Xiamen Transport Guide 2026: Getting Around Xiamen Easily

Getting around the city was easier than you expected! The public transport is generally reliable, and most signs have English, which makes life a lot easier for travellers like me. I’m sharing my honest take so fellow Singaporeans, whether you’re exploring solo or just keen to see the city without fuss, can navigate Xiamen smoothly and enjoy all its sights.

✈️ Xiamen Airport Transfers

Getting to and from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is pretty convenient. Taxis are the fastest way into the city, taking around 30 minutes to Xiamen Island. If you prefer public transport, the airport shuttle buses connect to major districts like Siming, Huli, and the ferry terminal for Gulangyu, usually taking 45-60 minutes. Ride-hailing apps like Didi work well too, though be aware of surge pricing during peak travel times.

Heads-up: Xiamen’s airport is set to move to the new Xiang’an International Airport soon. The new airport will be farther from the city centre, about 40 km, but it will have faster highways, expanded shuttle services, and better connections to the metro in the future. 

Pro Tip: Check our Xiamen Airport to City guide for updated shuttle routes.

🚇 Xiamen Metro

Source: Travel China Guide

Xiamen’s Metro is the city’s modern and efficient train system, perfect for exploring the island without worrying about traffic. Currently, Line 1, Line 2 and Line 3 cover most of the main tourist and shopping districts, including the ferry terminals for Gulangyu Island. 

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

💳 Ticket & Payment

• Single Journey Tickets: Buy from machines at every station; accepts cash and card.
• Rechargeable Card: The Jinjiang Card works like Singapore’s EZ-Link for seamless rides.
• Tourist Pass: One-day unlimited ride passes are available, great if you’re hopping around multiple districts.
• Mobile Payment: You can also pay by WeChat Pay and Alipay. Just scan the generated QR code and you can pass the gate.

📍 Key Tourist Stops

• Xiamen Railway Station/Xiamen North Railway Station: Main hub for intercity trains and metro connections.
• Xiamen University: Beautiful campus and coastal views; great for photo ops.
• Cruise Center: Easy transfer to Gulangyu Island for a day trip.
• Nanputuo Temple: A famous ancient Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and serene gardens.

⚠️ Tips

• Some transfers between lines can be long, so allow extra time.
• Peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) can be crowded, especially near the ferry terminal.

🚌 BRT

Source: Wikipedia

Xiamen’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and city buses are a convenient way to explore areas not directly served by the metro. The BRT runs on dedicated lanes along the city’s main roads, connecting downtown Xiamen, Siming District, and the ferry terminal for Gulangyu Island, while regular buses cover neighbourhoods, scenic spots, and suburbs, with a starting rate at ￥1 (about S$0.18). Locals rely heavily on buses, but they’re also very accessible for tourists who want a budget-friendly option or a more “local” experience. 

🕒 Timings & Frequency

💳 How to Ride?

• Most buses accept cash (exact fare recommended), Jinjiang Cards, or mobile apps.
• For BRT, tap your card at the entrance. Regular buses usually board from the front door and exit from the rear.
• Tickets are easy to buy at stations or via machines for shuttle buses.

⚠️ Tips

• Exact fare is often required for local buses, and apps may be less reliable for route changes.
• During peak hours, buses can get crowded, especially near ferry terminals.

🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Xiamen

Getting around Xiamen by taxi or ride-hailing is convenient, reliable, and ideal for travellers who value privacy or have luggage. Taxis are widely available across the city, especially near major hotels, shopping areas, and transport hubs. Ride-hailing is increasingly popular among locals and tourists. Apps are generally safer and more convenient than hailing street taxis.

📱 Popular Ride-Hailing Apps

• Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行): The most widely used platform in Xiamen; supports English interface, in-app payments, and upfront fare estimates. Available on App Store and Google Play.
• Gaode Map (高德地图): This is a map app with ride hailing services.

💸 Fare Estimates in Xiamen

• City centre to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport: ~¥70-100 (~S$15-20), metered.
• Fares within central Xiamen: ¥15-40 (~S$3-8) for most trips.
• Night surcharges apply (~¥10), tolls are added automatically in apps.

💰 How to Pay?

• Cash: Most taxis accept cash in RMB (exact fare is recommended, though small change is usually given).
• Cards: Most taxis also accept Alipay/WeChat Pay QR code pay.
• In-app Payment: For taxi hailing apps, credit/debit card (Visa/MasterCard works for international cards in Didi), or Alipay or WeChat Pay if you have an account.

⚠️ Tips

• Some street taxis may avoid meters or take longer routes. Always check the fare estimate in apps.
• Ride-hailing cars can be scarce during peak hours or bad weather.
• Avoid unofficial drivers touting outside hotels or airports; use official taxi ranks or app pickups.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Sharing

Bike sharing in Xiamen is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city. It allows you to skip traffic, enjoy coastal views, and reach areas not easily accessible by metro or bus. With a few taps on your phone, you can unlock a bike, ride at your own pace, and park it when you’re done.

📍 Where to Find Bike Sharing in Xiamen?

Bike-sharing stations are widely available across Xiamen, especially near:

• Metro stations
• Tourist areas like Gulangyu and Xiamen University
• Parks and scenic coastal roads
• Many bikes are also parked along sidewalks, ready for app-based rental.

📲 How to Use?

1. Download the app: Popular providers include HelloBike, Mobike (Meituan Bike), and DiDi Bike.
2. Register: Use your phone number and verify your identity (passport can be needed for foreigners).
3. Scan & Unlock: Scan the QR code on the bike using the app.
4. Ride & Lock: After your trip, park at a designated area and lock the bike to end the ride.
5. Payment: Pay through the app (Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international card depending on provider).

