Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way.
Getting around Hong Kong and visiting the city's fantastic attractions couldn't be easier with the quick and efficient MTR rail system that covers all major districts in the territory, and includes stops at the boundary with Mainland China (Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau). The MTR consists of ten lines: Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Tung Chung, West Rail, East Rail, Ma On Shan and Disneyland Resort, as well as an Airport Express. In addition, The MTR operates a Light Rail system running between Yuen Long and Tuen Mun in the New Territories, plus an inter-city train service into Mainland China. Buy the HK$55 Tourist Day Pass or HK$25 Child Tourist Day Pass, you can enjoy any one day3of unlimited travel on the MTR2 to experience this dynamic city. Ticket is valid for one month from day of issue.
For convenience, use an Octopus Card electronic stored-value card that is accepted on most public transport. The Octopus card is an electronic travel ticket that allows passengers to travel easily in Hong Kong. It can also be used at a number of stores and leisure facilities around the city.
• Octopus can be used at over 456 different Service Providers including public transportation services (MTR, KCR East Rail, Star Ferry, New World First Ferry to outlying islands, general tram services, majority of bus routes etc.), apparel stores, bakeries, car parks, cinemas, convenience stores, fast food chains, household
stores, leisure facilities, personal care stores, photo finishing stores, photocopiers, supermarkets, and vending machines. The Octopus Card can also be used at selected places in Shenzhen and Macau.
• For a more detailed listing of places where the card can be used, please visit: www.octopuscards.com
Airport Express Tourist Octopus are priced at HK$220 (with one ride on the Airport Express Link) or HK$300 (with 2 rides on the Airport Express Link) are also available. The cost includes HK$50 refundable deposit. Both passes include 3 days unlimited rides on the MTR, Light Rail and MTR Bus (except Airport Express, East Rail Line First Class, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations).
• 3 days unlimited rides on the MTR will begin with your first journey.
• Value can be added to the ticket for travel on other major means of transport or use at vending machines or shops displaying the Octopus logo.
For more information on the Airport Express Tourist Octopus, please visit the MTR website: http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/travel_pass_ael.html
With its coastal location and many outlying islands, Hong Kong operates regular ferry routes connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the Outlying Islands, as well as Macau and neighbouring cities in Mainland China.
Star Ferry
Most notable of all ferries is the humble but legendary Star Ferry service between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island from piers in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom in Kowloon and Central and Wan Chai on the Island. It offers a memorable and scenic boat trip across one of the most-photographed harbours in the world.
Outlying Islands Service
Ferries operating from the Central Ferry Piers on Hong Kong Island provide service to the main outlying islands of Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, Lamma and Lantau, including Discovery Bay. Two types of ferries operate on most routes: standard ferries and the slightly more expensive fast ferries.
There are fast ferries to and from Macau and destinations along the coast of Mainland China. These services operate from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island and the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Buses in Hong Kong are plentiful and comfortable, and most are air-conditioned. Especially popular are the double-deckers that offer great views of the surrounding city.
Bus routes cover almost all of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Kowloon Motor Bus, New World First Bus and Citybus operate routes to cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. New Lantao Bus mainly operates on Lantau Island and Long Win Bus provides bus services to north Lantau and the airport. Final destinations are prominently displayed in English and Chinese on the front of the bus.
Fares are based on distance travelled. Exact change is required. Octopus cards are accepted.
Taxis are plentiful throughout Hong Kong apart from remote areas, and can be hailed on the street (except restricted areas) or summoned by phone. All are metered, relatively cheap, air-conditioned and clean. All taxis can go to and from the Hong Kong International Airport as well as the Hong Kong Disneyland. Taxis are easily hailed in the street, although they cannot pick up or drop off passengers in restricted areas. You might also opt for the taxi-queue at a hotel or taxi stand.
There are three colours of taxi to indicate their areas of service, but all serve the airport:
Red taxis operate in most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island.
Green taxis serve the rural areas of the New Territories.
Blue taxis operate only on Lantau Island.
The Airport Express is one of the world's leading Airport railway systems and offers you swift, sure links between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Hong Kong's vibrant Central business hub. The 35.3km journey between the Airport and the city takes as little as 24 minutes.
Scheduled Airport Express Shuttle Buses carry Airport Express passengers between Hong Kong and Kowloon stations and the major hotels and key transport interchanges. This service is free of charge!
Take a step back in time and explore the bustling north corridor of Hong Kong Island aboard one of the city's historic trams. These double-decker streetcars have been travelling through Hong Kong's busiest thoroughfares since 1904 and continue to be a great way to get around.
Sit next to the window on the upper deck to get the best views. Neighbourhoods along the way include some of Hong Kong's most colourful: Western district, Wan Chai, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and North Point. Trams run from early morning until midnight.
The flat fare is HK$2 and exact change is required. You enter at the back of the tram and pay the exact fare when alighting at the front. Octopus cards are accepted
