Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic at Shenzhen High-Speed Rail and Baoan Airport Amid Rising Travel Demand Between Mainland China and Hong Kong

Published on December 15, 2025

Shenzhen transport hubs are experiencing a phenomenal increase in passenger traffic, with both its high-speed rail station and airport setting new records for 2025. This reflects the growing demand for travel between mainland China and Hong Kong, as the region’s connectivity improves. With rising rail and air travel numbers, Shenzhen’s transport infrastructure is under intense pressure to meet demand, while new projects are already underway to address future challenges.

Shenzhen North Railway Station Hits Record High in Passenger Flow

Shenzhen North Railway Station, one of the largest high-speed rail hubs in southern China, set a new milestone by handling a staggering 116.6 million passengers during the first 11 months of 2025. This figure represents an 8.8% increase from the previous year, highlighting the continuous growth of rail travel in China. With the rise in demand for high-speed rail services, Shenzhen North is becoming one of the key travel gateways for passengers journeying to and from major cities such as Guangzhou, Changsha, Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai.

The passenger traffic at Shenzhen North is particularly high due to the city’s strategic location near Hong Kong. The station is one of the few mainland hubs connected to Hong Kong’s West Kowloon terminus, facilitating seamless travel between the two regions. The 116.6 million passengers recorded in 2025 is more than six times the population of Shenzhen itself, underscoring the station’s role as a vital travel hub for both domestic and international passengers.

High-Speed Rail: A Lifeline for Travel Between Mainland China and Hong Kong

As China’s high-speed rail network continues to expand, travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong is becoming increasingly popular. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-speed Railway has facilitated the smooth flow of passengers across the border, with Shenzhen North serving as a crucial transfer point. In particular, the station saw its busiest days during the National Day and Lunar New Year holidays, with nearly 400,000 passengers departing and 343,000 arriving on respective single days.

Many passengers travelling to mainland China use Shenzhen North to connect with trains heading to other major cities, while a significant number of Hong Kong residents also rely on the station for their trips into Shenzhen and beyond. The integration of this high-speed network has made Shenzhen a key part of the Greater Bay Area’s transport infrastructure, as both mainland residents and Hong Kongers increasingly prefer rail travel due to its speed and convenience.

Shenzhen Airport Records Record High Traffic in 2025

Not to be outdone by its railway counterpart, Shenzhen’s Baoan International Airport has also seen a dramatic rise in passenger numbers in 2025. By December 5, the airport had already welcomed 61.5 million passengers, surpassing the total for all of 2024. The airport’s expansion efforts are now in full swing, with a third runway having opened in November to accommodate the growing demand for both passenger flights and cargo services. The airport’s capacity expansion is expected to further bolster Shenzhen’s position as a crucial transport hub for southern China.

Shenzhen’s airport continues to attract both international and domestic travelers, as its proximity to Hong Kong offers added convenience for those travelling between the two regions. The expansion of Baoan International Airport is critical for maintaining Shenzhen’s competitiveness as a leading travel destination, especially as Hong Kong’s airport handles a slightly lower number of passengers in comparison.

Hong Kong’s Impact on Shenzhen’s Transportation Boom

Shenzhen’s growth as a transportation hub is largely driven by its proximity to Hong Kong, with many passengers travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and other mainland cities. In 2024, more than 81.9 million trips were made by Hong Kong residents to mainland China, according to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This number is expected to continue growing, especially as visa regulations have been relaxed, making it easier for Hongkongers to travel to Guangdong and other neighbouring provinces.

The increase in the number of Hong Kong residents using Shenzhen North Railway Station to travel to mainland China is evident, as many travelers connect to trains bound for cities across the country. With travel times of just 18 minutes between Shenzhen North and Hong Kong’s West Kowloon terminus, the rail connection is becoming the preferred mode of transport for many residents of Hong Kong.

Challenges and Pressure on Shenzhen’s Rail Infrastructure

Despite the booming passenger numbers, the increasing demand for travel is creating significant challenges at Shenzhen North Railway Station. The station, which operates beyond its optimal capacity on a regular basis, is struggling to cope with the volume of passengers, particularly during peak travel times. The overcrowding has become a source of frustration for many travelers, with some calling for improvements to the station’s facilities to ensure a smoother transit experience.

In response to the growing pressure, the Chinese government has already initiated plans for a new rail station in Shenzhen, known as Shenzhen Xili. This 37.1 billion yuan ($5.26 billion) project, expected to be completed in stages by 2028, will feature 13 platforms and 25 tracks. Located closer to the Hong Kong border than Shenzhen North, the new station will help alleviate pressure on the existing facilities and provide much-needed relief for passengers travelling between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Looking Forward: Expansion Projects to Keep Up with Demand

Shenzhen’s transportation infrastructure is set to undergo a major transformation in the coming years, with multiple expansion projects underway. The new Shenzhen Xili station is expected to ease congestion at Shenzhen North Railway Station while providing more efficient travel connections for passengers. These infrastructure improvements will play a critical role in supporting the growing demand for travel between Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other major cities in China.

As the city continues to grow, the role of Shenzhen as a transportation hub will only become more significant. Both the high-speed rail and air travel networks are expected to expand further, facilitating more seamless travel for residents and tourists alike. With investments in infrastructure and the continued expansion of Shenzhen’s transportation systems, the city is well-positioned to handle the surge in passenger numbers while maintaining its reputation as a key travel hub in southern China.

A Bright Future for Shenzhen’s Transportation Networks

Shenzhen’s transport sector is thriving, with record passenger traffic at both the railway station and the airport. Travel demand between mainland China and Hong Kong is increasing, reflecting the two regions’ growing economic and social ties. While the increased passenger traffic has put a strain on existing infrastructure, plans for new stations and airport expansions provide hope for a more efficient travel experience in the future. As Shenzhen’s transport networks expand, the city will remain an important hub for both domestic and international travellers.