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4 Best Ways To Get From Shenzhen to Hong Kong [Border Crossing]

One of the most common journeys in China is the cross-border trip between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Whether it’s to catch a flight for a holiday out of Hong Kong Airport ...

...or to attend a fair on Hong Kong Island, millions of travelers make the journey from Shenzhen to Hong Kong every year.

Below is a review of the best ways to get to Hong Kong from Shenzhen.

Where Are You Departing From?

Before planning your journey from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, it is important to know from which area of Shenzhen you will be departing from.

The city has a population of 20 million spread over 2,000 square kilometers so choosing the wrong mode of transport based on your location can lead to doubling your travel time in some cases.

Below are some of the most popular areas for business travelers to be based.

• Luohu Port:  the service time 06:30–00:00. Most business travelers will past through Luohu when traveling between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Located in the south of Shenzhen with Futian district to the west and Yantian to the east, this densely populated district is home to the much-used Luohu border. 
   
• Shekou Port: operates from 6:30 to 00:00. Another area of the city that many business travelers may find themselves is Shekou. Located at the southwestern most point of Shenzhen, the district is home to many tech companies, the popular nightlife area of Seaworld, and the ferry terminal.
   
• Huanggang Port:  open 24 hours. It is a port of entry on the border between mainland China and Hong Kong, in the Futian District of Shenzhen, close to Shenzhen city centre. It is both the largest comprehensive road crossings for passengers and cargo in China and one of the largest land crossings.

Where Are You Headed?

Hong Kong is made up of New Territories, Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island, Lantau Islands, and hundreds of smaller islands.

As such, it's important for travelers to be familiar with where they are headed in Hong Kong. Below are some of the most common destinations.

• Central District– Hong Kong Central is located on the north side of Hong Kong Island and is just across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the southern shore of the Kowloon Peninsula. The downtown area is the central business district for all Hong Kong and is located in Central and Western District.
   
• Hong Kong Airport– Hong Kong International Airport is situated on Chep Lap Kok, a small island just north of Lantau Island. The airport is located to the west of Kowloon Peninsula and north west of Hong Kong Island.

4 Options & Top Routes For Your Cross-border:

• By Subway
   
  • Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District
  • Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport
  • Route 3: Shekou To HK Central District
  • Route 4: Shekou To Hong Kong Airport
     
• By Private Car
   
  • Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District
  • Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport
  • Route 3: Shekou To HK Central District
  • Route 4: Shekou To Hong Kong Airport
     
• By Ferry
   
  • Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District
  • Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport
  • Route 3: Shekou To HK Central District
  • Route 4: Shekou To Hong Kong Airport
     
• By Taxi
   
  • Route 1: Luohu / Huanggang To HK Central District
  • Route 2: Luohu / Huanggang To Hong Kong Airport
  • Route 3: Shekou / Huanggang To HK Central District
  • Route 4: Shekou / Huanggang To Hong Kong Airport

Cost: RMB40-50

Comfort & Convenience: 5/10

Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District Journey Time

• Crossing the Mainland China border at Luohu and entering Hong Kong at Lo Wu = 45 Mins
• Subway from Lo Wu Station to Kowloon Tong = 40 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Kowloon Tong to Prince Edward = 10 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Prince Edward to Central = 20 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 1 Hour 55 Mins

Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

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• Crossing the Mainland China border at Luohu and entering Hong Kong at Lo Wu = 45 Mins
• Subway from Lo Wu to Kowloon Tong = 40 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Kowloon Tong to Prince Edward = 10 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Prince Edward to Lai King = 15 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Lai King to Tsing Yi = 10 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Tsing Yi to Hong Kong Airport = 20 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 20 Mins 

Route 3: Shekou To HK Central District Journey Time

• Subway from Seaworld to Houhai = 15 Mins
• Subway from Houhai to Chegongmiao = 20 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Chegongmiao to Luohu = 25 Mins + Interchange
• Crossing the Mainland China border at Luohu and entering Hong Kong at Lo Wu = 45 Mins
• Subway from Lo Wu to Kowloon Tong = 40 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Kowloon Tong to Prince Edward = 10 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Prince Edward to Central = 20 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 55 Mins

Route 4: Shekou To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

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• Subway from Seaworld to Houhai = 15 Mins
• Subway from Houhai to Chegongmiao = 20 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Chegongmiao to Luohu = 25 Mins + Interchange
• Crossing the Mainland China border at Luohu and entering Hong Kong at Lo Wu = 45 Mins
• Subway from Lo Wu to Kowloon Tong = 40 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Kowloon Tong to Prince Edward = 10 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Prince Edward to Lai King = 15 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Lai King to Tsing Yi = 10 Mins + Interchange
• Subway from Tsing Yi to Hong Kong Airport = 20 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 3 Hours 20 Mins

Both Shenzhen’s subway and Hong Kong’s subway boast well developed and extensive networks. The two systems meet at the Mainland China border of Luohu and the Hong Kong border of Lo Wu, where travelers can disembark from the Shenzhen subway, cross the border, and then board the Hong Kong system.

