Hi there! I’m Dalia Xu, a 30-year-old female travel enthusiast with over a decade of globetrotting experience. Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m excited to share this all-inclusive guide to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), covering intra-city transfers, flight connections, and in-terminal services. Whether you’re heading to Gulangyu’s tranquil lanes, downtown Xiamen’s bustling streets, or nearby coastal spots, this guide will help you find the most suitable travel solution.
1. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Overview
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (IATA code: XMN) is strategically located in Siming District, Xiamen—one of China’s closest airports to the urban core, nestled beside the scenic Xiamen Bay. Its prime location offers unparalleled convenience for travelers, with key distance benchmarks to plan your journey:
- 10 km from Xiamen Railway Station (20–30 minutes by car)
- 15 km from Gulangyu Ferry Terminal (30–40 minutes by car)
- 8 km from Siming District (downtown Xiamen, 15–25 minutes by car)
The airport operates two main terminals with clear functional division:
- Terminal 3 (T3): Handles all international flights and domestic services of major airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines.
- Terminal 4 (T4): Dedicated to domestic regional flights, serving carriers like Spring Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and other local operators.
Core transportation hubs within the airport premises include a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) station, an airport bus station, and designated zones for taxis and ride-hailing services, ensuring seamless connectivity right after landing.
2. 4 Best Ways from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown
How to Take Public Buses or BRT from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown
For budget-conscious travelers and solo visitors, Xiamen’s public bus and BRT system is the most cost-effective option. The BRT stands out with dedicated lanes that bypass traffic, making it faster than regular buses for downtown commutes, while buses offer broader coverage for suburban areas.
Key Routes & Access:
- BRT Line 1 (Airport Branch):
- From T3 Terminal, walk 5 minutes to the Airport BRT Station;
- T4 Terminal has direct access to its dedicated BRT Station.
- Take this line to Cangxia Station, then transfer to the main BRT Line 1 to reach key downtown spots like Xiamen University and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street.
- Essential Public Bus Lines: Bus 91 connects both terminals to Gulangyu Ferry Terminal, while Bus 650 links the airport to Xiamen North Railway Station, covering major transit nodes.
Operating Hours & Intervals:
- BRT operates from 06:10 to 22:30, with intervals of 3–5 minutes during peak hours (07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30) and 8–12 minutes during off-peak periods.
- Regular buses run from 06:00 to 23:00, with 8–12 minute intervals between departures.
Ticketing & Fare Details:
| Fare Type | Price (USD) | Ticketing Channels |
|---|---|---|
| BRT Single Ride | $0.71–$1.06 | Self-service machines, Alipay/WeChat mini-program “Xiamen BRT” |
| Public Bus Single Ride | $0.71 | Cash, mobile payment QR codes |
Policy Notes: Children under 1.2 meters ride for free; those between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters pay half fare; seniors over 65 with valid identification also enjoy free rides.
How to Take the Airport Express Bus from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown
The airport express bus strikes a perfect balance between affordability and convenience, offering direct routes to downtown’s key hubs without transfers—ideal for travelers with light luggage heading to Xiamen Railway Station or Gulangyu Ferry Terminal.
| Route | Terminus | Departure Time (T3/T4) | One-Way Fare (USD) | Passing Stations | Boarding Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Xiamen Railway Station | 06:30–22:30 (15 mins/shift) | $1.41 | Cangxia, Siming South Road | T3 Exit 3; T4 Exit 2 |
| Line 2 | Gulangyu Ferry Terminal | 07:00–21:30 (20 mins/shift) | $2.12 | Zhongshan Road, Lujiang Road | T3 Exit 3; T4 Exit 2 |
Ticketing Tips: Tickets can be purchased on-site using cash or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat QR codes). No advance booking is required, and seats are typically available even during peak tourist seasons.
How to Take a Taxi from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown
Taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door service, making them the most convenient choice for families with children, travelers with large luggage, or late-night arrivals. Xiamen’s taxi system uses fixed fares for popular destinations to avoid meter disputes.
