UPDATED: HK Airport Ferry to Shenzhen Cancelled - FAQs Answered

Yesterday was an exciting day, to say the least, for those interested in entering or exiting Mainland China from Hong Kong. In the morning, rumors of the ferry service between Hong Kong and Shenzhen being cancelled were all over social media. Repeated phone calls to the ferry operators in the Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides received the same answers each time... "Online ticket sales have been suspended, but the ferry is operating as usual." Within a few hours of publishing the news; however, the answer to our question had changed.

By around 1 p.m. yesterday, ferry operators on both sides had announced via their websites that in fact, ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport to Shekou, Shenzhen was to be suspended from February 29th (today). We again called both operators to re-confirm and they then said, yes, from February 29th, the HKIA to Shekou route is now suspended until further notice, and that no reason or timeline was available. To clarify, ferry service from Shenzhen to Hong Kong International Airport is still currently operating. 

Shekou-Hong Kong Airport Route

Effective February 28, 2020:

Shekou → Hong Kong Airport Departure time:

• 7:15, 8:45, 10:00, 11:15, 12:15, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30

The suspension and changes in information caused a flood of questions from people far and wide. To help those that may be traveling during these days, we thought we'd provide a few answers to the most commonly asked questions we've seen. Please keep in mind that things are changing constantly so to be on the safe side, we recommend contacting the relevant parties prior to your travels. Contact numbers are provided below as well.

Q: Can I take the ferry from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen?
A: Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Shekou, Shenzhen is suspended from February 29th. Ferry Service to and from HKIA to Shenzhen Airport (Fuyong) was previously suspended as well. Please check ShekouDaily.com or scan the QR Code below for announcements regarding the resumption of service. Shekou Cruise Home Port Customer Service Hotline: [phone]. Press "2" for English (note: English speaking operators are often not available during lunch time).

Q: Can I take the ferry from Shenzhen to Hong Kong International Airport? 
A: As of February 29th, ferry service from Shekou to Hong Kong International Airport is still operational. Please check ShekouDaily.com or scan the QR Code above for announcements regarding changes to the schedule or suspensions.

Q: Will I be put into a 14-day quarantine in Hong Kong if I take the Shekou Ferry to the Hong Kong International Airport?
A: No. Taking the ferry to the Hong Kong International Airport allows you to access a restricted area of the airport which does not subject you to the quarantine rules.

Q: How can I buy tickets for the ferry from Shekou to Hong Kong International Airport?

A: Online ticket sales for this route is currently suspended; however, you can still purchase tickets at the counter at the Shekou Cruise Home Port. Scan the QR Code above for information regarding how to get to the port.

Q: What if I already bought a ticket for a ferry voyage from Hong Kong International Airport to Shekou?

A: Free refunds will be provided for passengers' refunds due to epidemic conditions until further notice. Passengers who purchase tickets on the platform can apply for a full refund directly online. Passengers who have already obtained their tickets should go to the ticketing center on the second floor of the home port to manually refund.

Q: Can I take a coach or limo service from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen?
A: All cross boundary land transport services at Hong Kong International Airport to Mainland China have been suspended until further notice. Coach service to Macao is available with limited service.

Q: Can I take a Taxi from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen?
A: Yes. Taxis cost about 350 Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) to Shenzhen Bay Port. Note: You will need to exit the taxi on the Hong Kong side and walk across the border/through customs with your belongings.

Q: Can I take a city bus from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen?
A: There is no direct city bus from the airport to the Shenzhen Bay Port; however, you can make it. One route is to take City Bus A33X (27.7 HKD, from 05:45 a.m. to 12 midnight) to Tuen Mun (Fu Tai) from the Airport, then take bus B3X (11.8 HKD, from 6:15 am to 11:05 p.m.) to Shenzhen Bay. Popular Shenzhen traveler blogger Joe, pointed out that you could also take bus Bus A33X from the airport to Hung Kiu ($27.70) to make the connection to bus B3X. 

Q: How often do the city buses run?
A: Under normal circumstances, the buses run in 30 minute intervals or less; however, we've heard reports that some people have waited over an hour.

Q: How can I double check, confirm or find other bus routes?
A: Of course, you can try to search online; however, during this period of constant changes, we've found it safer to contact the operators directly. A33x Bus Customer Service Hotline: [phone].  City Bus Customer Service: [phone]. Operators at both numbers speak English.

Q: Is there any way back to Shenzhen from HKIA other than by taxi or city bus?
A: At this time, it appears there are no other direct options; however, at the moment, ferry service from the HKIA to Guangzhou (Panyu and Nansha), Zhongshan, and Zhuhai are still operational, and you could get back to Shenzhen from those cities freely. If you'd like to call and confirm before your flight, the customer service number is: [phone]. Operators speak English. Schedules for these routes are available at http://www.cksp.com.hk.

Shekou-Zhuhai Jiuzhou Route:

Effective February 26

Shekou → Zhuhai Jiuzhou:

• 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 17:30 (6 classes in total)

Zhuhai Jiuzhou → Shekou:

• 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 17:30 (6 classes in total)

Q: Will I be subject to the 14-day quarantine if I take a taxi or city bus from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen?

A: If you have been in Mainland China within 14 days of attempting to cross the customs checkpoint into Hong Kong than yes.

Q: What if I tell HK that I'm going to quarantine myself in my hotel but then make a run for the border instead?
A: The Health Services Hotline in Hong Kong ([phone]) has confirmed that if you have been in Mainland China within 14 days of attempting to cross the customs checkpoint, you will be required to self quarantine in Hong Kong for 14 days (at your own expense) if you enter. Upon entering, you will be required to confirm the location of where you will quarantine yourself in Hong Kong and will be given two hours to get there. Failure to check-in upon arrival within two hours will result in criminal charges.

NOTE: Any schedules in the above two links regarding Macau and Central may be out-of-date. Please use the schedules shown in this article until any updates are published.

Safety Notice

Due to the impact of the epidemic, you are reminded to wear a mask when boarding a passenger ship. In order for you to travel smoothly, please pay attention to the latest entry requirements of the destination in advance.

Other Questions

If you have any questions we didn't answer here, please submit it in the "Comments" section below and we'll do our best to find you a definitive answer.

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