Getting Around Hong Kong: MTR, Trams, and Ferries

Hong Kong has arguably the world's best transit: the MTR is fast, spotless, and signed in English; the HK$3.30 double-decker trams are rolling sightseeing; the Star Ferry crosses the harbour for HK$5-6.50. Get an Octopus card and skip taxis in rush hour — the train beats traffic every time. One caveat: last MTR trains run around 12:30-1am.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Star Ferry still worth riding?

Absolutely — it's transport and a harbour cruise in one. Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui takes under 10 minutes and costs HK$5 weekdays, HK$6.50 weekends and holidays for the upper deck. Ride it at dusk when the skyline lights up; it beats every paid harbour tour.

What are the minibuses and should tourists use them?

The 16-seat green and red minibuses are the locals' express network — fast, frequent, and slightly chaotic. Green ones have fixed stops and take Octopus; red ones are freeform and often cash-only, and you must shout your stop to the driver. Fun once you're confident, skippable on a first visit.

How much does the MTR cost in Hong Kong?

Most urban trips run roughly HK$5-15, longer cross-harbour or New Territories rides HK$15-30 — distance-based, cheaper with Octopus than single-journey tickets. Airport Express is the exception at up to HK$130 single from Hong Kong Station (around HK$120 with Octopus).

How do the Hong Kong trams work?

Board at the back, ride as far as you like, pay a flat HK$3.30 (Octopus, contactless, or exact cash) at the front when you get off. They run only along the north side of Hong Kong Island, roughly Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan. Grab the front seat on the upper deck — best cheap ride in Asia.

Can I use my credit card instead of an Octopus card on the MTR?

Mostly yes — MTR gates now accept contactless Visa, Mastercard, and other bank cards on regular lines, and trams take contactless too. But Octopus is still smoother, works on every bus, minibus, and ferry, and dodges foreign transaction fees. Get one anyway.

How do I get from the airport to the city?

Airport Express reaches Kowloon in about 21 minutes and Hong Kong Station (Central) in 24 — single fares up to HK$130, a bit less with Octopus, with free in-town shuttle buses from stations to major hotels. The A11/A21 Cityflyer buses cost around HK$35-40 and take 45-70 minutes but roll right through the sights.

Should I take taxis or Uber in Hong Kong?

Red urban taxis are cheap by global standards and everywhere, but many drivers take cash or Octopus only and speak limited English — have your destination written in Chinese. Uber operates in a legal grey zone and costs more. For most trips, honestly, the MTR wins.

What time does the MTR stop running?

Last trains leave around 12:30-1:00am depending on the line, restarting around 6am. After that you're on night buses (N-routes) or taxis, which are plentiful and metered — flagfall around HK$29 in urban areas. Plan late nights in Lan Kwai Fong accordingly.