Travel Options from Citygate Outlets to Shenzhen

Question

We are a family with kids and after our Disneyland trip in December, is considering a spin at the Citygate Outlet/Big Buddha and then travel to ShenZhen for 2 nights.

(1) Need help with advice on recommendation options to travel to ShenZhen from Citygate. I see that there are buses to different places in ShenZhen listed with duration of approx 1H45min. Is this a recommended option you would recommend?

(2) Is the customs clearance expected to take a long time? Currently we are planning to leave HK on Friday evening for SZ. Is there peak period of customs clearance we should avoid?

(3) Not familiar with SZ, is there a stop that's recommended (e.g. i see "Kingkey Banner Center", "Shenzhen Bay port", "Huanggang port" destination stops available in SZ)

(4) We will need to make our way back to HK on Sunday, followed by our flight home the following morning (Monday). Any recommendation on the transport mode back to HK?

Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Answer

Traveling from Citygate Outlets / Lantau (near Ngong Ping / Big Buddha) to Shenzhen is quite feasible, but with a family and kids, it’s important to consider comfort, convenience, and border crossing time.

1. Transport options from Citygate to Shenzhen:

Direct cross-border bus: Several bus operators run services from Citygate Outlets to various points in Shenzhen, including Huanggang Port, Shenzhen Bay, and Kingkey Banner Center. Duration is typically 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and border waiting times. For families, this is convenient because you can board near your hotel or the outlet center without transferring.
Airport Express + Shenzhen Metro / Taxi: Another option is to take the MTR Airport Express or Tung Chung Line to Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau, cross the border, then continue by Shenzhen metro or taxi. This option requires more walking and transfers but may be faster if border queues are short.
Private car or taxi service: Booking a private car from Lantau to Shenzhen (crossing Huanggang or Shenzhen Bay) is more expensive but convenient, especially for families with luggage or small children.

2. Customs clearance:

Friday evenings and weekend afternoons are generally peak periods for border crossings, particularly at Huanggang Port. Expect longer waits during these times, possibly 30–60 minutes or more.
Shenzhen Bay Port or Futian / Lok Ma Chau may have shorter waiting times compared to Huanggang at peak hours. Early morning or weekday travel typically has faster clearance.
Ensure you have passports and any required visas ready for everyone, as border agents may request documents.

3. Recommended drop-off points in Shenzhen:

Kingkey Banner Center / KK100 area: Convenient for central Shenzhen, shopping, and hotels in Luohu district. Good for sightseeing nearby.
Huanggang Port: Suitable if your hotel is near Futian district or if you want quicker access to Shenzhen metro lines.
Shenzhen Bay Port: Good choice if your hotel is near Nanshan district or coastal areas.

4. Returning to Hong Kong:

Reverse the outbound options: cross the border at Huanggang, Shenzhen Bay, or Luohu, then take bus / taxi / MTR back to Citygate or directly to Hong Kong International Airport.
For Sunday return with a Monday morning flight, leave Shenzhen by mid-afternoon to allow sufficient time for customs, traffic, and check-in at the airport. Using Shenzhen Bay or Lo Wu ports may be faster depending on your hotel location.
If carrying luggage, consider booking a private car or airport shuttle service to avoid stress at the border, especially on a weekend.

In summary, for a family, a direct cross-border bus or private car from Citygate Outlets to Shenzhen is recommended for convenience. Avoid peak weekend border times when possible, and choose a Shenzhen drop-off point near your hotel. For the return, leave early enough to account for border and airport procedures to ensure a smooth trip home.

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