Waiting Points: Official taxi queues are located at T3 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit A/B and T4 Terminal Arrival Hall Exit C. Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides outside these designated areas to prevent overcharging.
Pricing Structure:
| Fare Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixed Fares (Key Destinations) | – Siming Downtown: $8.48- Xiamen Railway Station: $10.60- Gulangyu Ferry Terminal: $12.72 |
| Metered Fare (Daytime: 06:00–23:00) | Starting fare $2.12 (3 km), $0.35/km (3–8 km), $0.42/km (over 8 km) |
| Metered Fare (Nighttime: 23:00–06:00) | 20% surcharge on all daytime rates |
| Additional Fees | $0.21/min waiting fee (when speed < 12 km/h); no toll fees for urban routes |
How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Downtown
Ride-hailing services offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to taxis, with transparent pricing and English interface support for international travelers.
Recommended Platforms: DiDi Chuxing (English interface available), Amap Dache, and Alipay Dache are reliable options widely used in Xiamen.
Pickup Guidelines:
- Book your ride 10–15 minutes after landing to avoid post-arrival crowds.
- Designated pickup zones: T3 Terminal P1 Parking Lot Zone B; T4 Terminal P2 Parking Lot Zone A. Follow app navigation to locate these areas easily.
- Bind your flight number to the app to automatically adjust for flight delays, ensuring your driver waits if your arrival is delayed.
Fare Reference for Popular Destinations:
| Destination | Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD) | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Siming Downtown | $7.07–$8.48 | 15 mins |
| Xiamen Railway Station | $8.48–$10.60 | 20 mins |
| Gulangyu Ferry Terminal | $10.60–$12.72 | 25 mins |
3. 4 Best Ways to Get from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport to Xiamen Railway Station
Xiamen Railway Station is a major transportation hub for high-speed rail travel to other cities in the Yangtze River Delta and beyond. Below are the top transfer options from each terminal:
From T3 Terminal
| Option | Travel Mode | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport Express Bus Line 1 | $1.41 | ~20 mins | Direct route, no transfers |
| 2 | BRT | $0.71 | ~25 mins | Budget-friendly, avoids traffic |
| 3 | Ride-Hailing | $8.48–$10.60 | ~15 mins | Flexible, door-to-door |
| 4 | Taxi | $10.60 (fixed fare) | ~15 mins | 24/7 availability, no advance booking |
From T4 Terminal
| Option | Travel Mode | One-Way Fare (USD) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport Express Bus Line 1 | $1.41 | ~25 mins | Reliable schedule, ample luggage space |
| 2 | BRT | $0.71 | ~20 mins | Direct terminal access, fast via dedicated lanes |
| 3 | Ride-Hailing | $8.48–$10.60 | ~20 mins | Transparent pricing, English app support |
| 4 | Public Bus 91 | $0.71 | ~30 mins | Ultra-low cost, suitable for budget travelers |
4. International to Domestic Flight Transfer at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at XMN is streamlined with dedicated channels:
- After landing at T3 Terminal, complete customs clearance and collect your checked luggage (if not checked through to the final destination).
- Follow the “Domestic Transfer” signs to the transfer counter on the 3F of T3 Terminal to print your domestic boarding pass (if not pre-printed).
- Proceed through the transfer security check and head to the domestic departure hall (either T3 or T4, as indicated on your boarding pass).
Time Requirement: Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours for the transfer process; extend to 2 hours during peak travel seasons (e.g., Spring Festival, National Day) to account for potential queues.
Luggage Tip: Confirm with your airline during check-in if your luggage is checked through to your final domestic destination—this eliminates the need to collect and recheck your bags during transfer.
5. Domestic to International Flight Transfer at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
For travelers connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight:
- Upon arrival at T3 or T4 Terminal, follow the “International Transfer” signs. If arriving at T4, take the free inter-terminal shuttle bus to T3 (operates 24/7, 10-minute intervals, 10-minute travel time).
- Proceed to the international transfer counter on the 4F of T3 Terminal to verify your passport, visa, and international flight ticket.
- Complete the transfer security check and immigration inspection before entering the international departure hall.
