Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) Guide: Transfer, Terminals & Tips

Written by Ivy Dong | Updated October 31,2025

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) connects many domestic as well as international flights. If you are flying to Xiamen or passing through Xiamen, Xiamen Airport will be your primary impression of this beautiful city and also where the journey starts.

Content Preview

• About XMN – Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
• Xiamen Airport Transfer Methods
• Xiamen Airport Terminals
• Xiamen Airport Services and Facilities
• Airline and popular routes from/to Xiamen airport
• Xiamen Airport Is Worth It! What to Do Here?
• Travel Tips for Getting to Xiamen Airport
• FAQs on Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
• Explore Xiamen with China Xian Tour

About XMN – Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

• Full Name: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
• Chinese Name: 厦门高崎国际机场
• IATA Code: XMN
• Opened: 1983
• Address: 121 Xiangyunyi Rd. Huli District
• Distance from City Center: About 12km
• Future Plan: Xiang’an International Airport. It’s under construction and will support up to 45 million passengers per year. This would be another bonus to your Xiamen tour.

Xiamen Airport Transfer Methods

Travellers can board buses, taxis, or the metro to and from Xiamen Airport. Summary:

Xiamen Airport Transfer by Taxi

Most travelers will opt for a taxi as it is the most straightforward way to and from Xiamen Airport. Local people in China also prefer DiDi app (Chinese Uber/Grab).

Remember to download DiDi app in advance as a foreign traveler. If you travel with your family or with lots of luggage, take a taxi or a Didi. >> See more essential Apps to ensure your easy trip in China.

Where can I take a taxi at Xiamen airport?

The taxi stand is situated at the Xiamen Airport arrival terminal – Terminal 3 (near Gate 7) and Terminal 4 (near Gate 3).

• Operating hours: Available 24/7.
• Time: About 20 minutes to the city center.
• Fares: ¥30 to ¥60.

Tip: Take a taxi or Didi from Xiamen airport. For safety, please make sure you are waiting in the official queue. Before you get into the car, check the car you booked. Make sure it is right. Make sure the driver runs the meter, and the surcharge may be applied at night.

Xiamen Airport Transfer By Airport Shuttle Bus

The airport shuttle bus is also convenient for getting into the city. It operates many departures (approximately every 15-30 mins). But if you get there really late at night, the airport shuttle bus might not be the best choice.

Where is the shuttle bus going in Xiamen Airport?

The shuttle bus ticket counter is located near Gate 9 of Terminal 3 and near Gate 5 of Terminal 4.

Routes:

1. Airport → Zhongshan Road → Gulangyu Ferry Terminal → Zengcuo’an → Xiamen University White City → Huangcuo → Tatou
2. Airport → Gaoqi Metro Station, North Railway Station
3. Airport → Zhangzhou

• Operating hours: About 8:40 AM to 8:10 PM.
• Time: About 40 – 80 minutes to the city center.
• Fares: ¥15.

Tip: You need to get on the shuttle bus as soon as you have some baggage. Travel time can be influenced by traffic conditions. It’ll be more crowded during peak hours.

Xiamen Airport Transfer by BRT/City Bus

In Xiamen, the BRT and bus are the cheapest ways to get to the city center. Most people will go through BTR, as it is more direct and cheaper. But if you are a foreign tourist, you might do some more work on that, as there are many signs in Chinese. A pro tip is you can download translation apps.

Xiamen Airport BRT/City bus station is located outside of arrival hall. Airport signs are very clear. Follow them down to the basement, and then you’ll find it. It’s very convenient!

• Routes: Head downtown Xiamen, Zhongshan Road, Xiamen North Railway Station, and metro stations.
• Operating hours: About 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Time: 40 mins to city center.
• Fares: ¥1 to ¥4.

Tip: There is a possibility that buses can be full during peak times, like Saturday and Sunday. Okay, expect a slower arrival time as compared to a taxi.

