These two options are often compared, but many people compare them in the wrong way—only looking at the fare, without taking into account the transportation time and luggage hassles at both ends. The real situation is listed below and you can judge for yourself.
Trip planning
Special car or high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Shenzhen? Comparison of door-to-door time and multi-person fee
These two options are often compared, but many people compare them in the wrong way—only looking at the fare, without taking into account the transportation time and luggage…
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At a glance
These two options are often compared, but many people compare them in the wrong way—only looking at the fare, without taking into account the transportation time and luggage…
01
Quick answer
02
Time comparison: door to door is the real time
Take the departure from Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong and destination Futian, Shenzhen as an example:
| Method | Departure to boarding/boarding | Travel time | Arrival to destination | Door to door total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Rail (West Kowloon → Futian) | Arrive 30 minutes early + queue | About 20 minutes | Taxi 15–30 minutes | About 75–100 minutes |
| Private MPV | Get into the vehicle downstairs | About 60–75 minutes (including border clearance) | Go directly to the door | About 60–75 minutes |
The high-speed rail itself is very fast, but the time spent on both ends is often underestimated: going to West Kowloon Station, waiting in line, and then taking a taxi to Futian Station, which adds up to a lot.
If your departure point is not near West Kowloon, or your destination is not around Futian checkpoint, the gap will be even more obvious.
03
Cost comparison: Booking a private transfer for a multi-person trip is more cost-effective
High-speed rail charges are per person, while private MPVs charge per trip (maximum 6 people).
Take Hong Kong Airport → Shenzhen Nanshan as an example:
| Number of people | High-speed rail (approximately) | Private MPV (approximately) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | HK$250–300 | RMB 700–800 |
| 2 persons | HK$500–600 | RMB 700–800 |
| 3 persons | HK$750–900 | RMB 700–800 |
| 4 people | HK$1,000–1,200 | RMB 700–800 |
| 5–6 people | HK$1,250–1,800 | RMB 700–800 |
For more than 3 people, the price of a private MPV is close to or even lower than that of the high-speed rail, and it saves the need to transfer at both ends.
*Note: The price of high-speed rail is estimated based on second-class seats. The charter price is a reference price. The actual price shall be subject to the quotation. *
04
Respective advantageous scenarios
Situations when high-speed rail is more suitable:
- Traveling with 1–2 people and less luggage
- The destination is within walking distance near Futian Station and Luohu Station
- The time is flexible, you can buy a ticket and leave at any time
- Budget sensitive and able to carry luggage by yourself
Situations when booking a private transfer is more appropriate:
- Traveling with more than 3 people
- A lot of luggage (more than one large suitcase per person)
- The destination is in various districts of Shenzhen, far away from the high-speed rail station
- Traveling late at night or early in the morning (the last high-speed rail train has time restrictions)
- For business trips, you need to rest or make phone calls in the car
- It is inconvenient to bring the elderly and children with you
05
Luggage is very important
When entering a high-speed train station, you need to go through security inspection and X-ray your luggage, carry large luggage up and down, and have to find a train again when you arrive at Futian Station.
The luggage of the private MPV is always in the trunk from the departure to the destination, and it is left in the car when passing customs, without having to touch it.
This point makes a big difference in the experience for people with a lot of luggage, but it is often ignored in comparison articles online.
Official sources
Check current official information
Border, immigration and airport arrangements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the relevant authority before travel.
FAQ
Questions travellers ask
Isn’t the high-speed rail faster?＋
The high-speed rail itself is indeed fast (it only takes 20 minutes from West Kowloon to Futian), but the door-to-door time plus the traffic at both ends is not necessarily faster than a private MPV. The more remote the destination and the more luggage, the smaller the gap or even surpassing it.
Is it cheaper to rent a car and share it with multiple people?＋
We currently offer full vehicle reservations and do not do carpooling with strangers. It is already very cost-effective to reserve the entire vehicle and share it among multiple people.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for high-speed rail?＋
Required, and purchase tickets with real-name ID. Tickets may not be available during peak season. Booking a private transfer can be reserved in advance for greater flexibility.
Business class high-speed rail is much more expensive, is it worth it?＋
The first-class seat experience is better, but you still need to carry your luggage and change cars at both ends. The Toyota Alphard's second-row aviation chairs provide a business-class riding experience in itself. With door pick-up and drop-off, the comprehensive experience is no less than that of the business class high-speed train.
CrossBorder MPV
Which option fits your trip?
Tell us your departure place, destination, number of people and luggage situation, and we will help you compare and give suggestions.