The transport system in Hong Kong is well established and has a large variety of choices. It is also internationally famous for being safe, affordable, reliable and efficient.
Mass Transit Railways (MTR)
The MTR system extends from the heart of Central and Causeway Bay to the New Territories and Lantau Island, covering all major districts in Hong Kong. The MTR also operates Airport Express and light rail networks servicing Hong Kong International Airport and the northwest New Territories. Service hours are from around 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and vary depending on the lines.
Airport Express: The fastest way to get downtown is by MTR’s high-speed Airport Express train. Running from early in the morning to midnight, it departs around every 15 minutes and stops at MTR Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong stations.
It takes about 24 minutes to reach MTR Hong Kong Station in Central district. Airport Express passengers can take a free shuttle bus from Kowloon Station or Hong Kong Station to major hotels. Both stations also provide free in-town check-in services for major airlines.
Buses
Buses in Hong Kong are plentiful and comfortable. Routes are extensive and include many scenic spots, tourist destinations, and the airport. Fares are inexpensive. Bus services in urban areas usually run at frequent intervals between 6 a.m. and midnight, with some even in 24-hour service.
Minibuses
Minibuses carry up to 19 passengers and are divided into two types. Red minibuses have fares that vary according to distance travelled and time of day. Green minibuses have fixed scheduled, routes and fares.
Ferries
Star Ferry: The historic Star Ferry shuttles across Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, with another route running between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai. The service began in 1898, and the cross-harbour voyage still offers a million-dollar view for just a few Hong Kong dollars.
Outlying Island Ferries: Ferries operate from the Central ferry piers to the main outlying islands of Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and Lantau Island, including Discovery Bay. They run from early in the morning to midnight depending on the routes.
Trams
Tram on Hong Kong Island: The city’s historic double-decker trams, in service since 1904, travel along Hong Kong Island’s northern shoreline with stops at a number of major attractions. It is an affordable and fun way to go around, which also provides passengers with a fascinating slow-moving view of Hong Kong’s urban bustle. It costs a flat fare regardless of the distance travelled. The trams run daily between 5 a.m. and midnight.
Peak Tram: One of Hong Kong’s major attractions, the Peak Tram provides spectacular harbour views as it climbs from Central to the Peak. Inaugurated in 1888, the system is now fully modernised with automated and computerised two-carriage trams. The service runs daily every 10-15 minutes between 7 a.m. and midnight.
Taxis
Visitors can find plenty of taxis running throughout the city and all are metered. There are three types of taxi in Hong Kong. Red taxis cover most of Hong Kong except parts of Lantau Island. Green taxis only serve the New Territories. Blue taxis operate on Lantau Island only.
Octopus Card
Travellers who intend to stay in Hong Kong for more than a few days should pick up an Octopus card. This is an extremely versatile stored-value electronic card that can be used for most public transport, as well as purchases in convenience stores, fast food shops, supermarkets, cake shops, vending machines, and more.
Visitors can either choose an On-Loan Octopus with a refundable deposit or a Tourist Octopus (Sold version). The On-Loan Octopus can be purchased at, and returned to, most MTR & Light Rail stations, First Ferry Customer and Octopus Service Centres, and KMB Lok Ma Chau Ticketing Office. The Tourist Octopus (Sold version) is available for sale at China Travel Service (HK) Limited and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Circle K and VanGO, as well as on the Ctrip website.
Value can be added at thousands of locations including convenience stores, supermarkets and MTR stations.
With a wide range of hours and a variety of transportation options throughout the city, visitors can easily explore the city day and night. For the latest information on schedules and fares, please visit DiscoverHongKong.com.
(https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/getting-around.html)