Hong Kong Transport

Getting about is made easy in Hong Kong by a plethora of transport options, many of which favour tourists and are an attraction in their own right. The metro MTR and LTR train systems provide fast access to major parts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, while buses and taxis provide universal access. Tourists can also make use of the tram system on Hong Kong Island as well as the various harbour ferries.

Metro

Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Rail (MTR) serves most of the tourist areas of Hong Kong including the north side of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. There are three tunnels between Hong Kong and Kowloon, while the Kowloon/Guangzhou line links Kowloon with the New Territories and the Chinese border (Lo Wu). In addition, there is a light rail service (LRT) in operation in the New Territories which links Tuen Mun with Yuen Long.

By bus

Buses offer more coverage than the MTR and LRT train services, although bus stops are often hard to find. If you are based in the south of Hong Kong Island or on Lantau however, then buses are really your only option for cheap travel. Several types of bus operate in Hong Kong including: double-decker buses, which have the most coverage; Citybus; Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB); New World First Bus and New Lantao Bus. There are also smaller red and green minibus services known locally as ‘maxicabs’.

Taxis

Travelling by taxi is another option in Hong Kong, although buses and the MTR cover most of the territories. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced and are coloured red with a silver top, apart from those based in the New Territories, which are green with a white top. You cannot hail a taxi from, or be dropped off, at a bus stop.

Tourist services

Hong Kong Tramways operate narrow double-decker trams on the north coast of Hong Kong Island, which are one of the best ways for tourists to see the main sights. Tickets are levied at a flat fare. The Peak Tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway, is another tourist service, which has been serving Victoria Peak for over 100 years. The views from Victoria are breathtaking and this is one of Hong Kong’s big attractions. Harbour ferries are also a main means of sightseeing in Hong Kong.

From the airport

Transport services from Hong Kong International Airport to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are excellent, with an Airport Express train that runs to Hong Kong via Kowloon in a little over 20 minutes as well as buses, taxis and ferries. The Cityflyer airbus runs to Hong Kong from the airport in 35 minutes, while public buses are also on-hand. Ferries also serve the mainland from a pier near the airport and taxis are the most expensive option.