Hong Kong and Macau - Getting to/from Shenzhen Bao'An (SZX)

I fly to CCU every now and then from HKG and previously the best option has been TG via BKK.

Now, HU is starting service from SZX-CCU nonstop and that seems be a good option for me as it eliminates the transit.

I'm located on Hong Kong island and I'm wondering what's the best way to get to SZX from HK island with my checkin luggage for a 1500 departure.

Also, what's the best way to get back from SZX to HK island when arriving at SZX at 2355?

Money is not a factor (within reason) and I'm willing to pay for the most convenient transfer method for a family for 4 who is travelling with around 80kg total checkins.

I see that TurboJET operates only from HKIA but there is a checkin service along with bus service near Elements Mall in Kowloon but the only information for that is available in Chinese.

I speak passable Mandarin so I'm not really worried about getting lost in China or anything but I'm very lost with regards to how to travel between HK island and SZX.

With a family of 4 and plenty of luggage, only sensible option is to get a private van with dual plates that will take you door to door, and no need to get off the van at the border at Shenzhen Bay on the way up.

For your return trip, because of late hours, the van probably has to use the Huanggong border, since Shenzhen Bay will be close by then. Will need to get off van with all luggage to cross, but still there's no better options.

If you're already in HK, just ask around people who go to China for business often, and they'll have drivers to recommend to you. My cousin usually organizes this for me, so I don't have a number with me right now.

About HK$900-1,000 each way.

BTW, unless the connection time at BKK is bad, I'll still prefer a connection via BKK than having to go to SZX.

I have only flown in and out of SZX once (from HK) and it was a horrific experience. I shall not do it again as the savings is not worth it if there is an option out of HKG.

You may want to take a look at this old thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china/753178-hong-kong-shenzhen-airport-4.html

It appears that your best bet (short of hiring a private van) is to hire a taxi to Element in Kowloon to take the coach to SZX from there. You may be able to check in there too if you do not hold foreign passport and flying in economy class. That was the excuse given to me that I was not eligible to check in at Element because I was flying first class on CZ and held a "foreign" passport! I also forgot something even more ridiculous, my Skyteam FF card does not have a photo! The check in agents at Element were totally retarded.

Also, the coach driver did not speak any English and there was no English announcement on board. When you reboard after crossing the border, it might be a different bus.

You probably should take the 11AM coach to arrive SZX with plenty of time allowing for long queues at the border crossings, unless you qualify for the eChannel. You will also have time for a quick bite to eat before the flight.

Not sure the last coach to HK from SZX. Check the coach web site.

First, let me just second rkkwan in voting for a connection in BKK over travelling via SZX. Assuming that you do decide to opt for SZX...

Aside from hiring a private car, which is obviously the ideal choice from a convenience perspective, the coach from the Elements mall is definitely the best solution.

I've done this regularly, and am now fairly comfortable taking a bus departing 2.5hrs prior to my flights out of SZX (e.g. I've done this four times and made it every one). The bus itself, depending on traffic, takes ~90 minutes, and this allows another hour for immigration + airport security at SZX.

This is not a "relaxed" experience, and attempting to make the trip on such a tight timetable assumes that you (1) know exactly where you're going, (2) walk fast, (3) have an HKID for e-Channel use at the border, (4) have already done OLCI for your flights and (5) have no checked baggage. Given your circumstances, I'd allow closer to four hours, so take an 11AM coach for a 3PM departure from SZX.

For reference, the coach timetable is here (http://chinalink.hk/co_service_routes16.html) (in Chinese only).

I second (or third) the recommendation to go with BKK instead of SZX. #1, the land crossing from HK can be hit or miss depending on timing. I've "walked" right over in minutes all the way to getting stuck in an hour long line of cars. #2, SZX airport, while "new" and "modern", can still be a mob scene with loads of domestic departures. I hate the mob scene with all the pushing and shoving sometimes. Not conducive with a family of 4 and baggage ...

I have done the Chinalink buses many times both ways, and it's definitely a reasonable choice if one can easily handle their own luggages on and off the coaches and walking through short distances.

But since the OP says money is no object, there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't use a private van.

