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Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Transfer Guide 2026

Practical 2026 transfer options from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) to downtown, Xiamen Railway Station, and ferry piers, covering Metro Line 1, airport buses, taxi, and DiDi.

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Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Transfer Guide 2026 cover photo

Quick Answer

What is the cheapest way to get from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to downtown?

Metro Line 1, with the airport's own station at T3 and T4. Fares start at 4 RMB, and a trip to central Wenzao (Wenping) or Hubin takes about 30-35 minutes for 7 RMB (as of 2026).

Source: Xiamen Metro official

IATA codeXMN
Distance to city center~13 km southeast of Zhongshan Road (as of 2026)
TerminalsT3 (domestic, opened 2014) and T4 (domestic + international, opened 2023)
Metro lineXiamen Metro Line 1, station: Gaoqi Airport (T3) and T4 Airport (T4)
Metro fare to downtown7 RMB, ~30 min to Wenzao / 40 min to Hubin (as of 2026)
Taxi fare to downtown~60-90 RMB, 25-40 min depending on Lujiang Bridge traffic (as of 2026)
First / last metro trainFirst ~06:10, last northbound ~22:40 (as of 2026)
Last updated

Which terminal will I arrive at, T3 or T4?

Both T3 and T4 are part of Gaoqi International Airport, and a free people-mover shuttle runs between them every few minutes (as of 2026). Most domestic flights use T3; T4, opened in 2023, handles a growing share of domestic and all international arrivals. Your boarding pass will say "T3" or "T4"; double-check before following signs.

Sources: Xiamen Metro official site, Wikipedia: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

How do I take the metro from Gaoqi Airport?

Follow the orange "Metro / 地铁" signs in either terminal. T3's station is integrated into the arrivals level, and T4's station sits right under the new terminal. Buy single-journey tokens from the machines (English menu available, Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted, as of 2026) or tap a Xiamen Tong transit card. Line 1 trains run about every 6-8 minutes during the day. To reach the lakeside hotel district, ride northbound to Wenzao; for the old town ferry pier, change at Hubin.

Sources: Xiamen Metro official site, Wikipedia: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

What does a taxi or DiDi actually cost to downtown?

A regular taxi to the Zhongshan Road / Lujiang area runs roughly 60-90 RMB (as of 2026) depending on the Lujiang Bridge traffic and your exact drop-off. After 23:00 there's a small night surcharge. DiDi (the Chinese Uber) usually costs about the same as a taxi, sometimes 5-10 RMB cheaper with no surge; the dedicated pickup lane is past the official taxi stand. If you have more than two suitcases, skip the metro and take a cab; the Line 1 trains have luggage space but no elevators on the older station exits.

Sources: Travel China Guide: Xiamen Transportation

Is there a direct bus to the train station or ferry pier?

Yes. Airport bus Line 1 (空港快线) runs to Xiamen Railway Station in about 40-50 minutes for 10 RMB (as of 2026). For the Wutong ferry pier, where ferries to Kinmen leave, the most practical option is a taxi or DiDi — about 20 minutes and 50-70 RMB, since the new Wutong passenger terminal is on the north side of the bay and not yet connected by metro.

Sources: Travel China Guide: Xiamen Transportation, China Discovery: Xiamen Transportation Guide

What if my flight lands after the last metro?

Last northbound Line 1 trains leave Gaoqi Airport around 22:40 (as of 2026), and that can slip earlier on the actual day, so don't plan a tight connection. Late arrivals (around 23:00 to 02:00) are still well-served by taxis and DiDi — drivers wait in a regulated queue; do not follow anyone offering "cheap taxi" inside. DiDi still works reliably at 01:00. There is no airport hotel walking distance from the terminals; the closest chains (Atour, Hilton) are 5-10 minutes away by car.

Sources: Xiamen Metro official site, Travel China Guide: Xiamen Transportation

How does Gaoqi compare with the newer Xiang'an airport plan?