Xiamen Airport Transfer by Metro

Although metro is not directly connected to the Xiamen Airport. You have to board a train after getting off a bus. It’s a good choice if you want to dodge the traffic and can handle the bus transfer.

• Route: Take the shuttle bus to Zhongshan Rd, and then get on Metro Line 1.
• Operating hours: About  6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Time: About 20 mins to the city center.
• Fares: ¥2 to ¥4+.

Tip: Locals generally would scan the Alipay or WeChat QR code to ride it. Make sure to download Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance. And you’d better download VPN for your connection in China.

Xiamen Airport Terminals

Xiamen Airport currently consists of two terminals: T3 & T4. The two terminals are close by, and Xiamen Airport offers complimentary transfer between the two. So it is easy for travellers to transfer.

Xiamen Airport T3

Terminal 3 is mostly used for international flights and some domestic flights. It is the larger terminal of the two. It can process more international traffic.

Key Facilities:

• Lounge (VIP air lounge)
• Duty-free shopping
• Food and beverage
• Currency exchange, ATM
• Free Wi-Fi

Xiamen Airport T4

Terminal 4 is newer and is mostly for domestic flights. It’s a compact terminal, but can still deal with a lot of domestic passengers. It opened together in order to upgrade Xiamen Airport’s passenger experience and capacity.

Key Facilities:

• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Shops for quick purchases
• Charging stations
• ATMs and currency exchange
• Lounge

Shuttle Bus between T3 and T4

Mostly, passengers would use free shuttle bus from T3 to T4, which lasts for around 9 mins. Frequency depends on traffic and the time of day, probably about 15 – 30 minutes. The time is set from 5:10 AM to 9:40 PM.

Xiamen Airport has a sign that tells people where to get the shuttle bus between T3 and T4.

• At T3, go to the arrival hall’s east.
• From T4, go to L2 in the arrival hall.

Tip: If you arrive at T3 from an international flight and need to transfer to T4 to catch a China domestic flight, you will have to allow enough time for security check times.

Xiamen Airport Services and Facilities

• Restaurants: KFC, Lai Jinfa, etc.
• Cafés: Starbucks, Costa Coffee, etc.
• Duty-Free Shops: T3 only. You will find luxury products, perfumes, cosmetics, fashions, and electronic appliances.
• Free Wi-Fi: You can easily connect to the network and stay online as you wait for your flight. But you might need a local phone to register.
• Luggage Storage: The luggage storage is accessible from both 2 terminals. The fee depends on luggage and time, and is about ¥6 – ¥15.
• Money Exchange & ATMs: Terminal 3 has many locations for changing money. They will let you trade your foreign currency for CNY or do the reverse.
• Rest Areas: There are rest areas in both terminals, with many having a charging station. T3 is also offering you a night’s stay between 9:00 PM till 7:00 AM the following day on the basement floor.
• Free Transfer Stay: For passengers with long layovers, there’s a free transfer hotel at Xiamen airport. And the airport also has a bus to hotels, so that you can take a rest there.
• Shower: Shower rooms are available in Terminal 3 (Xiamen Airlines lounges or transfer passenger lounge near boarding gate 7&8).
• Private Sleep Pods: There are private sleep pods at Terminal 3. These pods give you a place to rest privately. But you could share spaces with strangers.
• Tax Refund Services: Tax refund is easy to see in the airport, there are big signs saying “Tax Refund” where tourists do their shopping at duty-free shops.

Airline and popular routes from/to Xiamen airport

There are a lot of international and domestic airlines that go from and to Xiamen airport. Here are some more popular ones:

Major Airlines from/to Xiamen Airport

Domestic airlines:

• Xiamen Air
• China Southern Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Air China
• Shandong Airlines

International airlines:

• AirAsia
• Singapore Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Thai Airways
• Korean Air

Popular Routes from/to Xiamen airport:

• Xiamen ⇔ Beijing
• Xiamen ⇔ Shanghai
• Xiamen ⇔ Guangzhou
• Xiamen ⇔ Zhengzhou
• Xiamen ⇔ Hong Kong
• Xiamen ⇔ Taipei
• Xiamen ⇔ Seoul
• Xiamen ⇔ Tokyo
• Xiamen ⇔ Bangkok
• Xiamen ⇔ Hanoi

Recommended China tours including Xiamen:

6 Days Xiamen, Fujian Tulou & Yellow Mountain Tour

7 Days Xian and Xiamen Tour

Xiamen Airport Is Worth It! What to Do Here?

