Transportation in Hong Kong
Go behind the glittering skyline to discover the real Hong Kong, then sail the short journey across the South China Sea to explore Kowloon and the outlying islands.Most of the action is on Hong Kong Island to the south, which contains the nucleus of shops, nightlife and financial institutions in swanky Central. North of here, consumer-mad Kowloon has lively markets in Mong Kok, with museums and a harbour view to die for in Tsim Sha Tsui on its southernmost tip, facing Central. Sail to the outlying islands of Lantau and Cheung Chau, both to the west, and get a taste of rural China in the New Territories, to the far north-west of the centre.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Metro
The high-speed underground Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is efficient, cheap, safe and the easiest way of getting around, especially between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Signs and announcements are in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and trains run until 1am. Avoid crowded rush hours. In 2007, the MTR merged with the previously named Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR), so now the entire system is linked to the over-ground network to the New Territories and the border with China.
Train
The Airport Express Link train connects Hong Kong International Airport to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Trains run every 12 minutes between around 6am-1am, taking less than 30 minutes.
Tram
The cheapest, slowest and most pleasant way of getting around, trams rumble along the north of Hong Kong Island. A top-deck seat gives you a superb view from dockside Kennedy Town, through Central and Causeway Bay. Enter at the back of the tram, and deposit the fixed fare on exit at the front. The world-famous Peak Tram funicular railway connects Central to the top of Victoria Peak.
Taxi
Hail one of the many red taxis on the street (blue on Lantau and green in the New Territories) with a sign illuminated. Fares are pretty cheap, and the meter is always switched on. Few drivers speak English so it's advisable to get your address written in Cantonese and take your hotel card with you. Drivers may take a longer route to avoid rush-hour traffic.
Bus
All buses are fast, cheap and air-conditioned. The double-decker yellow buses have fixed fares on all journeys. Pay exact fare on entry. The 16-seat minibuses come in two varieties: those with a green stripe work like regular buses; the red-striped ones are like large taxis with no fixed route. Wave your arm to flag them down, and pay the driver on exit.
Foot
Hong Kong's best sights are the streets themselves, even though progress may be slow as most streets are busy. Walking in the hot summer is more comfortable in the evenings and perfect for market trawling and watching street life. Save yourself a steep climb by using the Mid Levels Escalator – the world's longest outdoor escalator – from Central to Hollywood Road (running down in the morning, uphill the rest of the day). There are plenty of elevated walkways around Central, less busy than the streets and offering a better view.
Rent your car
Hong Kong traffic travels on the left but most of China drives on the right. British-style Expressways ring Hong Kong Island, while tunnels and bridges help navigate the mountainous terrain and link the island with Kowloon. Most commercial buildings have car parks, but you’ll also find some street parking.
Transportation Tips
The easiest way to pay for journeys is with an Octopus Card, the electronic ticketing system. Top it up, then swipe it on entry to MTR, buses, trams and ferries. They can be bought and topped up at all MTR stations and 7-11 stores. If not, bring plenty of small change as most transport takes exact fares only. Avoid rush hour when getting a seat on any type of transport is tough.
