Shenzhen, China

Getting around Shenzhen

How to travel around Shenzhen — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Metro

One of the world's largest networks, built almost entirely since 2004.

Cost: CNY 2–14

2. Border crossings to Hong Kong

Luohu, Futian and Shenzhen Bay, each connected to the metro.

Best time: Avoid weekend mornings and public holidays

3. DiDi

Standard for cars; the app fare avoids the border-area touts.

4. High-speed rail

Shenzhen North to Guangzhou in 30 minutes, Beijing in eight hours.

5. Bike share and e-scooters

Flat, wide roads and a dense dockless network.

Booking apps in China

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

DiDi

The dominant Chinese ride-hailing platform, with an English interface in the international app.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Removes the unlicensed cars that tout at stations and airports, and records the route.

Alipay

Handles metro and bus fares, taxi payment and most everyday transactions; supports foreign cards.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Paying digitally sidesteps the counterfeit-banknote problem entirely, which is the most common change scam in China.

Trip.com

Books high-speed rail and domestic flights with an English interface and passport support.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Avoids station touts reselling rail tickets at markups.