Kowloon to Shenzhen Shekou
Hi, I want ro go from Kowloon to Shekou in Shenzhen.
What would be the best way to do this? The journey would be around noon time on a Saturday.
So far I have come across:
/ train from Kowloon West to Futian, continue by DiDi or metro
/ cross the water (Star Ferry?) to HK-Macau Ferry Terminal in Central, Ferry to directly to Shekou.
Other options?
In terms of cost and convenience, any preference?
Thanks a bunch.
Traveling from Kowloon to Shekou in Shenzhen can be done in a few different ways depending on your priorities—time, cost, and convenience. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Option 1: Train + Metro/Taxi (via Futian)
- Take the MTR West Rail Line or East Rail Line from Kowloon to Hung Hom or Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau, then cross into Shenzhen via the Futian Port (depending on your chosen line).
- Once in Shenzhen at Futian, you can either take the metro or a DiDi/taxi for the remaining 20–30 km to Shekou. The metro ride may require a transfer or two.
- This method is reliable and avoids water crossings, but you need to factor in immigration clearance time, which can take 20–40 minutes depending on queues.
- Cost-wise, it is generally cheaper than a direct ferry, especially if you use metro for the final leg.
Option 2: Ferry (Hong Kong to Shekou)
- Take a short taxi or MTR ride to the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal in Central (or the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui), then board a ferry directly to Shekou.
- The ferry journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and lands you very close to Shekou, minimizing transfers once in Shenzhen.
- Check the ferry schedule beforehand as departures may be less frequent around noon, and allow time for immigration procedures on both ends.
- This option is convenient if you prefer a single direct leg, but ticket prices are higher than the train/metro method.
Other considerations:
- DiDi/taxi directly from Kowloon to Shekou is possible but can be expensive due to cross-border tolls and longer journey times (~1.5–2 hours depending on traffic) plus immigration processing.
- Ensure you have a valid passport and Chinese visa if required, or the necessary arrangements for Shenzhen Special Economic Zone entry if using a 24/72-hour visa-free transit scheme.
Recommendation:
- If cost is your priority, take the MTR/train to Futian and then metro or taxi to Shekou.
- If convenience and minimizing transfers are your priority, the direct ferry from Hong Kong to Shekou is a smoother, more comfortable option.
- A Saturday around noon may be busy on both routes, so leave buffer time for immigration processing and boarding.
Overall, both options are feasible. The ferry offers a simpler and more scenic journey, while the train + metro/taxi is cheaper and can be faster if you navigate the transfers efficiently.
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