Hong Kong Transportation

Hong Kong is the main gateway to China and much of East Asia. Therefore, the international air service is excellent and competition keeps the fares relatively low compared to neighboring countries.

Air

Hong Kong Airport

Hong Kong AirportHong Kong Airport

As one of the most important hubs for international passenger and cargo flow, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a great asset to Hong Kong. The success in keeping the flow fluent and reliable and in providing a high-quality service to airport customers has won the airport many prestigious awards.

The latest accolades HKIA has received include the Best Airport Worldwide as chosen by both business and leisure travellers, according to the results of the authoritative AETRA survey announced in March 2005. HKIA has received the prestigious 'Airport of the Year 2005' title awarded by SkyTrax for the fifth consecutive year. These and other accolades reinforce Hong Kong's official branding as a dynamic physical and cultural hub with world-class infrastructure.

As the world's fifth busiest international passenger airport and most active worldwide air cargo operation, HKIA sees an average of more than 650 aircraft take off and land every day. Near 60 scheduled passenger carriers and 15 all-cargo operators link Hong Kong with more than 140 locations round the world.

An extensive air network and Hong Kong's strategic location positions HKIA as Asia's Superhub' and a gateway of China. With regular flights to about 40 destinations in mainland China, HKIA becomes the airport of choice for international travellers to and from the Mainland while meeting the ever-growing travel and cargo needs of the rapidly-expanding Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.

Special facilities and processes make HKIA easily accessible to the PRD's population of 48 million, as well as to the fledgling air travel market offered by the mainland in general. Creating fast, hassle-free surface connectivity between the PRD and HKIA is an ongoing priority for the airport, which has co-operated with transport providers locally and across the border to establish user-friendly land and sea links.

The SkyPier service in particular enables passengers from the PRD to journey to HKIA by high-speed cross-boundary ferries. Travellers arriving Sky Pier then proceed to the passenger terminal by bonded buses for their flights without having to go through immigration and customs formalities. This has cut travel times from some PRD ports by half.

In addition to cross-boundary ferry service, some 200 coach trips are made every day by five bus companies to link HKIA with 40 towns and cities in the PRD. Calling at smaller towns to optimise each route, the coaches - which pass through border immigration and customs checks - carried a total of 1.2 million passengers in 2004.

Cargo throughput for 2004 topped 3.1 million tonnes, continuing on the growth curve with a 25.2 percent increase over 2002, and a 17.4 percent increase as compared to 2003. Planning is under way to ensure HKIA is well equipped to meet demand into the future.

As a contributor to Hong Kong's prosperity, HKIA is much more than a launch-pad for international travel - a diverse range of enterprises employing 50,000 people has transformed the airport into a 'mini-economy' in its own right. Prime examples of major companies based at the airport include the two Hong Kong home-carriers Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair (Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited).

HKIA is also home to a number of aviation logistics companies such as cargo operators Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) plus express freight carrier DHL - all of which have been expanding their operations at HKIA. Other related industries at HKIA include cleaning contractors, aircraft maintenance companies, catering firms and ramp-handling operators, as well as the huge retail presence in the passenger terminal.

Over 37 million passengers passed through the airport in 2004, helping HKIA's SkyMart to flourish into a shoppers' paradise with 160 outlets and 40 eateries over more than 39,000 square metres. In fact, HKIA was named "Best Airport - Dining Facilities" by the Skytrax international survey, which awarded the overall Airport of the Year 2004 title after polling five-million international air travellers.

A great deal of effort and attention to customer feedback has gone into making sure the "HKIA experience" is increasingly pleasant, easy, safe and efficient. For example, continuous improvement measures mean 90% of passengers now wait less than 15 minutes at check-in areas, the last bags arrives in the reclaim hall within 40 minutes.

The passenger terminal has been designed to provide calm, clarity and convenience and offers a wide range of useful and relaxing facilities including rest lounges, a proliferation of TV screens carrying news and entertainment, free and pay-Internet lounges and a children's play area. In addition, travellers with Wi-Fi enabled laptops can enjoy high-speed Internet access almost anywhere airside without wires and phone-sockets. The airport terminal is also well designed to accommodate the Airbus 380, the world's largest commercial plane, due to begin test flights in 2005. HKIA also maintains some of the world's highest standards in security and safety, which is quintessential to provide a peace of mind for passengers passing through the airport.

Looking to the future development of the airport, the construction of SkyPlaza next to the present passenger terminal will serve as a focal point for HKIA's air, sea and surface traffic flows. The SkyPlaza is part of the larger development called Sky City which will also include the Asia World-Expo exhibition centre, the second hotel project, a 9-hole golf course as well as the permanent cross-boundary ferry terminal.

With management focused on the core values of safety, security, operational efficiency and service excellence - and with 10 key expansion projects already planned for implementation - the scene is set for growth and an even greater strategic role in the region's future for HKIA, the pride of Hong Kong.

