Hong Kong Transport Rules – What Travelers Need to Know

Flying from the Philippines to Hong Kong soon? Getting around is one of the easiest parts of your trip. The city’s transport system is fast, clean, and very tourist-friendly, with English signs everywhere. From airport trains to ferries and buses, moving around is simple even for first-timers. This quick guide will help you travel around Hong Kong smoothly and without stress.

Hong Kong Airport Transfers

Landing at Hong Kong International Airport is smooth, and getting into the city is just as easy. Here’s a practical, updated guide with the latest tips Filipino travelers actually need.

🚄 1. Airport Express Train

The fastest and most reliable option from HKIA to the city. Ideal if you want a stress-free ride after a flight.

• Time: ~24 minutes to Hong Kong Station (Central)
• Fare: HKD 115 (adult, one way)
• Stops: Tsing Yi, Kowloon, Hong Kong
• Why choose this: Fast, comfortable, lots of luggage space
• Bonus: Free hotel shuttle buses from major stations

🧳Travel Tips: Pay using an Octopus Card for faster entry, or book online for bundled deals

🚌 2. City Buses (A21, A11, etc.)

Best budget option and surprisingly convenient if your hotel is along the route.

• Time: ~45 to 70 minutes
• Fare: HKD 35 to 45
• Popular routes:
• • A21 → Tsim Sha Tsui / Mong Kok
  • A11 → Causeway Bay / Central
• Why choose this: Cheapest option with direct stops near hotels
• Luggage: Storage racks available on the lower deck

🚖 3. Taxis

Good for groups, families, or late-night arrivals when you want door-to-door service.

• Time: ~30 to 45 minutes (no traffic)
• Fare: Around HKD 250 to 350+ (plus tolls, luggage fees may apply)

Taxi Color Cheat Sheet:

• Red taxis: Urban areas (Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok)
• Green taxis: New Territories (Sha Tin, Tai Po)
• Blue taxis: Lantau Island only (including airport nearby areas, Ngong Ping)
• Pro tip: Show your hotel address in Chinese or on Google Maps to avoid confusion

MTR (Mass Transit Railway)

The MTR is the fastest and easiest way to get around Hong Kong. It connects all key areas and is very tourist-friendly.

📍Key Stops Filipino Travellers Should Know

• Central – business district, shopping, attractions
• Tsim Sha Tsui – harbour views, museums, shopping
• Mong Kok – markets and street food
• Causeway Bay – shopping and entertainment
• Hong Kong Station – Airport Express arrival point

🕒Timings & Frequency

• Operating hours: Around 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (most lines)
• Airport Express: 6:00 AM to 12:45 AM
• Frequency:
• • Every 2 to 3 minutes (peak hours on main lines)
  • Every 5 to 8 minutes (off-peak)
• Peak: 8:30–9:30 AM, 6:00–7:00 PM

💳💳 How to Pay

• Octopus Card (best option)
• Tap & go: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay
• Mobile pay: Apple Pay, Google Pay

Note: Contactless payments are charged at adult fares (no discounts)

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Hong Kong vs Central: ~10-min walk connection
• Admiralty: big interchange, follow signs
• Tsim Sha Tsui vs East Tsim Sha Tsui: separate stations
• Check the right exit before leaving

Buses

Hong Kong buses are reliable, affordable, and great for reaching places the MTR doesn’t cover. They’re also a good choice if you want a more scenic ride around Hong Kong.

🕒 Timings & Frequency

💳 How to Pay

• Octopus Card: Tap when boarding
• Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Cash: Exact fare only

📍 Major Bus Operators

• Kowloon Motor Bus – Covers Kowloon and New Territories (red or gold buses)
• Citybus – Main operator for Hong Kong Island and airport routes (yellow buses)
• Long Win Bus – Serves airport and New Territories (orange buses)

Note: New World First Bus is no longer operating. It is now fully merged under Citybus

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Wave to stop the bus
• Press the stop button before your stop
• Use lower deck for luggage (airport buses)
• Sit upstairs front for the best view

Trams (Ding Ding)

Hong Kong’s “Ding Ding” trams are one of the cheapest and most unique ways to explore Hong Kong Island. Slow but scenic, they’re perfect for short rides or just enjoying the city views.

💳 Fare & How to Pay

• Adult: HKD 3.30 (flat rate)
• Children: HKD 1.60
• Seniors: HKD 1.50

Payment options:

• Octopus Card: Tap when you exit (front)
• Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• QR: AlipayHK, WeChat Pay
• Cash: Exact fare only

🕒 Timings & Frequency

• 5:30 AM to midnight
• Every 2–5 minutes
• Full route (Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan): ~90 minutes

📍 Key Stops

• Western Market
• Central
• Causeway Bay
• Happy Valley (select routes only)

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Board at the back, exit at the front
• Sit upper deck front for the best views
• Ring the bell before your stop
• Slow ride, not for rushing
• Avoid bringing large luggage

Minibuses

Minibuses are a fast, local way to reach areas the MTR and big buses don’t cover. Think of them as shortcuts around Hong Kong, especially for hills and residential areas.