I have done the Chinalink buses many times both ways, and it's definitely a reasonable choice if one can easily handle their own luggages on and off the coaches and walking through short distances.

But since the OP says money is no object, there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't use a private van.

Agreed. ^

Thanks for the feedback.

Getting a private van from HK to SZX should not be a big challenge as it's a daytime flight and I can pre-arrange it.

However, I'm wondering how much of a problem it will be to arrange the return van from SZX back to HK with a 23:55 arrival. Will that be an issue?

I'm getting huge savings on tickets out of SZX (HK$12K for 2adt+2chd versus HK$21K on TG via BKK) plus the flight time is only 3.5 hours versus about 9-10 hours including transit on TG.

I really understand that perhaps BKK is 'easier' but believe me that with 2 young kids the extra 6 hours in flights and at airports is not easy to deal with!

You just have to pre-arrange with a driver for your trip back from SZX to HK. At that time of the day, it's crucial. There might be some surcharge for the late hours, but will be worth every penny.

As I mentioned, you'll have to go through Huanggang instead of Shenzhen Bay and have to get out of the car, but still better than any other options.

BTW, I see reasonable connections through BKK from HKG. For example:

TG 607/313. HKG 8:45p BKK 10:25p BKK 11:45p CCU 12:45a.

Total time 6:30.

But I know, it's still 3 hours more than non-stop from SZX, and more expensive.

BTW, I see reasonable connections through BKK from HKG. For example:

TG 607/313. HKG 8:45p BKK 10:25p BKK 11:45p CCU 12:45a.

Total time 6:30.

But I know, it's still 3 hours more than non-stop from SZX, and more expensive.

Yes it used to be not so bad, but it's changing.

The dates I'm looking at in late December, flights are:
HKG-CCU: TG629/313 Dep HKG 15:00 Arr CCU 21:05 (8 hours 35 minutes)
CCU-HKG: TG314/600 Dep CCU 22:30 Arr HKG 11:45+1 (10 hours 45 minutes)

Here're the options for late December 2011 HKG-CCU listed in Amadeus timetable:

HKG Hong Kong Intl HK [VHHH]
CCU Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra IN [VECC]
WED 28 Dec 2011 - 04 Jan 2012

Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Frequency | Dur'n | Dep T | Arr T | Effect | Ending | Exceptions
--------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ----------------------------------------------------------------
CX 703 HKG 16:45 BKK 18:40 330 0 --3--6- 06:50 1 - 17 Dec 28 Jan
-> TG 313 BKK 20:00 CCU 21:05 333 0 - I
CX 703 HKG 16:45 BKK 18:50 330 0 1---5-- 07:30 1 - 31 Oct 23 Mar
-> 9W 65 BKK 20:50 CCU 21:45 73H 0 - -
CX 703 HKG 16:45 BKK 18:40 330 0 --3--6- 07:30 1 - 02 Nov 24 Mar
-> 9W 65 BKK 20:50 CCU 21:45 73H 0 - -
CX 701 HKG 16:00 BKK 17:55 EQV 0 1234567 07:35 1 - 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> TG 313 BKK 20:00 CCU 21:05 333 0 - I
TG 601 HKG 12:45 BKK 14:30 744 0 1234567 07:40 2 - 18 Dec 24 Mar
-> IT 22 BKK 16:15 CCU 17:55 320 0 - -
HX 795 HKG 12:35 BKK 14:25 332 0 1234567 07:50 1 - 17 Nov 24 Mar
-> IT 22 BKK 16:15 CCU 17:55 320 0 - -
CX 701 HKG 16:00 BKK 17:55 EQV 0 1234567 08:15 1 - 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> 9W 65 BKK 20:50 CCU 21:45 73H 0 - -
PG/TG 4827 HKG 15:00 BKK 16:45 772 0 1234567 08:35 2 - 15 Dec 31 Jan
-> TG 313 BKK 20:00 CCU 21:05 333 0 - I
TG 629 HKG 15:00 BKK 16:45 772 0 1234567 08:35 2 - 15 Dec 31 Jan
-> TG 313 BKK 20:00 CCU 21:05 333 0 - I
MU 734 HKG 17:10 KMG 18:55 737 0 1234567 09:00 1 - 14 Sep 31 Dec
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
CX 711 HKG 16:00 SIN 19:45 773 0 --3-56- 09:05 1 1 02 Nov 24 Mar
-> MI/SQ 5862 SIN 21:00 CCU 22:35 333 0 2 -
PG/TG 4827 HKG 15:00 BKK 16:45 772 0 1234567 09:15 2 - 30 Oct 24 Mar
-> 9W 65 BKK 20:50 CCU 21:45 73H 0 - -
TG 629 HKG 15:00 BKK 16:45 772 0 1234567 09:15 2 - 30 Oct 24 Mar
-> 9W 65 BKK 20:50 CCU 21:45 73H 0 - -
UO 139 HKG 16:35 NNG 18:05 738 0 1-3-5-7 09:35 1 - 30 Oct 23 Mar
-> CZ 3249 NNG 20:10 KMG 21:05 738 0 - -
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
HX/UO 8139 HKG 16:35 NNG 18:05 738 0 1-3-5-7 09:35 1 - 30 Oct 23 Mar
-> CZ 3249 NNG 20:10 KMG 21:05 738 0 - -
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
SQ 863 HKG 13:30 SIN 17:20 772 0 --3-56- 09:40 1 - 02 Dec 11 Feb
-> SQ 516 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:40 333 0 2 -
SQ 863 HKG 13:30 SIN 17:20 772 0 --3-56- 09:40 1 - 02 Dec 11 Feb
-> AI/SQ 7262 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:40 333 0 2 -
3K 698 HKG 15:25 SIN 19:05 320 0 ----56- 09:40 2 1 04 Nov 24 Mar
-> MI/SQ 5862 SIN 21:00 CCU 22:35 333 0 2 -
SQ 863 HKG 13:30 SIN 17:20 772 0 12-4--7 09:45 1 - 01 Dec 14 Feb
-> SQ/MI 5488 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:45 320 0 2 -
SQ 863 HKG 13:30 SIN 17:20 772 0 12-4--7 09:45 1 - 01 Dec 14 Feb
-> MI 488 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:45 320 0 2 -
SQ 861 HKG 15:20 SIN 19:20 388 0 --3-56- 09:45 1 - 02 Nov 24 Mar