Time Requirement: Allocate at least 2 hours for the transfer to accommodate visa verification and potential queues at immigration.
6. Guide to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Tax Refund Services
- Location: T3 Terminal International Departure Hall (after security, Counter 8)
- Process: Present your passport, tax refund form, and purchased goods to the staff. Refunds are processed within 90 days of purchase, with an 11% tax rate.
- Refund Methods: Alipay transfer or credit card refund (no cash refund for foreign currencies).
Buying SIM Cards
- Location: SIM card booths are available at T3 Terminal B1 floor and T4 Terminal 1F (China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom services).
- Required Document: Passport (mandatory for foreign travelers).
- Plan Options: 30-day tourist data plans with 50GB of data cost $7.07–$10.60, supporting 5G high-speed connectivity.
Inter-Terminal Transfers: T4 to T3 and T3 to T4
- Free Shuttle Bus: Operates 24 hours a day, departing every 10 minutes from T3 Terminal Exit 6 and T4 Terminal Exit 4. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
- Transfer Tip: For flight connections, allow 20–30 minutes for the transfer to account for potential peak-hour delays.
Dining Options and Hours
- Core Areas: T3 Terminal Departure Hall 3F and T4 Terminal Departure Hall 2F.
- Cuisine Selection: Local specialties include oyster omelet ($2.12), shrimp noodles ($3.53), and Xiamen-style rice rolls ($1.41); international options like KFC and McDonald’s are also available.
- Operating Hours: Most restaurants open from 06:00 to 23:30; 24-hour convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven) are located in arrival halls for late-night or early-morning snacks.
Duty-Free Shopping Hours
- Location: T3 Terminal International Departure Hall (after security).
- Operating Hours: 06:00–22:30 (aligns with international flight schedules).
- Key Offerings: Cosmetics, fragrances, liquor, tobacco, and local specialties like Xiamen oolong tea and seafood preserves. Tax-free limits apply per person (follow Chinese customs regulations).
Luggage Storage
- Locations: T3 Terminal Arrival Hall B1 floor and T4 Terminal Arrival Hall 1F.
- Pricing:Luggage Size4-Hour Rate (USD)Daily Rate (USD)Small (Backpack)$0.71$2.12Medium (Carry-On)$1.06$2.83Large (Checked Luggage)$1.41$3.53
- Service Hours: 24-hour operation, with secure storage and valuables storage options available ($1.41/day for valuables).
Currency Exchange
- Locations: T3 Terminal International Arrival and Departure Halls; T4 Terminal Arrival Hall 1F.
- Supported Currencies: USD, EUR, JPY, HKD, GBP, AUD, and other major global currencies.
- Service Details: Real-time exchange rates with no handling fees; staff speak English. Operating hours: 08:00–22:00; 24-hour self-service exchange machines are available at T3 Terminal for after-hours needs.
Free Wi-Fi
- Network Name: “XMN-Free-WiFi” (covers the entire airport).
- Login Method: Verify via Chinese or foreign mobile phone number (receiving a verification code) or passport information.
- Connection Quality: 50Mbps high-speed internet, supporting multiple device connections and unlimited usage time.
Overnight at the Airport
- Free Rest Areas: T3 Terminal Arrival Hall B1 floor (reclining chairs with charging sockets) and T4 Terminal Departure Hall 2F (waiting lounges with sofas).
- Paid Options: T3 Terminal VIP Lounge (3F) offers 4-hour access for $28.26, including complimentary snacks, drinks, shower facilities, and business services.
- Practical Tip: The airport temperature at night ranges from 23–26°C; bring a thin jacket for comfort during overnight stays.
Check-In Deadlines
- Domestic Flights: Counter check-in closes 45 minutes before scheduled departure; self-service check-in machines are available 1 hour before departure.
- International Flights: Counter check-in closes 60 minutes before scheduled departure; check-in services begin 2 hours before departure to accommodate visa and customs procedures.
Dalia Xu
Dalia Xu is a 30-year-old female seasoned travel enthusiast
with over a decade of travel experience,
she has a passion for natural landscapes and hotel reviews.