Ferry from HKG to Shenzhen

[dot]

Has anyone caught the ferry form the Sky Peir at HKG to Shenzhen (or any of the other Chinese destinations for that matter)? I have read the "flow" document on the ferry operator's web site, but I still dont understand how my checked luggage will get onto the ferry if I don't clear imigration and then head to the baggage carosels. The transfer desk for the ferry is before Imigration and the web site specifically says that you do not need to clear immigration or customs at HKG.

If anyone has done it before, I would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks,
Dot

PS - I will be arriving there on Monday morning on CX138 (MEL-SYD-HKG)

[garyjohn951]

I have done the trip by Ferry a number of times. When arriving DO NOT go thru immigration but follow the signs to the Ferry Transfer desk. There you will buy your ticket. There are two companys depending on where you want to go up the river to. Turbo Jet or CHC.
When you pay for your ticket they will ask you for your baggage tags and they find the luggage. I have done it many times and have always got my luggage at China end.
You need to buy the ticket 1 hr prior to the ferry time if you have luggage.
Once you have your ticket you then go to a tranfer desk and go to departure level and go to gate 10 and wait for the bus to take your to the ferry.
It is a great way to enter China, and much faster than bus or train.

[garyjohn951]

I just saw which flight you are on. The Ferry desk does not open that early. You will have to sit around and wait until it does, I think 7.30 from memory.
There are few seats nearby.
Also once thru to the departure lounges as a QF Gold you can access the QP before the ferry. REMEMBER they will not call you and you need to be at gate 10, a min of 30 minutes before the ferry time. The bus does not wait.

[garyjohn951]

HK to Shenzhen, the first ferry is 10.45am by turbojet

TurboJET Sea Express ¾÷³õ¼Q®g*¸¯è

[garyjohn951]

Other ferry site company is http://www.cksp.com.hk

Are you going to Shenzhen as your final destination ? or are you going to fly from Shenzhen airport onwards into China ? If it is the airport then you need ferry to Fuyong not Shenzhen.

[dot]

Thanks garyjohn951 for the prompt reply. I will be catching the CHC 9:00 am ferry to Shenzhen (She Kou), so it wont be as bad as the Turbojet at 10:45. And yes, Shenzhen is my final destination.

Thanks agian - really appreciate it.

Dot

[jasonja3]

An alternative to waiting 3.5hrs for a ferry is to use the car/limo service to Shenzhen, it costs HK$150 and you are taken from the airport to either border crossings in Shenzhen in a Tarago type van(Alphard), and takes 30 or 40mins. You will see their sales counters immediately after customs and before you enter the arrivals hall. They leave every 10-15mins.

For all other ports on the PRD, I would recommend the ferry from HKG airport.

Just a tip while in Shenzhen, be careful about what taxi you take, and certainly do not accept one that you are being offered by the guy on the street. Get it from the taxi rank. It is really best to arrange to be collected from the road boarder at Shenzhen in my opinion.

[dot]

Thanks for the suggestion jasonja3. I will stick with the ferry this time, it will give me a chance to have a shower in the QP and I have arranged for a Chinese collegue who lives near the ferry terminal to pick me up - from where we will head of to the customer site. Maybe next time I will take the limo/van service to the border - fortunately, I have a bit of time up my sleeve this time.

WRT the taxi's, I have always followed the same rule all around the world - ignore the guys who approach you on the street and head for the ranks. I didn't do it on my first trip to Beijing about 8 years ago, and ended up paying about three times what I should have in a proper taxi.

[jasonja3]

A shower is a majic thing after an o/nite flight, so I dont blame you for taking the option. I have accessed the QP many times when 'ferrying it' to the PRD. You will need to be WP, not gold to gain anytime access to the QP. When your flight arrives, look for transfer desk E1.

I didn't do it on my first trip to Beijing about 8 years ago, and ended up paying about three times what I should have in a proper taxi.

I refer more to safety than cost. Although I have had no bad first hand experiences, many locals have warned me about being safe in taxis from Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Good to hear you are being collected. It is always so much easier!!! Enjoy your trip.

[jasonja3]

For your info (and others) in the future, the car service runs from HKG airport to Shenzhen 7.00am to 10.00pm daily.