Layover in Xiamen (XMN)

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.

Plan my Xiamen layover

About Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in Fujian Province in China. It is a very vibrant, affluent and modern place, though by Chinese standards it is a small city — only 5.1 million counting suburbs (2020). It has many non-Chinese residents and a range of restaurants, bars and stores that cater to them. The city also has several universities and some areas popular for tourism. The most important tourist area is Gulangyu, a small island close to downtown which contains some beautiful colonial buildings, is car free, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.

How much time can you use?

After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.

LayoverDomestic arrivalInternational arrival
4 hoursAbout 1h 41m in the cityHead straight to your gate
6 hoursAbout 3h 41m in the cityAbout 2h 6m in the city
8 hoursAbout 5h 41m in the cityAbout 4h 6m in the city
12 hoursAbout 9h 41m in the cityAbout 8h 6m in the city

Getting into Xiamen

About 22m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 8 km (5 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.

Questions

Can I leave the airport on a layover in Xiamen?

On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Xiamen and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.

How do I get from XMN to central Xiamen?

Allow about 22m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 8 km (5 mi) from the airport.

How early should I head back to XMN?

Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.

Build a plan for your exact flight

Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.