Hong Kong Public Transport System Usage Guide

Hong Kong's public transport system is renowned for being efficient, convenient, and diversified, covering subways, buses, trams, ferries, taxis, and more. Below is a detailed usage guide:

1. Main Modes of Transportation and Usage Methods

1. MTR (Mass Transit Railway)
2. Operating Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (varies slightly by line).
3. Line Coverage: Covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the airport, including major lines such as the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tung Chung Line, Airport Express, etc.
4. Payment Methods:
   • Octopus Card (most commonly used): Available for purchase at station service centers or automated vending machines. A deposit of HKD 50 is required, with rechargeable amounts determined by the user.
   • Single Journey Tickets: Purchased at self-service ticketing machines, supporting cash or credit cards.
   • QR Code Payment: Some gates support AlipayHK and WeChat Pay travel codes.

5. Practical Tips:

   • The Airport Express offers free shuttle bus services connecting to major hotels.
   • Use the "MTR Mobile" app to check real-time schedules and routes.

6. Buses (Public Buses)

7. Types: Divided into franchised buses (double-decker buses) and public minibuses (green/red).
8. Payment Methods:
   • Octopus Card (applicable to all buses).
   • Some routes support Alipay/WeChat scan codes (requires activating Hong Kong ride codes in advance).

9. Notes:

   • Red minibuses do not have fixed routes or schedules; inquire about destinations before boarding.
   • Green minibuses operate on fixed routes; press the bell before alighting.

10. Tram (Ding Ding Tram)

11. Features: Operates only on Hong Kong Island, slower but ideal for sightseeing.
12. Fare: HKD 3 for adults (only supports Octopus Card or cash coins).

13. Recommended Route: From Sheung Wan to Shau Kei Wan, offering views of old neighborhoods and urban landscapes along the way.

14. Ferry

15. Star Ferry: Connects Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wanchai. Fares range from HKD 4-6, payable via Octopus Card or cash.

16. Outlying Islands Ferries: Depart from Central Pier to Lamma Island, Cheung Chau, etc., fares ranging from HKD 10-40, usable with Octopus Card.

17. Taxis

18. Types and Zones:
    • Red: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (starting fare HKD 27).
    • Green: New Territories (starting fare HKD 23.5).
    • Blue: Lantau Island (starting fare HKD 22).
19. Payment Methods: Primarily cash, some vehicles accept Octopus Cards or credit cards.
20. Taxi Booking App: Download "HKTaxi" for reservations.

2. Recommended Payment Tools

1. Octopus Card
2. Purchase Locations: Airport, subway stations, convenience stores (7-11, OK stores).
3. Uses: Covers all public transportation, convenience stores, chain restaurants, and some attraction tickets.

4. Card Return: Before departure, return at the airport or subway stations. Deposit and balance are fully refunded (with a HKD 11 handling fee deducted).

5. Digital Payments

6. Alipay/WeChat: After activating the "Hong Kong Ride Code," it can be used for subways and some buses.
7. Traveler’s Octopus: Can be linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay, eliminating the need for a physical card.

3. Practical Tips and Precautions

1. Avoid Peak Hours

2. Weekday mornings 8:00-9:30, evenings 18:00-19:30, try to avoid the Island Line and Kwun Tong Line.

3. Navigation Tools

4. Google Maps: Check real-time bus arrival times.

5. Citymapper: Plan multi-modal transportation routes.

6. Language Support

7. Subway, bus stops, and piers all have English signage, and some drivers speak basic English.

8. Other Services

9. Free WiFi: Available at MTR stations, airports, and some buses for 15-30 minutes.
10. Lost & Found: Call the MTR hotline at 2881 8888 or the bus company hotlines.

4. Cost Reference

• Octopus Card: Deposit HKD 50, recommended initial top-up of HKD 100-200.
• Daily Transportation Costs: Approximately HKD 50-80 (depending on itinerary density).
• Airport Express: Single trip from the airport to Central costs HKD 115 (about HKD 110 with Octopus discount).

5. Recommended Itinerary and Transport Combinations

• Classic One-Day Tour: Morning: Take the MTR to Central → Walk or take the tram to tour the Central and Western Districts. Afternoon: Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui → Bus to Mong Kok. Evening: Taxi back to hotel.