How to get to Zhongshan from Hong Kong

Located at the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary in the Guangdong Province, Zhongshan is the birthplace of Dr Sun Yat-sen (also known as Sun Zhongshan), to whom the city pays homage. Previously named “Fragrant Mountain” for its blossoming hills, this Greater Bay Area (GBA) city has deep roots in the industrial manufacturing of household appliances, garments, electronics, pharmaceuticals and more. Now, it’s evolved to include a number of youth innovation entrepreneurship bases. 

There are museums for all niches in Zhongshan, from the modern father of China and radios to arts and culture – and even cartoons. Get a breath of fresh air in the city’s collection of parks and gardens. Thrill seekers, meanwhile, can opt for a day at the Changjiang Water World or the Zhongshan Sky Wheel. Seek respite from the day’s activities at the Zhongshan Hot Spring Golf Club or the Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort. 

Take your pick among train, bus, ferry or private car and reach the city from Hong Kong within two hours.

Hong Kong to Zhongshan by ferry

The most convenient way to get to Zhongshan is by water via Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company Limited ’s boats. Hop on at the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, which offers nine trips a day at 90 minutes each, or if you’re flying into Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), jump on the 70-minute service at SkyPier Terminal , which runs three-times-a-day. The former ranges from HK$240 for economy to HK$400 for VIP while the latter, the 70-minute ride, costs HK$310 for economy class and HK$390 for first class (VIP class is not available at SkyPier Terminal). 

The extra splurge translates to luxuries such as more comfortable seating and priority embarkation and disembarkation. In VIP class, you can enjoy an entire cabin to yourself. 

Our passengers have the added convenience of booking Direct Air+Sea, a flight-and-ferry combination, directly to Zhongshan.* Simply insert “Zhongshan, (ZGN)” as your final destination when booking your flights, and your baggage will be checked through to Zhongshan. Just like hopping onto a connecting flight, passengers need only head to Transfer Area E2 upon landing at HKIA to collect their ferry tickets. When you arrive at the transfer area, present your tags to the ferry operating staff to ensure your belongings arrive safely in Zhongshan, then board the vessel at SkyPier Terminal without the need to even pass through Hong Kong’s borders. 

Hong Kong to Zhongshan by bus and private car

Available around Hong Kong are bus services such as Eternal East Tours Company that connect populous neighbourhoods like Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Diamond Hill as well as shopping malls like Tung Chung’s Citygate Outlets, Tsuen Wan’s Nina Tower, Yoho Mall in Yuen Long, Kwun Tong’s APM and more to residential complexes like Zonglv Rainbow and Century Youhuo Commercial Plaza plus accommodations such as The Summit Hotel Zhongshan. Bus trips run up to nine times a day, starting at 8am, costing less than HK$250 per adult. Those unsure of their exact travel dates can opt for an open ticket. 

Kwoon Chung Trans-Island Bus , meanwhile, bridges similar spots in Hong Kong to more touristy locations like Le Meridian Zhongshan, Jucheng and more.  

Passengers who value privacy can opt for a personal chauffeur – English speaking drivers are available – from Sky Limo at HKIA. Its affiliated service providers around town, such as S.T. Travel Service Co. Ltd , offer private pick-up at the Shenzhen Bay, Huanggang, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok or Heung Yuen Wai Control Ports in a tour bus or five- or seven-seater vehicles. 

Travellers can also go behind the wheel themselves and drive the 90-minute journey across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Drivers must be the registered owner of a non-commercial private car with eight or fewer seats – including the driver’s. The vehicle must measure six metres or less and have license plates and permits for both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Stays of 30 consecutive days upon entry are allowed, with a maximum of 180 days per annum. You can find more information on self-drive to Guangdong Province here .

Hong Kong to Zhongshan by railway

Unlike with major cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, high-speed trains do not run between Hong Kong and Zhongshan. Passengers, however, can still get to Guangzhou South Railway Station from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station , which takes approximately an hour, then jump on a second 30-minute train to arrive at Zhongshan North Railway Station. 

The Hong Kong to Guangzhou South leg runs 10 times a day and ranges from HK$236 to HK$709. The 30-minute journey to Zhongshan North Railway Station runs every few minutes to a quarter of an hour, starting at RMB40. More expensive seats mean more comfort, a personal reading light and audio output that connects to in-train music and TV channels. 

Tickets can be purchased in-person at the station, or in advance via the Railway12306 website or app, available on both iOS and Android . Ticket purchases on Railway 12306 require identity verification with a Mainland Chinese phone number or in-person verification at the station. Holders of valid foreign passports should use the English booking site. You can find more information on this, here . 

*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.