Star Ferry
7.0Friend Score / 10#18 of 20 Attractions in Hong Kong
Known forstar ferryvictoria harbourtsim sha tsuicentral
The 120-plus-year-old green-and-white ferry crossing Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central — still a real commuter service, still about HK$5, still the best cheap thrill in Hong Kong. A friend would tell you to skip pricier harbour cruises and just ride this at sunset. Only caveat: the crossing is barely 10 minutes, so temper expectations.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:30–23:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit L6 or Hong Kong/Central MTR via Central Pier 7 |
| Time needed | 10-minute crossing; 30-45 minutes with a round trip and pier wander |
| Best time to go | Sunset or just after dark, when the skyline lights up |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.0/10- Value9.8
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity9.5
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- Which direction should I ride the Star Ferry for the best view?
- Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) toward Central gives you the Hong Kong Island skyline growing in front of you, which is the money shot. Honestly, just ride both ways — it's a 10-minute crossing and costs pocket change.
- Is the Star Ferry worth it or is it a tourist trap?
- It's the opposite of a tourist trap — it's public transport that happens to be beautiful. Locals commute on it, and at HK$5 you can't lose. Ride it at dusk and you'll see why it's on every Hong Kong list.
- Can I use my Octopus card on the Star Ferry?
- Yes, just tap at the turnstile like on the MTR. Contactless credit cards also work now. No need to queue for tokens unless you want one as a souvenir.
- What are the Star Ferry operating hours?
- Roughly 6:30am to 11:30pm daily on the Tsim Sha Tsui–Central route, with boats every 6-12 minutes. There's also a Tsim Sha Tsui–Wan Chai route with slightly shorter hours. You'll never wait long.
- How much does the Star Ferry cost?
- About HK$5 for the upper deck on weekdays and HK$6.50 on weekends and public holidays — less for the lower deck. You can tap Octopus or contactless cards at the turnstile, no ticket needed. It's genuinely one of the cheapest iconic experiences anywhere.
- Is the upper or lower deck better?
- Upper deck has better views and costs about a dollar more (HKD, not USD). Lower deck puts you closer to the water and the engine rumble, which some people love. On a hot day the upper deck catches more breeze.
- Is the Star Ferry a good alternative to a harbour cruise?
- For most people, yes. Paid harbour cruises cost hundreds of Hong Kong dollars for a similar view. Ride the ferry both directions around sunset and you've had 90% of the experience for under HK$15.
- How long is the Star Ferry crossing?
- About 8-10 minutes pier to pier. Land reclamation has shrunk the harbour over the decades, so it's shorter than it used to be. That brevity is the one honest knock — it's over fast.
Nearby in Ask Hong Kong
- Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock TowerAttraction0.12 km · 2 min walk
- NED KELLY'S LAST STANDBar0.38 km · 5 min walk
- Hong Kong Museum of ArtMuseum0.39 km · 5 min walk
- Victoria HarbourAttraction0.44 km · 6 min walk
- BakehouseCafé0.52 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near Star Ferry
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