From taxis to bus and trams, grab an Octopus card and get around Hong Kong by public transport with our ultimate guide!
Whether you want to plan a day trip to finish off our list of top things to do in Hong Kong, or explore the street art and speakeasy bars, make sure you know the cheapest and easiest way to use public transport in Hong Kong. From buses and trains to taxis, ferries, minibuses to even trams, Hong Kong is one of the best connected places in the world. Just grab an Octopus card and get moving!
Conquer public transport in Hong Kong
1. MTR
Hong Kong MTR: The basics
When it comes to speedy public transport in Hong Kong, the MTR wins by a mile. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) consists of multiple rail lines that span across the developed areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Among them, the Kwun Tong line (green), the Tsuen Wan line (red), and the Island line (blue) are three of the key lines. The Tuen Ma line is notably lengthy, connecting Tuen Mun to Wu Kai Sha with 27 stations in between. Accessibility is a priority, hence most MTR stations are equipped with wheelchair-friendly facilities and tactile guide paths for the visually impaired.
First and last trains in MTR
Train services typically begin from around 6am and run until midnight or 1am (depending on the station and line). During peak hours, trains arrive every 2 to 4 minutes; during off-peak hours, they run every 4 to 6 minutes. Psst, make sure you’re mentally prepared for the rush hour – the trains and stations can get super crowded!
How to pay for the MTR in Hong Kong
The Octopus card is definitely the most handy and convenient way to pay for public transport in Hong Kong – covering the MTR, buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, and even a few taxis. You can pick up the card at any MTR Customer Service Centre and top it up at Octopus Add Value Machines or most convenience stores. When you leave Hong Kong, you can get a refund for any leftover balance. Contactless bank cards are now accepted in certain MTR stations, too. Left all your cards at home? Single-journey tickets are available from the Ticket Issuing Machines at MTR stations.
Love more insider’s tips and fun trivia? Read our complete guide to Hong Kong MTR!
Download the MTR Mobile app or visit the MTR website for journey planning, fare estimation, train schedules, and transit information.
2. Bus
One of the best ways to see our city is from the top of a double-decker bus. A clean and efficient form of public transport, complete with air-con for hot summer days, buses are a top-notch way of getting around Hong Kong. Just make sure you hold onto the railings while walking up and down the stairs, because the drivers won’t wait for you to take a seat before they start the bus!
Hong Kong bus: The basics
There are four major bus companies in Hong Kong: KMB operates mainly in Kowloon and the New Territories; Citybus (joined by New World First Bus (NWFB) in 2023) serves Hong Kong Island and provides cross-harbour routes; Long Win Bus caters to the Tung Chung area and the Airport; and lastly, New Lantao Bus focuses on Lantau Island.
First and last buses
The earliest bus services start from around 6am, and usually run until around midnight. If you’re out late, don’t worry – overnight “N” bus routes are available, often starting and terminating at MTR stations.
How to pay for the bus in Hong Kong
For most buses in Hong Kong, just tap your Octopus card when you board; there’s no need to tap again when you get off, as the fare is typically a flat rate. Recently, some buses have also started to accept Alipay and digital payment options. If you prefer paying the old-fashioned way, keep some change in your pocket, because the exact fare is required when you pay in cash.
Download the Citymapper app to determine the quickest bus route to your desired location.
3. Tram
The tram system is one of the most iconic (and most beloved) forms of public transport in Hong Kong. Feel the wind gently blowing on your face as you take in the enchanting street views of the Western District from the upper deck. It’s all so nostalgic! That being said, the tram is a slower, more laid-back way to travel. So, consider other modes of transportation if you’re in a hurry.
Hong Kong tram: The basics
Trams run only on Hong Kong Island, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, meaning you can hop on and off in places like Central, Wan Chai, Happy Valley, and Causeway Bay.
First and last trams
The earliest tram departs at around 5.30am and runs until midnight.
How to pay for the tram in Hong Kong
Regardless of how far you travel, each trip will only cost you $3! Pay the exact fare by using an Octopus card or cash when alighting at the front of the tram (yes, not when getting on at the back of the tram). You can also pay with your Visa card, which further reduces the fare to just $2 (offer available until 31 December 2024).
