Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
20-60 min
Operating Hours
07:00-22:30
Crossing Types
Pedestrian + shuttle bus
Border Type
Land border
Peak Times
Weekends (shoppers)
Daily Crossings
High
Currency Exchange
HKD, CNY
Safety Information
Medium; busy but secure
Languages Spoken
Cantonese, Mandarin, English
Accessibility Features
Full wheelchair access
About Lok Ma Chau Spur Line & Huanggang
Lok Ma Chau Spur Line to Huanggang: Hong Kong’s 24-Hour Rail Gate to Shenzhen
While Lo Wu closes at night, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line to Huanggang Port keeps running around the clock, making it the only 24-hour passenger rail crossing between Hong Kong SAR and mainland China. You ride a short dedicated MTR line from Kowloon, clear both immigrations in one modern building, and step out into Shenzhen at any hour. For late-night arrivals, red-eye connections, or simply avoiding the daytime crush at Lo Wu, this is the border that never sleeps.
Built for the Night Owls in 2007
The Spur Line and the joint Hong Kong-China immigration hall opened in August 2007 specifically to take pressure off Lo Wu and to give a true 24-hour option. Huanggang Port on the mainland side had already been running buses and cars non-stop, but the new rail link turned it into the preferred route for travelers who hate early alarms or weekend crowds. The terminal sits right on the Shenzhen River with a long pedestrian bridge connecting the two sides.
Before Crossing
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Open 24 Hours, Every Single Day
Immigration and trains operate continuously from the first MTR at 05:45 until the last at 23:15 the next day, then start again. The actual border hall never closes. Peak times are still morning rush (07:00 to 09:00) and Sunday evening return (18:00 to 21:00), but outside those windows you often walk straight to the counters.
Hong Kong to Mainland China
Take the MTR East Rail Line to Sheung Shui or continue to the dedicated Lok Ma Chau station (the train actually splits; only certain carriages go to Lok Ma Chau). Follow signs to departure hall. Hong Kong exit is on the lower floor, then you ride escalators up to the joint hall. Mainland China arrival is on the same level; most nationalities need a pre-arranged Chinese visa (no visa-on-arrival). Fingerprints and facial scan are required. Once cleared you exit directly into Futian Checkpoint metro station (Shenzhen Metro Lines 4 and 10).
Mainland China to Hong Kong
Enter Huanggang Port from Shenzhen Metro. Clear China exit first (fast for Chinese ID cards, slower for foreign passports), walk the bridge corridor, then descend to Hong Kong arrival on the lower floor. Foreign passports normally receive 90 days or more visa-free. After customs you are inside Lok Ma Chau MTR station ready for the train south.
Transport That Keeps Moving
MTR trains to Lok Ma Chau run every 8 to 12 minutes during the day and every 15 to 20 minutes late at night. Journey time from Kowloon’s Hung Hom to the border is about 50 minutes. On the Shenzhen side, Metro Lines 4 and 10 connect you to the entire city; Futian high-speed railway station is just two stops away for trains to Guangzhou, Beijing, or anywhere else.
Hassles and Warnings
Queues are shorter than Lo Wu but can still hit 30 to 45 minutes on Sunday nights. Unofficial “helpers” in yellow vests may offer to carry bags or fast-track you for cash; ignore them completely. ATMs and official money exchange are available after immigration on both sides. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the halls.
Weather Is Irrelevant
Everything is indoors and air-conditioned. Summer humidity and winter chill never touch you once you leave the train platforms.
Nearby Once You Are Through
Futian district on the Shenzhen side is modern towers, shopping malls, and excellent food within a few metro stops. The Hong Kong side of Lok Ma Chau has almost nothing except the station and a large coach park.
Last Thought
When Lo Wu shuts its doors and the crowds become unbearable, this is your calm, 24-hour lifeline. Ride in at 3 a.m. if you want, clear two countries while most of Hong Kong sleeps, and step into Shenzhen ready for whatever time zone you choose. Clean, modern, and always open; the border that respects night owls and early birds alike.
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