The Shenzhen Metro is the backbone of public transport in the city — extensive, fast, cheap, and signed in English. With twelve lines and over 250 stations, it connects virtually every district a visitor would want to reach. Single-journey fares are low; a Shenzhen Tong transport card or mobile payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay is faster than buying tickets.
Taxis and Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) fill the gaps the metro doesn't reach. Taxis are metered and inexpensive by international standards; Didi is often cheaper still and easily accessible via the English-language app. Ride-hailing apps are essential for reaching attractions in the outer districts.
For longer cross-city trips, the high-speed rail station at Futian connects to Guangzhou in 30 minutes and to Hong Kong in 14 minutes. Ferries from Shekou terminal reach Hong Kong International Airport and several Hong Kong ferry piers, making Shekou a useful arrival and departure point if you're continuing on to the territory.