From taxis to buses to trams, grab an Octopus card and get around like a local with public transport in Hong Kong!
As a team of hyperlocal Hong Kong residents at Honeycombers, public transport is our friend when it comes to our daily commute – whether that be neighbourhood hopping, exploring the newest restaurants and cafe openings, or simply going to and from our snazzy co-working office in Sai Yung Pun. From buses and trains to taxis, ferries, minibuses, and trams, Hong Kong is one of the best connected places in the world – and we consider ourselves blessed! Read on as we break down public transport in Hong Kong – 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.
How to get to…
- Hong Kong International Airport: Travel on the Airport Express, which connects to the Tung Chung Line via Hong Kong Station, and Tsuen Wan and Island Lines via Central Station.
- Central: Travel on the Tsuen Wan and Island Lines for Central Station and the Tung Chung Line for Hong Kong Station. Central and Hong Kong Stations are connected by an underground walkway within the paid area.
- Tsim Sha Tsui: Travel on the Tsuen Wan Line, which connects to the Island Line via Admiralty and Central Stations, the Tung Chung Line via Central Station, and Tuen Ma Line via East Tsim Sha Tsui Station through an underground walkway outside of the paid area.
- Causeway Bay: Travel on the Island Line, which connects to the Tsuen Wan Line via Central and Admiralty Stations, Tung Chung Line via Central Station, East Rail and South Island Lines via Admiralty Station, and Tsueng Kwan O Line via North Point.
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.
Estimated costs: Cross-harbour journeys from $10, journeys with interchanges from $13
Etiquette and tips for riding on the MTR
Here are some general etiquette tips for riding on the MTR:
- Don’t swing on the bars and handles.
- Give up your seat to those in need.
- Keep a respectful distance from your fellow riders.
- Keep your volume down when chatting or using your phone.
Honey Hack: If you’re worried about planning your way around Hong Kong, let the handy MTR mobile app help you out! There, you’ll get real-time updates for upcoming trains, as well as fare details and detailed tips for each station and route you’ll be travelling on. As frequent MTR riders, we find the software extremely useful – a definite must-have app for anyone in the city.
One final tip: make sure you’re mentally prepared for rush hour – the trains and stations can get super crowded! To navigate around crowds with ease, consider hanging back until they disperse if you’re not in a hurry, and sticking to the edges of a path if you are.
Read our complete guide to Hong Kong MTR.
2. Bus
Hong Kong bus: The basics
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.
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.
- 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.
What Hong Kongers use the bus for
Buses are our trusty partner for when we’re journeying between districts that are not directly connected by MTR. For example, travelling to Stanley, Tsz Wan Shan, and Nam Sang Wai. Certain bus routes are also ideal for traversing between the hilly districts of Central and Sheung Wan and other parts of Hong Kong Island. Finally, travelling by bus is also a great way to take in city views on the go.
Useful apps
You can determine the quickest bus route to your desired location using the Citymapper app or the KMB app. Citymapper gives you an overview of all available transport routes, while the KMB app will offer route suggestions and has relatively reliable information on the arrival times, stops, and fare details of each bus route. Tip: Don’t trust Google Maps for the bus schedules!
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.
Estimated costs: Hong Kong Island routes costs $3 – 25, Kowloon and New Territories routes costs $5 – 35, cross harbour routes cost $12 – 48, North Lantau and Airport routes costs $3 – 65
Etiquette and tips for riding on the bus
Here’s a tip: remember to alight for your stop using the red buttons located on railings inside the bus. You can do this once the bus has left the station of the previous stop.
Bus etiquette is basically the same as MTR etiquette. 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!
KMB website Citybus website Long Win Bus website New Lantao Bus website
3. Tram
Hong Kong tram: The basics
The tram system is one of the most iconic (and most beloved) forms of public transport in Hong Kong. When weather allows, we love hopping on a ding ding for a tram tour! There’s nothing more nostalgic than opening a tram window and feeling the gentle breeze as we glide through the enchanting streets of Hong Kong Island. That being said, the tram is a slower, more laid-back way to travel. So, if you’re not up for a leisurely ride, consider other modes of transportation.
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
Pay the exact fare by using an Octopus card or cash. You can also pay with your Visa card.
Estimated cost: All journeys cost $3 for adults, $1.50 for children aged 3 – 12, and $1.30 for seniors
Etiquette and tips for riding on the tram
An important tip: unlike buses and mini buses, you pay at the front of the tram when alighting, not when you get on at the back of the tram!