How to Get to the Airport

Hong Kong Airport Shuttle BusThe Shuttle Bus Running between Hong Kong Airport and the Downtown

The website of Hong Kong International Airport: http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html

It is very convenient for passengers to get to the airport, including by airport shuttles which links the airport with the business district in Central District, by buses which links the airport with most area in Hong Kong, by taxi, tourist bus and VIP cars.

Taking airport shuttles to the airport is very convenient, and it takes only 24 minutes from the airport to the Central District by airport shuttle. The shuttles are operated from 05:50 am to 01: 15 am in the day, and the shuttle bus usually runs every 12 munities. The last bus leaves the airport at 12:48 pm. There are waiters in each stop for helping passengers carry their luggage.

Hotel shuttle buses are also available, running between the airport and some big hotels in Hong Kong. The counter service is located in C07 and C08 counter in the Tourist Bus Station, Passenger Terminal Building 2, with the telephone number is 00852-3193 9333.

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The following is the timetable of airport bus.

Line Destination First Run/Final Run Ticket Price (HKD) Notice
“A” Lines - Airport Bus Service
A10 Ap Lei Chau Estate (鴨脷洲邨) 06:50 - 00:20 48
A11 North Point Ferry Pier(北角碼頭) 06:10 - 00:30 40
A12 Siu Sai Wan (小西灣) 06:00 - 00:10 45
A21 Hung Hom Station (紅磡站) 06:00 - 24:00 33
A22 Lan Tin Station (藍田站) 06:00 - 00:10 39
A31 Quanwan (荃灣) 06:00 - 24:00 17.8
A33 Tunmen Station (屯門站) 17:10 * 26.1 One run a day
A41 Satian Station (沙田) 06:00 - 24:00 21
A41P Ma On Shan (馬鞍山) 07:05 - 24:00 26.1
A43 Fanling (粉嶺) 07:00 - 24:00 29.2
A35 Mui Wo(梅窩) 06:25 / 06:55 / 08:35 / 18:20 / 23:30 15(From Monday to Saturday)/ 25 (in Sunday and public holidays) Five runs a day
“E”Lines-Buses from the Airport to Other Places in Hong Kong
E11 Tin Hau Station (天后站) 05:20 - 24:00 21
E21 Acturus (大角咀) 05:30 - 24:00 14 *
E22 Lan Tin Station (藍田) 05:30 - 24:00 18
E22A Tsueng Kwan O (將軍澳) 07:00 - 23:50 24
E22B Tsueng Kwan O (將軍澳 17:45 / 18:15 * 24 Two runs during the period from Monday to Friday, no service in weekends.
E22P You Tang (油塘) 17:35 / 17:57 / 18:05 / 18:20 * 18 Two runs during the period from Monday to Friday, no service in weekends.
E23 Tsz Wan Shan (慈雲山) 05:30 - 24:00 18
E32 Kwai Fong Station (葵芳站) 05:30 - 24:00 * 10.5
E33 The Center of Tuen Mun District (屯門巿中心) 05:30 - 24:00 13.6
E33P 兆康站 17:40 / 18:10 / 18:50* 14 Three runs a day
E34 The Center of Tian Shui Wai District (天水圍市中心) 05:30 - 24:00 13.6
E41 Tai Po Tau (大埔頭) 05:30 - 24:00 13.6
E42 Shatin (沙田) 05:30 - 24:00 13.6
"N" Lines-All-night Bus Services
N11 Central District (中環) 00:50 - 04:50 31
N21 Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) 00:20 - 04:40 23
N21A Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) 05:00 * 23 One run a day
N23 Tsz Wan Shan (慈雲山) 00:15 / 01:10 * 23 Two runs a day (Star from Tung Chung)
N26 You Tang (油塘) 00:20 * 23 One run a day (Star from Tung Chung)
N29 Tsueng Kwan O (將軍澳) 00:15 / 01:10 24 Two runs a day (Star from Tung Chung)
N30 Yuen Long (元朗) 00:20, 01:00 & 01:10 / 00:30 * 27.1
N31 Discovery Park in Quanwan District (荃灣愉景新城） 00:15 - 05:15 (the lasst bus will not pass Shongren Road and North Tung Chung Station.) 20.9
N35 Mui Wo (梅窩) 01:30 / 04:30 * 21(from Monday to Saturday) /32 (in Sunday and Public Holidays) Two runs a day
N42 Ma On Shan (馬鞍山) 00:20 * 26.1 One run a day (Star from Tung Chung)）
N42A Luen Wo Hui in Fanling (粉嶺聯和墟） 00:20 * 29.2 One run a day (Star from Tung Chung)
N64 Eaton in Tung Chung東涌逸東） 00:45 / 01:15 * 5.2 Two runs a day
"S" Lines- Buses Running past the Airport
S1 From Tung Chung Station (東涌站) to Asia Worl-Expo (亚洲国际博览馆) 05:30 - 24:00 3.5
S52 From Eaton in Tung Chung東涌逸東）to Aircraft Maintenance Area 05:28 - 23:28(Star from Tung Chung), 05:52 - 23:52 (Star from Aircraft Maintenance Area) 4
S52P From Eaton in Tung Chung東涌逸東）to Asian Airfreight Terminal 07:18 - 08:58 ** 3 No operation in Sunday and public holidays
S56 From Eaton in Tung Chung東涌逸東）to Passenger Terminal Building 1 (一號客運大樓) 05:55 - 22:55 3.5
S64 Eaton in Tung Chung東涌逸東） 05:24 - 24:00 3.6