Most guidebooks say "Xiamen is getting a second airport" — and they are technically right, but the Xiang'an airport has been delayed multiple times and is still in environmental review as of 2026. So for any 2026 or 2027 trip, Gaoqi is your only commercial option. If a second airport opens later, budget another 25-30 km of driving from the new site to central Xiamen.

Sources: Wikipedia: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

What should I know about the new T4 international terminal?

T4 opened on 20 April 2023, and most international flights (including to Hong Kong, Taipei via Kinmen, and Singapore) have gradually moved there from T3 (as of 2026). The terminal has more duty-free space, faster biometric gates, and a metro station underneath. If you're meeting an international arrival, allow an extra 15-20 minutes for immigration and baggage. Both terminals share the same IATA code (XMN), so airlines and baggage tags still say "XMN."

Sources: Wikipedia: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, China Discovery: Xiamen Transportation Guide

Which is faster: metro or taxi at rush hour?

On a Tuesday morning, the metro is reliably faster — the airport expressway routinely backs up around Tangqi / Lujiang, and a 13 km ride can stretch to 50 minutes. On weekday evenings (18:00-19:30) a DiDi is often the same speed as the metro but door-to-door easier with luggage. My honest rule: metro if you have a backpack, DiDi or taxi if you have a roller bag.

Sources: Xiamen Metro official site, Travel China Guide: Xiamen Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How far is Xiamen Gaoqi Airport from the city center?
About 13 km southeast of Zhongshan Road. A taxi takes 25-40 minutes off-peak; the Metro Line 1 takes roughly 30-40 minutes. (as of 2026)
Is there a metro at Xiamen Gaoqi Airport?
Yes, Line 1 has two stations: Gaoqi Airport station at T3 and T4 Airport station at T4, both opened by 2024. Trains run from around 06:10 to about 22:40 northbound (as of 2026).
How much is a taxi from Gaoqi Airport to Zhongshan Road?
Typically 60-90 RMB by day, 5-10 RMB extra at night. The meter is mandatory; insist on it. (as of 2026)
Does DiDi work at Xiamen airport?
Yes, DiDi is fully allowed and has a dedicated pickup zone past the official taxi rank. Average fares run 5-15 RMB below taxi for the same trip. (as of 2026)
How do I get from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen Railway Station?
Airport bus Line 1 (空港快线) runs to the station in 40-50 minutes for 10 RMB. A taxi takes 25-35 minutes and costs about 70-90 RMB. Metro Line 1 with a transfer at Hubin is also possible in about 50 minutes. (as of 2026)
Are there hotels inside Gaoqi Airport?
No transit hotel inside the secure area, but the Atour Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn are 5-10 minutes by car, and several budget chains sit along Xiangyun Lu near the airport entrance. (as of 2026)
How do I get to the Kinmen ferry at Wutong Pier?
Take a taxi or DiDi from Gaoqi directly to Wutong Passenger Terminal, about 20 minutes and 50-70 RMB. There is no metro to the pier yet. (as of 2026)
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay for the metro?
Yes, the new gates accept QR-code payments from both apps (in the "Travel" or "Mini Program" sections), and the ticket machines have English menus. Foreign cards sometimes fail at the machines; have Alipay ready. (as of 2026)
What happens if the last metro has already left?
Taxis and DiDi run 24/7. After midnight, expect a small night surcharge and possibly a 10-15 minute wait. Avoid any touts inside the terminal offering unmarked rides. (as of 2026)
Is Gaoqi Airport the only airport in Xiamen?
Yes, for now. The planned Xiang'an airport has been delayed beyond 2026 and is still in environmental review, so Gaoqi remains the sole commercial airport serving the city. (as of 2026)
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Written by

Tom Reeves

Transport-hub specialist who has flown into 40+ Chinese airports since 2017 · Expat writer based in southern China, 8+ years covering Fujian and Guangdong logistics · Author of NihaoVisit's China airport and rail-hub guide series

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