English 
The two border crossings that shape your journey
From Hong Kong Airport, the two main border checkpoints into Shenzhen are Shenzhen Bay Port and Huanggang at Lok Ma Chau. They are not interchangeable: each provides access to a different part of the city and operates on different opening hours, making the choice particularly important for late-night arrivals.
Shenzhen Bay Port
Huanggang · Lok Ma Chau
Where travellers are heading within Shenzhen
Shenzhen is not a single destination. Your exact district determines which border crossing is the most suitable and how long the journey continues after immigration. Simply entering "Shenzhen" when booking leaves the most important part of the transfer unresolved.
If you already know your destination district and flight arrival time, the most suitable border crossing and transfer arrangements can be planned accordingly.
Provide your district and arrival timeHow the border crossing works
This is more than a straightforward road journey: passengers must leave the vehicle, complete Hong Kong exit immigration, cross the border, and then clear mainland China immigration. These two separate procedures are what make the overall journey time less predictable.
- Meet and greet at Terminal 1Your driver will be waiting with a name board outside Arrivals Halls A and B, after passport control and baggage reclaim. Up to 60 minutes of airport waiting time is included.
- Drive to the border crossingThe vehicle travels via the New Territories motorway network to the selected border checkpoint, without using the harbour tunnels required for transfers to Hong Kong Island.
- Hong Kong exit immigrationPassengers leave the vehicle with their luggage and complete the departure formalities at the border control building.
- Mainland China entry immigrationOnce on the Shenzhen side, passengers complete the entry formalities. The time required depends on passenger volumes at the checkpoint and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
- Continue to your destinationFrom the border crossing, the journey continues to the district specified in your booking.
Travel documents and transfer arrangements
Private vehicles crossing the border operate under a specific permit system. Cars must hold both Hong Kong and mainland China registration, together with the required permits and quotas, while the driver must hold a valid driving licence recognised in both jurisdictions.
- Transfer arrangement: depending on the availability of authorised vehicles, your transfer may either involve changing vehicles at the border crossing or travelling in a vehicle licensed to cross the border. This is confirmed when you request your quotation, before the booking is finalised.
- Passenger documentation: entry into mainland China requires a valid passport and, depending on your nationality, a visa or eligibility under one of the current visa exemption schemes. Each passenger is responsible for checking the applicable entry requirements with the relevant consular authorities.
- Time allowances: waiting times and service amendment conditions are set out in the Zonetransfers Terms and Conditions.
Luggage, groups and onward domestic flights
As passengers must unload and carry all their luggage through the border before loading it again, the amount of baggage has a greater impact than on a standard city transfer. Large groups with bulky luggage will naturally take longer to complete the formalities, something worth considering if connecting to a domestic flight from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport.
Whether you are travelling to Futian on business, as a family with plenty of luggage, or as a larger group, the number of passengers and suitcases determines the most suitable vehicle. View the available options in the Zonetransfers fleet.
Frequently asked questions about crossing into Shenzhen
Do I need a visa to enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong?
That depends on your nationality. Hong Kong and mainland China have separate immigration systems, so entry into Shenzhen requires a valid passport and, depending on your country of citizenship, a visa or eligibility under one of the current visa exemption schemes. It is advisable to check the requirements with the relevant consular authorities before travelling.
Which border crossing should I use if my flight lands at midnight?
Huanggang at Lok Ma Chau operates a 24-hour passenger crossing, whereas Shenzhen Bay generally closes at around 22:30. For late-night arrivals, this difference is often decisive.
Do I have to leave the vehicle at the border?
Yes. Passengers must leave the vehicle with all their luggage to complete Hong Kong exit immigration followed by mainland China entry immigration.
Will the same vehicle continue to Shenzhen or do I change vehicles?
That depends on the type of service available for your travel date, as vehicles authorised to cross the border require dual registration and special permits. This will be confirmed when you request your quotation.
How long does the border crossing take?
It cannot be guaranteed, as waiting times depend on passenger volumes at the selected checkpoint. If you have a fixed appointment in Shenzhen, it is advisable to allow plenty of extra time.
Which border crossing is best for Futian?
Huanggang is located next to Futian and is generally the most direct route to Shenzhen's financial district.
What if my destination is Shekou or Nanshan?
Shenzhen Bay Port provides direct access to the western side of the city, where Shekou, Nanshan and Bao'an District are located.
Can I connect to a domestic flight at Shenzhen Airport?
Yes, but it is advisable to allow a generous connection time. In addition to the road journey, you must factor in both immigration procedures, whose duration varies depending on queues on the day.
Can you also arrange the return transfer from Shenzhen to the airport?
Yes. Simply provide the exact pick-up address and your flight departure time. When booking, remember to allow sufficient time for the border crossing in the opposite direction.
Request a quote for your Shenzhen transfer
Please provide your destination district, flight arrival time, number of passengers and luggage. Based on this information, we will determine the most suitable border crossing and transfer arrangement before confirming your booking.
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