beyond? To leave the terminal, exit the terminal doors heading towards the taxi station, bus station or pick-up point if you’re using a ride-hailing app. If you’re transiting to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, look for the sign to the shuttle (bus line M590) that will bring you there.

*Direct Air+Sea is available for selected routes on our website. For regions where this service is unavailable, please book via a travel agent. If you're departing from Taiwan China, please purchase your ferry tickets separately. We’ll arrange your bags to be checked through when you check in at your departing airport.