Waterway

Hong Kong Waterway TransportationHong Kong Waterway Transportation

Hong Kong's ferries are almost always faster and cheaper than the buses and provide fantastic photo opportunities. The Star Ferry crosses the harbor between Central and Kowloon, taking just 7 minutes. Ferries operate every 5-10 minutes. Adults over 65 years of age ride free and there are discounts for children under 12.

The HKF Company operates a number of useful ferries and hovercraft between Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hovercraft are twice as fast as conventional boats, more modern and more comfortable. The drawback is that they are not particularly smooth and when the weather is rough, hovercraft bounce considerably.

HKF also operates ferries to the Outlaying Islands of Lantau, Lamma, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau islands. These ferries depart from in front of Exchange Square in Central. The piers are all clearly signposted. On weekends, there are a few ferries to Lantau and Cheng Chau from the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Fares are reasonable, except on weekends when the prices nearly double.

Also read Chartering a Boat in Hong Kong.

Daily ferries operate between Hong Kong and Zhuhai, which are frequent and fast. A single trip will take about 70 minutes.

Departure Port Destination Port Departure Time
Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong 08:00, 10:00, 11:45, 14:00 16:00, 17:00
Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai HK-Macau Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 18:00, 19:30, 20:30, 21:30
China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai 07:30, 08:30, 09:30, 11:30 13:30, 15:30, 17:45
HK-Macau Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai 08:40, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 16:30, 19:30, 21:30

Jetfoil

Passenger also can take a jetfoil: a five-star Premier Jetfoil with exclusive and luxurious services of superb quality coming and going among Macau, Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport, Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, Shenzhen Shekou Port and Guangzhou Nansha Port. The newest five-star Premier Jetfoil is equipped with the latest LED lighting system, top-quality Samsung onboard entertainment system, VIP Cabin which comes with a self-controlled air conditioning and lighting system and free WiFi service. Passengers of VIP Cabin can use the online meal reservation service, reserving on www.turbojetbooking.com 24 hours prior to sailing time for specified meal choice. Check out more information about jetfoil transport among Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau and Guangzhou.

City Transportation

The Buses of Hong Kong City TransportationThe Buses of Hong Kong City Transportation

The extensive bus system offers a bewildering number of routes that take you just about anywhere in Hong Kong. Most visitors use the buses to explore the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Northern Hong Kong and Kowloon are best explored and well-served by the MTR.

In Central, the most important bus station is on the ground floor under the Exchange Square. From this station, you can catch buses to Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, Stanley and other southern destinations.

In Kowloon, the Star Ferry Bus Station is the most useful, with buses to the KCR station and points in eastern and western Kowloon.

Subway

The MTR is clean, fast, safe and easy. It is one of the world's most modern subway systems. Though it costs a bit more than other forms of public transport, it is the quickest way to get to most destinations. Trains run every 2-4 minutes from 6am to 1am daily on three lines. Fares range from HK$5 to HK$15. If you plan on doing a lot of traveling, the Octopus Card offers excellent value on MTR, LRT, KMB, City bus and HKF ferries. Octopus Cards can be purchased from ticket offices or customer service centers in MRT, KCR East Rail and LRT stations, and certain ferry piers of the HKF.

For short trips, the MTR is not the best value. For example, if you want to cross the harbor from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central, the MTR is about five times the price of the Star Ferry without the views and is only slightly faster. However, if your destination is further away, the MTR is considerably faster than a ferry or bus and about the same price.

Taxi

The Taxies of Hong Kong City TransportationThe Taxies of Hong Kong City Transportation

Hong Kong taxis are not too expensive compared to other major modern cities. With more than 18,000 cruising the streets, taxis are usually easy to flag down, except at bus stops and restricted areas where the curb is painted yellow. Taxis can also be difficult to flag during rush hours. Taxi fares start at around HK$15. If you go through any harbour tunnels, you must pay twice the toll as the driver's return toll has to be paid as well.

