2026 Xiamen Transportation Guide: Metro, Bus, Ferry & Taxi Tips for Foreigners

Xiamen is a beautiful coastal city in southeastern China. Whether you are visiting for tourism or business, knowing the transportation options in Xiamen is very important. This article explains all the transport choices in Xiamen, including planes, trains, metro, buses, taxis, ferries, and ride‑hailing services, to help you travel easily.

How to Get to Xiamen

By Plane

Xiamen’s main airport is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (IATA code: XMN). The airport is located in the northern part of Xiamen Island, about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown. The airport has direct flights connecting many cities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. From the airport to the city center, you can take a taxi, airport bus, metro, or ride‑hailing car.

By Train

Xiamen has two main railway stations: Xiamen Station and Xiamen North Station.

• Xiamen Station is in the city center. It mainly serves high‑speed trains (D and G trains) within Fujian Province and neighboring provinces.
• Xiamen North Station is located in Jimei District, about 25 km (15.5 miles) from downtown. It mainly serves long‑distance high‑speed trains to cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing.

You can travel directly between the two stations by Metro Line 1.

By Long‑Distance Bus

Xiamen has Wucun Long‑Distance Bus Station and Fanghu Bus Center. They mainly connect cities within Fujian Province and nearby provinces.

Public Transportation within Xiamen

Metro (Subway)

Xiamen currently operates 3 metro lines (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3), covering major attractions and transport hubs.

• Line 1: Connects Xiamen North Station, Xiamen Station, Zhongshan Road, Zhenhai Road, and more.
• Line 2: Connects Haicang District, the Cruise Center (the ferry terminal for Gulangyu), Software Park, and Wuyuan Bay.
• Line 3: Connects Xiamen Railway Station, Huli District, Xiang’an District, and extends to Xiamen University Xiang’an Campus.

Metro fares range from 2 to 8 RMB. You can pay by scanning QR codes using mobile apps (such as Alipay or WeChat), or buy single‑journey tickets or a transport card at the station.

Buses

Xiamen has a large bus network covering all areas of the city. The fare for a regular bus is 1 RMB, and 2 RMB for air‑conditioned buses. Some routes support mobile QR code payment. For tourists, these bus routes are useful:

• Route 29: Runs along Huandao Road, passing Zengcuo’an, Baicheng Beach, and Hulishan Fort.
• Route 112: Goes to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
• Route B3: A tourist express bus connecting Zengcuo’an and the Ferry Terminal.

Important: On Xiamen buses, you tap your card or pay when boarding at the front door, and exit at the back door.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Xiamen’s BRT is a bus system that runs on elevated, dedicated lanes – so it does not get stuck in traffic. Main BRT lines include:

• Kua 1 (Express 1): First Dock – Xiamen North Station
• Kua 2 (Express 2): First Dock – Tong’an
• Kua 3 (Express 3): First Dock – Qianpu

BRT tickets cost about the same as regular buses, but the service is faster.

Taxis

Taxis in Xiamen are green or blue. The starting fare is 10 RMB for the first 3 kilometers, then 2 RMB per additional kilometer. At night (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM), a 20% surcharge applies. You can pay with cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Always ask the driver to use the meter.

Ride‑Hailing (e.g., Didi)

Didi Chuxing is the most commonly used ride‑hailing app in China. You need to download the app in advance and link an international credit card or use Alipay. Xiamen Airport, railway stations, and major attractions have designated pick‑up points for ride‑hailing cars.

Shared Bikes

Xiamen has many shared bikes, such as Hellobike and Meituan Bike. You can unlock them with a mobile app. The cost is about 1–2 RMB per 30 minutes. They are great for short trips, especially along Huandao Road or in Haicang District (across from Gulangyu). Note: Bicycles are not allowed on Gulangyu Island.

Ferries to Gulangyu

Gulangyu is a separate island with no bridge connection. The only way to get to Gulangyu is by ferry.

• Tourist ferry terminal: Xiagu Ferry Terminal (also called Dongdu Terminal). From here, ferries go to Sanqiutian Pier or Neicuo’ao Pier on Gulangyu. Tickets must be booked in advance on the WeChat mini‑program “Xiamen Ferry Plus”. A standard round‑trip ticket costs 35 RMB.
• Local residents’ pier: Lundu Ferry Terminal (near Zhongshan Road). On weekday daytime, it is only open to Xiamen residents. Tourists may return from this pier to Xiamen city after 5:30 PM.

Important: Foreign tourists must use their passport to book ferry tickets. It is recommended to book at least 3 days in advance, especially during holidays.

Xiamen Transportation Tips

• Transport card: You can buy an “e‑Tong Card” – a prepaid card for metro, buses, BRT, and some ferries. The card deposit is 20 RMB. You can recharge it at metro stations or convenience stores. You can return the card at designated locations when leaving Xiamen.
• Mobile payment: Almost all public transport supports Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set up these payment apps before you travel.
• Language: Buses and the metro have announcements in both Chinese and English. Taxi drivers generally speak only Chinese. It is recommended to have your destination written in Chinese or use a maps app to show the route.
• Peak hours: Weekdays from 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM are rush hours. The metro and buses become crowded, and roads may be congested.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the operating hours of the Xiamen metro?
A: Most metro lines run from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Exact times vary by line and station. Use a maps app to check the last train times.

Q: What is the most convenient way to get from Xiamen North Station to Gulangyu?
A: The most convenient way is to take Metro Line 1 to “Lücuo Station”, transfer to Line 2 to “Cruise Center Station”, then take Exit 2 and walk to Xiagu Ferry Terminal. The whole trip takes about 50 minutes. You can also take a taxi – about 70 RMB and 40 minutes.

Q: Is there public transport from Xiamen to Quanzhou or Zhangzhou?
A: Yes. From Xiamen North Station, take a high‑speed train to Quanzhou (about 30 minutes) or to Zhangzhou (about 20 minutes). You can also take a bus from Wucun Long‑Distance Bus Station.

Q: Can foreign tourists use shared bikes in Xiamen?
A: Yes. You need to download the relevant app (e.g., Meituan or Hellobike), register with a phone number, and link an international credit card or Alipay. Important: Always park the bike in a designated parking area, otherwise you may be charged an extra fee.

Q: Can I speak English to a taxi driver in Xiamen?
A: Most taxi drivers do not speak English. It is recommended to write your destination in Chinese in advance, or use a maps app to show the route. The Didi app has a built‑in text translation feature to help you communicate with the driver.

Q: Is there a direct bus from Xiamen Airport to Xiamen North Station?
A: Yes. The airport bus has a special line from the airport to Xiamen North Station. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs 20 RMB. You can also take a taxi or ride‑hailing car – cost about 50–60 RMB.

Related Reading：

• Where is Xiamen Airport? | XMN Location, Transportation & Travel Guide
• What Is Xiamen Famous For? 2026 Travel Guide to Top Attractions & Food
• Xiamen Night Market Guide 2026: Best Food & Top Places to Visit
• Where to Stay in Xiamen First Time: Best Areas, Hotels & FAQs (2026)
• Xiamen Attractions: 2026 Guide to Top 10 Must-See Places
• Is Xiamen Worth Visiting? An Honest 2026 Guide for Travelers