Official app — MTR Mobile (iOS) · MTR Mobile (Android)
1. ALWAYS TAP OUT ON THE MTR! The fare is calculated between entry and exit stations. If you don't tap out, the maximum fare is charged automatically and recovering it requires visiting a customer service centre.
2. Octopus Card is essential — but top up in time! The card allows up to HKD 35 negative balance, after which turnstiles block you. Top up at any MTR station, 7-Eleven, Circle K, or via the Octopus app.
3. Airport Express ≠ regular MTR! Your Tourist Day Pass does NOT include the Airport Express. Always buy a separate Airport Express ticket.
4. Three taxi colours — three different zones! Red taxis (urban), green taxis (New Territories), blue taxis (Lantau Island only). A green taxi cannot take you to Hong Kong Island.
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Validity | When to choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Card Our pick | HKD 150 (HKD 50 deposit + HKD 100 value) |
Stored value, no expiry | Works on all transport + shops |
| Contactless bank card | Same MTR fare as Octopus | Per ride | Quick option without card purchase |
| MTR Tourist Day Pass | HKD 75 / day | 1 day unlimited MTR | Only if you make 5+ MTR rides per day |
| Airport Express Single | HKD 120 (Hong Kong Station) HKD 105 (Kowloon Station) |
Single journey | Arriving at HKIA |
| Airport Express Return | HKD 215 (Hong Kong Station) | Return (valid 30 days) | Departing via HKIA — saves time at airport |
| MTR Single Ticket | HKD 4-55 depending on distance | Single journey | Occasional / one-off use only |
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is located on Lantau Island, approximately 35 km from the city centre. The Airport Express is by far the best option for most travellers.
| Option | Time | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express Our pick | 24 min (HK Station) 21 min (Kowloon Station) |
HKD 120 / HKD 105 | Every 10 min |
| Bus A11/A21 | 60-90 min | HKD 33-40 | Every 15-30 min |
| Bus S1 + MTR | 45-60 min + transfer | HKD 6-10 + MTR fare | Every 15 min |
| Taxi | 45-75 min | HKD 250-350 | Always available |
The Octopus Card is the universal payment method in Hong Kong. It is a physical rechargeable contactless smart card and works on the MTR, buses, trams, Star Ferry, and even in 7-Eleven. Fares on the MTR are calculated by distance between your entry and exit stations.
| Main form of payment | Octopus Card (physical card) |
| Multiple travellers on one card? | No — 1 person per Octopus Card or contactless card |
| Check-in / validate | NFC tap at turnstile (Octopus or Mastercard/Visa) |
| Payment methods | Octopus Card, Mastercard/Visa contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Fine for fare evasion | HKD 500 + fare |
| Night transport after 01:00 | Yes — night buses 24h; MTR until ~01:00 |
| Exit scan required? | YES — always tap out on MTR |
| Octopus minimum balance | HKD 35 (card blocks below -HKD 35) |
| Real-time info | Yes (MTR Mobile, Citymapper, Google Maps) |
| Airport → Centre | Airport Express: HKD 120, 24 min to Hong Kong Station |
| Age | Price | Card needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years | FREE | No |
| 3-11 years | Half adult fare | Yes, Child Octopus Card |
| 12-25 years | Half adult fare (with student ID) | Yes, Student Octopus |
| 65+ years | HKD 2,00 per MTR ride | Yes, Elder Octopus |
Hong Kong's MTR is highly accessible with lifts at every station. Buses and trams are more mixed: modern buses have low-floor access, while the historic trams (Ding Ding) have steps and are NOT wheelchair accessible.
MTR Tsuen Wan Line to Tsim Sha Tsui — fully accessible, or Star Ferry (tide-dependent)
Airport Express — level boarding throughout, lift access at all stations
MTR Island Line — lifts available, no steps
Bus 6 or 6X (low-floor version when available) or taxi — check before boarding
The MTR runs until approximately 00:00-01:00 depending on the line and direction. The exact last train time varies per station — always check MTR Mobile for real-time info.
| Transport | Last service | First service |
|---|---|---|
| MTR | ~00:00-01:00 (varies by line) | ~06:00 |
| Airport Express | 00:48 (from HKIA) | 05:54 |
| Regular buses | ~24:00 | ~06:00 |
| Night buses (N-routes) | 00:00 - 06:00 | — |
| Trams (Ding Ding) | ~24:00 | ~06:00 |
| Star Ferry | ~23:30 | ~06:30 |
Hong Kong has an extensive night bus network (N-prefix routes). Most run from midnight until approximately 06:00. Pay with Octopus Card — same as regular buses.
| Line | Route | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| N121 | Central → Mong Kok → Sha Tin | HKD 8-15 |
| N170 | Admiralty → Tsim Sha Tsui → Mong Kok | HKD 8 |
| N281 | Wan Chai → Causeway Bay → Hung Hom | HKD 9 |
Hong Kong has excellent 5G coverage throughout the city. WiFi is widely available in MTR stations, shopping malls, and McDonald's. An eSIM is the most convenient way to stay connected from the moment you land.
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