-> MI/SQ 5862 SIN 21:00 CCU 22:35 333 0 2 -
CX 635 HKG 15:20 SIN 19:05 330 0 --3-56- 09:45 1 1 02 Nov 24 Mar
-> MI/SQ 5862 SIN 21:00 CCU 22:35 333 0 2 -
CX 713 HKG 09:10 BKK 11:00 773 0 ---4--- 09:50 1 - 03 Nov 22 Mar
-> BG 89 BKK 12:30 DAC 14:00 737 0 - -
-> 9W 273 DAC 16:15 CCU 16:30 73W 0 - -
UO 273 HKG 15:45 KMG 18:15 738 0 1234567 10:25 1 - 30 Oct 31 Dec
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
HX/UO 8273 HKG 15:45 KMG 18:15 738 0 1234567 10:25 1 - 30 Oct 31 Dec
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
SQ 891 HKG 12:30 SIN 16:20 772 0 --3-56- 10:40 1 - 02 Dec 11 Feb
-> SQ 516 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:40 333 0 2 -
SQ 891 HKG 12:30 SIN 16:20 772 0 --3-56- 10:40 1 - 02 Dec 11 Feb
-> AI/SQ 7262 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:40 333 0 2 -
SQ 891 HKG 12:30 SIN 16:20 772 0 12-4--7 10:45 1 - 01 Dec 14 Feb
-> MI 488 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:45 320 0 2 -
SQ 891 HKG 12:30 SIN 16:20 772 0 12-4--7 10:45 1 - 01 Dec 14 Feb
-> SQ/MI 5488 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:45 320 0 2 -
CX 735 HKG 14:20 SIN 18:10 EQV 0 --3-56- 10:45 1 1 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> MI/SQ 5862 SIN 21:00 CCU 22:35 333 0 2 -
CX 713 HKG 09:10 BKK 11:00 773 0 ---4--- 10:50 1 - 03 Nov 22 Mar
-> BG 89 BKK 12:30 DAC 14:00 737 0 - -
-> IT/## 74 DAC 17:00 CCU 17:30 ATR 0 - -
TG 603 HKG 07:55 BKK 09:40 330 0 1234567 11:05 2 - 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> TG 321 BKK 10:55 DAC 12:30 EQV 0 - I
-> 9W 273 DAC 16:15 CCU 16:30 73W 0 - -
CX 713 HKG 09:10 BKK 11:00 EQV 0 1234567 11:15 1 - 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> IT 22 BKK 16:15 CCU 17:55 320 0 - -
CX 739 HKG 11:35 SIN 15:25 EQV 0 12-4--7 11:40 1 1 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> SQ/MI 5488 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:45 320 0 2 -
CX 739 HKG 11:35 SIN 15:25 EQV 0 12-4--7 11:40 1 1 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> MI 488 SIN 19:00 CCU 20:45 320 0 2 -
VN 591 HKG 14:30 HAN 15:30 321 0 1-3456- 11:40 1 -
-> VN 540 HAN 17:00 KMG 19:25 F70 0 - -
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
CX/VN 1791 HKG 14:30 HAN 15:30 321 0 1-3456- 11:40 1 - 31 Oct 24 Mar
-> VN 540 HAN 17:00 KMG 19:25 F70 0 - -
-> MU 555 KMG 23:55 CCU 23:40 737 0 - -
CX 713 HKG 09:10 BKK 11:00 773 0 --3---7 11:50 1 - 30 Oct 21 Mar
-> BG 89 BKK 14:05 DAC 16:45 737 1 - -
-> BG 93 DAC 18:10 CCU 18:30 F28 0 - -
TG 603 HKG 07:55 BKK 09:40 330 0 1234567 12:05 2 - 28 Dec 04 Jan
-> TG 321 BKK 10:55 DAC 12:30 EQV 0 - I
-> IT/## 74 DAC 17:00 CCU 17:30 ATR 0 - -
KA 152 HKG 22:40 BLR 02:00 +1 330 0 1234567 12:15 1 - 30 Oct 24 Mar
-> AI 772 BLR 06:05 +1 CCU 08:25 +1 319 0 - -


