Hello, all.

Although there are numerous threads both here and in the China forum that touch upon HK-SZ issue, I'm starting this new thread in order to focus exclusively on the most efficient ways to travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. I've been doing the drill once or twice per week for the past 3 months, and have encountered numerous annoyances simply because information: 1) is lacking; and 2) changes frequently.

As such, in this OP, I want to share my experiences with you, and hope that others can chime in over time so that we can eventually create a wikipost.

My data set is limited to checkpoints on the west side (Shekou Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen Bay, and Huanggang) of Shenzhen, and Sheung Wan, Central, and Wanchai in HK. I'm writing these remarks from the Shenzhen perspective.

1. Shekou Ferry Terminal
-There are only 6 ferries per day between the HK-Macau Ferry Terminal and the Shekou Ferry Terminal. While the ferry costs more than twice as much as bus options (around Y120, but the round trip discount is substantial), the length of the line at border control is generally limited to the number of people that are on your boat). Travel time = 1 hour
-There are many ferries between HKIA and the Shekou Ferry Terminal. The travel time is only 30 minutes, but the cost is a whopping Y260 (Toyota minivan via Shenzhen Bay is only 150HKD, by contrast)
-Shekou is not close to Futian or Luowu
-Sheungwan is kind of inconvenient if you're further away than Wanchai (HK)
-This is NOT a 24 hour border; the last ferries to/from HK Island leave at 6p on weekdays and 8p on weekends
-HK eChannel = yes, this happens in HK, and is usually very fast

2. Shenzhen Bay
-this border crossing uses the Shenzhen Bay Bridge
-I usually avail of buses (50HKD), but the Toyota mini-vans are great when you can find them (easy to find on the China side; hard to find on the HK side unless you are at HKIA -- cost is 150HKD/CNY) because you get to wait in the van
-Getting buses from Shenzhen Bay is easy, but the other direction is rather challenging
*Sheungwan and Elements are both pretty reliable... except on Friday/Sunday evenings
*Wanchai (buy tickets at CITS near the soccer field; bus stops right in front of their office) is also okay, but completely forget about Friday/Sunday evenings unless you pop in before 2p to buy tickets
-taxi = 450hkd
-this border crossing closes at 10p
-HK eChannel = yes (but, surprisingly slow)

3. Huang Gang / Futian
-apart from Luohu, this is the easiest border checkpoint to access
-24 hours
-no HK eChannel, but the foreigner line is usually short
-only use in the northbound direction (for me)
-always easy to get bus (from Wanchai)
-getting a taxi on the China side is nearly impossible at times (on Friday nights, black taxis are useful... just don't look like a patsy, and stick to your guns... don't pay more than Y50 to go anywhere, but remain friendly)