Shenzhen is a fast-growing metropolis with great shopping and sightseeing.You will need to cross an immigration checkpoint to get to Shenzhen.If you want to get there from the main city, you can take a train or ferry to the border checkpoint.Cross-border coaches and taxis are available if you are going to Shenzhen from Hong Kong airport.You will need a passport if you want to cross the border.
Step 1: You can take the East Line train to the border.
You can get on the East Line train at any of the stations.You can take this line to Shenzhen.It takes 45 minutes from Hung Hom.The train will take you to either of the border crossing.Depending on the station you got on, the cost of the ticket can be different.The price for the ticket is around 40 HKD.You can purchase tickets in advance here.Depending on how much time you have and where you want to go, the immigration checkpoint is a good choice.Lok Ma Chau is close to the main shopping district.
Step 2: You can board a ferry from Hong Kong Central.
The Shekou Cruise Center and Ferry Terminal are where the ferry will take you.It takes an hour to get to Shenzhen.You can buy tickets online.The price of a ferry ticket is $18USD.It's convenient if you need to go to the Shekou area of Shenzhen.Customs at the ferry terminal tend to be quicker.
Step 3: You can pay for a cross-border hire car.
These cars are authorized by the government to bring visitors across the border.Once you pass through customs, the driver will take you to the border and pick you up on the other side.They can be identified by the yellow Cross Boundary Hire Car sticker on their rear window.There is a sticker with a serial number and text in both English and Chinese.You can find a list of authorized hire car services here.You may need to hire these cars in advance.
Step 4: The airport has a cross-border coach.
The coaches will take you to the border.You can board another coach on the other side of the border if you pass through customs with the same ticket.You can purchase tickets at Hong Kong Airport.Several companies offer different destinations and prices.You can find a coach going to your destination by talking to the agents at the desk.
Step 5: You can buy a ferry ticket when you leave the plane.
Don't pick up your luggage or go through customs.You can follow the signs for "Transfers Area E2" as soon as you leave the plane.The agents need your baggage tags.They will take your baggage to the ferry.Two ferries leave from Hong Kong Airport to Shenzhen.Fuyong terminal is attached to the Shenzhen airport and takes you to Shekou Terminal.The price for a ticket to Shekou terminal is roughly $28USD.30 minutes is how long this trip is.The price for a ticket to Fuyong Terminal is $295 HKD.It will take 40 minutes to get to the mainland.
Step 6: You can get on the East Line train by taking the A43 bus.
It takes a long time, but it is cheaper than other options.The bus terminal is located at the airport.You can get on the bus at the third stop.You can take an East Line train to either Lok Ma Chau or Lo Wu.There are border crossings into Shenzhen.The bus fare in Hong Kong is around $30 HKD.It takes 90 minutes to get to the train station.The train fare is HKD.It takes about 20 minutes to get to the border.
Step 7: You can take a taxi directly to the border.
The taxi stand is located in Arrival Hall A.The fastest route to the border is probably this one.The fare is usually around $200 HKD.Tell the driver where you would like to go.The most popular crossing is the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang crossing.It is open all the time.The Shenzhen Bay crossing is usually quicker.It is open from 6:30 am to noon.
Step 8: If you want the fastest entry, apply for a Chinese Visitor's visa.
You will need a visa to go to Shenzhen even if you don't need one to travel to Hong Kong.If you can, get a visa before you go to Hong Kong.You can submit an application at the Chinese Embassy.You can travel around all of China with this visa.You can apply in person at the Chinese Foreign Ministry.Some nationalities can pay for faster service, but it will take you 4 days to get a visa.Depending on your nationality, the cost of this visa will be different.
Step 9: For a last minute trip, apply for a Shenzhen visa at the border.
You can get a Shenzhen visa at the border checkpoint.You can only stay in Shenzhen if you have this visa.The agent will give you forms.You can't get this visa if you're from the US or France.Depending on your country of origin, the fees for this visa are different.
Step 10: Wait in the immigration line for foreigners.
To get in the right line, follow the signs for foreigners.They will be marked in English and Chinese.There are long lines around 8 am and 5 pm.
Step 11: At customs, show your passport and visa.
At the customs desk, you may be asked to fill out a form with your personal information.The immigration agent will let you through after checking your visa.When you pass through customs, you will be asked to declare any gifts, alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, radio transmitters, and cash over a certain amount.
Step 12: There is public transportation on the other side of the border.
You can take public transport once you are past the border.You can travel through Shenzhen by bus, taxi, Metro, or train.As soon as you leave customs, you can board another train at the station.Hire a taxi from Shenzhen Bay Crossing.Buses and taxis can be found at Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang.The Metro stops just outside of the checkpoint at Futian.You can catch a bus or taxi at Shekou Ferry Terminal.There is a shuttle that will take you to the closest Metro stop.