Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu: Best Transport Options & Ferry Guide

Gulangyu is the most famous attraction in Xiamen. After arriving at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, the first question many foreign travelers ask is: How do I get from Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu? This article explains all the available transportation options, including taxis, ride‑hailing, metro, airport buses, and public buses. It also provides detailed instructions on how to buy ferry tickets. After reading this guide, you will be able to reach Gulangyu easily.

Route Overview from Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (IATA code: XMN) is located in the northern part of Xiamen Island. Gulangyu is a separate small island with no bridge connection. Therefore, you first need to get to Xiagu Ferry Terminal (official name: Cruise Center Xiagu Ferry Terminal), and then take a ferry to Gulangyu. The distance from the airport to Xiagu Ferry Terminal is about 12 km (7.5 miles). Under normal traffic conditions, it takes 25–35 minutes. Then the ferry ride to Gulangyu takes about 20 minutes.

Transportation Options from the Airport to Xiagu Ferry Terminal

Option 1: Taxi (Most Convenient)

Pick‑up location: The official taxi stand outside the arrival hall of Terminal 3 (T3) or Terminal 4 (T4).
Cost: About 35–45 RMB (approximately 5–7 USD).
Time: 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Important: Take a licensed taxi and ask the driver to use the meter. Tell the driver “去邮轮中心厦鼓码头” or show the Chinese address “东渡路123号”.

Option 2: Ride‑Hailing (e.g., Didi Chuxing)

How to use: Open the Didi Chuxing app (download in advance and link an international credit card or Alipay). Enter the destination “邮轮中心厦鼓码头” or “东渡码头”.
Cost: About 30–40 RMB.
Time: 25–35 minutes.
Pick‑up point: The airport has designated ride‑hailing pick‑up areas – follow the instructions in the app.

Option 3: Metro + Shuttle

Route: Take the free shuttle bus from the airport to Gaoqi Station or Dianqian Station. Then transfer to Metro Line 1 to Lücuo Station, then transfer to Metro Line 2 to Cruise Center Station. Take Exit 2 and walk 5 minutes to Xiagu Ferry Terminal.
Cost: Metro fare is about 4 RMB.
Time: About 50–60 minutes.
Note: Currently, Metro Line 3 does not directly reach the airport terminals, so a shuttle bus is needed. This option is good for travelers who are not in a hurry and want to save money.

Option 4: Airport Bus (Tourist Express)

Route: Xiamen Airport has a direct tourist bus to Xiagu Ferry Terminal. The pick‑up point is the bus stop outside the arrival halls of T3 and T4.
Cost: About 15 RMB.
Time: About 40 minutes.
Schedule: Runs every 30–60 minutes between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. It is recommended to check the current timetable at the airport information desk.

Option 5: Public Bus (Most Economical)

Route: Take bus 27 or 37 to “International Cruise Center Station”.
Cost: 1 RMB.
Time: About 60–70 minutes (may be delayed by traffic).
Note: Public buses are suitable for travelers with little luggage who are familiar with the Xiamen bus system.

Taking the Ferry from Xiagu Terminal to Gulangyu

After arriving at Xiagu Ferry Terminal, you need to buy a ferry ticket to Gulangyu. Important: Foreign tourists must use their passports to purchase tickets.

Terminal name: Cruise Center Xiagu Ferry Terminal (Dongdu Terminal).
Destination piers on Gulangyu: There are two piers – Sanqiutian Pier (close to the main attractions, recommended) and Neicuo’ao Pier (close to residential areas).
Ticket price: 35 RMB for a standard round‑trip ferry.
How to buy tickets:
WeChat mini‑program: “Xiamen Ferry Plus” (厦门轮渡+) – you can book up to 15 days in advance. The mini‑program supports passport registration.
Buy at the terminal: There are self‑service ticket machines and manual counters in the main hall of Xiagu Terminal. However, during holidays, tickets may sell out quickly – advance online booking is strongly recommended.
Ferry ride time: About 20 minutes.
Important rules: Tickets are real‑name based. You must bring your original passport to board the ferry. If you miss your scheduled ferry, you can change to a later sailing with available seats (a fee may apply).

What If You Arrive at Night?

If you arrive at the airport after 5:30 PM, please note that the last ferries from Xiagu Terminal (the tourist terminal) usually depart around 5:40 PM. After that time, tourists can use Lundu Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road) to return to Xiamen from Gulangyu, but daytime departures from Xiamen to Gulangyu for tourists usually end early. Specific advice:

After arriving at night, it is best to check into a hotel on Xiamen Island first, and take a ferry to Gulangyu the next morning.
If you have already booked accommodation on Gulangyu, you can try to take a ferry from Lundu Ferry Terminal. However, night ferries may be reduced and sometimes are only available to Xiamen residents. The most reliable way is to contact your hotel for the latest information.

Practical Tips

Book ferry tickets in advance: The number of visitors allowed on Gulangyu each day is limited. During peak seasons (May Day, National Day, Golden Week, summer vacation), ferry tickets may sell out days ahead. It is recommended to book tickets 3–5 days in advance on the “Xiamen Ferry Plus” mini‑program.
Bring your passport: Whether buying tickets or boarding the ferry, you must show your original passport. Copies or photos are not accepted.
Luggage storage: If you plan to return to Xiamen the same day, you can store large luggage at the luggage storage counter at Xiagu Terminal (about 20–30 RMB per day).
Avoid peak hours: On weekends and holidays, Xiagu Terminal is extremely crowded. Choose a ferry between 8:00 and 9:00 AM instead of the peak hours of 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I take a boat directly from Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu?
A: No. The airport does not have a pier. You must first go to Xiagu Ferry Terminal (Cruise Center) and then take the ferry.

Q: How long does it take to go from the airport to Gulangyu?
A: The total time is about 1 to 1.5 hours, including the transfer from the airport to the terminal (25–35 minutes) and the ferry ride (20 minutes), plus ticket purchase and waiting time.

Q: Can I use a foreign credit card to buy ferry tickets?
A: On the WeChat mini‑program “Xiamen Ferry Plus”, you can use WeChat Pay linked to an international credit card. Self‑service ticket machines at the terminal usually only accept Chinese bank cards or cash. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance via the mini‑program.

Q: Is the ferry ticket valid for a round trip on the same day?
A: Yes. The 35 RMB ticket is a round‑trip ticket. The outbound trip is for a specific departure time and pier. The return trip can be taken at any time within 20 days from either Sanqiutian Pier or Neicuo’ao Pier back to Xiagu Terminal or Lundu Ferry Terminal (night service).

Q: If I don’t speak Chinese, how do I tell the taxi driver my destination?
A: Show the driver the following Chinese text: “师傅，请带我去邮轮中心厦鼓码头，地址是东渡路123号.” You can save this text on your phone. Alternatively, use the Didi Chuxing app – you can enter the Chinese destination directly without speaking.

Q: Is there a direct tourist bus from Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu?
A: No direct bus to Gulangyu, but there is an airport bus that goes directly to Xiagu Ferry Terminal. After arriving at the terminal, you still need to take the ferry yourself.

Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu: Best Transport Options & Ferry Guide

Route Overview from Xiamen Airport to Gulangyu