Another transport question from HKIA to Shenzen

Question

Hi,

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

We arrive around 5.30pm to HKIA and shave decided to go straight to Shenzen to start a week travel in Guangzhou and Yangshuo. We are looking at staying at the URCove by Hyatt or at the Fraser Suites in the Futian district for 2 nights.

Are we best to catch the ferry or a shared van and where to?

I think there is a van service to Futian.

If we go by van do we need to clear immigration once at HKIA so we can collect our luggage (I see that qantas does not do bag service for bus, only for ferry) and then again in china?

Again, thanks in adavance for your advice

Answer

Traveling from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Shenzhen is relatively straightforward, but there are a few options depending on your priorities: speed, comfort, and convenience with luggage.

Option 1: Ferry to Shenzhen

Ferry services operate from HKIA SkyPier to Shenzhen, typically to Shekou Cruise Center or other terminals in Shenzhen.
This is convenient if you prefer a smoother, less traffic-affected route, and some ferry services allow luggage check-in at HKIA.
However, note that only airlines that participate in the “through check” program will handle your bags directly to the ferry. Since Qantas does not, you will need to collect your luggage at HKIA and clear Hong Kong immigration first.
After arrival in Shenzhen, you must clear Chinese immigration and customs before heading to your hotel.

Option 2: Shared Van / Shuttle Service

Shared vans or minibus services operate directly from HKIA to Shenzhen, including the Futian district where both URCove by Hyatt and Fraser Suites are located.
You need to collect your luggage at HKIA and clear Hong Kong exit immigration first.
After crossing into China via the van route, you will clear Chinese immigration at the designated border checkpoint (Futian Checkpoint or others depending on the service).
This option is convenient if your hotel is in central Shenzhen, as vans usually drop passengers near hotel areas, reducing further transit in the city.
Travel time is generally 45–70 minutes depending on traffic and the checkpoint used.

Additional Advice:

Since you arrive around 5:30 PM, factor in rush hour traffic for land travel. Vans may take longer than ferries in heavy traffic.
Ensure you have Chinese yuan or a method to pay for van fare; some services accept WeChat or Alipay, but foreign credit cards are not always accepted.
Carry your passport and hotel confirmation ready, as both HK exit and China entry require documentation.
For comfort, consider booking a van in advance online to secure your spot and avoid waiting at HKIA.

In summary, both ferry and van are viable, but since Qantas does not handle luggage through to ferries, you will need to clear immigration and collect luggage at HKIA in any case. If your priority is direct hotel access in Futian, a pre-booked shared van is likely the most convenient choice. If you prefer a more scenic route with potentially fewer traffic delays, the ferry is a comfortable alternative.

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