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 and get moving!
Conquer public transport in Hong Kong
1. MTR
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 these, 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, and most MTR stations are equipped with wheelchair-friendly facilities and tactile guide paths for the visually impaired.
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 2-4 minutes, and during off-peak hours, they run every 4-6 minutes. Even in the early morning and late night, the trains operate every 12 minutes, which is convenient for late-night travellers.
For journey planning, fare estimation, and train schedules, download the MTR Mobile app or visit the MTR website for an interactive map and comprehensive transit information.
Fares and tickets
The Octopus card is definitely the most handy and convenient way to pay for public transport in Hong Kong – including the MTR, buses, ferries, and even a few taxis. It’s also taken at most convenience stores and fast food joints. You can pick up the card at any MTR Customer Service Centre and top it up at Octopus Add Value Machines or any 7-Eleven, with cash top-ups starting from a minimum of $50. When you leave Hong Kong, you can get a refund for any leftover balance on your Octopus card, minus a handling fee for on-loan cards. Oh, and a cool new development is that contactless bank cards are now accepted on certain lanes, too!
Alternatively, single-journey tickets are available from the Ticket Issuing Machines at MTR stations. Rail fares are calculated based on the distance travelled. If you’re planning a day with back-to-back excursions, make sure to check the MTR website for options on frequent user passes and special schemes (especially if you’re a full-time student!). However, if your stay extends beyond a day or two, the Octopus card is the more practical choice.
Make sure you…
- Don’t eat or drink on the trains; you don’t want to spill something on the person sitting or standing next to you!
- Leave the priority seats to the elderly, children, pregnant women, and physically challenged
- Are mentally prepared for rush hour trains; you will be squished against shoulders and train doors. It’s just an inevitable daily battle, fingers crossed you won’t get crammed like sardines!
2. Bus
Zipping through the streets in Hong Kong gives you an experience of the city like no other. In fact, one of the best ways to see Hong Kong is from the top of a double-decker bus. A clean and efficient form of public transport, buses are a top-notch way of getting around the 852.
There are five major bus companies in Hong Kong: KMB operates mainly in Kowloon and the New Territories; Citybus and NWFB serve the area of Hong Kong Island and also provide cross-harbour routes; Long Win Bus caters to the Tung Chung area and the airport; and lastly, New Lantao Bus is focused on Lantau Island.
The earliest bus services start between 6 and 7am, 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. When planning your journey, it might be more efficient for you to combine two different bus routes to reach your destination.
For ease of navigation, download the Citymapper app to determine the quickest bus route to your desired location.
Fares and tickets
An Octopus card is obviously the easy option for bus travel in Hong Kong. For most buses, just tap on when you board and there’s no need to tap off, as the fare is typically a flat rate. However, for certain “sectional fare” routes, you should tap your Octopus card on the reader inside the bus before you get off to receive a refund for the unused portion of your journey. Recently, some buses have also started to accept Alipay, offering another convenient digital payment option for riders. If you prefer doing it the old-fashioned way, keep some change in your pocket, because the exact fare is required when you pay in cash.
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
- Kindly leave the priority seats to the elderly, children, pregnant women, and physically challenged
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 inhale the enchanting street views of the Western District from the upper deck. It’s all so nostalgic!
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. The earliest tram departs at 5.30-6.00 am and runs until midnight.
Check out the map of HK Tramway or follow our curated tram tour!
Fares and tickets
Regardless of how far you travel, each trip will only cost you $3.00! Pay the exact fare by using an Octopus card or cash when alighting.
Make sure you…
- Get on the tram at the back and alight at the front. And hold onto the handrails while getting up and down the stairs.
- Avoid taking the trams during peak hours like 8.00am, 12.00pm, and 6.00pm if you are in a hurry.
- Don’t get surprised if people nonchalantly jump the queues for trams, it’s typical – just for trams though.
4. Minibus
If you favour a form of less crowded public transport in Hong Kong, try the 16-seat green and red minibuses that navigate through the narrow streets and alleys of the bustling city.
The former has a scheduled service while the latter has no specific bus route, so only frequent commuters would know where they could alight. Unless you speak fluent Cantonese, or if you’re with an experienced mini-bus taker, we advise you not to take the red minibus unless you’re up for an adventure.
Check out the minibus route directory.
Fares and tickets
Payment on green minibuses can be made using exact change or an Octopus card upon boarding. While red minibuses have traditionally been a cash-only mode of transport, they too are moving with the times. Now, many green and red minibus operators across Hong Kong accept digital forms of payment, such as Alipay. Regardless of the payment method, remember to pay upon boarding for green minibuses, and before you alight when taking a red minibus.
Make sure you…
- Alert the driver that you would like to alight at the next stop by yelling (really loud!) if there isn’t a bell to ring. The driver will generally lift up his or her hand to inform you that the message has been received.
5. Ferry
Experience the magic of Victoria Harbour’s panoramic views from the deck of a ferry. Ferries are scenic, relatively speedy, and convenient, making it our top pick for public transport in Hong Kong.
One of the most efficient services is the Star Ferry, a historical icon connecting Hong Kong Island (Central Ferry Pier 7) to Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier). With ferries arriving every 6-10 minutes, service runs from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. 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. Ferries also operate from Central Ferry Pier to other main outlying islands, such as Cheung Chau and Lamma Island.
Check out the timetables for all types of ferry services.
Fares and tickets
You can, again, use the almighty Octopus card, or purchase a ticket over the Harbour Tour Ticket Counter outside the piers. It costs around $5 (and a dollar or so 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, such as Cheung Chau or Lamma Island, will be higher, reflecting the longer distance.
Make sure you…
- Look out for the moving gangplank when boarding and alighting.
- Wait for the gangplank to be completely lowered before disembarking.
- Take a gorgeous selfie if you are on a ferry at night as the dazzling city lights make a really cool background!
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 easy.
Hong Kong features three types of taxis: red taxis (urban taxis), which serve most of Hong Kong including Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; blue taxis, which are exclusive to Lantau Island; and green taxis, designated for the New Territories. For journeys that involve crossing the harbour, you should look for a Cross-harbour taxi. These can be identified by their distinct “Out Of Service” sign when they are not available for hire.
Download the handy HKTaxi app to call a taxi easily.
Fares and tickets
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 accept alternative payments, such as Alipay or Octopus cards. To determine the available payment options in a taxi, look for the stickers displayed on the vehicle, which are typically found on the rear passenger windows or the taxi’s exterior. Make sure you keep track of toll charges for the different tunnels as well!
Make sure you…
- Don’t expect to get a taxi on inclement weather days like typhoon days, as you won’t be able to wave one down on the streets. Even if you luck out, anticipate a substantial price surge (not 100% of the time, but most likely). We would recommend that you stick to MTR under such unfortunate circumstances.
- Say the district you going to first if you are not fluent in Cantonese. At least then they can start moving while you try to figure out where you are going. It’s good to have the address in Canto if possible or download a taxi translator app to help you out.
- Try not to take a taxi during the shift changeover at 4pm.
See more info on the Transport Department website.
[This article was originally published in November 2018 and updated in 2024 by Min Ji Park.]
