Is it hard to get around Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has a variety of convenient ways to get around, making transportation in Hong Kong easy for both locals and travelers.
In this blog post, we’ll break down all the ways you can explore the city—from the iconic Star Ferry that connects the islands, to the super-efficient MTR trains, public buses, and old-school trams. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to navigate anywhere in Hong Kong with ease. Let’s get started!
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Hong Kong Transportation Card
*What is an Octopus Card?
Octopus card is a contactless stored value smart card system used for electronic payments in Hong Kong.
This card can be used for a wide range of transactions, including public transportation (such as buses, trams, ferries, and the MTR subway system), vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food restaurants, parking meters, and even some retail stores.
*Where to Get your Octopus Card?
The easiest way is by using their App – Octopus for Tourists. All you need to do is download the app, add it to your Apple Wallet, top up your balance, and you can conveniently use it by effortlessly tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch on Octopus readers.
You can download here from the App Store or purchase the physical card in convenient stores like 7-Eleven, Circle-K or Mini-stop.
Another option is to purchase it at the airport at the MTR Ticketing Booth & Octopus Selling Machine.
*How to Use your Octopus Card?
Once you have your Octopus Card, you have the option to conveniently add funds to your balance at a top-up machine or any nearby convenience store.
Then, you can just tap your card on an Octopus readers to make payments, which is quicker and easier than using cash.
In case you’re looking for trusted tours or activities to book, check out the GetYourGuide app (only available on mobile). They’re reliable, English-friendly, and offer plenty of options. Plus, get 5% off with the code ‘NESSAHUANGG5‘.
Getting to The City from Hong Kong Airport
*Airport Express Train
The fastest way to the city, it took only 24 minutes from airport to the Central station. Price: from HK$ 6 – HK$ 115.
*Public Busses
An affordable option to get to the city. You’ll find the bus stop in the Ground floor of the airport. Price: from HK$ 15.7.
*Taxis
A door to door service to and from Hong Kong International Airport. Price: from HK$ 245, depends on your destination.
*Private Cars
Private car: Hassle free transport, perfect for big groups and families. Book here from Klook. Prices starts from: HK$520/car.
Every Public Transportations in Hong Kong
Here are 4 options for public transportation in Hong Kong. You can use your Octopus Card on all of these services.
*Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
MTR is a highly efficient and popular subway system that serves Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and parts of the New Territories. It’s one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city.
Prices starts from: HK$4.5 (Prices depend on the distance between your departure and destination).
General rule: Tap your Octopus Card on the Octopus reader when entering and exiting the MTR Station.
*Public Trams / Ding Ding Tram
Trams are an iconic part of transportation in Hong Kong, operating mainly on Hong Kong Island and offering a slow but scenic way to explore the city.
Riding on the upper deck makes the journey especially fun and gives you a unique view of the streets below. Trams are particularly popular in areas like Central and Causeway Bay and cost only HK$3 to any destination.
General rules: enter the tram from the back door, exit from the front door, and tap your Octopus Card only when getting off.
*Bus
Hong Kong has an extensive bus network that covers virtually every part of the territory, including urban areas, outlying islands, and the New Territories.
General rule: Only tap your when getting on the bus.
It’s best to get on the bus from front door and getting off from back door.
Bus tracking app: Hong Kong Bus Route: Download on App Store or Google Play.
*Water Taxi / Star Ferry
Ferries are an essential part of transportation in Hong Kong, connecting the main island to the outlying islands and the Kowloon Peninsula. The iconic Star Ferry offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and is a must for any visitor.
Ferries has two levels, and for the best views of Hong Kong, we recommend choosing the upper deck. Keep in mind that there’s no direct access between the two levels, so choose wisely before boarding. At just HK$5, it’s the most affordable way to travel from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon—much cheaper than the MTR, which costs HK$10 or more.
General rule: only tap your card when entering the ferry terminal.
Private Transportations in Hong Kong
*Private Cars
For larger groups or families visiting Hong Kong, hiring private cars through platforms like Klook can be a convenient travel option. You only need to fill in your pick up and drop off location and the time & date of pick-up.
*Taxi
Taxis are readily available in HongKong and are a convenient way to get around.
Red Taxi: operate throughout most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road on Lantau Island and on the entire south side of Lantau Island.
Green Taxi: only service the New Territories.
Blue Taxi: only operate on Lantau Island.
A Little Tip for Budget Travelers
*PACK LIGHT!
Hong Kong has SO MANY STAIRS. Especially in their MTR station exits. This can be a real hassle when you’re lugging around heavy luggage, making you feel tired and slowing you down.
And it’s not just the stairs – you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Hong Kong.
The walkways aren’t always flat, so it can feel a bit like hiking at times. If you can, consider packing light to make your journey more enjoyable and less physically demanding.
BONUS INFO
How to visit Hong Kong most popular destination:
Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminal
Sheung Wan Station, exit DIf you planning to visit Macau, here is our Day trip recommendation in Macau.
The Peak Tram
Central Station, exit J2, then 10 minutes walk.Star Ferry
Central Station, exit A, then walk through skywalk into the ferry pier.Hong Kong Disneyland
Sunny Bay Station, then transit to Disney Resort line. For more information about Hong Kong Disneyland, click here.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park Station (South Island Line)Ngong Ping 360
Tung Chung Station.
Hopefully this helps! We hope you have a great time in Hong Kong!
Love, Nessa and Linardo
