Shenzhen North Railway Station: Trains, Schedule & How to Buy Tickets

If you’re planning a trip that weaves through mainland China or hops over to Hong Kong, Shenzhen North Railway Station is likely to be your gateway to seamless travel. It connects you to over 700 daily trains, links with three metro lines, and offers all the amenities you need to start (or end) your adventure stress-free.

Why Does Shenzhen North Railway Station Matter?

Formerly known as Longhua Station, Shenzhen North is located in Shenzhen's Longhua District, right at the intersection of major high-speed rail lines:

• Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail
• Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway
• Ganzhou-Shenzhen Passenger Dedicated Line (with the future Shenzhen-Zhanjiang Railway on the horizon)

It’s one of Shenzhen’s two main railway terminals (alongside Shenzhen Station), handling over 500 origin-destination trains daily and serving as a transfer point for 210 more.

For international travelers, its superpower is connectivity: 110 daily high-speed trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon (just 15-25 minutes away), frequent services to Guangzhou South (36 minutes), and direct routes to iconic destinations like Shanghai, Xiamen, and Guilin.

How Do You Get to Shenzhen North Railway Station?

Subway (The Fastest & Most Convenient)

Shenzhen North Railway Station serves as a convenient interchange for Metro Lines 4, 5, and 6, making it a breeze to explore the city!

• Line 4 (Longhua Line): Connects Futian Port (great for Hong Kong transfers) to Niuhu. Trains run from 6:17 AM (Futian Port-bound) to 12:33 AM (with late-night extensions on holidays).
• Line 5 (Huanzhong Line): Connects Huangbeiling to Qianhaiwan, with early morning trains starting at 5:49 AM (Huangbeiling-bound) and late-night service running until 12:59 AM on holidays.
• Line 6 (Guangming Line): Runs between Songgang and Science Museum, with the first trains departing at 5:56 AM (towards Songgang) and the last trains running until 1:00 AM during peak periods.

Metro fares range from AU$0.85 to AU$1.70 (¥4–8), and the journey from central Shenzhen takes 15 to 25 minutes.

Taxi or Rideshare (For Luggage-Heavy Trips)

If you’re hauling suitcases or traveling in a group, taxis or Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) are worth the splurge. Taxis pick up from the East Square (two levels of boarding areas for quick access), while ride-hailing cars use the B1 level of the West Square.

Fares start at AU$2.95 (¥14) and go up to AU$12.60 (¥60) for longer trips from the suburbs, with travel times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes.

Bus (Budget-Friendly & Scenic)

For budget travelers with time to spare, buses are a great option. The East Square has 17 regular routes (including M572, M217, and 75), while the West Square offers 5 lines (like Airport A2 and M365).

Fares are just AU$0.40 to AU$1.05 (¥2–5), but expect journeys of 30 to 50 minutes, which is ideal if you want to catch a glimpse of Shenzhen’s neighborhoods en route.

How to Buy Tickets at Shenzhen North Railway Station

China’s high-speed rail tickets use a real-name system, so you’ll need a valid ID—a passport for international travelers, a Home Return Permit for Hong Kong/Macau residents, or a Mainland Resident ID for locals. Here’s how to book your tickets without a hitch:

Book Online (Recommended)

• 12306 App/Website: The official Chinese rail platform. It’s reliable, but it’s only available in Mandarin. You’ll need to register and verify your ID first.
• Trip.com: A user-friendly alternative with English support. Book tickets in 3 minutes, check real-time availability, and take advantage of their 60-day advance booking with a “no success, no fee” ticket-snatching service.

Offline Booking

• Ticket Windows: Staff can assist with passport bookings. Arrive at least 60 minutes early during peak seasons (Lunar New Year, holidays).
• Self-Service Machines: You'll find these inside and outside the station, and they accept WeChat Pay and Alipay (Mainland versions). They're perfect for quick bookings if you have a Chinese ID or a linked payment method.