• Get Some Grub: Fast food, street dumplings, or Xiamen noodles would be just fine too. If you just need a coffee or snack, there are also cafes in the airport.
• Buy Souvenirs: At the 2 terminals, there are some good souvenir shops selling snacks and tea as well as handicrafts. Last-minute gifts can be found at Xiamen Airport.
• Relax at the Lounge: Take a little time out in Terminal 3 lounges, and they offer comfy seats, free WiFi and noshes. Sometimes Xiamen Airlines offers free lounges for you to relax, and you may find other lounges for a fee too.
• Browse the Duty Free shops: Go around the duty-free shops to search for the fragrances, cosmetics, electronics, and fashions. All of them are tax-free prices. And what’s more, Xiamen Airport provides a tax refund service!
• Take Spa and Massage: Get a foot or body spa as you get ready for the trip. It is more costly. Our advice is you can use a Chinese app – Meituan – to check. Sometimes there are discounts.
• Sleep Well: Got a long layover or a red-eye flight? Book a hotel room near the airport. Or you could inquire with the airport official and ask if there’s a free transfer hotel available.
• Quick City Tour: Have a layover longer than 8 hours? Why not head to Xiamen to explore around the city? Go walk in Zhongshan Road, Nanputuo Temple, or Gulangyu Island (a place that is very popular in Xiamen). However, make sure when you’re returning to the airport. It must be 2-3 hours ahead of time.

Get more ideas on what to do in Xiamen

Travel Tips for Getting to Xiamen Airport

Arrival Time (If flying from Xiamen): Arrive at the airport ahead of time, no less than 2-3 hours. So you can check in, pass security, and board. If you are getting on an international flight, then you should arrive even earlier.

Free Transit Hotel in Xiamen (If you have an overnight layover in Xiamen): Please contact Xiamen Airport for a free transit hotel. They provide complimentary places to layover travelers or those on late departure flights.

Security and Customs: Carry your passport and boarding pass with you. Show them at security and customs. Or they might ask you to take out all the electronic devices you have in your bag.

Get Connected: If your phone supports eSIM, buy a local eSIM for China upon arrival. It’ll be easier to use mobile data. And remember to download an extra VPN.

Related reading: How to Plan a Xiamen Tour

FAQs on Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

How to transfer from Xiamen Airport?

BRT is the best one! It’s also the cheapest way. You can also consider taxis and buses.

Where is Xiamen Airport?

Xiamen Airport is located at No. 121, Xiangyun 1st Road, Huli District.

What about the size of Xiamen Airport?

The airport in Xiamen is about 800,000 square meters. The airport with a runway of 3,400m can take a wide plane.

How many terminals does Xiamen Airport have?

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport has 2 operational terminals at present: Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Terminal 3 deals with domestic and international flights. Terminal 4 mostly deals with the domestic flights of China.

Are there metro stations around XMN Airport?

You won’t find direct metro line to Xiamen Airport. However, you can board the BRT first and then switch to Metro 1.

Explore Xiamen with China Xian Tour

Xiamen Gaoqi Airport is your starting and ending place when you come and go in Xiamen; it’s so easy for you to travel. Then you can dine, shop, or simply sit and relax until your flight. If your trip to Xiamen is right around the corner, don’t hesitate to contact China Xian Tour. We’ll take care of you from the first step of your trip in Xiamen! Our expert travel consultant team can also help you customize a Xiamen tour with Gulangyu Island, Xiamen city sightseeing, in-depth tulou exploration, etc. based on your wishes and requirements.