International flights at Shenzhen Bao’an use Terminal 3. You will clear immigration, collect bags, and pass customs, then follow signs to the Ground Transport Centre. Metro Line 11 sits under Terminal 3 — that is the line you want for Futian and the city. Do not go to Airport East (机场东) on Line 1 looking for the international terminal; that is a different station. If you are entering on the 240-hour transit, you must use this designated port (or Shekou, or West Kowloon rail) and apply at inspection. Have a hotel address in Chinese.
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Key facts
| International terminal | Terminal 3. Follow the arrival signs; do not assume a numbered gate is a different building you must travel to |
|---|---|
| Metro | Line 11, under T3 / the Ground Transport Centre. Toward Futian, first and last trains are typically around 06:04 and about 00:01–00:02 — confirm on SZMC |
| Not Line 1 | Airport East (机场东) is not the international terminal |
| Time and fare, approximate | Airport to Futian on Line 11 is often about 30–38 minutes. Official ordinary fares on the airport stretch are listed in a 2–10 yuan band; third-party figures around 7 yuan are a reasonable expectation — confirm at the gate |
| 240-hour transit | Bao’an is a designated port. Luohu, Futian and Shenzhen Bay are not, for entry |
| What to have in hand | Passport, onward ticket if you are on the 240-hour rule, and a hotel address in Chinese characters |
From the aircraft to the hall
International arrivals at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) are handled at Terminal 3. Follow the “Arrivals” and “Immigration” signs. Have your passport ready, and, if you are entering on the 240-hour visa-free transit, your confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and a clear idea of where you will stay. Officers may ask for a hotel address; a Chinese-character address on a phone screen is what they can actually read. Since 20 November 2025 you can fill the official arrival card online, for free, at s.nia.gov.cn. Paper cards and devices at the port still exist. Ignore lookalike sites that charge a fee.
Bao’an is a designated port for the 240-hour transit. If that is your rule, you apply at inspection here (or at Shekou, or on the high-speed rail from West Kowloon). You cannot use this rule to walk in later at Luohu, Futian or Shenzhen Bay.
Bags, customs, and the Ground Transport Centre
After immigration, collect baggage and pass customs. If a bag is slow, there is a usual wait; this is not unique to Shenzhen. Then follow signs for the Ground Transport Centre (GTC) and the metro. Airport ATMs and SIM counters exist in the arrivals area. Bring the passport for a SIM; expect a queue. An eSIM installed at home is smoother — see SIM versus eSIM. We will not name a “best” kiosk.
Line 11 is under the terminal
This is the part visitors get wrong. Metro Line 11 runs under Terminal 3. That is the train to Futian, and onward connections. Since 10 September 2026, Shenzhen Metro gates take a contactless foreign bank card (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB), if contactless is enabled. You do not need a token or a mini-program.
Toward Futian, first and last trains are typically around 06:04 and about 00:01–00:02, according to SZMC figures we have used before; confirm on the day. The ride to Futian is often about 30–38 minutes. Official ordinary fares on the airport stretch are published in a 2–10 yuan band (business-class carriages more). Third-party figures around 7 yuan for Airport to Futian are a reasonable expectation — approximate, confirm at the gate.
Do not go to Airport East (机场东) looking for this arrival. Airport East is a Line 1 station, and it is not Terminal 3. The longer transport picture — taxis, DiDi, and how not to confuse the two — is in the airport transport guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shenzhen Bao’an the same as Airport East?
No. International arrivals are at Terminal 3. Airport East is a Line 1 station and is the wrong place to look for this terminal. Take Line 11 from under T3.
Can I use the 240-hour transit here?
Yes, Bao’an Airport is a designated port for the 240-hour visa-free transit. You still need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and you must stay in the permitted area. Apply at inspection. Luohu, Futian and Shenzhen Bay cannot be used to enter on this rule.
How do I get to Futian?
Metro Line 11 toward the city, about 30–38 minutes to Futian, on a typical run. Official ordinary fares on the airport stretch sit in a low band (published as 2–10 yuan); a mid-single-digit yuan fare is a common third-party figure. Confirm at the gate. A taxi or a DiDi is the alternative with luggage.
Where do I buy a SIM or change money?
Counters exist in or just after arrivals. We will not name a 'best' kiosk or promise a rate. A SIM needs your passport. An eSIM you already installed is simpler — see the SIM versus eSIM guide.