City in Fujian, China
Getting around Xiamen
How to get around Xiamen
The metro and buses are cheap and the island core is compact. Ferry to Gulangyu; high-speed trains reach Fujian's tulou areas and Fuzhou.
Ways to get around Xiamen
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Xiamen Metro | 2–6 CNY | Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6; scan Alipay or WeChat QR at the gate |
| City bus | 1–2 CNY | Dense network; BRT runs over the causeway to the mainland |
| Gulangyu ferry | 35 CNY round trip | From Dongdu or Neicuo'ao terminals; book ahead in peak season |
| DiDi | About 15–28 CNY for short trips | Cheaper than taxis |
Ride-hailing apps in Xiamen
A 5 km ride costs about ¥15–28 ($2.2–4.2).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Works via Alipay; most drivers and airport pickups |
- Taxis are metered and honest; DiDi is cheaper. Black cabs near the ferry terminals quote inflated fares.
Arriving in Xiamen
Xiamen Gaoqi International (XMN)
Metro Line 3 reaches the airport for a few yuan, 30–50 min to the center; taxi or DiDi about 35–60 CNY.
Via Xiamen North station (XMN)
High-speed trains arrive at Xiamen North on the mainland side; metro Line 1 or BRT to the island, 30–50 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Few rental scooters; e-bikes are everywhere but tourists can't easily rent them legally. Use metro, bus or DiDi.
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Xiamen?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Xiamen?
The metro and buses are cheap and the island core is compact. Ferry to Gulangyu; high-speed trains reach Fujian's tulou areas and Fuzhou.
How do I get from the airport to Xiamen?
Metro Line 3 reaches the airport for a few yuan, 30–50 min to the center; taxi or DiDi about 35–60 CNY.
Is Xiamen walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Xiamen
Going to Xiamen solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.