Transportation in Xiamen

Transportation in Xiamen

Your complete guide to getting around Xiamen - from airport transfers to local transport

Getting Around Xiamen

Xiamen's transport is built around a modern metro system that runs clean, frequent trains across key districts. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lines give you metro-like speed at bus prices, while regular buses cover every corner of the island and mainland districts. For door-to-door convenience, taxis are everywhere and ride-hailing apps like Didi work smoothly, though expect to pay several times more than public transport. First-timers should grab a rechargeable transit card at any metro station, it works on BRT, buses, and even some ferries to Gulangyu. The metro's Line 1 connects the airport directly to downtown, making it your fastest option during operating hours. When the metro stops running, the official taxi queue outside arrivals is your safest bet. Skip the touts inside the terminal who'll quote inflated flat rates.

Intercity Trains & Buses

Travelers departing Xiamen for other cities will primarily use Xiamen Railway Station or Xiamen North Railway Station for train journeys. High-speed rail services connect to major destinations like Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, offering a comfort option that is typically faster than buses but more expensive. For regional travel to nearby towns, intercity buses serve as a budget alternative, often departing from hubs like the Xiamen Bus Terminal. While buses can be more economical and access some locations not served by rail, journeys are generally longer. For the most current schedules, fares, and to compare all available transport options, you can use platforms like Omio.

Quick Transportation Tips

Download the 厦门地铁 app to buy QR tickets for all three metro lines before you reach the gate.

Tap your China T-Union transit card (or Apple/Google Wallet version) on BRT buses and the metro for instant, discounted fares.

From Gaoqi Airport, ride the BRT Line 1 to 第一码头 for about half the cost of a taxi, then walk 5 minutes to the ferry for Gulangyu.

Ferry tickets to Gulangyu must be booked in advance on the '厦门轮渡+' mini-program; same-day sailings sell out fast.

Essential Transport Phrases

✈️
Go to airport
Say: "chee jee-chahng"
Show this: 去机场
🚕
How much money?
Say: "dwoh shaow chee-en?"
Show this: 多少钱?