Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Trains: Your Fastest Cross-Border Connection

Written by Natalia | Updated December 04,2025

The Hong Kong-Shenzhen High-Speed Rail (HSR) is the most efficient way to travel between these two major cities. As part of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (total length: 141km), this train service connects Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen North/Futian stations in just 14-25 minutes. With more than hundreds departures everyday and seamless immigration clearance, it’s ideal for Hong Kong train tours, business trips, shopping excursions, or connecting to Chinese mainland’s rail network.

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• Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Facts
• Hong Kong to Shenzhen High-Speed Train Schedules
• Shenzhen to Hong Kong High-Speed Train Schedules
• Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Cost & Facilities
• How to Book Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Tickets
• Customs and Immigrations
• Shenzhen – Hong Kong Train Rail Stations
• Other Ways of Traveling Between Shenzhen and Hong Kong
• FAQs on Hong Kong-Shenzhen High-Speed Trains
• How to Plan a Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Train Tour?

Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Facts

How far is Hong Kong from Shenzhen? And how long will the journey take? If you have these questions in mind, read the following fast facts before planning your trip.

• Distance: ~26km (88 miles)
• Duration: ~14-29 minutes (depending on stops and trains)
• Ticket Cost: From ¥68 (second-class) to ¥109 (first class)
• Earliest Departure from Shenzhen: 06:35(Shenzhen North Station)
• Latest Departure from Hong Kong: 23:00 (Hong Kong West Kowloon Station)
• Average Daily Departures: more than 100 trains (peak hours: 07:00–09:00 and 18:00–20:00)
• Terminals: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (Hong Kong); Shenzhen North, Futian, and Shenzhen Railway Station (Shenzhen)
• Main Stops: Guangzhou South Railway Station, Qingsheng Station, Humen Station, Guangmingcheng Station, Shenzhen North Railway Station, Futian Station, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station

Hong Kong to Shenzhen High-Speed Train Schedules

Hong Kong-Shenzhen trains run frequently throughout the day. Below is a sample schedule (updated as of Dec 05 2025; verify via 12306.com).

Shenzhen to Hong Kong High-Speed Train Schedules

Shenzhen departure times are equally frequent, with trains leaving from multiple stations:

High-speed trains travel between the Shenzhen – Hong Kong operate from 6:35 to 23:00 everyday. Please note, this timetable was last updated in Dec 5, 2025. The actual information is subject to your final booking confirmation. For the latest information or adjustments, please refer to 12306.cn/Trip. com or you can contact us to make booking for you.

Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Cost & Facilities

Hong Kong to Shenzhen High-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Hong Kong – Shenzhen Bullet Train Facilities for Different Seats

• Business Class

Most Hong Kong – Shenzhen High Speed Trains would have Business Class service. It is crafted for travelers seeking a premium experience, it offers top facilities such as: fully reclining seats, personal entertainment systems, and spacious private compartments. Every detail you may feel and see is designed to prioritize privacy and comfort of passengers’ travel experience. This is a top choice for those willing to invest in a luxurious journey, even at a higher price point.

• First-Class Seats

First-Class provides more room and extra legroom for each passenger compared to Second Class, with a convenient 2+2 seating layout (two seats per row, two rows total). Ideal for families or small groups of travelers, people choosing this first class seating can enjoy things like priority boarding services to streamline their journey, reducing time spent in waiting and enhancing overall convenience.

• Second-Class Seats

As the most common and chosen seating option, Second Class balances affordability with comfort. Its 2+3 layout (three seats on one row, two seats on another row) maximizes space efficiency while also ensuring basic comfort for travelers. The seat design and thoughtful space arrangement make it a practical and most affordable choice for daily commutes or trips.

• Dining

All Hong Kong–Shenzhen high-speed trains are equipped with a dining car service, which offers a diverse choice of Chinese and Western dishes, including local specialties like Cantonese dim sum, light meals, and beverages. Snack carts also circulate periodically, so that you can easily get treats like nuts, pastries, and other quick bites.

• Restroom

Each carriage has independent bathrooms with squat toilets, sinks, and large mirrors. Some trains even include accessible restrooms to ensure comfort for passengers with mobility needs.

For more information of Train Facilities for Different Seats, please check: How to Choose a Train Type & Seat Class in China?

Learn more interesting things and facts about Shenzhen.

How to Book Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Tickets

When Do Reservations Open

Tickets for Hong Kong–Shenzhen high-speed trains typically go on sale 15 days in advance of the travel date, following China Railway’s standard booking policy. For peak travel periods (e.g., Chinese New Year, summer holidays), some trains may have quite limited availability, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Ways to Buy Hong Kong – Shenzhen High-Speed Train Tickets

• Official 12306 Platform (Most Reliable):

Steps: Register/login your account on 12306.cn — Select departure and destination — Choose your travel date, time, and also your preferred station — Select the type of seats (Business, First or Second), and whether you want it near aisle or window — Complete your payment via credit/debit card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Then you’ll get a message telling you all the information of your journey.