The CX to 9W seems to be the best choice for you as you hold higher tier membership in 1W. The duration is 7.5 hours. You need to find a travel agent to price this out for you.

CCU Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra IN [VECC]
HKG Hong Kong Intl HK [VHHH]
WED 04 Jan 2012 - 11 Jan 2012

Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Frequency | Dur'n | Dep T | Arr T | Effect | Ending | Exceptions
--------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ----------------------------------------------------------------
BG 92 CCU 09:30 DAC 10:50 737 0 1---5-- 06:05 - -
-> BG 78 DAC 12:30 HKG 18:05 D10 0 - 1
IT 21 CCU 11:00 BKK 15:00 320 0 1234567 06:30 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> CX 712 BKK 16:25 HKG 20:00 EQV 0 - 1
Z5 2 CCU 08:30 DAC 10:15 DH3 0 1---5-- 07:05 - -
-> BG 78 DAC 12:30 HKG 18:05 D10 0 - 1
IT 21 CCU 11:00 BKK 15:00 320 0 -2--5-- 07:25 - - 01 Nov 23 Mar
-> PK 892 BKK 17:15 HKG 20:55 310 0 - 1
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 1234567 07:45 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> PG/TG 4826 BKK 08:00 HKG 11:45 EQV 0 - 1
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 1234567 07:45 - - 18 Dec 24 Mar
-> TG 600 BKK 08:00 HKG 11:45 744 0 - 1
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 1-3-5-- 08:10 - - 31 Oct 23 Mar
-> CX 700 BKK 08:25 HKG 12:10 773 0 - 1
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 -2-4-67 08:10 - - 01 Nov 24 Mar
-> CX 2700 BKK 08:25 HKG 12:10 330 0 - 1
IT 604 CCU 20:55 DEL 23:10 320 0 1-34567 08:40 - 3 02 Nov 24 Mar
-> IT 31 DEL 00:40 +1 HKG 08:05 +1 330 0 3 2
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 1234567 08:50 - - 31 Oct 24 Mar
-> HX 768 BKK 08:50 HKG 12:50 332 0 - 1
IT 21 CCU 11:00 BKK 15:00 320 0 1234567 08:55 - - 30 Oct 24 Mar
-> TG 602 BKK 18:40 HKG 22:25 330 0 - 1
MI/SQ 5861 CCU 23:50 SIN 06:30 +1 333 0 --3-56- 09:00 - 2
-> SQ 890 SIN 07:35 +1 HKG 11:20 +1 772 0 3 1
IT 604 CCU 20:55 DEL 23:10 320 0 1234567 09:05 - 3 30 Oct 23 Mar
-> 9W 78 DEL 00:55 +1 HKG 08:30 +1 332 0 3 1
IT 21 CCU 11:00 BKK 15:00 320 0 1234567 09:15 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> CX 702 BKK 19:05 HKG 22:45 EQV 0 - 1
AI 23 CCU 20:15 DEL 22:30 321 0 1-34567 09:20 - 3
-> IT 31 DEL 00:40 +1 HKG 08:05 +1 330 0 3 2
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 1234567 09:30 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> TG 560 BKK 07:50 HAN 09:35 EQV 0 - -
-> CX/VN 1790 HAN 10:40 HKG 13:30 321 0 - 1
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 1234567 09:30 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> TG 560 BKK 07:50 HAN 09:35 EQV 0 - -
-> VN 590 HAN 10:40 HKG 13:30 321 0 - 1
MI/SQ 5861 CCU 23:50 SIN 06:30 +1 333 0 --3-56- 09:30 - 2 18 Nov 26 Oct
-> HX 784 SIN 08:00 +1 HKG 11:50 +1 332 0 2 1
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 123--6- 09:35 - - 02 Jan 11 Feb
-> TG 560 BKK 07:50 HAN 09:35 333 0 - -
