Hong Kong has one of the world's best public transport systems, built around the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). The Octopus Card is the universal payment method. It is a physical rechargeable contactless smart card and works on the MTR, buses, trams, Star Ferry, and even in 7-Eleven. Critical tip: always keep sufficient balance on your Octopus Card; the system allows up to HKD 35 negative, after which your card is blocked.
iOS: MTR Mobile | Android: MTR Mobile
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 — this leads to awkward situations at the hotel.
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Validity | When to choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Card | HKD 150 (HKD 50 deposit + HKD 100 value) |
Stored value, no expiry | BEST CHOICE! 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 |
| 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 |
The Student Octopus Card applies half fares and requires enrolment at a Hong Kong school or university. As a tourist, you are not eligible. The regular Child Octopus (aged 3-11) is available without conditions.
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 | 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 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'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 Star Ferry between Central/Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui is an iconic Hong Kong experience — and still one of the best value trips in the city.
Hong Kong taxis are metered, relatively affordable, and plentiful. Know the colour zones:
Cycling in urban Hong Kong (Central, Kowloon) is not recommended — extremely hilly and traffic-heavy. Good cycling paths exist in the New Territories, particularly around Shing Mun Valley and Tai Po.
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.
Best choice for most travellers. Instant activation, excellent coverage in Hong Kong and the region. Also works in mainland China (separate plan).
Perfect safety net. Free basic data for essential apps like WhatsApp or Maps — no credit card needed.
Best for power users and content creators. Unlimited data, no throttling, ideal for navigating and streaming.
Don't drag your suitcases around the narrow streets of Hong Kong. MTR stations have lockers, and luggage storage services are widely available near tourist areas.
Store your bags in 50+ local shops and hotels. Best coverage in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Mong Kok areas.
Premium storage network with vetted hotels and businesses. Fully insured and bookable in advance.
Self-service lockers are available at larger MTR stations including Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station.