WHEN your late-night flight lands at the Shenzhen airport in Bao’an District, getting to the city center or your final destination across the city doesn’t have to be stressful. This hassle-free transport guide covers late-night options across Shenzhen — whether you are a business traveler arriving after hours, or a backpacker on a layover. You will find choices to suite every need and budget, from cost-effective airport express services and short-distance shuttles, to point-to-point car-hailing and cross-border buses.

Midnight airport express

Whether you are heading to downtown districts like Futian and Luohu, or to outer districts such as Longgang, Pingshan and Guangming, the midnight airport express is certainly the most economical option. Multiple late-night routes operate, so you are less likely to miss the last service even if your late-night flight is further delayed.

Operation hours: Approximately midnight to 6:30 a.m (Service hours vary by route. Check the real-time schedule when purchasing tickets.)

Ticket sales: Near Entrance No. 17 of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) at Terminal 3

Boarding: Outside Entrance No. 17

Fares: 20 to 40 yuan (US$2.8-5.6) per person

Car-hailing service

The airport’s car-hailing service area is split into two zones for pickups and dropoffs, tailored to different needs. Zone A is located outside GTC Entrance No. 15 on Level 1, and offers quick curbside pickups. The newly added color-coded lanes in blue, green and orange match the app prompts to guide you to the correct spot, helping with precise positioning and reducing nighttime visual fatigue.

Zone B, also on Level 1 of GTC, features an indoor waiting area with soft seats. It’s a shorter walk to the vehicle, making it ideal for passengers with large or heavy luggage.

Taxis

Operating 24/7, taxis are available for immediate boarding just outside GTC Entrance No. 13.

Short-distance shuttles within Bao’an District

These shuttles serve late-night arrivals who need to continue within Bao’an District, connecting to areas such as Hourui, Xixiang, Xin’an, Fuyong, Shajing and Shiyan.

Operation hours: From 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

Ticket sales: The central service counter in the GTC

Boarding: Just outside GTC Entrance No. 17

Fares: 20 to 30 yuan

Cross-border buses

Since July 28, night cross-border buses have been operated from the Shenzhen airport to Hong Kong destinations. The shuttles operate from the airport to Huanggang Checkpoint in Futian District. After crossing border, passengers can board buses to various Hong Kong neighborhoods, such as Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan, Sheung Wan, and Wan Chai.

Operation hours: 8:15 a.m. to midnight

Ticket sales: Near GTC Entrance No. 16

Boarding: Outside GTC Entrance No. 17

Fares: 120 yuan to 170 yuan depending on route

Tips: Check schedules and ticket availability in advance, especially for late-night and cross-border services. Have your travel documents ready if you plan to use cross-border buses.

(Wei Jie)