Xiamen Airport (XMN) Guide 2026: Terminals, Transport & Facilities

If you are planning a trip from Singapore to the city of Xiamen, you will probably be flying to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. This airport is on Xiamen Island. It is really close to the city of Xiamen.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) Overview

The main airport for Fujian Province is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

Quick facts:

• IATA: XMN, ICAO: ZSAM
• Location: Huli District, northern Xiamen Island, roughly 12 kilometres from the city centre.
• Airport Class: 4E-level international hub.
• Terminals: Two terminals (T3 and T4), approximately 2 kilometres apart.
• International Routes: Over 41 international and regional routes, including direct flights to 11 Belt & Road partner countries.
• Base Airline: Xiamen Airlines (a SkyTeam member).

Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Terminal Layout: T3 vs T4

Xiamen Gaoqi Airport has two terminals that serve different flights.

Terminal 3 (T3) – The International Gateway

Terminal 3 is the larger terminal. It handles all the international flights and regional flights. These flights include services to Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Terminal 3 also accommodates some flights that are operated by Xiamen Airlines, China Southern and Shandong Airlines. Terminal 3 is really big.

T3 Floor Plan:

• Level 1 (Arrivals): Baggage claim, customs, taxi rank (Gate 7), airport shuttle bus stop (Gate 5), currency exchange, ATMs.
• Level 2 (Departures): Check-in counters A-D, immigration, security, departure gates, duty-free shops, dining options, lounges.
• Key Facilities: Prayer room (near Gate 8), baby care rooms, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage.

Terminal 4 (T4) – The Domestic Workhorse

Terminal 4 is the newer terminal (opened in 2014) and exclusively handles domestic flights within mainland China.

T4 Floor Plan:

• Level 1 (Arrivals): Baggage claim, taxi rank (Gate 3), bus stops (Gate 5), metro connections, luggage storage.
• Level 3 (Departures): Check-in counters E-H, self-service kiosks (Entrance E), security, domestic gates, shopping, food court.
• Key Facilities: Kids' play area, SkyTeam Lounge, Uniqlo, Miniso, Fujian tea shops.

Transferring Between Terminals

The good news is there's a free shuttle bus connecting T3 and T4:

• Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
• Operating Hours: 5:10 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Journey Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
• Pick-up Points: T3 Gate 5, T4 Gate 3.

If you are going outside the time when the shuttle is running. A taxi from one terminal to another terminal costs around ¥15-20 (S$2.85–3.80) and it takes around 5-10 minutes.

How to Get from Xiamen Airport to the City Centre?

Xiamen Airport's proximity to downtown is one of its biggest advantages.

Facilities & Services at Xiamen Airport

The airport in XMN is one runway but it has a lot of good things. Here is what you can expect at XMN airport:

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals. To use the Wi-Fi, you need to connect to the network and then verify. You can do this by sending a message to verify or by giving your passport details. If you are from Singapore and do not have a phone number, you can go to the information desk and they will usually give you a special code to use the Wi-Fi.

Currency Exchange & Banking

You can find currency exchange counters and ATMs in the arrivals halls of T3 and T4. The ATMs usually take Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay cards from Singapore banks. It's recommended to use WeChat Pay or Alipay for everything. Currency exchange is available at the airports, so you can get cash for small purchases.

Luggage Services

• Luggage Storage: Available at T3 and T4 arrivals (Level 1). Prices range from ¥20–50 (S$3.80–9.50) per item per day depending on size. Handy if you want to explore the city during a long layover.
• Luggage Wrapping: Protective wrapping service on departure floors for ¥20–35 (S$3.80–6.70) per bag.

Family & Accessibility Facilities

• Baby Care Rooms: Equipped with changing tables, nursing chairs, and hot water dispensers – available in both terminals.
• Children's Play Area: T4 Level 3 has a small play zone to keep little ones entertained before boarding.
• Wheelchair Assistance: Available upon request through your airline – book at least 48 hours in advance.
• Prayer Room: Located in T3 Level 2 near Gate 8 for Muslim travellers.

Dining at Xiamen Airport

Xiamen Airport actually has some decent options, especially if you're craving some authentic Fujian flavours before your flight home.

Local Fujian Cuisine (Must-Try!)

Xiamen is famous for its seafood and southern Fujian (Minnan) cuisine, and you can sample some of it right at the airport:

• Shaxian Snacks (T3 Level 2): A Fujian institution! Try the wonton soup, peanut butter noodles, or steamed dumplings. Meals cost around ¥20–40 (S$3.80–7.60) per person.
• Lai Jinfa (T4 Level 3): Known for their seafood noodles and satay noodles – a Xiamen classic. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable for airport food.
• Fujian Tea Houses: Both terminals have tea shops where you can pick up Tieguanyin oolong tea (Fujian's most famous export) or sit down for a proper tea ceremony.

International & Quick Bites

If you're craving something familiar:

• Starbucks: Both T3 and T4 have outlets – perfect for that pre-flight caffeine fix.
• KFC & McDonald's: Standard fast food options in T4.
• Costa Coffee: Another coffee option in T4.
• Convenience Stores: Shops selling snacks, drinks, and travel essentials from ¥10–25 (S$1.90–4.75).

Shopping at Xiamen Airport

Duty-Free Shopping (T3 International Departures)

The duty-free selection at T3 is decent but not massive. Don't expect Changi-level variety.

• Cosmetics & Skincare: Brands like Estée Lauder, Lancôme, SK-II, and Shiseido. Prices are comparable to other Chinese airports – some items might be cheaper than Singapore, so it's worth checking.
• Perfumes: A good selection of designer fragrances.
• Alcohol & Tobacco: Standard duty-free offerings.
• Luxury Brands: A small selection from brands.

Local Souvenirs & Gifts

If you want to bring something authentically Fujian back to Singapore:

• Fujian Tea: Tieguanyin oolong, Da Hong Pao rock tea, and jasmine tea make excellent gifts. Look for reputable tea shops in both terminaXiamen Airportls.
• Souvenir Snacks: Peanut soup powder, coconut cakes, and other Minnan-style treats.
• Min Nan Style Crafts: Hand-painted porcelain, embroidery, and shell crafts.

Lounges & Rest Areas at Xiamen Airport

If you've got a long layover or just want to escape the crowds, here are your lounge options:

Airline & Alliance Lounges

• DragonPass Lounge (T3, International): Near Gate 12. Offers free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Open 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Priority Pass and DragonPass members get in free; otherwise, walk-in rates are around ¥200 (S$38). Note: no shower facilities here.
• SkyTeam Lounge (T4, Domestic): Level 3, post-security. Quieter than the T3 lounge and serves hot meals – the seafood noodles are surprisingly good. Open 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Priority Pass accepted.
• China Eastern VIP Lounge (T3): For China Eastern business/first class passengers and elite members.

General Rest Areas

• Seating with USB Charging: Available throughout all waiting areas – bring your cable!
• Massage Chairs: Paid massage chairs in both terminals for ¥15 (S$2.85) per 15 minutes.
• Quiet Zones: T3 has some quieter seating areas near the international gates if you need to work or rest.

Overnight Layover Tips

If you have a very early morning flight or a late arrival, I'd recommend booking a hotel near Xiamen Airport instead.

Making the Most of a Layover at XMN

If you've got a connection through Xiamen, here's what I'd recommend based on how much time you have: