Detailed Explanation of Hong Kong Taxi Fares

Hong Kong's taxi (also called "taxi") fare structure is clear, but different car types, regions, and additional services can affect the final price. Below are the detailed methods of calculating fees and important notes:

1. Types of Taxis and Basic Fees

In Hong Kong, taxis are divided into three colors based on their operating areas, with different charging standards:

1. City Taxis (Red)
2. Operating Area: Main areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories (such as Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan), and some roads on Lantau Island (such as the airport, Disneyland).
3. Starting Fare: HKD 27 (for the first 2 kilometers).

4. Subsequent Charges:

   • Every 200 meters: HKD 1.9 (from 2 km to 9 km).
   • Every 200 meters: HKD 1.3 (after 9 km).
   • Waiting time: HKD 1.7 per minute (e.g., during traffic jams or waiting).

5. New Territories Taxis (Green)

6. Operating Area: Limited to northeastern New Territories (such as Yuen Long, Tuen Mun) and some designated roads.
7. Starting Fare: HKD 23.5 (for the first 2 kilometers).

8. Subsequent Charges:

   • Every 200 meters: HKD 1.7 (from 2 km to 9 km).
   • Every 200 meters: HKD 1.3 (after 9 km).
   • Waiting time: HKD 1.5 per minute.

9. Lantau Island Taxis (Blue)

10. Operating Area: Limited to Lantau Island (such as Ngong Ping, Mui Wo).
11. Starting Fare: HKD 22 (for the first 2 kilometers).
12. Subsequent Charges:
    • Every 200 meters: HKD 1.7 (from 2 km to 20 km).
    • Every 200 meters: HKD 1.5 (after 20 km).
    • Waiting time: HKD 1.5 per minute.

2. Additional Fees

The following situations require extra charges (taking red taxis as an example): 1. Luggage Fee:
- Each piece of luggage placed in the trunk: HKD 6 (small items like handbags are free). 2. Cross-Harbor Tunnel Fee:
- If passing through tunnels such as the Hung Hom Tunnel or Western District Tunnel, passengers must pay single or round-trip tunnel fees (drivers may ask for payment in advance).
- Example: The single-trip toll for the Hung Hom Tunnel is HKD 25 (borne by the passenger). 3. Pets/Animals: HKD 5 per pet. 4. Phone Booking Service: HKD 5 (through apps or phone booking). 5. Reservation Service Fee: Some drivers charge approximately HKD 10-20.

3. Payment Methods

1. Cash: Most taxis accept Hong Kong dollar cash (it is recommended to prepare small bills).
2. Octopus Card: Some vehicles support it (confirmation needed beforehand).
3. Electronic Payments:
4. Alipay HK, WeChat Pay (requires binding to a Hong Kong bank account or enabling cross-border payment).
5. Credit cards (only supported by a few vehicles).

4. Notes to Consider

1. Meter Rules:
2. Drivers must charge according to the meter. If the driver asks for negotiation or refuses to take you, you can note down the license plate number and file a complaint with the Hong Kong Transport Department (phone: +852 2889 9999).
3. Inter-district Restrictions:
4. Green and blue taxis cannot pick up passengers in urban areas; transfers in designated areas are required.
5. Peak Hours:
6. Morning and evening rush hours (7:00-10:00, 16:00-19:00) may increase waiting fees due to traffic jams.
7. Airport Surcharge:
8. A surcharge of HKD 5 applies when departing from Hong Kong International Airport.

5. Recommended Cost Estimation Tools

1. Hong Kong Transport Department Website: Provides real-time fare simulation calculators (link).
2. Taxi Apps:
3. HK Taxi: Supports fare estimation and booking.
4. Uber: Covers most areas of Hong Kong.

6. Reference Case

• From Hong Kong Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui (approximately 35 km):
• Red taxi fare ≈ HKD 300-350 (including luggage fee and tunnel fee).