Xiamen Airport Guide: How to Get from Airport to City

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is the main gateway to Fujian Province and one of the busiest airports along China’s southeast coast. For us Malaysians flying in, whether it’s for a holiday to explore Xiamen’s coastal charm or for business in this thriving port city, the airport will likely be your first stop. This guide will walk you through its facilities, transport connections, and a few useful tips to make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible.

Xiamen Airport | Overview

Source: Schindler Group

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (厦门高崎国际机场), located about 10 km northeast of downtown Xiamen, is the main air gateway to Fujian Province and one of the busiest airports on China’s southeast coast.

Airport Code: IATA: XMN, ICAO: ZSAM
Opened: 1983 (with continuous upgrades and expansions)
Facilities: 2 passenger terminals (T3 & T4), multiple runways, modern boarding gates and lounges
Passenger Volume: Over 25 million annually (pre-pandemic levels)
Airline Hub: XiamenAir, with strong connections to other domestic and international carriers

For Malaysians, Xiamen Airport is especially convenient thanks to direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and other major Southeast Asian cities. From here, you can easily connect to destinations across China, as well as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond.

✈️ Xiamen Airport Terminals

Source: China Airlinr Travel

Terminal 3 (T3)

Primarily handles domestic flights, T3 is compact and easy to navigate. You’ll find check-in counters, waiting lounges, and a decent range of shops and eateries—perfect if you’re connecting to other cities in China.

Terminal 4 (T4)

Opened in 2014, T4 is the larger and more modern terminal, serving most international flights as well as some domestic routes. It features spacious check-in halls, automated facilities, comfortable lounges, and a good variety of dining options—including international brands and local Fujian specialties.

🔥 Travel Tip for Malaysians

Xiamen is just a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Singapore. With direct routes available, you can land here in under 5 hours—making it a convenient entry point to explore Fujian and nearby coastal cities.

Xiamen Airport | Transportation Guide

Source: China Highlights

Getting from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to the city centre is convenient since the airport is only about 10 km from downtown. Here are the main transport options:

🚇 Metro

• Line 3 (Cao’an Station, near T3/T4) → downtown Xiamen
• Travel time: 20–30 minutes to areas like Siming and Zhongshan Road
• Fare: Around RMB 3–5 (≈ RM2–3)

🚍 Airport Shuttle Bus

• Direct routes to key districts and transport hubs, including the ferry terminal to Gulangyu Island
• Travel time: 30–50 minutes, depending on traffic
• Fare: RMB 10–15 (≈ RM7–10)

🚖 Taxi

• Fastest and easiest option if you have luggage
• Distance: 10 km to city centre, about 20–30 minutes
• Fare: RMB 30–50 (≈ RM20–35)

🚗 Private Transfer / Ride-hailing (Didi)

• Best choice for late-night arrivals or group travel
• Fare: RMB 80–150 (≈ RM55–100), depending on destination and vehicle type

Xiamen Airport | Late-night Travel Tips

Source: China Discovery

✈️ For red-eye flights, when the metro is no longer running:

• Use the airport shuttle bus, which has limited late-night routes to the city.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Didi) operate 24/7 and are the easiest options.
• If you prefer peace of mind, pre-book a private transfer before your trip.

😀 Quick Comparison

✅ Final Travel Tips

• Arrive Early: For international flights, be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
• Luggage Services: Short-term baggage storage is available inside the terminals.
• Food & Shopping: Expect a mix of local Fujian snacks and international brands, though late-night dining options are limited.
• SIM & Currency Exchange: Counters are available in the arrival halls, but Malaysians may find better value with an eSIM or withdrawing cash in the city.

Recommended Hotels Near Xiamen Airport

Hotels Near Xiamen Airport

Xiamen Airport | Essential App

Trip.com

Trip.com is a leading global one-stop travel platform, offering a wide range of travel products, including bookings for attractions and high-speed rail tickets.

Highlight! Trip.com also includes practical travel guides for various destinations, including Shanghai, providing practical and convenient content.

Amap (Gaode Map)

Amap is a widely used navigation app in mainland China, known for its accurate traffic information and route planning. It provides detailed maps, real-time traffic conditions, public transportation routes, and bike-sharing options, making it a great tool for navigating the city.

Didi Chuxing

Didi is China’s leading ride-hailing app, offering various services like taxis, express cars, luxury vehicles, and carpooling. It allows users to easily book rides, track vehicles, estimate fares, and view trip histories, making it a must-have app for getting around the city efficiently.

Xiamen Metro App

The Xiamen Metro app is essential for anyone using the metro system in the city. It provides information on routes, transfers, travel times, and fares. It’s a handy tool for travelers and locals alike, helping to navigate the metro and other rail systems smoothly.

Baidu Maps

China’s version of Google Maps. It offers detailed directions, metro info, and walking routes. The interface is mostly in Chinese, but it’s reliable and accurate. Use Google Translate’s camera feature or Pleco to help.

A Smooth Start and Finish in Xiamen

For Malaysians travelling to Fujian, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport offers a smooth and convenient entry point. With its close distance to the city, straightforward transport options, and modern facilities, your journey in and out of Xiamen will be hassle-free—whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended trip across coastal China.