Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) serves Hong Kong from Chek Lap Kok, beside Lantau Island. Your departure check-in can be at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, depending on the airline, while all arriving flights use Terminal 1. Terminal 2 has no boarding gates: after checking in there, you continue towards the gates at Terminal 1. Confirm the departure terminal on your e-ticket before choosing where to get out of your train, bus or taxi.

Terminals and airlines at Hong Kong Airport

Terminal 1 departures and arrivals

Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways and China Airlines use Terminal 1 for departure check-in. The check-in level is Level 7. For someone meeting an arriving passenger, Terminal 1 arrivals are on Level 5, including when that passenger departed from Terminal 2 on the outward journey. Agree a meeting point after baggage collection rather than using the departing airline's check-in terminal as the pickup address.

Terminal 2 check-in and onward boarding

HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines, Greater Bay Airlines, Thai Lion Air, Cebu Pacific and IndiGo use Terminal 2 for departure check-in. Check-in is on Level 7. Follow the departure signs through security and immigration, then take the Automated People Mover towards the Terminal 1 boarding gates. Early-morning or late-night arrangements can instead direct you to walk to Terminal 1 for security and immigration. Follow your airline's instructions for the time of your flight, and keep enough time for the journey beyond the check-in building.

Getting to and from Hong Kong Airport

Airport Express to Hong Kong and Kowloon

The Airport Express serves Airport Station, with platform connections to both terminal buildings. It links the airport with Kowloon Station and Hong Kong Station; the train journey to Hong Kong Station takes about 24 minutes. Treat that as the rail journey, with additional time for reaching the station, moving through your terminal and continuing to your final address. Choose the city station that suits your onward journey before buying a ticket.

Airport buses

Airport buses connect HKG with Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Follow the bus-terminal signs from arrivals and choose a route for your destination. Some buses also serve the Terminal 2 departure level, so check the stop and terminal when travelling to the airport. For an unfamiliar address, look at the final stop or any onward connection as well as the bus's general district.

Taxis after arrival

Use the official taxi pickup outside arrivals. Red taxis serve urban destinations, green taxis serve their permitted parts of the New Territories, and blue taxis serve Lantau. All three categories can serve the airport, but the destination determines which queue to use. Show the complete address if you are unsure which service fits your journey, and confirm the arrangement before loading your bags.

Things to do and facilities at Hong Kong Airport

Shopping and food while waiting

Airport shops offer souvenirs and other goods, while restaurants and food outlets provide a meal or drink before your next journey. Terminal 1 has dining in its public arrival and departure areas. Choose an outlet in an area you can access, particularly if you are meeting someone without a boarding pass. If you checked in at Terminal 2, plan shopping around the onward journey to your Terminal 1 gate.

Terminal layout for a connection

Keep the difference between the departure check-in building and the boarding area in mind when reading your itinerary. Terminal 1 handles arriving flights; Terminal 2 is a departure check-in building without its own boarding gates. For a flight connection, follow transfer directions for your itinerary and ask your airline about baggage collection and the next check-in step before leaving the controlled area.

First Class lounges in Terminal 1

The Pier (First Class) is airside on Level 6 of Terminal 1, and The Wing (First Class) is airside on Level 7. Entry depends on the lounge's admission conditions. Check your entitlement before planning a visit, and allow time to reach the gate afterwards. An airside lounge cannot be used as a meeting place for someone waiting in the public arrivals area.

Preparing for a flight from Hong Kong Airport

Use your airline's check-in and reporting guidance to plan your arrival at HKG. Have your e-ticket and the documents for your itinerary ready before reaching the departure area. A Terminal 2 booking needs time for the journey beyond check-in, so avoid planning your arrival around the check-in step alone. For a flight you are taking or meeting, consult the flight status page together with the airline's notification and airport screens.

Flights and flight schedule from Hong Kong Airport

Compare flights from Hong Kong by date, airline and departure time in the fare cards. The flight schedule tables show upcoming departures and arrivals by date and scheduled time. Read baggage and change conditions alongside the timing, especially if the trip involves separate bookings. You can start with these routes:

• Hong Kong to Bali flights
• Hong Kong to Bangkok flights
• Hong Kong to Chiang Mai flights
• Hong Kong to Da Nang flights

Choose your travel date to compare the Hong Kong flight options, then check your departure terminal before arranging the airport journey.