China train guide · checked October 2026
Shenzhen to Hong Kong by train
There are two good ways into Hong Kong from Shenzhen: the high-speed train from Futian, or the metro to the border and the MTR East Rail line on the other side.
- Journey time14–15 minutes by high-speed train, or about 1–1.5 hours via the land border
- Fastest train14 min
- Second classfrom ¥70 (about 41 PLN) – up to ¥80
- How oftendozens of high-speed trains a day from Futian
Stations
Show the Chinese name to your taxi driver.
Underground station in Futian. For the land crossing, take the metro to Futian Port (福田口岸).
Mainland and Hong Kong immigration are both in the station; the MTR connects to the rest of Hong Kong.
Good to know
- Land border: walk through Futian Port / Lok Ma Chau (落马洲), with passport control on both sides, then take the MTR East Rail line into Kowloon (about 1–1.5 hours in total).
- Hong Kong is a separate customs and immigration area – keep your passport handy, and remember that leaving mainland China ends your current visa-free stay.
Other ways: From Guangzhou South there are direct trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon (fastest about 47 minutes, second class about ¥185–215).
On the way
Almost the whole route from Futian to West Kowloon runs in tunnels, so there's nothing to see – but in 14 minutes it's the fastest way into Hong Kong.
When you arrive
West Kowloon station is linked to Austin and Kowloon MTR stations, a short ride from Tsim Sha Tsui. Get an Octopus card or pay by contactless card on the MTR, ferries and in shops. Don't miss the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour (running since 1888, about 10 minutes) and the harbour at night from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront (the nightly Symphony of Lights show is due to be retired in 2026 – check before you go).
How to book
- Tickets to Hong Kong are cross-border tickets: on Trip.com search for “Hong Kong West Kowloon”, book with your passport and be at the station 45–60 minutes early for immigration.
- Buy on Trip.com (English, foreign cards) or in the official 12306 app – tickets go on sale 15 days before departure.
- Your passport is your ticket: you book with its number and scan it at the gates. Bring the same passport you booked with.
- Be at the station 40–60 minutes early: there is a security check at the entrance, and gates close a few minutes before departure.
- Big suitcases fit at the end of each carriage or on the racks above the seats.
Times and fares are typical values for second class, checked in October 2026. Fares are dynamic (peak trains cost more) and timetables change – check the live timetable on Trip.com or 12306 before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Train or land border – which is better?
The train is quicker (14 minutes plus immigration at West Kowloon) and there are no changes; the land crossing at Futian / Lok Ma Chau is cheaper and handy if you're staying near the MTR East Rail line. Either way you go through two passport checks.
Do I need a visa for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has its own entry rules: citizens of the EU, the UK, the US and many other countries can visit visa-free, usually for at least 90 days. Instead of a passport stamp you get a small landing slip – keep it until you leave.
