Xiamen Railway Station Guide: Location and Routes

Xiamen Railway Station Guide: Location and Routes

Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian province, is a popular gateway for travelers exploring southeastern China. Its main railway station, Xiamen Railway Station (厦门站), is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach many attractions and transport hubs. This guide provides practical tips for international visitors using this station, including how to get there, key routes, and what to expect.

Where Is Xiamen Railway Station?

Xiamen Railway Station sits on the island of Xiamen, close to the city center. Its address is:

• No. 90, South Xiahe Road, Siming District, Xiamen

This central location means it’s well-connected by public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. The station is about:

• 6 km (3.7 miles) from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) – about a 20-minute drive.
• 3 km (1.8 miles) from the Gulangyu Ferry Terminal – roughly a 10-minute taxi ride.
• 1 km (0.6 miles) from Zhongshan Road, a famous pedestrian shopping street.

Tip: Many high-speed trains also stop at Xiamen North Railway Station (厦门北站), which is located in Jimei District on the mainland. If you’re traveling to or from central Xiamen, double-check which station your train arrives at. Xiamen North is about 25 km (15.5 miles) from the city center.

How to Get to and from Xiamen Railway Station

By Metro The Xiamen Metro has two lines serving the station:

• Line 1: Runs from Xiamen North Railway Station to the city center, with a stop at Xiamen Railway Station. This is a fast, affordable way to transfer between the two stations.
• Line 3: Connects the station with the airport (Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport) and other parts of the island.

By Bus Multiple city bus routes stop at or near the station, including buses to Zhongshan Road, the ferry terminal, and the airport. Look for signs in English and Chinese.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Taxis are widely available at designated ranks outside the station. Ride-hailing apps like Didi also work well. Expect a fare of around 20–30 RMB from the station to most central locations (e.g., Zhongshan Road or the ferry terminal).

Main Routes from Xiamen Railway Station

Xiamen Railway Station is a major hub for high-speed trains (G and D trains) connecting to cities across China. Based on common travel patterns for international visitors, here are key routes:

Note: While this article focuses on Xiamen Railway Station, travelers asking about a "Shenzhen to Zhengzhou train schedule" should note that Shenzhen has two main stations—Shenzhen North and Shenzhen Railway Station—for high-speed trains heading north. Direct trains from Shenzhen to Zhengzhou East take about 5–6 hours. If your journey involves Xiamen, you can combine a high-speed train from Shenzhen to Xiamen (3–4 hours) with onward routes from Xiamen Station.

Facilities and Tips for International Travelers

• Ticketing: Ticket counters and self-service machines accept passports. You can also book tickets online via official railway apps (like 12306) with a passport number.
• Luggage Storage: Left luggage services are available inside the station (look for “行李寄存” signs). Rates are typically 10–30 RMB per bag per day.
• Food and Shops: There are convenience stores, fast food outlets, and small cafes inside the station. For better variety, walk to the nearby commercial area.
• Language: Station announcements are in Chinese and English. Signage also includes English, but it’s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese characters.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the station, but you may need to register with a Chinese phone number. SIM cards for tourists are available at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Xiamen Railway Station the same as Xiamen North Railway Station? No. Xiamen Railway Station is on the island (city center), while Xiamen North Railway Station is in Jimei District (mainland). Confirm your ticket or itinerary to avoid confusion.

Q: Can I buy train tickets at the station with a foreign passport? Yes. You can purchase tickets at the counter or use self-service machines that accept passports. Some machines may require assistance from staff.

Q: How do I travel from Xiamen Railway Station to Gulangyu Island? Take a taxi or bus to the Gulangyu Ferry Terminal (about 10 minutes). Ferries to Gulangyu run frequently; tickets can be bought on-site or online.

Q: Are there direct trains from Xiamen to Hong Kong? Yes, but they depart from Xiamen North Railway Station, not Xiamen Railway Station. High-speed trains from Xiamen North to Hong Kong West Kowloon take about 4.5 hours.

Q: What is the best way to get from Xiamen Railway Station to the airport? Take Metro Line 3 directly from the station to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Conclusion

Xiamen Railway Station is a well-located and convenient departure point for exploring China’s southeastern coast and beyond. With its metro connections and frequent high-speed trains to major cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Fuzhou, it serves as a reliable hub for international travelers. Always double-check your station (Xiamen vs. Xiamen North) and carry your passport for ticket purchases. Enjoy your journey through Fujian and the rest of China!