Getting around a major city like Hong Kong can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right understanding of the system, you will get to your destination with little or no trouble. Below are the main types of transportation in Hong Kong:
MTR
The MTR is the subway and rail system of Hong Kong. It has stations in New Territories, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island, connecting travelers to most major attractions and popular areas within the city. The MTR system is one of the most modern subway systems in the world. It is extremely efficient, affordable, clean, orderly and also tourist-friendly. Most stations also have shops and convenience stores located within which makes it extremely convenient for quick pick-me-ups or shopping on the go.
Each station has vending machines that accept cash only for single ride and round trip tickets. A better way to pay for this will be using the Octopus Card. The Octopus card gets you a slightly cheaper fare and for those traveling with kids, they have available a child octopus card for kids ages 3 to 11 which entitles them to cheaper, concession fares. The MTR fare varies depending on the distance you travel. Some short distanced trips can cost you as a little a few Hong Kong dollars or less than $1USD.
The MTR also offers day passes for tourists for use only on the MTR. Adult day tickets are $65HKD and child day tickets are $30HKD available for purchase with valid traveling documents at MTR station booths. I personally would not recommend this option unless you know that you will be taking the MTR at least 5 times or more on a particular day with a couple of longer distance trips or if traveling across the harbour (those tend to be more expensive, about $10 each way) as most average distance rides will cost you no more than $5-10HKD.
To give a few examples, adult sample fare as of 2018 on the Tsuen Wan line from Tsuen Wan Station (first stop) to Central (last stop) is only $14.50HKD thus rarely would anyone make enough long distance trips to justify the day pass. Tsuen Wan to Tsim Sha Tsui is $10HKD, Mong Kok to Central is $11.90, Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui is $5.30HKD and Tsim Sha Tsui to Central (one stop across the habour) is $10HKD.
See here for a map of the MTR routes.
Franchise Buses (Double Deckers)
Hong Kong mass transit buses is probably the next best mass transit option. These will take you to places the MTR trains can’t get you to. The franchise buses are operated by several different companies: KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus Company), Citybus Limited, Long Win Bus, New World First Bus, and New Lantao Bus Company. These buses are usually two levels tall with a narrow staircase leading you to the second level.
The buses all accept cash and Octopus cards but keep in mind that no change will be given if paying in cash. The bus operates on a step on system which requires you to pay when you board the bus. Most bus fares are under $10HKD. For the longer routes, the fare starts out the highest at the first stop and decreases as it hits the next zone/marker on the route for passengers getting on regardless of where you get off. It is a little confusing, but the fares are usually under $10HKD so it’s not worth stressing over; just get the Octopus card and tap the card instead of getting cash ready (the cash fare is displayed next to the box when you get on).
There are also numerous buses that service the airport. These buses are great if you do not have multiple large luggage. Most bus servicing the airport routes have an area for passengers to store luggage. Depending on route and distance from the airport fares can range from about $10HKD to $40HKD.
*Sample fare from Hong Kong International Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui will cost you around $35HKD on the A21 bus.
Airport Express
Hong Kong also has an airport express service which is a speed rail that connects you from Hong Kong International Airport to the following: Hong Kong Station in Central in about 30 minutes (Adult: $110HKD Child: $55HKD), Kowloon near West Tsim Sha Tsui in 25 minutes (Adult: $100HKD Child:$50HKD), and Tsing Yi in under 15 minutes (Adult:$65HKD Child:$32.50). You can pay via Octopus card for these prices or buy a round trip Smart ticket and save an additional $5-$15HKD per person. The Airport Express runs every 10 minutes from 5:45am to 12:45am.
Green and Red Mini Bus
Aside from the larger buses, available to you and often utilized by locals are the green and red mini buses.
The green mini buses operate on a set route and set stops on set schedules for the most part and at fixed prices payable by cash or Octopus Card.
The red mini buses are like shared taxis which operate along routes that are not always fixed and passengers can sometimes get on and off anywhere along or near the route unless prohibited. When riding the red buses, you pay as you get off the bus and for the most part, only cash is accepted and drivers will give change but it might not be exact. Very few mini buses will take Octopus cards as a payment method. Many of these buses are taken by locals who are extremely familiar with the route, I would exercise caution in taking the red buses unless you can communicate your route concerns.
Hong Kong Tramways (Trolley)
The tramway, also known as trolley, is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic and historic mode of transportation. The locals call these the ding-ding cars for the ringing bell sound they make when in operation. The trolley is only available on the Hong Kong Island side. The fare is extremely cheap (under $3HKD for adults) compared to other modes of transportation. It is slower than the buses as they run on designated tracks along a main busy road through Hong Kong Island which makes these trolley a great option for sightseeing but a not so great option if you are in a rush. There are a few different routes which can be found here. As a visitor of Hong Kong, you should definitely experience taking one of these for a scenic and historical yet affordable ride. They accept both Octopus card and cash and run from 6am to midnight at a frequency of about 2 to 5 minutes wait per arrival.
Star Ferry
The Hong Kong Star Ferry is another one of Hong Kong’s iconic and historic mode of transportation. The ferry travels from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai. Upper level fares are $2.70 on the weekdays and $3.70 on the weekends. Lower level fares are $2.20 on the weekdays and $3.10 on the weekends. The ferry accepts both Octopus Cards and cash. It runs between 7:20am to 10:30pm daily about 10-12 minutes apart during the day. The Star Ferry also offers Symphony of the Lights and other tours. See their website for more details.
Taxi
Taxis are abundantly available in Hong Kong and can be found just about anywhere. Just as New York is known for their yellow taxis, Hong Kong is known for their iconic red taxis. They operate using a meter that is distance and time based. Many can carry up to 4 passengers with some even 5. Taxi is an efficient way to travel with a small group or late at night when mass transit options are not available. Baggage charge for large pieces that need to go into the trunk is $5HKD each. Tolls are not included in the fare as well. If paying with card, at the end of your ride always get a receipt so that way the driver knows that you have their license and car number to avoid being scammed of additional charges. Sample average fair for a taxi from Hong Kong Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui is around $250HKD and around $300HKD to Central. Some taxis take Octopus cards and credit cards but in general most are still accepting cash only. Keep in mind that tipping is not required. Although when paying in cash, some passengers just ask that the driver keep the change if it isn’t too much.
With all of the options of transportation available to you, taking mass transportation in Hong Kong can sometimes be the better option then renting and driving a car due to limited parking availability and traffic congestion. If you will be traveling around Hong Kong, we hope your commutes are safe and smooth sailing or as Hong Kong-ers like to say, ‘yut lo shun fong’ (translates to whole-way smooth sail).