Advantage: Direct access to real-time inventory, official guarantees, and easy cancellation/modification (up to 30 minutes before departure).

• Authorized Third-Party Platforms (Convenient for Comparisons):

Platforms like Trip.com, Ctrip, or Qunar offer simplified booking with price comparisons and user reviews.

Steps: Search “Hong Kong to Shenzhen” → Filter by date, time, or seat class → Compare options → Book via the platform’s secure payment system.

Advantage: User-friendly interface and occasional promotional discounts.

Related reading: How to Travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou

Customs and Immigrations

Traveling between Hong Kong and Shenzhen by bullet trains will need you to go through customs clearance. Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station has both customs facilities and streamline border clearance, in order to avoid extra stops and time spent at Hong Kong’s checkpoints.

If you’re traveling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen by train, complete customs at the Departure Hall (Level -3F) before boarding; for those who travel from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, you can handle procedures at the Arrival Hall (Level -2F) upon arrival.

Key steps: Submit and complete the Departure Card (Hong Kong→Shenzhen) and Arrival Card (Shenzhen→Hong Kong) before approaching officers. Missing forms and documents may cause delays or even missed trains. All luggage must undergo X-ray screening.

To avoid queues and ensure timely clearance, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This allows time for paperwork, security checks, and reaching your platform smoothly.

Shenzhen – Hong Kong Train Rail Stations

Hong Kong-Shenzhen high-speed trains operate primarily from two key departure stations in Shenzhen and converge at one single arrival hub in Hong Kong. Below is a detailed overview of these stations and how to reach them from difference places.

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (Departure & Arrival Hub in Hong Kong)

Located in the heart of Kowloon District, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station serves as the primary cross-border rail hub connecting Hong Kong and Chinese mainland, handling basically all Hong Kong–Shenzhen routes. Its central location makes it a convenient gateway for travelers to reach.

How to Get There:

• From Hong Kong City Center: Take the MTR East Rail Line directly to “Hong Kong West Kowloon” Station.
• From Hong KongAirport: Ride the “Airport Express” to “Kowloon Station” (22 minutes, HKD 105), then walk 10 minutes to the station.

Shenzhen North Station (Main Departure Hub in Shenzhen)

Shenzhen North Station is situated in Longhua District (northern Shenzhen) and it is the largest high-speed rail station in Shenzhen. It serves the majority of Hong Kong-bound trains. Its size and location make it a top choice for northern Shenzhen residents who wants to travel.

How to Get There:

From Shenzhen City Center: Take Metro Line 4 to “Shenzhen North” Station.

From Shenzhen International Airport:

• Walk from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Airport Station on Metro Line 11. Take Line 11 to Qianhaiwan Station, then transfer to Line 5 and ride to Shenzhen North Railway Station.
• Still walkto Airport Station on Metro Line 11. Take Line 11 to Chegongmiao Station, then transfer to Line 1 and get off at Convention & Exhibition Center Station. From there, transfer to Line 4 and ride to Shenzhen North Railway Station.

From Shenzhen Railway Station: Take Metro Line 1 from Luohu Station and get off at Convention & Exhibition Center Station. Then transfer to Line 4 and ride to Shenzhen North Railway Station.

Futian Station (Secondary Departure Hub in Shenzhen)

Located in Futian District (central business area), Futian Station is a smaller but convenient hub with rather fewer departures to Hong Kong. Its proximity to downtown Shenzhen makes it ideal for travelers staying in the city center or southern areas.

How to Get There:

From Shenzhen City Center:

• Take Metro Line 2 or Line 4 to Civic Center Station, and use Exit E or Exit 15.
• Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Shopping Park Station, then walk about 50 meters from Exit A.
• Take Metro Line 2, Line 3, or Line 11 to Futian Station, and use Exit 3B, 4A, 4B, or 5.

From Shenzhen North Station: Take Metro Line 4 from Shenzhen North Station, ride for 6 stops, and get off at Civic Center Station. Walk approximately 480 meters to reach Futian Station.

From Shenzhen International Airport:

• Take Metro Line 11 for 8 stops to Futian Station, then walk about 240 meters to reach Airport
• Walk about 210 meters to Airport Station, then take Metro Line 11 for 8 stops to Futian Station, and walk approximately 380 meters to reach Futian Station

Other Ways of Traveling Between Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Is there any other transportation options connect Shenzhen and Hong Kong? Definitely yes. There are still three different ways catering to visitors’ different preferences and budgets.