Many taxis have a card that lists the top 50 destinations in English, Cantonese and Japanese. This is useful as most drivers don't speak English. It's a good idea to have your destination written down in Chinese. If you leave something behind in the taxi or feel a taxi driver has ripped you off, get the taxi number and call the police hotline on 2527-7177.

Getting Around

Hong Kong is small and crowded, therefore public transport is the only practical way to get around. Consequently, public transport is cheap, fast, widely used and generally efficient.

Vehicle Hiring

There is no need to drive yourself around Hong Kong, unless you are planning an excursion to the New Territories. Even then, you may do better with public transport unless you are going to a very remote location. Car rental companies require either an International Driver's Permit or one from your home country and a credit card deposit of HK$5000. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age. Daily rates range from HK$700 for a small car to HK$3000 for an up-market vehicle. Reputable car rental companies are: Ace in Happy Valley (Tel: 2560-8689); and Avis in Causeway Bay (Tel: 2890-6988)

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"Hong Kong－The Pearl of the Orient" This vibrant city can give you an impress as: Gourmets' Paradise, City with a Passion, the City that Never Sleeps, Land of Limitless delights. In the Ocean Park, you will not only have fun, but also get knowledge of wildlife conservation." Hong Kong Tours

Hi, I'm Gavin Van Hinsbergh
I updated this article on April 15, 2013
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Q: cris Asked on 2013-04-20 Reply
Going to Macau coming from my hotel in Yau Ma Tei, where do I take the Macau Ferry? What should I look for when I reach Macau, that will give me free access to bus shuttles taking me to the different hotels there? Again, thanks so much.
Dear cris, You could take a ferry at HK Macau Ferry Terminal to Macau. Please click this link to check the details: http://www.szgky.com/en/gaferry.asp Some hotels in Macau will provide shuttle from the port to the hotel. I suggest you ask your hotel if they provide this service. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-04-22
Q: cris Asked on 2013-04-20 Reply
Hello! I will be staying at the Cityview Hotel in Yau Ma Tei. What''s the best way to get to ICC? From ICC, can I walk towards the Star Ferry? From Star Ferry, what''s the best way to get to IFC in Central? Thanks so much.
Dear cris, The places are not near each other. from the cityview hotel to ICC: 4.5 km from ICC to Star Ferry: 4 km from Star Ferry to IFC: 4 km I suggust you'd better get to each place by taxi. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-04-22
Q: farid Asked on 2013-02-19 Reply
hi, I am an Iranian passport holder and currently I am living in Shenzhen. To go to HK , we need visa. But I wanna know if I want to go to HK airport directly from Sheku port, do I still need to get a HK visa? I am planing to take a trip to Turkey, and it is cheaper if I take a flight from HK to Antalya. what about my return? if I arrive at HK airport, can I directly take the ferry to come to Shenzhen without having to go through costumes in HK. I have the Shenzhen residence permit. thank you
Dear Farid, Based on your itinerary, you don't need a HK visa, if you have a China visa already. As you would like to go to HK, and then go to Turkey, at last go back to Shenzhen, please make sure your visa is double or multiple entry visa, or you could not go back to mainland China. When you arrive in HK airport, you need to go through custumes, then you could go to the port for taking a ferry to Shenzhen. Some of my clients coming from Turkey travelled China through HK, so you could search the price on line. I suggest you check the price on this website and many people use this agency for booking tickets. Please click: http://www.flychina.com/ Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-02-19
Q: Rai Asked on 2012-12-13 Reply
Hi, I am going to China from HK Airport, what would i ride or take as means of transpo to reach China, how much would it cost me, and where can i stay i Guangdong?Thank you
Dear Rai, You could take a bus from Hong Kong airport to Shenzhen where is next to Hong Kong, it takes about 1 hour. Please check the details on this website. Please click: http://www.hongkongairport.com/CBT/Itinerary?actionType=list&locale=eng&locType=t&locCode=szc&arr_dep=D&locations=-SZC&operation=&deptDate=&schehr1=00&schemin1=00&schehr2=23&schemin2=59 About Shenzhen hotels, we listed many options on our website for reference. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/search-hotel.asp Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-12-13
Q: Muljanto Asked on 2012-12-11 Reply
Hi, we (3 adults with 1 boy aged 5 yrs old) will be in hk 22-24dec..how is the best transportation we should use? Is it MTR the best ? Since we will visit ocean park, disney , city tour shopping. How to get MTR tickets? Or better to buy Octopus ?How about for telecomunication means operator we should buy ... Any Prepaid car available to use wiyh blackberry since we have to connect with our bussiness partner in Indonesia?..how is it cost?Tks for advise

Hi Muljanto, the best transportation to cover all these places is by private car. You can buy the MTR tickets inside the metro station, there are several windows for tickets selling.  If you buy an Octopus, you will get some discount.  You can use Wifi for communication.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-12