Follow our curated tram tour to plan your trip!
Learn more about HK Tramways online.
4. Minibus
If you favour a less crowded form of public transport in Hong Kong, try the 16-seat green and red minibuses that zip through the narrow streets and alleys of the bustling city.
Hong Kong minibus: The basics
Whether you’re taking the green or red minibus, make sure you alert the driver that you’d like to get off at the next stop by yelling (really loud!) if there isn’t a bell to ring. The driver will generally lift up their hand to inform you that the message has been received.
What’s the difference between green minibuses and red minibuses in Hong Kong, you ask? The green minibus has scheduled services while the red minibus has no specific bus routes, so only frequent commuters know where they could alight. Unless you speak fluent Cantonese or are accompanied by an experienced minibus taker, we advise you not to take the red minibus.
How to pay for the minibus in Hong Kong
Payment on green minibuses can be made using exact change or an Octopus card upon boarding. Red minibuses are traditionally a cash-only mode of transport. That said, many green and red minibus operators now accept digital forms of payment, such as Alipay. Regardless, remember to pay upon boarding for green minibuses, and right before you alight when taking a red minibus.
Check out 16seats online for minibus route directory, schedules, fare information, and more.
5. Ferry
Experience the magic of Victoria Harbour and the famous skyline as you revel in panoramic views from a ferry. Ferries are scenic, relatively speedy, and fairly priced, making it our top pick for public transport in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong ferry: The basics
One of the most efficient services is the Star Ferry, a historical icon connecting Hong Kong Island (Central Ferry Pier 7) and Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier). Ferries also operate from the city centre to some outlying islands, such as Cheung Chau and Lamma Island. Over the past few years, there’s been a heartfelt movement by Hong Kongers to preserve this cherished part of the city’s heritage, acknowledging its value beyond just a means of transport.
First and last ferries
The Star Ferry arrives every 6 to 10 minutes and runs between 6.30am and 11.30pm. Others, such as the ferries to Discovery Bay, operate at different times and frequencies.
How to pay for the ferry in Hong Kong
You can, again, use the almighty Octopus card, or purchase a ticket over the Harbour Tour Ticket Counter outside the piers. For the Star Ferry, a ride goes from $5 (and a tad more expensive on weekends), depending on whether you opt for the lower deck or upper deck (which has air-conditioning). However, the fares for journeys to outlying islands will be higher, reflecting the longer distance.
Take a look at the official timetables for all types of Hong Kong ferry.
6. Taxi
Compared to North America, Europe, or even Japan, taking a taxi in Hong Kong is relatively affordable and hailing one on the streets is quite simple.
Hong Kong taxi: The basics
There are three types of taxis here: red taxis (urban taxis), which serve most of Hong Kong including Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; green taxis, designated for the New Territories; and blue taxis, which are exclusive to Lantau Island. For journeys that involve crossing the harbour, you should look for a cross-harbour taxi.
How to pay for taxis in Hong Kong
The starting flat rate for red taxis, covering the initial 2km, is $29, after which the fare increases steadily for every additional 200m or for every minute of waiting time. Typically, a yellow sticker inside the cab will list additional charges for items, such as baggage or animals. While cash has traditionally been the standard payment method, some taxis in Hong Kong now accept alternative payments, such as Alipay or Octopus cards. Make sure you keep track of toll charges for the different tunnels, too!
Our tips for riding taxis in Hong Kong
- Don’t get a taxi during inclement weather (such as a typhoon), as you won’t be able to wave one down on the streets. Even if you luck out, there’ll likely be a substantial price surge. So, we recommend sticking to the MTR in this case!
- Say the district you going to first if you’re not fluent in Cantonese; at least then, the driver can start moving while you try to figure out where exactly you are going. It’s good to have the address in Canto if possible, or download a translator app to help you out.
- Try not to take a taxi during the shift changeover at 4pm, as cabs are few and far between.
Download the HKTaxi app to call a taxi easily.
[This article was originally published in November 2018 and updated in 2024 by Elaine Wong.]