By MTR / Subway

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is a key transit option for cross-border travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. From Hong Kong’s Hung Hom Station, take the East Rail Line directly to Shenzhen Bay Station (48 mins, HKD 55), which is linked to Shenzhen’s urban hubs. For Tsim Sha Tsui, transfer at Hung Hom to the West Rail Line to Tsim Sha Tsui East Station, then walk via an underground passage (total journey lasts ~1 hour, 5–10 mins walking).

A standard ticket from Lok Ma Chau to Tsim Sha Tsui East costs HKD 43.5 (excluding Octopus Card discounts). MTR in Hong Kong runs from 6:40 AM to 11:00 PM, with frequent departures: East Rail averages 6–8 mins between trains, West Rail 3–5 mins.

Direct MTR access to Hong Kong International Airport involves multiple transfers (including East Rail to Kowloon Tong, Kwun Tong Line to Prince Edward, Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King, Tung Chung Line to Tsing Yi, then Airport Express). This trip would take around 100 mins, and it roughly costs HKD 65.

By Ferry

Ferries offer a scenic, and more relaxed alternative. Fast ferries depart from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour (e.g., Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal) to Shenzhen’s Shekou or Fuyong ports (55 mins, ¥200–300). This option avoids heavy traffic and provide wonderful harbor views, though schedules are less frequent than trains.

By Bus

Over 100 daily cross-border buses connect Hong Kong and Shenzhen, with routes from major terminals (e.g., Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal) to Shenzhen’s Shenzhen Bay or Lo Wu ports (45–90 mins, ¥80–150). Buses are more budget-friendly, and they drop off passengers near city centers, and suit travelers with luggage or those preferring direct routes.

For airport access, cross-border buses depart from Shenzhen’s Nanshan Kingkey Plaza to Hong Kong International Airport (HKD 150 one-way). Operating 6:30 AM–9:45 PM with 15-minute intervals. The whole bus journey will take ~80 mins.

FAQs on Hong Kong-Shenzhen High-Speed Trains

How long is it from Hong Kong to Shenzhen by train?

High-speed trains typically take 14-25 minutes to travel between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Shenzhen North Station. Travel times may vary slightly due to operational adjustments, but this is the standard duration for most routes.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel Between Hong Kong and Shenzhen?

Can you go from Shenzhen to Hong Kong without a visa? That will depend on your origin. Hong Kong has operated a generous visa-free policy, allowing citizens from over 170 countries to enter visa-free and stay for a certain period.

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy does not apply to direct train travel from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. It is specifically designed for international transit passengers from designated countries who transit through Shenzhen and Guangzhou’s international airports or ports (railway stations are not included) on their way to a third country or region like Hong Kong.

Visa Requirements from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

It also depends on your nationality (passport), travel route, entry port, and arrival transport. For example, your country might be among those eligible for visa-free entry to China for varying durations (e.g., 15 or 30 days). Alternatively, joining a group tour from Hong Kong or Macau organized by a registered travel agency can also allow you to enter Pearl River Delta cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou visa-free and stay for up to 6 days.

Is there a train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport?

No direct trains connect Hong Kong to Shenzhen Airport. However, you can travel from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, take high speed train to Shenzhen North Station, then transfer to a taxi or airport shuttle to reach Shenzhen International Airport.

How to Plan a Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Train Tour?

A 3–4 day itinerary would be recommended to visit basically all Shenzhen and Hong Kong highlights. This journey would offer a relaxed yet immersive experience. Start your journey in Shenzhen, morning strolls Lianhua Hill for city views, followed by the Shenzhen Museum to explore local history. In the evening, go to the Chegongmiao Fengshengting Food Street, where you can savor Cantonese street food like beef offal stew or clay pot rice.

In the next day, take an early high-speed train (around 08:00 departure) to Hong Kong. Morning is the best time for Victoria Harbour views, Star Ferry ride, and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade stroll. In the afternoon, choose between Mong Kok’s bustling markets (street fashion, snacks) or Hong Kong Disneyland (family-friendly fun). However, if you prefer Hong Kong Disneyland, remember to pre-book tickets and plan your journey wisely have the best experience.

Your final day can start at Repulse Bay for beach relaxation, then take an afternoon high-speed train to go back to Shenzhen (around 15:00 departure). Wrap up your China train tour with a farewell dinner in Shekou, which is a waterfront district with modern vibes and fresh seafood.

Flexible adjustments: if you can spend one more day in this trip, for history lovers, you can add Hong Kong Heritage Museum; foodies might have an explore to Sham Shui Po’s iconic street markets. This concise plan balances sightseeing, culture, and local flavor without feeling rushed.

Tour Hong Kong and Shenzhen with Us

If you feel interested in this tour, let our expert planners craft a seamless itinerary tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re into culture, food, or adventure, we can assure you a perfect travel experience. We’ll handle all planning and preparation procedures like visa assistance, transport bookings, and provide hidden gem recommendations. With our professional help, you can all focus on enjoying your trip without worrying other affairs.