⚠️ Tips for First-Time Riders

• Parking: Always park at designated areas to avoid fines or app penalties.
• Traffic Rules: Ride on bike lanes where possible and watch out for scooters and buses.

🛥️ Ferries

Ferries are a must-do in Xiamen, especially for visiting Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian-only island famous for colonial architecture, piano museums, and scenic coastal views. Taking a ferry is also a great way to enjoy the city from the water and escape traffic jams.

📍 Where to Take a Ferry in Xiamen?

• Xiamen Ferry Terminal / Dongdu Ferry Terminal (鼓浪屿轮渡码头) – Most popular for trips to Gulangyu Island.
• Wuyuan Bay / Shapowei Ferry Dock – Lesser-used but scenic routes connecting smaller piers.

Ferries depart from multiple docks on Xiamen Island, all accessible via bus, taxi, or metro.

📅 When & How to Ride?

• Operating Hours: Typically 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM, with departures every 15–30 minutes.
• Boarding: Arrive early during weekends or holidays; queues can be long.
• Tickets: Purchase at the terminal counters or ticket machines; some kiosks accept Alipay/WeChat Pay.

💸 Prices

• Xiamen ↔ Gulangyu Island: ~¥35–40 per adult (~S$7–8), ¥20–25 for children.
• Round-trip tickets are available, but many prefer one-way tickets and return later.
• Some ferries offer premium seats with slightly higher prices.

⚠️ Tips

• Arrive early during weekends and peak tourist season.
• Check ferry schedules if you plan to return late, as the last boat may leave earlier than expected.
• Luggage: Limited space on standard ferries; pack light if possible.
• Photo opportunity: Sit on the right-hand side of the ferry for the best coastal views of Xiamen and Gulangyu.

🚢 Lujiang Cruise

If you want to see Xiamen from a different perspective, the Lujiang Night Cruise is a must-do. Gliding along the river after sunset, you’ll enjoy the city skyline lit up with colourful lights, bridges, and waterfront attractions.

📍 Where to Board?

Lujiang Pier is the main departure point, accessible by taxi, ride-hailing, or bus. Some cruises also depart near Xiamen Ferry Terminal or along other central piers.

📅 When & How to Ride

• Operating Hours: Evening cruises usually run 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM, with departures every 30–60 minutes.
• Tickets: Buy at the pier counter or via online booking platforms like Trip.com.
• Arrive 15–20 minutes early to secure a good seat, especially on weekends or holidays.

💸 Prices

• Standard cruise: ~¥100–120 per adult (~S$20–25)
• Some cruises include snacks or drinks at an extra cost.

⚠️ Tips

• Best views: Sit on the upper deck or starboard side for city skyline shots.
• Weather check: Cruises can be canceled in heavy rain or strong wind.

🚗 Car Rentals & Driving in Xiamen

Car Rentals - Chippewa Auto

Renting a car in Xiamen can give you freedom to explore coastal areas, nearby towns, and scenic spots at your own pace. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with family or want to reach destinations outside the metro and bus routes.

📍 Where to Rent?

• Airport rental counters at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.
• Downtown Xiamen: Siming District and Huli District have multiple rental agencies.
• Booking online: You can also rent a car online through online platform like Trip.com.

📄 What You Need

• A Chinese driver’s license or a local license translation service
• Valid international driving permit (IDP) recognized in China
• Passport for registration
• Credit card for deposit and payment

💸 Costs to Know

• Daily rental: ~¥250–400 (~S$50–80) for standard cars; higher for SUVs or luxury vehicles
• Fuel: ~¥8–10 per liter; gas stations are widely available
• Insurance: Strongly recommended; usually available as an add-on at rental counters

⚠️ Things to Watch Out For

• Traffic rules: Driving in Xiamen is similar to other Chinese cities; lanes may be less strictly followed than Singapore.
• Road signs: Mostly in Chinese; GPS with English support is highly recommended.
• Navigation apps: Gaode (Amap) or Baidu Maps work best locally, though some require basic Chinese language navigation.

🚶Exploring on Foot in Xiamen

Xiamen is a very walkable city, especially its scenic coastal areas, historic streets, and university neighbourhoods. Walking lets you soak in the local culture, enjoy street food, and capture great photos without worrying about traffic.

📸 Top Walks to Try

• Gulangyu Island: Explore the colonial architecture, piano museum, and seaside paths.
• Xiamen University Campus: Beautiful campus with gardens, coastal views, and Fujian-style buildings.
• Wuyuan Bay & Cultural Art District: Scenic coastal walk with art installations and waterfront paths.
• Nanputuo Temple & Surroundings: Cultural walk with temple gardens and nearby food streets.

⚠️ Tips

• Comfortable Shoes: Essential—some streets are cobbled or uneven.
• Hydration & Snacks: Carry water, especially in summer.

🚄 China High Speed Train

China’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) makes it quick and convenient to explore Xiamen and nearby cities. Modern, air-conditioned trains run frequently from Xiamen Railway Station or Xiamen North Station, with clear signage in both Chinese and English.

Approximate travel times to nearby cities:

• Quanzhou: ~40–50 minutes
• Fuzhou: ~1.5–2 hours
• Shenzhen: ~4–5 hours
• Xiamen ↔ Shanghai: ~6–7 hours
• Xiamen ↔ Beijing: ~10–11 hours

Tickets can be purchased at the station, via official app 12306, or Trip.com, with options for second-class, first-class, and business-class seats. 

Whether you’re hopping on the metro, cruising along the Lujiang River, pedaling a shared bike, or catching a high-speed train to nearby cities, getting around Xiamen is easier than it looks. There’s an option for every type of traveler - solo explorers, families, or those just looking to enjoy the city at their own pace. A little planning goes a long way, and with these tips in hand, you’ll be ready to navigate Xiamen confidently, comfortably, and stress-free.