Advantages of Subway:

• A cheap form of travel – With a total journey cost of only around RMB50, taking the subway is undoubtedly one of the most cost-effective ways to get from Shenzhen to Hong Kong.
• Easy for English speakers to use – Both on the Shenzhen and Hong Kong subway systems, travelers will find important information available in Chinese and English.

Disadvantages of Subway:

• Requires many line transfers – Although the subway systems may be easier to understand for English speakers, they still require a lot of line transfers to get from where you are in Shenzhen to where you need to be in Hong Kong. For example, travelers going from Shekou to Hong Kong Airport are required to transfer lines 8 times.
   
• Long walks between stations – The issue is not only the number of line transfers, but also some changes require long walks between the stations. Consequently, taking the subway is not practical for travelers carrying luggage or traveling with children or the elderly.
   
• Slow – As a result, while taking the subway may be one of the cheapest ways to get from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, it is also one of the slowest. Those who are short on time or have a busy schedule may wish to consider an alternative form of travel.
   
• Not available 24 hours – While the subway runs frequently during the day, services are not offered 24 hours. Between the hours of 00:00 and 06:00, the Luohu border is closed and no subway trains are running in Hong Kong. Travelers who need to travel on short notice during the night or catch an early morning flight will need to look elsewhere for ways to get from Shenzhen to Hong Kong.

• Cost: Check online for competitive rates
• Comfort & Convenience: 9/10

Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District Journey Time

• Private car from Luohu to Huanggang = 20 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang = 30 Mins
• Same private car from Lok Ma Chau to Central = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 1 Hour 40 Mins

Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

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• Private car from Luohu to Huanggang = 20 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang = 30 Mins
• Same private car from Lok Ma Chau to Hong Kong Aiport = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 1 Hour 40 Mins

Route 3: Shekou To HK Central District Journey Time

• Private car from Shekou to Huanggang = 45 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang = 30 Mins
• Same private car from Lok Ma Chau to HK Central = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 5 Mins

Route 4: Shekou To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

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• Private car from Shekou to Huanggang = 45 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang = 30 Mins
• Same private car from Lok Ma Chau to Hong Kong Aiport = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 5 Mins

Travel in complete comfort and convenience as a private car picks you up from wherever you wish in Shenzhen and takes you over the border directly to your destination in Hong Kong.

Advantages of private car:

• Picked up and dropped off wherever you like – Avoid the mad rush of public transport in Shenzhen and be picked up wherever you like and get dropped off at exactly the doorstep of your destination in Hong Kong.
   
• English speaking driver – There is no need for travelers to worry about finding a way to communicate with a Chinese speaking taxi driver. With a private car, the drivers will speak English and will be on hand to answer any question you may have.
   
• Travel in privacy and comfort – Enjoy the private space of a rented car to catch up on emails, make some phone calls, or catch up on some rest before the flight or the next meeting.
   
• Choose from a range of cars – A number of car services in Shenzhen boast a wide range of car types to choose from. Whether it’s a stylish Audi A6L or an 8 seater Hyundai Refine, you can arrange your vehicle in advance and forget about the stress of getting from Shenzhen to Hong Kong.
   
• Travel 24 hours a day – If you need to travel from Shenzhen to Hong Kong on short notice during the night or planning to catch an early morning flight from Hong Kong Airport, you can book a private car and cross the 24-hour border at Huanggang.
   
• No need to change vehicles – Unlike a taxi, where you need to switch from a Mainland China vehicle to a Hong Kong vehicle, with a private car you can complete your entire journey in the same car. As of December 2017, however, passengers with luggage are required to exit the vehicle, pass through Chinese immigration, and then re-enter the vehicle. The whole process only takes 10 minutes on average and Hong Kong Immigration still allows passengers to remain inside the vehicle.

Disadvantages of private car:

• More expensive than most options, but money well spent – While a private car is more expensive than public transport, the advantages far outweigh the money being spent. It is definitely the fastest and least stressful way to get from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. By renting a private car, you will save a significant amount of time and be able to keep to your schedule without any time being wasted.

• Cost: RMB120 – RMB290
• Comfort & Convenience: 7/10

Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District Journey Time

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• Subway from Luohu to Chegongmiao = 25 Mins
• Subway from Chegongmiao to Houhai = 20 Mins
• Subway from Houhai to Shekou Port = 20 Mins
• Crossing the Mainland China border at Shekou Port = 30 Mins
• Ferry from Shekou Ferry Terminal to HK Central Ferry Pier = 1 Hour
• Crossing the Hong Kong border at HK Central Ferry Pier = 30 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 3 Hours 5 Mins

Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

• Subway from Luohu to Chegongmiao = 25 Mins
• Subway from Chegongmiao to Houhai = 20 Mins
• Subway from Houhai to Shekou Port = 20 Mins
• Crossing the Mainland China border at Shekou Port = 30 Mins
• Ferry from Shekou Ferry Terminal to Hong Kong Airport = 30 Mins
• Crossing the Hong Kong border at Hong Kong Airport = 30 Mins Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 35 Mins

