Shenzhen, an energetic international community, is making waves as a rising global city. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is the main commercial airport, welcoming visitors from all over the world.
We make sure that you get all the information about the airport for your next journey to Shenzhen, China (location, transferring tips, departure guide, hotel options, etc.). Read on!
Where Is Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport?
Shenzhen is located in southern China’s Guangdong Province. You can easily get to Hong Kong by high-speed rail in China (~15 mins, ~$10).
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is located in the northwest of Bao’an District (~32km/20 miles from downtown Shenzhen).
How to Get to & from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport?
When you arrive or leave Shenzhen, how can you find a way to get around? This is what we do to clear up all your worries. Check it out!
Transport | Cost | Time | Tips |
Metro (Line 11) | ~$0.2-$1.3 | ~30-50 mins | Fastest & cheapest; runs 6:00-24:00 (extended to ~1:00 am during holidays) |
Airport Express Buses | ~$1.3-$5.5 | ~40-90 mins | 10 + routes to districts like Futian and Nanshan |
Shenzhen-Zhongshan Airport Shuttle | ~$8.3-$9.7 | ~50 mins | Perfect for visitors to Zhongshan; departs every 30-40 min |
Ride-Hailing | ~$7-$17 | ~20-50 mins | Wait in B Zone for indoor quietness; find your pick-up spot in A Zone (outdoor) |
Taxi | ~$11-$20 | 30-60 mins | 24/7 service; extra 30% fee after 23:00 |
Other Options:
- Hong Kong Cross-Border Bus: Best for those who visit Hong Kong; ~$16-$20, ~90-150 mins (including customs); buy tickets at GTC counters or online (Chinalink Bus).
- Intercity Trains: To Guangzhou East/Hong Kong West Kowloon; ~$10-$20, ~18-30 mins; Book via 12306 (Hong Kong trains require customs clearance).
Get a good discount for car rentals in Shenzhen if you need~ 🚗
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | Map/Layout
Credit: from China Airline Travel | Terminal 3 layout of SZX
SZX is the IATA Code of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. You can use it when searching for flights.
The airport features a terminal (T3), a satellite hall (S1), and two runways and handles over 42.8 million passengers yearly. It spans around 28.3 square kilometers, about one-third the area of Manhattan in New York City!
The airport stands out for its smart and eco-friendly features, like its AI-powered vending machine and a rooftop solar array. Its “X-Shaped” layouts minimize the walking distances for passengers!
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Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | Departure Guide
- When arriving at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Follow signs to the GTC (Ground Transportation Center) for transferring (like metro, cross-border buses to HK, or Car-Hailing). International visitors should prepare printed visa/return tickets for customs. For late-night arrivals, Midnight Express Buses offer budget-friendly options~
- When leaving Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, and 2 hours early for domestic flights. Check carefully for your check-in counters (D/E Island for international flights). Avoid overweight baggage to prevent late-minute hassle. Check in detail about luggage limits on the official site.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | Dining & Shopping
Credit: from szairport.com | Try Cantonese-style roast goose at SZX
- Dining at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Don’t miss Cantonese dim sum before you leave. Find “Terrace Chinese Kitchen” (T3). You can also find Japanese food or Western food near the departure gates. B1 food court offers noodle dishes for those on a budget. Late-night travelers can rely on 24/7 convenience stores or vending machines for snacks.
- Shopping at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Buy Cantonese pastries as a gift for your family or friends, like wife cakes, egg tarts, or pineapple buns. For tech lovers, visit the Huawei or Xiaomi Outlet at a tax-free price. Luxury brands like Dior or Chanel are also accessible.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | Lounges for Rest
Purchasing a premier cabin ticket can get you free for the delicate lounges at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX).
If you don’t qualify for lounges, you can also pay for lounge services. Plaza Premium Lounge (T3, airside) offers pay-per-use (~$40-$55) with showers, hot meals, and Wi-Fi. Other choices can be at a lower cost but with local features, like “Zunpengge” Lounge, which offers Cantonese-style hot dishes and tea.
Go to B1 food court and find seats at the noodle shops for lingering. There are also free quiet zones near gates 20 & 30. Get a rest in the recliner with charging ports!
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | Hotels Nearby
Choose hotels near Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport if you have an early flight, a long layover, or arrive late at night. To save time and avoid rush-hour traffic jams, 100% would book for convenience again~ Book with us for greater deals!
What to Do If I Get a Layover at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport?
Credit: from Frame Magazine | SZX
It can be frustrating if you have a layover. Well, considering taking a rest at sleeping pods, paying hourly if staying for a short time. Here’s a to-do list at SZX:
- Explore free art exhibits at T3’s “Sky Gallery”
- Grab yourself a massage to refresh your body and mind
- Try Cantonese snacks for quick bites
- Visit nearby attractions (like Shenzhen Sea World) by metro line 11 (if you have enough time)
- Go shopping around for tax-free souvenirs
- Nap in a sleep pod
FAQs about Shanghai Bao'an International Airport
How to get from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to the city center?
Take Metro Line 11 (fastest/cheapest, ~¥7, 30-40 mins).What is Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport hub for?
It’s a major hub for Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and cargo flights in the Greater Bay Area.Is Shenzhen an international city?
Yes, it’s a global tech/finance hub with direct flights worldwide.Do I need a visa for Shenzhen?
Most travelers need a Chinese visa, but some qualify for a 144-hour visa-free transit if flying internationally.Why is Shenzhen so famous?
Known as China’s "Silicon Valley" for tech (Huawei, Tencent), night markets, and its rapid growth from fishing village to a large city.