NEW Shekou Ferry Terminal [HOW-TO GUIDE]

On October 15th, 2016 ShekouDaily was the first to share pictures and update you (in English) about the new Shekou Ferry Terminal at Prince Bay Port. Today, we’d like to add to that with this quick How To Guide to Getting To and Using the New Ferry Terminal. Although the new ferry terminal is much nicer, for the few days it’s a bit cumbersome so we’d like to help you avoid any unnecessary troubles.

UPDATE: More options are now available for Getting to the New Ferry Terminal. Click here for details. For details on Navigating the New Ferry Terminal, see below.

HOW TO GET TO THE NEW FERRY TERMINAL

For the next two to four days or so, the only way to get to the new Ferry Terminal is via the free shuttle at the old ferry terminal.

The easiest way to get to the old ferry terminal is by car or metro. Get off on the Shekou Port stop of the Orange Line of the Metro (Line 2).

Go out through Exit C.

There are helpful attendants at strategic points to help guide you to the free shuttle.

Just turn right upon exiting the escalators and head towards the ferry terminal. You’ll see the pick up point towards the left side of the old main terminal building.

The free shuttle bus runs every ten minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. We suggest arriving early as you may have to wait for a few buses before you get on (depending on how many people are in line ahead of you). Each bus seats about 49 people; however, we’ve seen long lines and they give priority to people in a hurry with tickets in their hands. If you get hungry or thirsty while waiting, they’ve conveniently placed a vendor off to the side of the line.

The ride only takes about 8 minutes each way. The route is the same both ways; however, if you’re going during times of heavy traffic it may be longer on the way there as the bus needs to make a left turn on a busy street.

NAVIGATING THE NEW FERRY TERMINAL

Upon arrival to the new Shekou Ferry Terminal at Prince Bay Port, the shuttle bus will drop you off directly in front of the main entrance. Upon entering, walk towards the left if you need to buy or pick-up tickets.

Just past the base of the stairs, turn right and you’ll see the ticketing counter ahead.

There are electronic ticketing machines to buy tickets as well or to pick up tickets you’ve purchased online from www.xunlongferry.com. Some good news, ticket prices remain unchanged and you may now buy tickets up to one month in advance.

Once you have your tickets, you have a few choices. You can go back and towards your left for currency exchange or to take the escalators up for departures to the Hong Kong Airport.

You can walk to your right to swing around to the right side of the hall to get to the escalators leading up to the Macau and Hong Kong departure halls (the sign currently says Central and Macau only at this escalator; however, the airport Check-in counters are closest to this entrance). The Zhuhai entrance is on the opposite side (see map below).

If you’re just entering the terminal with your tickets in hand, you can veer to the right to get to the departure area more quickly.

They suggest you arrive at least 30 minutes before your ferry’s departure. Please keep in mind how long it will take you to get there. It took me about 25 minutes to the ticketing counter from arriving to the free shuttle bus stop at the old terminal and it wasn’t a high traffic time! If you’re early, you can wander around and see what they’re building. The second and third floors, for example, will have food and other shops.

If you’re checking-in baggage for a trip to the airport you must be speaking with the attendant 30 minutes before the ferry’s departure time so give yourself a lot of extra time! Until you can drive straight there, I suggest being at the old ferry terminal for the shuttle bus at least 90-120 minutes before your ferry’s departure time.

After checking-in, you can walk to your right to board the ferry, or if you’re early, you can walk to your left to check out the views…

or go up to the 3rd floor shops (coming soon).

In case you prefer to look at maps instead of reading the above, here are the schematics (we’ve translated into English) of the current layout of the first and second floors.

Floor Plan of the First Floor of the new Shekou Ferry Terminal

LEAVING THE NEW FERRY TERMINAL AT PRINCE BAY PORT

The only acceptable way to leave the new ferry terminal currently is via the free shuttle bus back to the old ferry terminal where you can take the metro, taxi, bus or walk. The buses are conveniently located just outside the arrival exit. We’ve been told that in about two to four days taxis and private cars will be allowed to drive all the way there so that will make using the new terminal much easier.

There are also plans for a Metro Station here; however, we’ve been told that’s about two years away.

We saw signs for buses K105 and 328; however, they are not stopping there now. We were told that these will start stopping here at about the same time the cars and taxis are let in. We’ll update this post once we receive more details.

All in all, the new Shekou Ferry Terminal is a huge step in the right direction. It’s inconvenient at the moment getting and leaving there; however, things should be improving in a few days. We’ll keep you updated when that happens.

For Shekou Ferry Schedules and Announcements, see the following:

Happy travels!

About the Author: Gary Isse

Gary Isse, M.B.A has over 20 years international business experience with more than 10 years in China. He spends most of his time now providing advice and counseling on improving business systems, processes, sales and marketing as well as managing website and online application development projects. He is also a public speaker, and provides training, consulting and coaching on improving communication, management, public speaking and presentation skills. Over the last couple of years, he’s been devoting more and more time to ShekouDaily, a product of SHP; which has evolved into one of the most widely used English-Language resources in Shenzhen, China. ShekouDaily works closely with local businesses and partners to report on, produce and share local news, informative content and resources to help the English-speaking community quickly adapt and live happy, healthy and prosperous lives in Shenzhen. Gary can be reached at 150.1413.9225 or via email at [email protected]