🟢 Green vs 🔴 Red Minibuses

• Green minibuses: Fixed routes, fixed fares, easier for travelers
• Red minibuses: Flexible routes, fewer rules, more local experience

Capacity update: Most minibuses now have 19 seats. No standing allowed

🕒 Timings & Frequency

• Green: ~6:00 AM to midnight, every 10–20 minutes
• Red: No fixed schedule, mostly daytime to late night
• Some routes run overnight

💳 How to Ride (Updated)

Green minibuses:

• Octopus Card (tap when boarding)
• Contactless cards and mobile pay (on newer buses)
• Cash (exact fare)

Red minibuses:

• Mostly Octopus or cash
• Contactless not always available
• Tell the driver where you want to stop

⚠️ Quick Tips

• No seats = no ride, driver will not stop if full
• Seatbelts are required if available
• Press stop button (green) or say “stop, please” (red)
• No space for large luggage
• Use Google Maps or apps to check routes first

Ferries

Ferries are one of the most relaxing ways to travel around Hong Kong. The iconic Star Ferry is a must-try, connecting Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with great skyline views. You can also take ferries to islands like Lantau, Cheung Chau, and Lamma for easy day trips.

🕒 Timings & Frequency

• Star Ferry: ~6:30 AM to midnight
• • Every 7–20 minutes
• Outlying island ferries: ~7:00 AM to evening (varies)
• • Several trips per day, check schedule

💳 How to Ride

• Octopus Card: Most convenient
• Contactless & QR: Available at many piers
• Cash: Exact fare if paying at counters
• Island ferries: Buy tickets at the pier or online
• Fare (Star Ferry): Around HKD 2.70–3.70

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Ride the Star Ferry at sunset for the best views
• Check schedules early for island trips
• Sit on the upper deck for photos
• Bring a light jacket, it can get windy

Taxis

Taxis in Hong Kong are one of the easiest ways to reach your hotel directly. They’re safe, metered, and now much easier to pay for.

💳 Payment (Major Update)

All taxis are now required to accept electronic payments:

• Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Octopus Card
• QR payments: AlipayHK, WeChat Pay
• Cash: Still accepted

Tip: Check payment stickers on the window before getting in

🚦 Taxi Colors & Starting Fare

• Red taxis (Urban): HKD 29 – Hong Kong Island & Kowloon
• Green taxis (New Territories): HKD 25.50
• Blue taxis (Lantau): HKD 24

💸 Extra Charges to Know

• Luggage: ~HKD 6 per piece (large bags)
• Tunnel tolls: Around HKD 25–50 depending on route
• Booking fee: ~HKD 5 (if booked via app or phone)

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Make sure the meter is on
• Ask for a receipt in case you forget something
• Show your destination in Chinese for clarity
• Use apps like HKTaxi or Uber Taxi for convenience
• No tipping needed, just round up if you want

Private Cars / Ride-Hailing

Ride-hailing in Hong Kong is now a licensed and regulated service, making it a reliable option alongside taxis and public transport.

📱 Top Apps to Use

Uber

TADA

DiDi

DASH Taxi

• Uber – Uber Taxi (licensed taxis) and private cars
• TADA – often cheaper with promos
• DiDi – popular across Asia
• DASH Taxi – local app with meter-based pricing

⚖️ What Changed

• Fully licensed drivers and vehicles with insurance
• Limited supply, so wait times can increase during peak hours
• Surge pricing applies for private cars
• Taxi options in apps usually follow meter rates + small fee

💳 Payment & Pickup

• Cashless only: Pay via card, Apple Pay, or e-wallet
• Pickup points: Use designated areas (not taxi stands)
• At the airport, pickups are usually at Car Park 1

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Compare ride-hailing vs taxi price before booking
• Try TADA promos for cheaper first rides
• Choose Uber Taxi if you want faster pickup
• Expect small airport surcharges
• Best for late night, groups, or heavy luggage

Octopus Card

If you’re going around Hong Kong, this is the one thing you should get. It saves time, less hassle, and you don’t need to think about small change every ride.

📱 Mobile vs Physical (What to use)

Mobile Octopus (recommended)

• Add it to your phone before or after arrival
• Top up using your card (even GCash Visa or GoTyme works)
• Check balance anytime
• No need to queue at the airport

Physical card

• Buy at airport or MTR stations
• Around HKD 150 (includes deposit + stored value)

🚍 Where you can use it

• MTR, buses, minibuses, trams, ferries
• Taxis (now widely accepted)
• 7-Eleven, Circle K, supermarkets, fast food

🔄 How to reload

• Mobile: top up in the app
• Card: reload at MTR stations or convenience stores
• Max balance up to around HKD 3,000

⚠️ Tips

• You can go negative once (around -HKD 50), then need to reload
• Returning the card early may have a small fee, some people just keep it
• Tap in and out on trains, tap once on buses
• Check your balance before entering the gate

Which Transport Option Is Best for You?

Choosing how to get around Hong Kong depends on your budget, itinerary, and how you like to travel.