-> CX/KA 6734 HAN 10:45 HKG 13:35 320 0 - -
9W 66 CCU 01:30 BKK 05:40 73H 0 123--6- 09:35 - - 02 Jan 11 Feb
-> TG 560 BKK 07:50 HAN 09:35 333 0 - -
-> KA 296 HAN 10:45 HKG 13:35 320 0 - 1
9W 201 CCU 10:15 GAU 11:30 738 0 --3---7 09:40 - - 30 Oct 29 Jan
-> KB 140 GAU 12:55 BKK 17:25 319 0 - -
-> TG 602 BKK 18:40 HKG 22:25 330 0 - 1
BG 92 CCU 10:00 DAC 11:20 737 0 -2----- 09:55 - - 01 Nov 20 Mar
-> TG 322 DAC 13:40 BKK 17:10 773 0 I -
-> TG 602 BKK 18:40 HKG 22:25 330 0 - 1
AI 729 CCU 09:55 GAU 11:05 319 0 --3---7 10:00 - - 30 Oct 29 Jan
-> KB 140 GAU 12:55 BKK 17:25 319 0 - -
-> TG 602 BKK 18:40 HKG 22:25 330 0 - 1
9W 201 CCU 10:15 GAU 11:30 738 0 --3---7 10:00 - - 30 Oct 29 Jan
-> KB 140 GAU 12:55 BKK 17:25 319 0 - -
-> CX 702 BKK 19:05 HKG 22:45 343 0 - 1
SQ 517 CCU 21:55 SIN 04:40 +1 333 0 --3-56- 10:00 - - 02 Dec 11 Feb
-> 3K 691 SIN 06:40 +1 HKG 10:25 +1 320 0 1 2
9W 913 CCU 17:35 DEL 19:50 73W 0 -2--56- 10:10 - 3 06 Jan 10 Jan
-> AI 314 DEL 23:00 HKG 06:15 +1 77W 0 3 1
BG 92 CCU 10:00 DAC 11:20 737 0 -2----- 10:15 - - 01 Nov 20 Mar
-> TG 322 DAC 13:40 BKK 17:10 773 0 I -
-> CX 702 BKK 19:05 HKG 22:45 330 0 - 1
9W/S2 7108 CCU 19:45 DEL 21:50 738 0 1234567 10:15 - 3 31 Oct 23 Mar
-> 9W 78 DEL 00:55 +1 HKG 08:30 +1 332 0 3 1
BG 92 CCU 09:30 DAC 10:50 737 0 1---56- 10:25 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> TG 322 DAC 13:40 BKK 17:10 EQV 0 I -
-> TG 602 BKK 18:40 HKG 22:25 330 0 - 1
BG 92 CCU 09:30 DAC 10:50 737 0 1------ 10:25 - - 31 Oct 30 Jan
-> KB 126 DAC 13:15 BKK 16:45 319 0 - -
-> TG 602 BKK 18:40 HKG 22:25 330 0 - 1
BG 92 CCU 09:30 DAC 10:50 737 0 1---56- 10:45 - - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> TG 322 DAC 13:40 BKK 17:10 EQV 0 I -
-> CX 702 BKK 19:05 HKG 22:45 EQV 0 - 1
BG 92 CCU 09:30 DAC 10:50 737 0 1------ 10:45 - - 31 Oct 30 Jan
-> KB 126 DAC 13:15 BKK 16:45 319 0 - -
-> CX 702 BKK 19:05 HKG 22:45 330 0 - 1
AI 701 CCU 17:00 DEL 19:10 321 0 -2--56- 10:45 - 3 06 Jan 10 Jan
-> AI 314 DEL 23:00 HKG 06:15 +1 77W 0 3 1
9W 913 CCU 17:35 DEL 19:50 73W 0 1-34--7 10:45 - 3 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> AI 310 DEL 23:15 HKG 06:50 +1 77W 0 3 1
UA/## 9827 CCU 20:40 BOM 23:10 738 0 1234567 10:45 - 1 30 Oct 29 Feb
-> UA/9W 9815 BOM 01:50 +1 HKG 09:55 +1 77W 0 2 1
9W/## 2483 CCU 20:40 BOM 23:10 738 0 1234567 10:45 - 1 31 Oct 29 Feb
-> 9W 76 BOM 01:50 +1 HKG 09:55 +1 77W 0 2 1
TG 314 CCU 22:30 BKK 02:25 +1 333 0 1234567 10:45 I - 04 Jan 11 Jan
-> PG/TG 4826 BKK 08:00 +1 HKG 11:45 +1 EQV 0 - 1
TG 314 CCU 22:30 BKK 02:25 +1 333 0 1234567 10:45 I - 17 Dec 30 Jan
-> TG 600 BKK 08:00 +1 HKG 11:45 +1 744 0 - 1
9W 616 CCU 18:05 BOM 20:50 738 0 1234567 10:55 - 1 03 Nov 22 Mar
-> IT 71 BOM 23:30 HKG 07:30 +1 330 0 - 2
AI 773 CCU 19:55 BOM 22:35 319 0 1234567 10:55 - 1 31 Oct 22 Mar
-> CX 684 BOM 01:30 +1 HKG 09:20 +1 744 0 2 1
SQ/MI 5487 CCU 21:55 SIN 04:40 +1 320 0 12-4--7 10:55 - 2 01 Dec 14 Feb
-> SQ 890 SIN 07:35 +1 HKG 11:20 +1 772 0 3 1

