Xiamen to Kinmen is one of the most unusual short crossings in East Asia. The trip links the modern Fujian port city of Xiamen with Kinmen, a Taiwanese-administered island group that sits just offshore but feels culturally distinct. The water between them is narrow, yet the journey crosses a sensitive border, so the practical details matter more than the distance.
The stored route data for this page shows one mode: ferry. That is the classic way to travel between Xiamen and Kinmen, using the Mini Three Links ferry corridor between Xiamen's Wutong Passenger Wharf and Kinmen's Shuitou Pier. You can book the ferry for this route on GoAsia.cc, then make sure your documents, arrival timing and onward transport on Kinmen are in order before you go.
Xiamen to Kinmen by Ferry
The ferry is quick, direct and purpose-built for this crossing. Route data lists a one-way ferry ticket at $27.10, with a crossing time of about 30 minutes. The stored class is One Way, which keeps the choice simple: you are booking the sea crossing itself rather than a multi-mode package.
Ferries generally operate during daylight hours and connect Xiamen Wutong Passenger Wharf with Shuitou Pier on Kinmen. The crossing is short enough that comfort is less about luxury and more about timing, boarding smoothness and having your paperwork ready. Seating is standard ferry seating, and the ride can feel more like an airport shuttle on water than a scenic cruise.
Because this route involves immigration and border formalities, arrive earlier than you would for an ordinary domestic ferry. You may need to show passport details, travel documents, visa or entry eligibility, and any required local information. Rules can change, especially for cross-strait travel, so verify entry requirements for your nationality before booking.
Getting to Wutong Wharf and Leaving Shuitou Pier
Wutong Passenger Wharf is on the Xiamen side of the crossing and is the key departure point to know. Depending on where you stay in Xiamen, you may reach it by taxi, ride-hailing, metro connection plus taxi, or local transfer. Build in city traffic time, especially if you are coming from the old city, railway station or airport area.
On arrival in Kinmen, ferries dock at Shuitou Pier. Kinmen is spread out, with historic villages, military sites, beaches and small towns rather than one dense urban center. Taxis, buses, scooters and rental cars are the usual onward choices. If you are arriving late in the day, arrange your onward transport in advance, because services can be quieter outside peak ferry times.
For many travelers, Kinmen is not just a transit stop. It rewards at least one overnight stay, with Fujian-style houses, wind-lion statues, battlefield tunnels and quiet coastal roads. If you are returning to Xiamen the same day, pay close attention to the last ferry and leave a buffer for ticket exchange and immigration.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | $27 | 30min | Simple and direct |
Tips for Traveling from Xiamen to Kinmen
- Check entry rules before booking. This is a cross-border ferry, not a domestic island hop. Visa and entry requirements depend on nationality and travel status.
- Arrive early at Wutong Wharf. Allow time for ticket exchange, document checks and boarding procedures.
- Carry passport and booking details. Keep documents in a small bag rather than buried in checked luggage.
- Plan your Kinmen transport. Shuitou Pier is not the whole destination. Decide whether you need a taxi, bus, scooter or rental car after arrival.
- Watch the last ferry. Day trips are possible, but missing the final return ferry can force an overnight stay.
- Expect schedule changes. Ferry timings can shift by month, weather and operating rules, so confirm close to travel day.
Timetable
| Ferry Xiamen - Kinmen $ 26.67 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Xiamen to Kinmen directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The ferry is the only bookable mode in the route data, with a one-way fare of about $27.10. It is also the standard way to make this short crossing.
The ferry is the fastest listed option, taking about 30 minutes from Xiamen to Kinmen. Add extra time for reaching the pier, ticket exchange, immigration and onward transport.
The ferry crossing itself takes about 30 minutes. Door to door, the total journey depends on where you start in Xiamen and where you are going on Kinmen.
The usual route runs from Xiamen Wutong Passenger Wharf to Shuitou Pier on Kinmen. Always confirm the pier on your ticket before travel.
Yes, you should treat this as an international or cross-border movement and carry your passport and required entry documents. Rules vary by nationality, so check current requirements before booking.
A day trip can work if ferry times and entry rules line up, but it is a tight plan. Staying overnight gives you more time for Kinmen's villages, coastal roads and historic sites.