Pro tip: Book 30+ days in advance for holiday travel (especially Lunar New Year) as tickets sell out fast. For cross-border trips to Hong Kong, factor in extra time for immigration checks—more on that later!

Shenzhen North Railway Station Layout

Shenzhen North is spread across three main floors (plus a B1 basement). Here’s how to find your way:

• Level B1: Metro interchange and taxi pick-up. Enter here if you’re arriving by metro to bypass the crowds above ground.
• 1st Floor: Entrances/exits, ticket counters, self-service kiosks, security checkpoints, and small convenience stores/food stalls. This is also where you’ll find the “Yingchunhua” (Winter Jasmine) service desk.
• 2nd Floor: Waiting halls and platforms. There are over 20 high-speed rail platforms, with clear digital signs showing train numbers, destinations, and boarding times. The waiting area features clean, air-conditioned seating, renovated restrooms with motion sensors, and even a 4220KW air conditioning system to beat Shenzhen’s humidity.

Facilities at Shenzhen North Railway Station

• Luggage Storage: You'll find plenty of spots throughout the station. Rates are AU$2.10–AU$4.20/hour (¥10–20/hour) for small bags, and AU$5.25–AU$8.40/hour (¥25–40/hour) for large suitcases or specialty items.
• Food & Shopping: The Bingguo Space Shopping Mall (connected to the station) features 30,000 square meters of retail space. You'll also find souvenir shops stocked with Cantonese tea, mooncakes, and Shenzhen-themed gifts.
• Special Services: Look for the “U Cai” dedicated lanes for military personnel, seniors, children, pregnant travelers, and those with disabilities. Business class passengers get exclusive boarding lanes for faster access.

Boarding & Immigration at Shenzhen North Railway Station

Domestic Trains in Mainland China

• Get there at least 60 minutes early (90 minutes during peak times).
• Security and ID checks are all in one line. Just scan your ticket and passport at the gates, or show them to a staff member!
• Boarding gates open 10-15 minutes before departure. Keep an ear out for announcements or check the digital screens for any last-minute updates.

Cross-Border Trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon

• You’ll clear both Chinese exit immigration and Hong Kong entry immigration right at Shenzhen North. Be sure to set aside 30 minutes for the process.
• Keep your passport and ticket handy—you'll need to show them to staff at a few different checkpoints!
• Trains run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, with fares starting at AU$14.25–AU$17.10 (HKD 75–90).
• The trip takes just 15-25 minutes, and West Kowloon Station is just steps away from the shopping and attractions of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Popular Routes from Shenzhen North Railway Station

Here are the most popular destinations to inspire your next trip:

Pro tip: For long journeys (like Shenzhen to Shanghai), book a business class seat for extra legroom and complimentary snacks—it's worth it for 7+ hours of travel!

Peak Season Tips for Boarding a Train in China

Shenzhen North gets chaotic during peak times. Here’s how to keep your cool:

• Get there 2 hours early for trains.
• Keep an eye out for volunteers in “Orange Vests” and “Red Vests.” They speak basic English and can help point you toward the fastest lines.
• Metro and bus services run extended hours (until 12:30–1:00 AM) to accommodate late-night trains.
• Take advantage of the station’s free water refill stations and pack your own snacks—the concession stands can get pretty crowded.

Travel Tips for Shenzhen North Railway Station

1. Download Apps: Get the Shenzhen Metro App (real-time train times, route planner) and Google Translate (offline Mandarin/English pack) to help you break through language barriers.
2. Payment: Most stores and food outlets accept Alipay and WeChat Pay.
3. Hong Kong Immigration: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and the correct visa (if required) before booking cross-border trains.
4. Lost & Found: Report any lost items to the “Yingchunhua” service desk on the 1st floor. They keep a detailed log of all found belongings.

Shenzhen North Railway Station is the start of your Chinese adventure. With its unbeatable connectivity, modern facilities, and easy navigation, you’ll be on your way to exploring China. Ready to plan your trip? Start by checking train times on Trip.com; your next adventure is just a train ride away.