Out of curiosity, I went to Zuji to check the air fare from HKG to CCU. It returned the cheapest economy fare on MU at about HK$2,440 before taxes, etc. but terrible connection via KMG.

The next cheapest fare was with SQ at HK$3,053 before taxes, etc. and the total came to HK$5,546 all-in per adult.

SQ0863 1330/1720 HKG-SIN 27-Dec
SQ5488 1900/2045 SIN-CCU 27-Dec

SQ0517 2155/0440 CCU-SIN 11-Jan
SQ0890 0735/1120 SIN-HKG 12-Jan

Clipper801, thanks for this info. Most of the connections via BKK you listed are faster than TG but they don't result in valid fares. For example, you can't buy a CX/9W or CX/IT ticket. BG has a decent schedule but I'd sooner jump off a cliff than board a BG aircraft.

MU as you mention has a very cheap fare, but the connection is very long. Still perhaps worth consideration as I'm getting more wary of arriving in SZX at midnight. I just priced out MU for 2 adults + 2 children and it's HK$12912 all-in for 4 passengers. Very similar price to HU, but travel time is very long.

HU's CCU cancelled after just 4 flights. Heck, that was quick:

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111010/jsp/calcutta/story_14603722.jsp

We're going to be in HK over the chinese 'golden week', and aim to be flying back on the saturday 6th october. Pricing flights: flying from shenzhen is about US$500+ cheaper for us (total, for three of us).

I would normally consider it, but given that many chinese may be returning to work around then, are we crazy to think about it? I want to purchase my tickets in the next day or so, so advice would be much appreciated.

tb

We're going to be in HK over the chinese 'golden week', and aim to be flying back on the saturday 6th october. Pricing flights: flying from shenzhen is about US$500+ cheaper for us (total, for three of us).

I would normally consider it, but given that many chinese may be returning to work around then, are we crazy to think about it? I want to purchase my tickets in the next day or so, so advice would be much appreciated.

tb

As the old saying goes, you get what you have paid.

I have flown out of SZX once to KWL starting the journey from Hong Kong. I use a passport and visa. Shall I do it again? No, I shall not. It's not worth it. I saved about HK$3,785 total for the two of us in air fare difference but of course need to subtract the extra time and transportation cost to get from Hong Kong to SZX.

Check out this old thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china/753178-hong-kong-shenzhen-airport-7.html

I posted my experience at #99.

If I'm already at Luo Hu train station, I'd hop on the airport express van (or is it a bus now as well?), which takes the southerly Binhai Rd. eventually veering towards SZX. I have yet to take the metro to the airport though from Luo Hu it must be at least an hour and twenty minutes (I've taken it near the airport), and the 330 bus from the airport to KeXueGuan (which is also has a metro station) has also come in handy.

OK, a quick report back. Have to say, it was all relatively painless, in both directions. Coming back, checked out of hotel and cabbed it to Elements mall. Bought a ticket for travel 15 minutes later. Took 45 minutes to border, border was not too busy, took ~ 15-20 minutes. Then bus to the airport, about 25 minutes. In fact, it was too smooth: we ended up arriving far too early for our flight in SZX, which is a pitiful airport, especially airside. Even with access to the CA first class lounge -- no bathrooms, very dodgy food, and extremely slow internet.

Whilst flying out of HKG would have given us another 2-3 hours in hong kong itself for a similarly timed departure, the significant savings were worth it for us: it meant that the superb lunch we had at Yan Toh Heen was more than paid for.

I would not recommend if living in HKG and flying every week or even every month, but for the occasional foray, and especially if savings are significant (e.g. US$500 for us on this occasion), then absolutely why not.

One thing: for us, a family of three, the savings of the bus over taxi to the border, and then onto airport, was marginal -- and for a family of four, getting taxis might be the way to go.

tb

With 4 or 5 people traveling together, they should just arrange for a private van. Door to door, no need to get off at border.

With 4 or 5 people traveling together, they should just arrange for a private van. Door to door, no need to get off at border.

Although I've heard that option costs ~US$300. In which case, not much by way of savings for doing the shuffle in the first place. Our bus tickets (one-way) were about US$45. If the price is much less than I've heard, around the US$100 mark, it would be very worthwhile.

tb

Although I've heard that option costs ~US$300. In which case, not much by way of savings for doing the shuffle in the first place. Our bus tickets (one-way) were about US$45. If the price is much less than I've heard, around the US$100 mark, it would be very worthwhile.

Done it twice in recent years. About HK$1,000 each time.

Done it twice in recent years. About HK$1,000 each time.

thanks for clarification.

tb

Make sure you don't have an early flight out of Shenzhen as the quickest border (Shenzhen Bay) doesn't open until 6:30AM

Make sure you don't have an early flight out of Shenzhen as the quickest border (Shenzhen Bay) doesn't open until 6:30AM

Had to get off the van at the Chinese control at Huanggang, but no need on the HK side. For early morning flights and befor 6:30a to use Shenzhen Bay.