By Plane
Xiamen Airport (XMN)
Name: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Distance to city: 10 km from city center
To city center: Airport shuttle bus (¥15, 30 min), taxi (¥30-50, 20 min)
Direct Flights From
By High-Speed Train
Xiamen North Railway Station
Location: High-speed rail station, 12 km from city center
Xiamen North handles high-speed trains. Xiamen Station handles conventional trains. Metro connects both to city center and Gulangyu ferry.
Popular Routes
| From | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 5h-8h | ¥350-600 | ✅ Verified: 16 G-trains daily, fastest 5h03m. Coastal route with sea views! |
| Guangzhou | 4-5h | ¥250-450 | Via Shenzhen, frequent connections |
| Shenzhen | 3-4h | ¥180-300 | Convenient coastal connection |
| Quanzhou | 17min-30min | ¥25-40 | ✅ Verified: 76 G-trains daily, fastest 17 minutes! Super close! |
By Long-Distance Bus
Xiamen Long-distance Bus Stations
Location: City center
Routes: Routes to Fujian cities, Guangdong
By Car
From Shanghai
Distance: 950 km
Duration: 10h
Route: G15 Shenhai Expressway
From Guangzhou
Distance: 600 km
Duration: 6h
Route: G15 Shenhai Expressway
From Shenzhen
Distance: 550 km
Duration: 5.5h
Route: G15 Shenhai Expressway
Getting Around Xiamen
Public Transport
Metro connects major areas (¥2-7). Bus to ferry terminal. Gulangyu Island is pedestrian-only.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Taxis affordable (starting ¥8, ¥2/km). Didi app works. Taxi to ferry terminal from anywhere in city ¥20-40.
Bike Rental
ESSENTIAL on Gulangyu! Rent bike or walk. Mainland Xiamen has bike sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get to Xiamen from Shanghai?
✅ Verified: High-speed train - 16 daily G-trains, fastest 5h03m (¥350-600). Flying: 2h flight + airport time ≈ 4h total. Train offers scenic coastal views, flying is faster overall.
How do I get to Gulangyu Island?
Gulangyu is CAR-FREE! Take ferry from Xiamen International Cruise Center: (1) Tourist ferry: ¥35-50, 20 min, various departure times; (2) Book tickets in advance on WeChat mini-program "厦门轮渡"; (3) Arrive 30 min early for security check. Return ferries run until late evening.
What makes Xiamen special?
Xiamen is famous for: (1) Gulangyu Island - UNESCO World Heritage, colonial architecture, piano museum, no cars; (2) Nanputuo Temple - Buddhist temple by the sea; (3) Xiamen University - one of China's most beautiful campuses; (4) Huandao Road - scenic coastal cycling path; (5) Minnan cuisine - oyster omelet, satay noodles; (6) Year-round pleasant weather.
How long should I spend in Xiamen?
Minimum 2 days: Gulangyu Island (1 full day), Nanputuo Temple + Xiamen University + Huandao Road cycling (1 day). 3 days allows: All above + relaxed pace + more food exploration. Xiamen is a perfect weekend getaway from Shanghai or Guangzhou.
Can I combine Xiamen with Quanzhou?
YES! Xiamen-Quanzhou is only 17 minutes by high-speed train! Many travelers do: Xiamen (Gulangyu + coastal) + Quanzhou (UNESCO maritime history sites). 3-4 days total is sufficient for both cities. Quanzhou was the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road.
What is the best time to visit Xiamen?
Year-round destination! Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are most comfortable. Summer is hot but beach weather. Winter is mild (rarely below 10°C). Avoid typhoon season (July-September) when ferries may be cancelled.