The same etiquette for riding on buses and the MTR apply to the tram, but we’d put more emphasis on keeping your volume low. As the tram is a slower form of public transport in Hong Kong, many passengers are likely expecting a serene city ride and would appreciate some peace and quiet. Consider your tram ride an immersive experience and join your fellow passengers in sitting back, relaxing, and letting the ambience of the city streets envelop you as you ride.
4. Minibus
Hong Kong minibus: The basics
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. 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.
How Hong Kongers use the minibus
While there’s no official website for Hong Kong minibus, we’ve found 16seats.net particularly useful when planning for a trip to Shek O, Sai Kung, and other nature hotspots in the city. The site gathers information on schedules, fare information, and even a directory for all the minibus routes in Hong Kong.
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.
Estimated costs: Journeys ranges from $5 – 20
Etiquette and tips for riding on the minibus
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’d advise against hopping on a red minibus.
5. Ferry
Hong Kong ferry: The basics
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.
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 and cross-harbour ferries, you can expect fixed fares for the lower and upper deck (which has air-conditioning) on weekdays, and a slight increase on weekends. For ferry rides to the outlying islands, fares will be higher to reflect the longer distances travelled.
Estimated costs: From $10, with higher prices for journeys to outlying islands
Etiquette and tips for riding on the ferry
Once again, the same etiquette mentioned above applies when riding on the ferry. However, since this is a relatively stable form of transport when in cruise, it’s okay to walk around the passenger deck when the waves are smooth. Don’t be shy to find a photo spot – you can get some seriously good shots of Victoria Harbour when you’re on the water!
Official ferry service website Star Ferry Website
6. Taxi
Hong Kong taxi: The basics
Compared to North America, Europe, or even Japan, taking a taxi in Hong Kong is relatively affordable and hailing one on the streets is simple. There are three types of taxis here:
- Red taxis: These are urban taxis that serve most of Hong Kong including Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
- Green taxis: These are designated for the New Territories.
- Blue taxis: These 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
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!
Estimated costs: 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. If you want to see a more detailed breakdown, check out the Transport Department’s website.
Our tips for riding taxis in Hong Kong
- Apart from hailing down a taxi on the streets, you can also use Uber or Tada to call one.
- Taxis usually offer a lower rate for the same journey compared to other ride-hailing services like Uber.
- 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 are 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 3 to 4pm, as cabs are few and far between.
Where to get an Octopus card
Given the all-round use of the Octopus card, we highly recommend getting one if you’re staying in Hong Kong for more than a couple of days. Not only can you use it to pay for public transport, it’s also a common form of payment at convenience stores and many eateries and shops.
You can get a Tourist Octopus Card at the MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine at the Airport Station, or at any MTR station’s Customer Service Booth. Alternatively, they also sell Octopus cards at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. At the end of your trip, take your card to a Customer Service Booth at an MTR station to get the remaining funds and the card refunded. And if you don’t want a physical card, you can download the Octopus Card for Tourists app for a digital card that you can top up with a debit or credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most convenient way to pay for public transport in Hong Kong?
The most convenient way to pay for public transport in Hong Kong is using an Octopus card. Similar to the UK’s Oyster card, this is a rechargeable card that can be used on all public transport as well as many convenience stores and eateries in town. You can buy an Octopus card at MTR stations and convenience stores.
What are the main types of public transport available in Hong Kong?
The main types of public transport in Hong Kong are:
- MTR, the rapid transit railway system that’s the fastest way to get around
- Buses, with extensive networks covering most areas of the city, including those not covered by the MTR
- Trams, which service Hong Kong Island
- Ferries, with routes between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the outlying islands
- Minibuses, with fixed and flexible routes
- Taxis
How do I plan my journey using public transport in Hong Kong?
To plan your journey using public transport in Hong Kong, you can download official mobile apps for the MTR and KMB Buses, which provide fare details and real-time updates, as well as route planning features. Google Maps also has generally reliable directions for travelling on public transport in Hong Kong.
Are there any travel passes available for tourists?
The Octopus Card for Tourists is the best travel pass for travellers in Hong Kong. Designed for visitors, this Octopus card functions like the regular card, letting you get around the city with ease on any form of public transport. Alternatively, the Airport Express Travel Pass is best suited for visitors primarily using the MTR and includes a return trip on the Airport Express.
