The innovative air-rail intermodal transportation service in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) has further expanded its reach, officially extending its complimentary city rail connection to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport starting October 15th.
This significant development builds upon the successful launch of the service in July at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Collaborating under the Guangzhou Metro Group’s extensive Guangdong intercity railway network, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines are offering passengers a seamless travel experience.
Passengers who purchase eligible flights from China Southern or China Eastern Airlines can now claim a free one-way Guangdong intercity rail ticket through the dedicated ‘Ground Transportation’ section in their respective airline apps. This ticket allows travelers to easily access or depart from Shenzhen Airport Station (T3) and Shenzhen Airport North Station. The initiative aims to simplify travel by enabling ‘one ticket purchase, full journey travel’. Specific flight and cabin class eligibility rules will be announced by the airlines.
For first-time users of the Guangdong intercity railway’s public transit payment system, advance real-name registration is required.
The initial phase of the air-rail intermodal service, rolled out in July, utilized the Guangdong intercity railway network, which is managed by Guangzhou Metro Group. This initial service covered six cities: Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Qingyuan, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing. In just over two months, this service has already benefited over 25,000 passengers utilizing the air-rail transit linkage.
The expansion to Shenzhen marks a significant enhancement to the air-rail intermodal transport network connecting the two major airports in the GBA. It not only broadens the geographical coverage of air-rail transport within the region but also substantially boosts the overall transportation accessibility of the Greater Bay Area. This provides travelers flying into or out of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport with a convenient and integrated new transfer option, further solidifying the GBA’s position as a hub for efficient and connected travel.
This integrated approach is expected to streamline journeys for both domestic and international travelers, encouraging more seamless transit between air and rail networks across this economically vital region of China.
