Hong Kong International Airport at a glance

Hong Kong International Airport, often called Chek Lap Kok after the island it was built on, is the city's gateway to the world. It opened in 1998, taking over from the old Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon, whose approach over crowded rooftops became famous among pilots and passengers. The airport uses the codes HKG (IATA) and VHHH (ICAO).

Where the airport is: Lantau, Hong Kong

The airport sits on reclaimed land off the northern coast of Lantau Island, next to the new town of Tung Chung. Although it feels far from the skyscrapers of Central, fast rail and road links bring the city within about half an hour.

Terminals and facilities at Hong Kong Airport

Terminal 1 handles most flights and connects to the T1 Satellite Concourse and the Midfield Concourse, where passengers ride an automated people mover to reach gates. Terminal 2 has been rebuilt and handles departures for a number of airlines, so check your terminal before you travel. Around the terminals, SkyPlaza and the SkyCity complex add shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment.

Airlines at Hong Kong International Airport

The airport is home base for Cathay Pacific, along with local carriers including HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines. Dozens of foreign airlines also fly in, linking Hong Kong with destinations around the world.

Getting from the airport into Hong Kong

• Airport Express: MTR trains reach Hong Kong Station in Central in about 24 minutes, stopping at Tsing Yi and Kowloon, and run roughly every 10 minutes for most of the day.
• Buses: Cityflyer and other airport bus routes serve Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories at a lower fare but a longer journey time.
• Cross-boundary links: SkyPier ferries connect with ports in the Pearl River Delta, and buses across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge run to Macau and Zhuhai.
• Taxis: red urban, green New Territories and blue Lantau taxis each serve different areas, so use the right queue.

Attractions near Hong Kong International Airport

If you have a few spare hours, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car leaves from Tung Chung and climbs to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Tai O, a fishing village of stilt houses on Lantau's west coast, is another easy escape. Further in, Victoria Harbour, the Peak and Mong Kok's street markets show the city at its liveliest.

Tips for flying from Hong Kong

• Airport Express passengers heading out can use in-town check-in at Hong Kong or Kowloon Station with participating airlines.
• Allow extra time if your gate is at the Midfield Concourse, which needs a train ride.
• An Octopus card works on the Airport Express, buses and at many shops.

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