Arriving in a new country can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. If you're a Filipino traveler landing at Hong Kong International Airport, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get to the city. Don’t worry — it’s actually easy and there are several good options, whether you're looking for the fastest way, the cheapest ride, or something comfortable.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from the airport to popular areas like Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok. We’ll keep it simple, budget-friendly, and helpful — just like advice you’d get from a fellow Pinoy who's been there.
🧭 How to Get from Hong Kong Airport to the City Centre?
Source: Wikipedia
Just landed in Hong Kong? Here's a quick guide to help you find the best way to reach the city from the airport. Whether you're saving money or want a faster ride, this table will help you pick what works best for you.
| Transport Option | From Airport | Duration | Cost (HKD / PHP) | Convenience Level | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airport Express Train | Direct from Airport Station | 24 minutes to Central | HK$115 / ₱850 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast travel, solo travellers | Clean, fast, and easy. Buy online for discounts. |
Cityflyer Bus (A21, A11) | Airport Bus Terminus | 45–70 minutes | HK$40–45 / ₱290–₱330 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travellers | Slower but good views. Ideal for hotel drop-offs. |
Taxi (Red) | Taxi Stand at Arrival Hall | 30–45 minutes | HK$300–400 / ₱2,200–₱3,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, groups with luggage | More expensive but comfortable. Watch for extra fees. |
Private Car / Transfer | Pre-booked, driver meets you | 30–50 minutes | HK$350–600 / ₱2,500–₱4,400 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, seniors, first-time travellers | Book online. Door-to-door, hassle-free. |
MTR (via bus or taxi first) | Take S1 bus to Tung Chung, then MTR | 60–75 minutes | HK$30–50 / ₱220–₱370 | ⭐⭐ | Budget + adventurous travellers | Cheapest combo but may need to transfer bags. |
Hotel Shuttle Bus | Some hotels only | 45–60 minutes | Varies / ₱200–₱500 | ⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐ | Hotel guests | Ask hotel before arrival. May be shared ride. |
🔑 Tips:
- Octopus Card: Worth getting for easy payment on trains, buses, and convenience stores.
- Travel Time May Vary: Depending on traffic and time of day.
- Language: Most signs and announcements are in English too.
🚆 1. Airport Express – Fastest Way to the City
Sources: MTR HONG KONG
The Airport Express is the quickest and most comfortable way to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city. It goes straight to important areas like Central, Kowloon, and Tsing Yi.
🛤️ Train Line
| 📍 Station | What’s Nearby |
|---|---|
Tsing Yi | Budget hotels, local areas |
Kowloon Station | Near Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui hotels |
Hong Kong Station | Central business area, ferry terminal |
🕒 Operating Hours
| First Train | Last Train | Train Frequency |
|---|---|---|
5:54 AM | 12:48 AM | Every 10 minutes approx. |
💸 Ticket Prices & How to Buy
| Destination | Price (Adult) | How to Buy |
|---|---|---|
Hong Kong Station | HKD 115 (~PHP 830) | Airport Express ticket counters, machines, or online (Trip.com) |
Kowloon Station | HKD 105 (~PHP 760) | Same as above |
Tsing Yi Station | HKD 70 (~PHP 510) | Same as above |
🧳 Pros & Ideal Travellers
- Very fast and reliable
- No traffic delays
- Comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi
- Great for solo travellers, couples, and business visitors
⚠️ Watch Out For
- A bit expensive for budget travellers
- You may still need a taxi or MTR after you get off the train
- Not ideal if you have very heavy luggage or want door-to-door service
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🚌 2. Public Buses – Budget-Friendly Option
Sources: HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
If you want to save money and don’t mind a bit longer travel time, public buses from Hong Kong Airport are a good choice. They stop at many popular areas in the city.
🚖 Where to Get a Bus
- Buses leave from the Ground Transportation Centre at the airport (follow signs after arrival).
- Look for Cityflyer routes like A21 (to Mong Kok) or A11 (to North Point, Central).
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range
| Bus Route | Fare (HKD) | Fare (PHP approx.) | Main Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
A21 | HKD 33 | ₱240 | Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui |
A11 | HKD 40 | ₱290 | Central, North Point, Wan Chai |
A22 | HKD 39 | ₱280 | Causeway Bay, Happy Valley |
🕒 Duration & Traffic Considerations
| Time | Travel Time |
|---|---|
Normal hours | 45 to 60 minutes |
Peak hours | 60 to 90 minutes or more (traffic jams possible) |
💳 How to Ride?
