Hong Kong Transport

SEA: Cross-harbour passenger services (shortest route 7-10 minutes) are operated by Star Ferries (sailing every 5 minutes) from 0630-2330.

There are frequent passenger and vehicle services on other cross-harbour routes. Wallah wallahs (small motorboats) provide 24-hour service. The outlying islands are served daily by ferries and hydrofoils. However, the opening of the Cross Harbour Tunnel means that wallah wallahs are decreasing in popularity.

Tours of the harbour and to Aberdeen and Yaumatei typhoon shelters are available by Watertours junks, and visits to outlying islands are possible by public ferry. Ferries sail to Tuen Mun, Sha Lo Wan, Tai O, Discovery Bay and Cheung Chau. Weekdays are the best time to go, since ferries tend to be very crowded at weekends.
During the typhoon season (May-November), all ferry services may be suspended during bad weather.

Rail/Metro

Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has four lines and provides a cross-harbour line. It is more expensive than the ferry, but quicker, particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than Tsimshatsui or to Lantau Island.

Trains run between 0600-0100. An MTR Tourist Ticket, valid for 2 single journeys, is available at a cost of HK$35. The price includes a map and souvenir ticket. For visitors staying for a week or more it is worth getting an Octopus Card, an electronic ticket from which the cost of the journey is automatically deducted when it is placed on a sensor.

The card costs HK$50, which includes a refundable deposit of HK$50. Any other credit remaining is also refunded when the card is handed in. At present, the card may be used on MTR services, as well as on the Kowloon-Canton Railway, major bus routes and some ferries. Plans are underway to extend its use to other routes and means of transport as Hong Kong's transport system becomes more and more integrated. For further details, contact the MTR information line (tel: 2881 8888).

The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) has 13 stations within Hong Kong. Trains run between 0530-0025 from Hung Hom (Kowloon) to Shenzhen in China. (see Travel - International section for more information). KCRC also run the Light Rail (LR) which connects the new territories of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. LR trains run from 0545-0030.For further information contact the Light Rail (tel: 2468 7788).

Road

Traffic drives on the left.

Bus:

Routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnel. These, however, are often very crowded. Exact change is required. Air-conditioned coaches operate along certain Hong Kong and Kowloon routes. Maxicabs, however, operate on fixed routes without fixed stops.

Fares range from HK$1.20 to HK$32. Make sure you have coins ready as drivers do not provide change. Services run from 6 am to midnight daily.
Late and overnight bus services connecting Hong Kong Island with major areas in Kowloon are available.

Minibus:

Minibuses are yellow and red with 16 to 20 seats on board. It's advisable to use the minibuses only if you are familiar with the route. Maxicabs are yellow and green and ply scheduled and numbered routes. Fixed fares means the exact change has to be given upon boarding.
Several routes are ideal for visitors, such as the No. 1 maxicab operating from Hong Kong Island's City Hall to the Peak (HK$7), and the No. 6 between Central and Ocean Park (HK$8).

Taxi:

These are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon. There is an extra charge (HK$20) for the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island.

Many drivers speak a little English, but it is wise to get your destination written in Chinese characters.

There are 3 taxi types. Red taxis operate between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The fare starts at HK$14.50 with HK$1.30 for every subsequent 200 metres and waiting time at HK$1.30 per minute.

New Territories' taxis are green in colour. Fares start from HK$12.50 and then it's HK$1.20 for every subsequent 200 metres.

Lantau Island taxis are blue and fares start at HK$11 plus HK$1.10 for every 200 metres.

Extra charges include tunnel toll charges and radio-called taxis.
Toll fares for the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Harbour Crossing are HK$20 and HK$15 respectively.
For Aberdeen Tunnel and the Lion Rock Tunnel, it's HK$5 and HK$6 respectively.

All taxis are licensed, air-conditioned and metred.
Price tariffs are displayed inside taxis.

Rickshaws:

These are gradually disappearing and are now purely a tourist attraction. It is advisable to agree the fare in advance.

Car hire:

Major hotels and other agencies offer self-drive and chauffeur-driven car-rental services. Daytime parking is inconvenient in urban areas so it may not be such a good idea to rent a car. Carry travel documents and driving licence when driving. Air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven limousines can be hired by the hour or day.

Documentation:

An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required. A valid national licence is accepted for up to 12 months. Minimum age is 18 years. Third Party insurance is compulsory.