Shenzhen Metro has announced extended operating hours for the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays. Last trains on many lines will run until around 00:00 the next day, and during the return peak, Shenzhen North Station will extend even further to 2:15 the next day. For travellers heading to Shenzhen for the day and returning at night, this means an extra hour or two of buffer — worth noting down.
1. Seven Days of Extensions: Remember These Dates
| Date | Extension arrangement |
|---|---|
| 24–25 September | Whole network (excluding Line 20) extended by 1 hour; Line 4 extended by 1.5 hours |
| 26–27 September | MTR-operated Line 4 extended by about 0.5 hours |
| 30 September, 1 October | Whole network extended by 1 hour; Line 4 extended by 1.5 hours |
| 2–4 October | MTR-operated Line 4 extended by about 0.5 hours |
| 5–7 October | Whole network extended by 1 hour; Line 4 extended by 1.5 hours |
| 6–7 October (return peak) | Line 4 extended by a further 2.7 hours; Shenzhen North Station last trains in both directions no earlier than 2:15 the next day |
"Whole network extension" means each line's "full-line last train" departs around 00:00 the next day. In addition, 13 lines continue to offer half-line last trains (terminating at intermediate stations). Line 13 will also follow the 1-hour extension. For the most accurate first and last train times at each station, check the official Shenzhen Metro app or WeChat mini-program in real time.
2. Key Stations: Airport and Shenzhen North
- Line 11 Airport Station: On all 7 extension days, last trains in both directions depart no earlier than 01:00 the next day, so even late-night flights into Shenzhen can connect.
- Lines 4/5/6 Shenzhen North Station: On 24–25 September, 30 September, 1 October and 5 October, last trains depart no earlier than 01:00 the next day; on 6–7 October the return peak extends further, with last trains in both directions no earlier than 02:15 the next day.
- High-speed rail to metro: Shenzhen North Station serves Lines 4, 5 and 6, making it the most convenient connection towards Futian Checkpoint. Line 4 from Futian Checkpoint Station is operated by MTR, so its extension arrangements differ slightly from Shenzhen Metro's.
3. Five Border Stations to Note
| Border station | Line | Main destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Luohu Station | Line 1 (terminus) | Guomao, Grand Theatre, Dongmen Pedestrian Street area |
| Futian Checkpoint Station | Line 4 (MTR-operated), Line 10 | Convention & Exhibition Center, Shopping Park, Gankeng |
| Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Station | Line 13 | Houhai, Coastal City, Shenzhen Bay MixC |
| Huanggang Checkpoint Station | Line 7 | Futian CBD, Convention & Exhibition Center |
| Liantang Checkpoint Station | Line 2 | Eastern Luohu, Yantian, Dapeng direction |
Futian Checkpoint Station (Lines 4 and 10): Line 4 is operated by MTR and is extended by 0.5–2.7 hours during the holidays, slightly different from Shenzhen Metro's arrangements; Line 10 runs directly to Gankeng Station. Note that Futian Checkpoint itself closes at night — a metro extension does not mean the checkpoint is extended.
Luohu Station (Line 1 terminus): Just one or two stops to Guomao and Grand Theatre — the smoothest route back to Hong Kong after an evening around Dongmen. The area around Luohu Checkpoint is busy, so allow an extra 20 minutes to walk to the border before the last train.
Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Station (Line 13): Line 13 is extended by 1 hour on all 7 extension days, giving extra buffer for returning to Hong Kong after a night out in Nanshan's Houhai and Coastal City area.
4. Fares and Payment Methods
Shenzhen Metro single-journey tickets start at ¥2, calculated by distance, with the most expensive journeys in the low teens. Using the WeChat Pay HK or AlipayHK ride code to enter the gates costs the same as a single ticket but saves queuing for tickets. To save more, get a Shenzhen Tong (physical card or phone NFC virtual card) — there are discounts at certain times and on transfers. Major commercial areas (Convention & Exhibition Center, Shopping Park, Houhai) have convenience stores and toilets inside the stations, so it's easy to restock mid-shopping trip.
5. Four Practical Tips
- The morning of 1 October and the evenings of 6–7 October are the busiest times at checkpoints and stations. If you're not in a rush, crossing between 13:00 and 16:00 is the most comfortable.
- Last train times are departure times, not arrival times; intermediate stations still have half-line last trains, but they may not reach the terminus, so allow 30 minutes of buffer in your plans.
- Shenzhen Metro accepts WeChat Pay HK/AlipayHK ride codes at the gates — no need to buy a single ticket. When it's busy, opening the ride code before reaching the gate saves a lot of time.
- During strong winds, heavy rain or typhoon warnings, last train and extension arrangements may be adjusted at short notice — check official announcements before heading out.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Are extended services available every day?
No. The whole-network 1-hour extension applies only to 24–25 September, 30 September, 1 October and 5–7 October — 7 days in total. On other days, services follow the weekday timetable, with only Line 4 and Line 13 having additional arrangements.
What time is the last train on Line 13 to Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint?
Line 13 is extended by 1 hour on all 7 extension days, with the last train running until around 00:00 the next day. Actual times vary slightly day by day, so checking the official app for that day's last train before departure is the safest bet.
Does a metro extension mean the checkpoint is also extended?
They are two separate things. The metro extension only covers train service hours; checkpoint opening hours are announced by the checkpoint authorities. Some checkpoints close at night, so don't assume you can still cross just because the metro is running.
Are there still high-speed trains at Shenzhen North at night?
During the holidays, Shenzhen North Station adds extra night trains to match the metro extension to 2:15 the next day. Schedules are subject to the official 12306 announcements — it's best to buy tickets on the mobile app and check arrival times carefully.
7. How to Get Back to Hong Kong After the Last Train
If you really are out until the early hours, there are still two 24-hour checkpoints to choose from: Huanggang Checkpoint and Lok Ma Chau (the Huanggang shuttle bus), and some cross-border buses also run overnight services. Note that after the metro closes, you can only reach the checkpoints by taxi or ride-hailing, which costs more late at night than during the day, and the pick-up points around Huanggang Checkpoint differ from ordinary border crossings — it's best to make this clear to the driver in advance. The three main checkpoints (Luohu, Futian/Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Shenzhen Bay) are not open 24 hours, so you cannot cross after the last train.
Sources
Compiled from the 2026 Mid-Autumn and National Day extended operating arrangements announced by Shenzhen Metro and MTR (Shenzhen) (published 22–24 September 2026), along with public compilations from Shenzhen Bendibao and mainland media. Train timetables may be adjusted according to actual passenger flow; everything is subject to the official Shenzhen Metro app and station announcements.
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