Last updated: October 30, 2026
Hong Kong is the easiest “side door” into mainland China, and the border is only about 30 kilometres from the city’s busiest districts. But there are more than half a dozen crossings, they close at different hours, and one of them changed on October 12, 2026. This guide helps you pick the right one and shows what to expect on the mainland side.
Before you cross: passports, visas and apps
Hong Kong is a separate immigration zone. You clear Hong Kong departure and then Chinese mainland entry, even though the border is inside one country. That means your mainland entry rules apply as usual. Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry in our China visa-free guide. Travelers on a visa-free stay must also be able to show an onward plan if asked.
- Passport: the same one you will use to enter China. Rail tickets are tied to it.
- Payments: set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you cross. See how to pay in China.
- Data: Hong Kong SIMs usually roam on the mainland, but an eSIM bought in advance is simpler.
- Apps: see the apps you need in China, including maps and ride-hailing.
- Hotel registration: you must be registered with a hotel or host on arrival. Read our accommodation registration guide.
Border crossings compared
Times and fares below are for a weekday from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), adult Octopus, based on figures published by Hong Kong transport open data in October 2026. Border queues are extra.
| Crossing | Best for | HK side hours | How to get there | From TST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lo Wu (Luohu) | Luohu, Dongmen, Shenzhen railway station | 6:30am–midnight | East Rail line to the last stop | ~49 min, HK$44.3 (~US$5.7) |
| Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (Futian) | Futian, CBD, metro lines 4 and 10 | 6:30am–10:30pm | East Rail, Lok Ma Chau branch | ~51 min, HK$44.3 |
| Shenzhen Bay | Nanshan, Shekou | 6:30am–midnight | Tuen Ma line plus bus B2, B2P or B3X | 80–86 min, HK$33–39 |
| West Kowloon high-speed rail | Futian, Shenzhen North, Guangzhou, beyond | 6:30am–11:30pm | Tuen Ma line to Austin station | 10 min, then train |
| Huanggang Port (new) | Late-night crossings, Futian | 24 hours | Buses and coaches, no MTR | varies, from HK$10.5 |
| Heung Yuen Wai | Liantang, east Luohu | 7am–10pm | East Rail to Sheung Shui, minibus 59S | ~62 min from Sha Tin |
Hours and fares change, so check the MTR app on the day. One recent change matters: the old road crossing at Lok Ma Chau stopped handling passengers on October 12, 2026, when the new Huanggang Port opened. The Lok Ma Chau rail crossing is unaffected.
Option 1: MTR to Lo Wu (the classic)
- Take the East Rail line north to the last stop, Lo Wu.
- Walk through Hong Kong departures and across the footbridge over the Shenzhen River.
- Clear mainland immigration at Luohu.
- You come out beside Luohu Commercial City, the terminus of Shenzhen Metro Line 1 and next to Shenzhen railway station.
Pros: no booking, no bus, cheap. Cons: the busiest crossing, with long queues at weekends, holidays and peak times.
Option 2: Lok Ma Chau Spur Line to Futian
East Rail trains split after Sheung Shui, so check the screen for “Lok Ma Chau”. After Hong Kong departures an enclosed footbridge leads to Futian Port. Shenzhen Metro lines 4 and 10 both stop at Futian Port station, but they are not connected inside the station, so follow signs carefully. This crossing is usually calmer than Lo Wu and puts you near Futian’s business district. It closes at 10:30pm, earlier than Lo Wu.
Option 3: High-speed rail from West Kowloon
The Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link runs from West Kowloon station. The first trains leave around 7am and the last around 11pm.
| Destination | Train time | Second class (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Futian | ~14–16 min | HK$79 (~US$10) |
| Shenzhen North | ~18–25 min | HK$87 (~US$11) |
| Guangzhou South | ~45–75 min | about HK$250 (~US$32) |
Fares are set in RMB and the HKD price is adjusted monthly, so expect small differences. Ticket sites list from about US$29 for Hong Kong to Guangzhou on some departures.
How the process works
- Book on the MTR High Speed Rail site or app, or through a ticket platform. Tickets are real-name and tied to your passport.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. Ticket checks close 30 minutes before.
- Both Hong Kong and mainland immigration take place inside the station, in one building.
- Board your train. Some trains stop at Futian and Shenzhen North on the way to Guangzhou.
Pros: fastest for Shenzhen North and Guangzhou, comfortable, no border walking. Cons: costs more, and for Futian the MTR to Lok Ma Chau is often just as quick once check-in time is included.
Option 4: Shenzhen Bay and Huanggang Port
Shenzhen Bay suits Nanshan and Shekou. There is no train, so take the Tuen Ma line to Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai or Tuen Mun and then a B-series bus. Hong Kong and mainland checks are in the same building. It is the cheapest option from TST at about HK$33, but it takes around 80 minutes.
Huanggang Port is open around the clock, which makes it the practical choice after midnight. Use B-series buses, minibuses or cross-border coaches. The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge is the other 24-hour crossing, but it leads to Zhuhai and Macau rather than Shenzhen.
Going on to Guangzhou
You have two good choices. The direct West Kowloon to Guangzhou South train takes roughly 50–75 minutes, depending on stops. Or take the train to Futian or Shenzhen North and change to a domestic high-speed train. Guangzhou South sits well out of the centre, so allow a metro ride into town. Booking tips for domestic trains are in our China train guide.
Sample plans
Day trip: Hong Kong to Shenzhen
Take the West Kowloon train to Futian in the morning, spend the day in the city’s malls, parks and the Shenzhen Metro, and return by Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau before they close. Keep your passport and an eSIM ready, and use a mobile payment app.
Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in three days
Day 1: cross to Shenzhen. Day 2: train to Guangzhou. Day 3: return to Hong Kong by direct train, or continue to the rest of China. If you plan a longer trip, see our 10-day China itinerary.
Common mistakes
- Arriving at West Kowloon with 15 minutes to spare. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
- Crossing with a different passport from the one on your ticket.
- Cutting it fine on the last train back. Lok Ma Chau closes at 10:30pm and Lo Wu and Shenzhen Bay at midnight.
- Skipping payment setup. Cash is hard to use in Shenzhen. See our first-timer mistakes guide.
FAQ
Which crossing is best for Futian?
The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line. It takes about 51 minutes from TST and a footbridge leads to Futian Port and the metro.
Which crossings are open 24 hours?
Huanggang Port and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge.
What is the cheapest way to Shenzhen?
Shenzhen Bay by Tuen Ma line and bus, from about HK$33, though it is slow. Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau are about HK$44.
Can I still cross at Lok Ma Chau?
Yes, by rail. Only the old road control point stopped carrying passengers on October 12, 2026.
Do I need a visa to go from Hong Kong to Shenzhen?
You pass mainland immigration, so the same entry rules apply as for any arrival. Check eligibility before travelling in our visa-free guide.
Is the high-speed train faster than the MTR?
On the train, yes (about 14 minutes to Futian). Door to door to Futian, the MTR is often similar. For Shenzhen North and Guangzhou, take the train.
Need a hand planning your crossing?
If you would like help building a Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou route, setting up payments or booking trains, our travel concierge can put it together for you. Requests are quoted individually. Visit the Concierge page or message us on WhatsApp.