How to get to Zhongshan from Hong Kong International Airport

From museum tours that preserve the city’s cultural heritage to laid-back parks and mouthwatering delicacies – there’s plenty to discover in Zhongshan. If you want to know more about travelling around this Greater Bay Area city, we’ve put together a guide on how to explore Zhongshan and, most importantly, how to get there from Hong Kong International Airport.

We’ve also created a downloadable pdf guide to help you on your way. Before you go, double check what travel documents you’ll need to enter the Chinese Mainland.

1. Book your flight

If you book your flight with us, we’ll provide a Direct Air+Sea* combined flight and ferry ticket that will fly you to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) before transferring you on a ferry to Zhongshan. Simply enter your destination as “Zhongshan, Zhongshan Ferry Terminal (ZGN)” and a SkyPier ferry transfer will be arranged for after you land in Hong Kong.

2. Arrive at HKIA

When you step off the plane, look for the overhead signs pointing to Mainland/Macao and Transfer Desks E2. There, you’ll find a ferry ticketing desk where you can collect your ferry pass, or buy one if you didn’t purchase a combined flight and ferry ticket.

3. Skip immigration 

Since the ferry transfer allows you to bypass immigration at HKIA, just keep following the signs to Mainland/Macao and Transfer Desks E2.

4. SkyPier Terminal Ferry Service

Your route culminates at a reception area filled with couches, indicated by a dark blue free-standing sign labelled “E2”. Passengers bound for the Chinese Mainland or Macao can get their tickets for their transfers here.

Those taking the ferry should look for a long counter next to a green lightbox labelled “SkyPier Terminal Ferry Service”. Line up for the operating desk that manages departures to Zhongshan and the operators will help you with your tickets and checked bags. Baggage transfer is included for one piece of baggage, and any additional bags will be charged separately. 
 
If you already have a combined flight and ferry ticket, the operator will print your ferry pass. If you still need to purchase a ferry ticket, then you can choose from the next available same-day ferries. Payment can be made by cash, credit card or WeChat Pay.

If you’re buying a ferry ticket separately from your flight, keep in mind that only same-day transfers are allowed. This means you can only transfer on the date printed on your flight ticket. Check the ferry timetable on the overhead monitors at the ferry ticketing desks or in advance here .

5. Getting to the SkyPier Terminal

The Automated People Mover (APM) will take you to the SkyPier Terminal where you’ll board the ferry. 

To get there from “E2”, look for an overhead sign labelled “Coach Ferry Boarding” and queue up here. If there’s no line, proceed around the screen towards a gate manned by staff who will scan your ferry pass. Head through, then down the escalator to the platform where you’ll get on the APM.

While light refreshments and washrooms are available at the SkyPier, you’ll want to round off any last-minute dining or duty-free shopping before you pass through the gate.

6. Boarding the ferry 

Once you arrive at SkyPier Terminal, take the escalator to the ferry departure gates. Here, you’ll find a convenience store as well as a money exchange booth (though Zhongshan primarily uses electronic payment – learn more in our Chinese Mainland travel guide).

Wait to board the ferry at the designated gate, which will be printed on your ticket or displayed on the monitors listing departure times. When it’s your turn to board, scan your pass at the gate before proceeding to the dock.

Ignore the “Baggage Reclaim” area at the SkyPier – this is only for travellers transferring by the SkyPier coach transfer service.

7. Ferry to Zhongshan 

It’s a 70-minute journey to Zhongshan Ferry Terminal. If you’re planning to use the internet, you’ll need to have a data plan that works in the Chinese Mainland as Wi-Fi is not offered onboard. 

8. Head to the arrival hall 

It’s a short journey from the dock to the arrival hall – simply follow the signs labelled “Arrival”. They’ll take you up a few escalators to a hallway indoors, at the end of which is an escalator leading back down to baggage claim. Pick up your bags at the carousel, then head towards the immigration hall and customs. 

9. Connect to the city

Once you’re through customs, exit to the arrival hall. Connect to Zhongshan’s city centre by taxi, ride-hailing services like Didi, or public bus, all of which are on level B1 (accessible via escalator or elevator from the arrival hall).

*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.