Getting Around Hong Kong, China

Globetrotter
22 May 2023 - 5 min read

One of the busiest countries in the world, after Beijing and New York, Hong Kong is always full of crowds, and there are hardly any quiet hours or days in Hong Kong.

Even though it is crowded and fully populated, the traffic management and transportation system in Hong Kong is very neat and efficient.

You can explore Hong Kong only by using public transportation, which is relatively modern. What modes of transportation can you use while in Hong Kong? You can read this article to the end.

Hong Kong Travel Card

Before taking public transportation in Hong Kong, you must have a Hong Kong travel card with an Octopus Card. The Octopus Card is crucial for getting around Hong Kong as it's used for nearly all public transit. An Octopus card lets you tap to enter transit in Hong Kong without needing any cash.

To get this card, you can buy it at the train ticket counter at the airport. The price for one ticket is HKD 150 with HKD 100 content. You can only use the balance on this card for HKD 50, while the rest is for a deposit. If your card balance runs out, you can top up at the ticket counter at the station in Hong Kong Kong. Besides paying for public transportation, you can also use this card to shop at “Seven-Eleven” in Hong Kong.

Then, what about the deposit balance? You can still withdraw this balance and return the card to buy train or bus tickets at the counter.

Transport to Explore Hong Kong

Then how to explore Hong Kong using public transportation? The following is a list of public transportation you can use in Hong Kong.

Airport Express

Arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, you can directly use the airport express to go to the city center. This airport transportation in Hong Kong will take you directly to the city center. The station itself is inside the airport, so you no longer need to leave the airport. It only takes 30 minutes to get to Causeway Bay or Kowloon. Arriving at the city center, you can continue your journey by MTR, bus, or other transportation.

Fare: The ticket price is around HKD 100 per person.

Tips: Don't forget to bring a public transportation map in Hong Kong so you know which station to get off at. Stay alert and choose the correct path to avoid getting lost.

Airport Buses

If you want it cheaper, you can take the airport bus. But it would be best to leave the airport first to catch this bus. This bus is a double-decker bus with transparent glass, so you can enjoy Hong Kong’s scenery while traveling. Travel time to get to the city center is about 1 hour.

Fare: Only around HKD 40 to HKD 50.

Tips: Go up to the 2nd floor of the bus for a great view. Get off at the district or city according to your destination, then continue with other modes of transportation.

MTR

Information and Benefits: Public transportation in Hong Kong to explore the districts and cities is the MTR or Mass Transit Railway. This is the Hong Kong metro that has existed since 1979. The current rail length is around 135.6 miles or about 218 km.

Routes: There are 155 MTR stations in Hong Kong, with 68 light stops and 87 rail stations. The line covers the whole area of Hong Kong, including Disneyland Resort.

Fares: Starting from HKD 3.6 for 1 station and HKD 22 for all stations.

Tips: Check the Hong Kong MTR travel map first. Ensure your Octopus Card balance is filled with a minimum balance according to the tariff.

Tram Ding-Ding

Information and Pros: Tram Ding-ding is a special rail bus in Hong Kong. One uniqueness of this transport is that it has two decks, above and below. Those who want to go around Hong Kong and enjoy city views can use this.

Route: There are only two routes: the western and eastern.

Fares: Starting from HKD 3 to HKD 22, depending on your travel distance.

Tips: Take the tram from the back door and choose the upper deck for more freedom to enjoy the city of Hong Kong.

Taxi

To explore Hong Kong, you can also take a taxi which will take you anywhere around Hong Kong more quickly. You can use a taxi to go places not traversed by trams or MTRs.

Fares: Hong Kong taxi fares are expensive at around HKD 50 to HKD 100 for the first 3km.

Tips: Prepare the right money to pay for the taxi. Make sure you ask about the fare before boarding.

Star Ferries

Hong Kong has several small islands that you can visit using the Star Ferry. Those of you who are going to Macau can take this ship which is always available 24 hours a day in Hong Kong.

Route: Serves to Macau and Kowloon.

Fare: Around HKD 50 to HKD 100 one way.

Tips: Buy tickets at the official counter to get the right price.

Rickshaw

The only traditional transportation in Hong Kong you can find is a rickshaw, and Rickshaw is a cart pulled to transport people. You can find this mode of transportation in rural Hong Kong or tourist spots.

Fare: Depends on the distance, from HKD 30 to HKD 50.

Tips: Ask for the rates in advance. If you can speak Mandarin, you might get a lower price.

Rent a Bike

You can get around Hong Kong by bicycle. However, renting a bike in Hong Kong is quite complicated, and you must obtain a permit from the relevant ministry to ride a bicycle. Besides, bicycles are only suitable for exploring the Hong Kong countryside. It is highly not recommended for cycling in urban areas because Hong Kong's streets are very congested.

Rates: HKD 5 to HKD 10 per hour. You can rent directly for 8 hours at HKD 30 if you want cheap.

Tips: Use safety gear when riding a bicycle in Hong Kong.

There are many ways to get around Hong Kong; you can combine this transportation to explore and explore Hong Kong more closely.

Now, it's time for you to plan your Hong Kong itinerary and pack your bag. But first, make sure that you already book the best deal hotels and flight tickets to Hongkong through Traveloka.

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