Xiamen Airport to City | Transfers, Metro, Taxi & Travel Guide

The moment I landed at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, my first impression was that it’s modern, clean, and not too overwhelming compared to some bigger airports in China. After collecting my luggage, the real question popped up: “How do I get to the city centre quickly without burning a hole in my pocket?”

Thankfully, Xiamen is quite traveller-friendly. The airport is conveniently located within the city, and getting downtown doesn’t take too long. You can choose between the metro, airport shuttle buses, taxis, or even ride-hailing apps. Some options are budget-friendly, others are faster, and a few strike a nice balance of both.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel from Xiamen Airport to the city centre, especially useful if you’re a Malaysian traveller looking for something easy and fuss-free.

Best Ways to Get from Xiamen Airport to City

🚆 By Metro – Getting from Xiamen Airport to City

Source: Travel China Guide

Taking the metro from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) is a budget-friendly and straightforward way to reach downtown. Although the airport doesn’t yet have a station directly inside the terminal, it’s well-linked to Metro Line 3, which connects you to the city quickly.

🛤️ Train Line

Line 3 (Recommended)
From the airport, you can take a short shuttle bus or taxi (about 10 minutes) to Gaoqi Metro Station on Line 3. This line brings you directly into downtown Xiamen, stopping at key areas such as SM City Plaza, Xiamen Railway Station, and Wanshi Botanical Garden.

For those heading to Xiamen North Railway Station (for high-speed trains), Line 3 connects conveniently to Line 1.

📍 Route & Key Stops (Line 3)

Gaoqi → Torch Hi-Tech Park → Lücuo → Xiamen Railway Station → Huli Innovation Park → Hubin East Road → Wanshi Botanical Garden → Zhenhai Road (near Gulangyu Ferry Pier).

🕒 Operating Hours

💸 Ticket Prices & How to Buy

🚩 Tip: If you plan to explore around Xiamen in a day, you can buy a Metro Day Pass (¥15 / RM10) for unlimited 24-hour rides.

🧳 Pros & Ideal Travellers

✅ Great for: solo travellers, backpackers, budget-minded visitors.
✅ Benefits:

• Cheap and reliable.
• Connects to major transport hubs and tourist areas.
• Good for light packers.

⚠️ Watch Out For

• The metro isn’t inside the terminal, so you’ll need a short transfer by shuttle or taxi to Gaoqi Station.
• Peak hours (8–9 AM, 5–7 PM) can get quite crowded.
• If you arrive late at night, better to use Didi or a private transfer.

🚌 By Airport Bus – Getting from Xiamen Airport to City

Source: China Airline Travel

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to get into the city, the Xiamen Airport Shuttle Bus is a great option. It’s especially convenient if you’re heading to popular areas like Xiamen Railway Station, SM City Plaza, or the Ferry Terminal to Gulangyu Island.

📍 Route & Key Stops

The airport bus connects directly to downtown Xiamen with several fixed routes. The most common ones are:

🚩 Tip: If your hotel is near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street or the ferry to Gulangyu, the shuttle to Dongdu Port will drop you quite close.

💸 Ticket Prices & How to Buy

👍 Pros & Ideal Travellers

✅ Perfect for: budget travellers, solo travellers, and families with luggage.
✅ Benefits:

• Cheap and direct.
• Comfortable seating compared to public buses.
• Great choice if you don’t want to bother with metro transfers.

⚠️ Watch Out For

• Travel time depends on traffic—expect delays during rush hours.
• If your flight lands very late, double-check the last bus timing. In that case, taxi or Didi may be the safer choice.

🚕 By Taxi or Ride-Hailing – Getting from Xiamen Airport to City

For travellers who prefer a direct and hassle-free ride, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app like Didi is the most convenient way to get from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) to the city.

🚖 Where to Get a Taxi or Book a Ride

• Official Taxi Stands: Located outside the arrival halls. Just follow the “Taxi 出租车” signs and queue at the designated stands.
• Ride-Hailing (Didi in China): Download the Didi app before your trip. It works with foreign credit cards and also accepts Alipay/WeChat Pay.

💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range

• Taxi: ¥40–60 (about RM26–40) for most areas in downtown Xiamen, such as Zhongshan Road or Xiamen Railway Station.
• Didi: Pricing is similar, and you’ll see the fare upfront in the app.

🕒 Duration & Traffic Considerations

The ride usually takes 20–30 minutes under normal conditions. During peak traffic (morning 8–9 AM, evening 5–7 PM), it may take closer to 40 minutes.

🧳 Who It’s Best For

• Families with kids.
• Travellers with heavy luggage.
• Late-night arrivals when public transport is limited.
• First-time visitors who prefer a straightforward option.

⚠️ What to Watch Out For

• Avoid touts or unofficial drivers approaching you inside the terminal. Always use the official taxi stand.
• If booking via Didi, double-check the car plate number before boarding.

🚗 By Private Airport Transfer – Getting from Xiamen Airport to City

If you prefer a stress-free and comfortable ride straight from the airport, a private transfer is the best choice. Your driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall, assist with your luggage, and send you directly to your hotel or Airbnb in Xiamen.

🕒 Duration & Availability

• Travel Time: Around 20–30 minutes to downtown under normal traffic. During peak hours, it can take up to 40 minutes.
• Availability: 24/7, which makes it ideal if your flight lands very late at night or early in the morning.

💸 Cost

• Average Fare: ¥150–250 (about RM100–170), depending on the vehicle type and distance.

👍 Perks

• Hassle-free door-to-door service.
• Fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
• Perfect for families, groups, or travellers with heavy luggage.
• Peace of mind, especially if it’s your first time in Xiamen.

⚠️ Considerations

• More expensive than a taxi, metro, or airport bus.
• Usually requires booking 12–24 hours in advance through a travel platform or agent.

🚘 By Car Rental – Getting from Xiamen Airport to City

Source: ChinaTour.Net

Renting a car from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) gives you the flexibility to explore not just Xiamen city but also nearby attractions like Fujian Tulou villages, Quanzhou, or the scenic coastal highways.

Available From

• Major car rental counters located in the Arrival Hall or at the Car Rental Centre.
• Online pre-booking via platforms like Trip.com for smoother pickup and guaranteed availability.

🕒 Duration & Availability

• Travel Time to City Centre: Around 20–30 minutes under normal traffic; up to 40 minutes during peak hours.
• Availability: 24/7 for both pickup and return.

💸 Cost

• From ¥200–300/day (about RM135–200+).
• Additional costs include fuel, tolls, and a refundable deposit.

👍 Perks

• Perfect for long stays, family trips, or road trippers.
• Full privacy and flexibility to move at your own pace.
• Convenient if you plan to travel beyond Xiamen into the Fujian countryside.

⚠️ Things to Note

• A valid Chinese driving licence is required (foreign licences and IDPs are not accepted).
• Traffic in central Xiamen can be heavy, especially near ferry terminals and tourist spots.
• Best option only if you’re confident driving in China and intend to go beyond the city.

Which Option is Best for You?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Kids

Best options: Taxi or private airport transfer
These are the most convenient, giving you door-to-door service with space for strollers and luggage. Some private transfers can even provide child seats if you request in advance.

💸 Budget Travellers

Best options: Airport shuttle bus or metro (Line 3)
Both are cheap and reliable. Perfect if you’re travelling light and don’t mind a short transfer to reach the metro station.

🚄 Solo / Business Travellers

Best option: Metro (Line 3)
It’s fast, air-conditioned, and links directly to Xiamen Railway Station, SM City Plaza, and even the ferry terminal to Gulangyu.

🌙 Late-night Arrivals

Best options: Taxi, Didi ride-hailing, or private transfer
These are available 24/7, so you don’t have to worry about missing the last metro or bus.

🛣️ Road Trippers

Best option: Car rental
A great choice if you want to explore beyond the city—whether it’s a drive along Xiamen’s coastal highways, visiting Quanzhou, or heading out to the famous Fujian Tulou villages.