Route 3: Shekou To HK Central District Journey Time

• Crossing the Mainland China border at Shekou Port = 30 Mins
• Ferry from Shekou Ferry Terminal to HK Central Ferry Pier = 1 Hour
• Crossing the Hong Kong border at HK Central Ferry Pier = 30 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours

Route 4: Shekou To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

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• Crossing the Mainland China border at Shekou Port = 30 Mins
• Ferry from Shekou Ferry Terminal to Hong Kong Airport = 30 Mins
• Crossing the Hong Kong border at Hong Kong Airport = 30 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 1 Hour 30 Mins

Although it may seem like a somewhat unconventional form of transport, the ferry is a popular way to get from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. Shenzhen has only one ferry terminal, located in Shekou, which services ferries traveling to both Hong Kong Aiport and Hong Kong Island.

Advantages of using ferry:

• Convenient for travelers based in Shekou – The ferry terminal in Shekou is located beside the Shekou Port subway station and nearby the popular Seaworld area. For travelers already based in Shekou, the ferry terminal is a short subway ride or even within walking distance.
   
• Short queues at the border – As the border control at the ferry terminal only serves ferry passengers, it means the queues cannot grow out of control during busy periods like they can at the border at Luohu.

Disadvantages of using ferry:

• Not convenient for travelers based in Luohu – While the ferry terminal may be nearby for travelers already based in Shekou, for those in the Luohu area, it requires a 1-hour subway journey ride with 3 changes to get there. This almost doubles the total journey time when going to Hong Kong Airport.
   
• Does not run frequently or late – The schedule for the ferry from Shenzhen to Hong Kong is not always convenient for travelers. The ferry from Shenzhen to Hong Kong Island does not start till 10:15 and finishes by 18:15, with only 7 ferries during the day. Meanwhile, the ferry to Hong Kong Island is only slightly better with the service starting at 07:15 until 21:00, with 14 trips a day.
   
• Avoid during bad weather – Those who suffer from sea or motion sickness are not recommended to take the ferry as the ride is bumpy. During bad weather, the ferry can be uncomfortable even for the most hardened traveler.Also, to avoid disruption, do notbook the ferry during the Typhoon season between May and November.

• Cost: RMB350 - 600
• Comfort & Convenience: 6/10

Route 1: Luohu To HK Central District Journey Time

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• Mainland Taxi from Luohu to Huanggang = 20 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang and changing taxis = 1 Hour 15 Mins
• Hong Kong Taxi from Lok Ma Chau to Central = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 5 Mins

Route 2: Luohu To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

• Mainland Taxi from Luohu to Huanggang = 20 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang and changing taxis = 1 Hour 15 Mins
• Hong Kong Taxi from Lok Ma Chau to Hong Kong Aiport = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 5 Mins

Route 3: Shekou / Huanggang To HK Central District Journey Time

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• Mainland Taxi from Shekou to Huanggang = 45 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang and changing taxis = 1 Hour 15 Mins
• Hong Kong Taxi from Lok Ma Chau to Central = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 50 Mins

Route 4: Shekou / Huanggang To Hong Kong Airport Journey Time

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• Mainland Taxi from Shekou to Huanggang = 45 Mins
• Crossing the border into Hong Kong at Huanggang and changing taxis = 1 Hour 15 Mins
• Hong Kong Taxi from Lok Ma Chau to Hong Kong Aiport = 50 Mins
• Total Journey Time = 2 Hours 50 Mins

Beyond public transport, travelers also have the option of taking a taxi from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. Travelers can use the 24-hour Huanggang border crossing, but also most change from a Mainland China taxi before the China border to a Hong Kong taxi after crossing the Hong Kong border.

Advantages of taxi:

• Available 24 Hours – Unlike the public transport options, travelers can travel to Hong Kong at any time by taking a taxi to the Huanggang border in Shenzhen, which is open 24 hours a day. This is convenient for those who need to travel in an emergency or those looking to get to the airport for an early morning flight.

Disadvantages of taxi:

• Need to change taxi at the border – The biggest disadvantage of taking a taxi from Shenzhen to Hong Kong is that taxis cannot cross the border from Mainland China to Hong Kong. Travelers are required to take a Mainland China taxi to the border in China, and once across the border into Hong Kong, find a Hong Kong taxi to go the rest of the way. This process not only slows down the journey significantly but also can be very stressful for travelers not familiar with the area or language.
• Risk of scams – Taxi drivers in Mainland China have gained a reputation for trying to scam passengers, especially foreign business travelers. Scams range from using a rigged meter, driving a longer route, and insisting a heavily inflated flat price.
• Drivers do not speak English – Taxi drivers in Shenzhen do not speak any English. While it is may be possible to find a taxi driver in Hong Kong who speaks some English, most will not.For non-Chinese speakers, it is very difficult to communicate where they need to go. Even if they have an address to give to the driver, any number of issues could arise along the way that they would not be able to communicate to the driver.