Getting Around HK (TL;DR)

Why Hong Kong’s Transit Rocks

Convenient pay: One Octopus card for almost everything (Each traveller needs their own).

Coverage: All major districts, airport link, even Disneyland line
Frequency: 2–4 min at peak, 4–8 min off-peak
Payment:
- Octopus card: Tap in/out; auto-fare deduction
- Contactless bank cards/mobile wallets (except Airport Express)
- Single-ride ticket: Slightly higher fare, buy at machines (or counter).

Typical fares: HK$4–5 (short), HK$15–20 (cross-town)
Tips:
- Avoid rush hours 7:30–9:30 am & 5–7 pm if possible
- Follow floor arrows, let people off before boarding
- No eating/drinking onboard
- Use the MTR mobile app for Line announcements and a trip advisor with fares and estimated travel times.

Routes: Island, Kowloon, New Territories — scenic and widespread
Seats: Upper-deck “tour” view; front seats first-come
Payment:
- Octopus: Tap on the reader by the driver
- Exact cash only: No change given
- Contactless bank cards/mobile wallets on many newer routes
- QR Code: Alipay/ WeChatPay

Fares: HK$4–10 (short), HK$10–15 (long), slightly more cross-harbour
Tips:
- Queue in line at stops; exit by rear door
- Try Bus 6/6X to Stanley or Bus 15C to Peak for views
- Account for traffic delays during rush
- Download the Citybus or KMB.LWB apps for real-time bus location, wait times and trip advisor.

Green minibuses:
- Fixed routes/Flexible stops/fares (HK$5–20)
- Typically scheduled
- Tap Octopus or pay exact cash on boarding

Red minibuses:
- Flexible stops, no fixed schedule
- MOSTLY Cash only (pay when you alight; drivers give small change)
- Some have Octopus readers, tell the driver where you are going so he can change the fare BEFORE you tap.

Experience:
- Fast, nimble, sometimes “hair-raising” driving
- Must buckle seat belts where provided

Tips:
- Sit up front if you need help identifying your stop
- Green buses sometimes have English stop announcements.
- Politely but loudly tell the driver to “Stop Please” and he will stop immidiately where it is safe.

Route: Kennedy Town → Shau Kei Wan (via Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay) + Happy Valley branch
- East -West (Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town)
- West to East (Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan)
- Happy Valley
Fare:
- Adult: HK$3.30
- Children under 12: HK$1.60
- Seniors (65 and up): HK$1.50
Payment:
- Coins in fare box on exit, or tap Octopus
- Contactless bank cards/mobile wallets on many newer routes
- QR Code: Alipay/ WeChatPay
- No change given, so have exact fare or card ready
Vibe:
- Leisurely 10–15 km/h—perfect for sightseeing
- Best to snag upper-deck front seat
Tips:
- Avoid morning/evening rush if you want a seat
- Trams stop at every stop on the line, pay when alighting.
- Look for the signs at the stations to tell you if the side you are on is travelling Eastbound or Westbound.

Star Ferry (Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui/Wan Chai):
- HK$3–4 per crossing; runs every 10–15 min
- Tap Octopus or insert coins/token on boarding
- Stunning skyline views (especially at sunset)

Outlying Islands (Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, etc.):
- Slow and fast ferries (HK$17–25 one-way)
- Buy tickets at pier or tap Octopus, depending on operator

Tips:
- Check last-boat timetables on islands
- For seasickness, stick to lower decks or larger ferries
- For the Star Ferry, the backrest can be reversed depending on direction of travel! Feel free to move it!

Airport Express train:
- HK$115 (single to Hong Kong Station); ~24 min to city
- Tap Octopus or buy ticket; in-town check-in at Central/Kowloon Stations
- Free hotel shuttle buses from stations to major hotels
- If travelling in groups, buy the Single Journey Group tickets. They come in 2, 3 and 4 person trips.
- This is the fastest and safest way into town.

Airport buses (A-routes & N-routes):
- HK$30–40; 45–70 min ride with luggage racks
- Tap Octopus or exact cash; scenic Tsing Ma Bridge views

Taxis:
- Metered, ~HK$250–350 to main urban areas + tolls
- Cash preferred; some accept Octopus/credit cards

Skypier:
- Connections by Ferry or Bus to the Greater Bay Area (China and Macau).

Octopus Card Essentials:
- Buy at airport/MTR for HK$50 + deposit (refundable)
- Use it for transit, 7-Eleven, fast food, some taxis, parking
- Cannot be shared, each traveller needs their own card. Octopus has “Double-tapping” protection that prevents a card being deducted for the same ride in quick succession.

Apps to Download:
- HKeMobility: Government’s All-in-one journey planner & live schedules
- Google Maps: Familiar interface with transit routing
- Citymapper / Moovit: Familiar interface with transit routing
- Citybus / KMB.LWB: Official Bus company apps. Citybus primarily serves Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. KMB.LWB primarily serves Kowloon and Lantau.

Etiquette & Safety:
- Stand right on escalators, walk left
- Queue neatly, let others off first
- Wear masks if you feel unwell; no smoking, eating, or loud calls onboard

Best Times & Routes to Explore:
- MTR off-peak for speed
- Tram mornings/evenings for atmosphere
- Buses to coastal stops (Stanley) or Peak area for views