- Pay with an Octopus Card (recommended) or exact cash (coins preferred)
- Board at the bus stop, tap your Octopus card when you get on and off
- Buses have English signs and announcements
🧳 Who It’s Best For
- Budget travellers
- Those staying near Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, or Causeway Bay
- People who don’t mind longer rides and want to see the city on the way
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
- Traffic can make your trip longer during rush hours
- Buses can get crowded during peak times
- Carry small change if you pay cash
- Not ideal if you have a lot of heavy luggage
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🚖 3. Taxis – For Comfort and Convenience
Sources: HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
If you’re traveling with family, lots of bags, or want a direct ride, taxis are a good choice. They’re faster than buses but cost more.
🚖 Where to Get a Taxi or Book a Ride
- Find taxis at the taxi stands right outside the airport arrival halls.
- You can also book ride-hailing apps like Uber, Grab, or HKTaxi on your phone.
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost Range
| Type | Estimated Cost (HKD) | Estimated Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
Taxi (Red, urban) | HK$300–400 | ₱2,200–₱3,000 |
Taxi (Green, New Territories) | HK$350+ | ₱2,600+ |
Ride-hailing Apps | Varies (similar to taxi) | Similar |
🕒 Duration & Traffic Considerations
| Time | Duration (Minutes) |
|---|---|
Normal hours | 30–45 minutes |
Peak hours | 45–60 minutes or more |
📱 Ride-Hailing Options
- Uber: Easy to use, accepts cards, but limited availability.
- HKTaxi: Local app with lots of taxis, simple booking.
- Grab: Popular in Southeast Asia but limited in HK.
- GoGoVan: For bigger groups or heavy luggage, offers van rides.
🧳 Who It’s Best For
- Families with kids or seniors
- Travellers with lots of luggage
- Those who want door-to-door service without transfers
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
- Taxi fares can be high during rush hours or bad weather
- Some drivers don’t accept credit cards, so have cash ready
- Beware of extra fees for tolls, luggage, or late-night trips
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🚗 4. Private Transfers – Hassle-Free Airport Pickup
If you want a smooth and worry-free ride from the airport to your hotel, private transfers are the best choice. A driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to your destination.
🕒 Duration & Availability
- Travel Time: 30 to 50 minutes (depending on traffic and destination)
- Availability: 24/7, even during late-night or early-morning arrivals
💸 Cost Range
- HK$350–HK$600 (around ₱2,500–₱4,400)
- Depends on car type (sedan, van, premium) and distance
💡 Booking Tips
- Book in advance on Trip.com to get the best rates
- Enter flight number so your driver can track delays
- Double-check the pickup name sign at the arrival hall
✅ When It Makes Sense
- Travelling with kids, seniors, or lots of luggage
- First-timers in Hong Kong who want less stress
- Late-night or early flights where buses/trains aren’t ideal
📱 Perks & Advantages
- Door-to-door service—no need to carry bags far
- Meet & greet at arrival hall
- Fixed price (no meter surprises)
- Often more affordable than taxis for groups
⚠️ Considerations
- More expensive than public transport for solo travellers
- Must book in advance — not a last-minute option
- Limited changes or refunds depending on provider
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✈️ What’s the Best Way from Hong Kong Airport to the City?
There’s no one “best” way to get to the city — it really depends on what kind of traveller you are. Some people want the cheapest ride, others want the fastest or most comfortable one.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, Hong Kong has many options that can match your needs and budget.
Check the table below to help you decide. Choose what works best for you — so your trip starts smooth and stress-free.
| Travel Style | Best Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Budget Travellers / Solo Backpackers | 🚌 Public Bus | Cheapest option, covers major areas like Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui |
First-Time Visitors | 🚆 Airport Express | Fast, easy, and signs are in English—less hassle on arrival |
Families with Kids or Seniors | 🚗 Private Transfer | Door-to-door service, no need to carry luggage or change transport |
Business Travellers | 🚆 Airport Express | Quick, reliable, has Wi-Fi and connects to Central in under 30 minutes |
Late-Night or Early Flights | 🚗 Private Transfer or 🚖 Taxi | 24/7 availability, ideal when buses/trains are not running |
Heavy Luggage / Group Trips | 🚖 Taxi or 🚗 Private Transfer | More space, direct to your hotel, no train/bus transfers |
Comfort Seekers | 🚗 Private Transfer | Sit back, relax, and get dropped right at your hotel—stress-free arrival |