Getting Around Hong Kong Made Easy

Getting around Hong Kong is very easy. Their MTR system goes everywhere on Hong Kong Island and mainland Hong Kong like Kowloon and Mongkok. If you’re looking for a quick and easy guide on how to get around Hong Kong, you’ve come to the right place.

Getting around Hong Kong Made Easy: From Hong Kong Airport Into the City

One thing Asian cities do best is connecting the people to all major parts of the city. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Hong Kong’s main airport (HKG) has an express train into the city.

Since the train is connected to the airport, this airport express train takes about 24 minutes to get into Hong Kong island.

Getting to Hong Kong island is about $14 USD or $110 HK Dollars. Getting to Kowloon is about $12 USD or $110 HK Dollars.

The Hong Kong airport express train has about 4 total stops. The first stop is Asia World, which is actually before the airport stop, so there is no need to worry about this one. Then its Hong Kong Airport station, followed by Tsing Yi station, then Kowloon, then Hong Kong Island as the last stop. The train is fast and convenient.

The Hong Kong MTR

The Hong Kong Metro rail lines span from one side of Hong Kong Island to the other. The lines also cross into Kowloon and Mongkok. Fares vary by number of stops on the MTR. Check out the MTR map below. Chances are you’re going to take the MTR to your destination.

Considering the prices vary by how many stops, whether you’re a child or adult, or even if you have an Octopus card or not, its difficult to give you an estimate on prices. But if you want to find out check out their MTR planner: www.mtr.com.hk

There are 11 rapid transit lines with around 159 MTR stations. It’s also very easy to use.

MTR Map of Hong Kong — This is the map of the MTR rail lines. Feel free to download it and use it.

The Octopus Card

The Octopus Card is great. Hong Kong has made it easy for you to use one card on EVERY mode of transportation available. You can buy this card for $20 USD of HK$150. From here, you can load as much cash as you need. The coolest thing about using the Octopus card is that they’ve partnered with several stores as well. Therefore, it’s more like a debit card than a transportation card. You can pay at stores like 711 among other places. Getting an Octopus card also means you get a discount on MTR ticket prices.

If you’re going to stay in Hong Kong for an extended period of time, I suggest you get this card. If you’re only going for a couple of days or a weekend, I would say skip the card.

Hong Kong Trams

Another great mode of transportation are the trams all over Hong Kong Island. It’s one of the cheapest rides and it makes for a nice ride for sightseeing if you get a good seat. Fares for adults are $2.30 each direction, regardless of how far you travel.

hong kong tram map — The tram map on Hong Kong Island

Travel via ferry

If you’re staying in Kowloon or Hong Kong island one of the most scenic and inspiring ways to travel between the two is by ferry. The boats depart from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier (in Kowloon) and Central and Wan Chai pier (on Hong Kong Island) one adult ticket starts at $2.20 cents. You’ll get lots of great pictures of the beautiful Hong Kong and Kowloon skyline as well as sail into one of the busiest and best places to travel to in the world.

getting around hong kong star ferry — The Star Ferry has 2 routs both go from Hong Kong island

Other modes of transportation in HK.

Other than trains and trams, Hong Kong has a few other sources of transportation throughout the city. Considering it’s as wide as it is tall, you can travel via longest escalator in the world (which is free.) You can also travel via funicular for some sites. There is a cable car that takes you into the island where the big Buddha sits. You also have regular, old fashion buses and taxi’s.

Taxis in Hong Kong are like taxi’s in NYC. They’re everywhere and usually very cheap. Transportation is a competitive business in Hong Kong which means taxi prices will always stay cheap.

Whats new?

Hong Kong has new construction up its sleeves. While visiting I noticed several new rail ways and road blockades. As it turns out, they’re building a new high-speed train that takes its residents into mainland china. However, as an American Citizen you are not able to get into Mainland China without a visa. The MTR also takes you to mainland China but they kick you out if you don’t have a visa and you must return from whence you came!

Let me break it down for you:

With all of this said, you will inevitably do lots of walking. Hong Kong is as pedestrian friendly as it gets with elevated walkways all around the city for pedestrians only. It’s like having streets on top of streets.

In Hong Kong you can take:

- Airport express to and from the airport for about $14 USD or $110 HK Dollars

- Take the MTR around Hong kong, Kowloon and Mongkok

- Take a tram for about $2.30

- Ride the Star Ferry for $2.20

- Take a cable car

- Use a taxi for cheap

- Utilize the buses

- Ride the worlds longest escalator for free

or walk just about anywhere

You can purchase an Octopus card for $20 USD.

Check out their website for more info: www.mtr.com.hk

I made a video couple of years ago of one of my trips to Hong Kong below:

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