Explore Hong Kong with ease with our insider guide to using Public Transport in Hong Kong , be it by tram, ferry, MTR or taxi.
Hong Kong is an easy city to explore using public transport. However, note that it is a very busy city with lots of steep hills and steps.
For this reason it is one of the least stroller-friendly cities in the world.
If you have a baby, consider using a baby carrier instead of stroller. With toddlers and young kids, plan your day accordingly, so you don’t need to walk too far.
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Insider Tip: Get an Octopus Card
If you are planning to do a lot of exploring by public transport, it makes sense to purchase an Octopus card when you arrive in the city.
You can use these on all forms of public transport (not taxis) and it saves you from having to search around for small change and buy tickets every time you want to travel.
You can also use your credit or debit card on the MRT, although be aware of overseas transaction charges if you use it a lot.
You can top up your Octopus cards in MTR stations and some convenience stores and supermarkets. You can also use them to pay for items in some convenience stores and supermarkets.
Hong Kong Public Transport Tips
- Children under 3 travel free and children aged 3-11 travel half price.
- Most MTR stations have disability access, making it easy to take a stroller.
- Download the HKeMobility app for help with MTR route planning.
- Buy an Octopus card to save searching for coins and buying tickets each time you travel.
MTR (Underground / Subway)
The MTR is the public transport of choice for most visitors to Hong Kong. It is clean, cheap and efficient and will take you to most places you want to go.
Over 90% of MTR stations have disability access, meaning taking a stroller on the MTR is relatively easy. You will find that you have to queue for a lift usually though.
The MTR is easy to navigate and you will find an MTR map in all stations. You will also find surrounding area maps with exit information in most MTR stations. This is important for stations with multiple exits, which can often be quite far apart.
Hong Kong Trams
The Hong Kong trams are the most atmospheric mode of transport in Hong Kong. They are rickety and old but great fun for sightseeing with the kids. They are also super-cheap (less than .30c USD per ticket). ]
The tramlines run the length of Hong Kong Island and your ticket allows you to travel as far as you want.
Enter from the back, and pay as you leave from the front. Take a seat at the front upstairs for the best views.
Hong Kong Public Bus
There is a comprehensive public bus network that covers the whole of Hong Kong. Each bus stop is clearly marked with the bus number and timetable and stops.
A popular bus with tourists is the number 6, which runs from Central to Stanley over the top of the mountain, giving fantastic views.
Green Minibuses operate on fixed routes and fixed fares. These can be flagged down and will stop wherever you want them to along the route – just shout to the driver!
There are also designated stops if you don’t feel comfortable shouting out to the driver.
Hong Kong Ferries
Using the ferry is one of the most enjoyable (and scenic) ways to get around Hong Kong. With its harbour setting and outlying islands, ferries are an important part of the city’s public transport network and a fun experience for visitors, especially kids.
The most famous route is the Star Ferry, which runs between Hong Kong Island (Central and Wan Chai) and Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui). The crossing takes around 10 minutes and costs just a few Hong Kong dollars, making it one of the cheapest harbour cruises in the world.
Ferries also connect Central Pier to outlying islands such as Lantau Island, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau. These routes are ideal for day trips and are very easy to use, with clear signage and regular departures.
Most ferries accept Octopus cards, though some island routes may require you to buy a ticket at the pier. Ferries are generally stroller-friendly, but boarding ramps can be steep at low tide, so assistance may be helpful.
Insider Tip: Try to take at least one ferry trip at sunset or after dark for incredible views of Victoria Harbour lit up at night.
Hong Kong Taxis
Hong Kong taxis are plentiful and cheap. You can flag them down on the street or go to a designated taxi stand.
Available taxis have a round light glowing on their dashboard.
Most taxi drivers have a basic understanding of English and know most addresses. However, if you are unsure, either have your address written in Chinese characters or download the Hong Kong Taxi Translator app.
Note that some taxi stands are specifically for taxis crossing the harbour to either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. You will also sometimes find if you pick up a Kowloon taxi on Hong Kong Island (or vice versa), that the driver won’t know his way around very well.
Hong Kong taxi drivers aren’t officially allowed to refuse to take you to your chosen destination. However, if they are about to change shift, they may refuse to take you if it is too far out of their way. Likewise they may refuse to take you across the harbour too.
Hong Kong taxis are metred and it is illegal for taxi drivers to overcharge you or ask for a fixed fare. Your metred fare will have any bridge and tunnel tolls added to it, and you will be charged per item of luggage in the boot of the car also.
Insider Tip: Download the Fly Taxi app to book a taxi using an app.
Ride Sharer Apps in Hong Kong
As an alternative to taxis, ride-sharing companies like Uber also operate in Hong Kong. Download these apps and book a ride at the touch of a button.
- Uber – similar to the rest of the world. Hong Kong Ubers are also available in XL and XXL cars, pet-friendly cars and Uber Black – luxury cars.
- Tada – relative newcomer to the Hong Kong ridesharing scene, but often offers cheaper options.
- Dash Taxi – another newcomer on the scene with a slick app.
Getting from Hong Kong Airport to the City
Hong Kong International Airport is around 30km from the city. You have various options to get into Hong Kong from the airport: the Airport Express train, taxi, hotel shuttle bus or public bus.
Airport Express Hong Kong
The quickest and easiest way to get from Hong Kong airport into the city is via the Airport Express train.
Trains are clean and air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi and journey time is just 22 minutes to Kowloon station and 24 minutes to Central Station.
There are always plenty of taxis waiting at the Airport Express stations in town to transfer you to your Hong Kong accommodation.
Insider Tip: Use the Airport Express Check-in
When returning to the airport, with some airlines, you can check in for your flight at the Airport Express station in Central or Kowloon.
This is particularly handy if you have a few hours between hotel check-out and going to the airport.
You then travel to the airport on the train with just your hand luggage and proceed straight to security when you get there. Learn more here.
Taxi from Hong Kong Airport to City
If there are four of you in the family (with children over the age of 3), a taxi into town will be a similar cost as four train tickets and has the benefit of taking you directly to your hotel front door.
Travel time will be around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that bridge and tunnel tolls will be added to your taxi fare.
Public Bus from Hong Kong Airport to City
If you are on a budget, the public bus will cost you just $40 HKD into town and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Citybus A11 is the most popular with tourists and will take you to Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay in downtown Hong Kong island.
These double-decker buses are air-conditioned with large luggage racks.