Hong Kong is famous for its public transport system which is one of the most efficient, diverse and reasonably priced in the world.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) (tel: 2881 8888; www.mtr.com.hk) runs eight underground metro lines and the Airport Express link. Fares are metered by the number of stations, with only limited zoning. Visit the information counter at any MTR station and ask for the best travel pass to suit your needs, or, if you’re planning a longer stay, ask for an Octopus Card (tel: 2266 2222; www.octopuscards.com) - a smart card that automatically deducts the cost of the journey when it is placed on a sensor.
Bus routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnel. Exact change is required for passengers not in possession of an Octopus Card.
Locals use the fast and furious green and red minibuses but unless you know Hong Kong well, the routes can be confusing.
Trams only operate on Hong Kong Island. They are frequent and cheap and passengers pay with an Octopus Card or exact change as they exit. The Peak Tram, on the Island, is a funicular tramway to the upper terminus on Victoria Peak.
The Star Ferry (tel: 2367 7065; www.starferry.com.hk) ride across Hong Kong harbour is a tourist ‘must do', as well as the cheapest way to make the crossing. Passengers pay with an Octopus Card or exact change as they enter. Star Ferry terminals are in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai and Hung Hom. Other ferry services also connect with the outlying islands of the territory and other destinations.
Taxis:
Taxis are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon and are extremely cheap - most journeys cost less than HK$30. There are taxi ranks in busy locations but taxis can be flagged down anywhere on the street. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones serve the New Territories and blue ones Lantau Island. Taxis with a rectangular red plaque on their dashboard are generally cross-harbour taxis meaning passengers only pay a one-way toll for using the cross-harbour tunnel. Some journeys incur extra tolls, and charges are also sometimes added when carrying luggage. It is common for passengers to round up the fare to the nearest dollar, although this is not mandatory.
Many drivers speak a little English but visitors would be advised to carry a map or have their destination written in Chinese characters. It is also wise for passengers to ask if the taxi is a Hong Kong or Kowloon taxi when boarding, especially late at night - drivers are happiest sticking to their own side of the water.
Driving:
Driving in Hong Kong is best left to professionals. With one of the best public transport systems in the world and ubiquitous taxis, there is no need for visitors to risk going behind the wheel. Rates on cars are strong deterrents, with a 100% vehicle import tax and petrol tax, as well as hefty insurance and vehicle registration fees.
Major car parks in Central are at the City Hall, Murray Road, and the Airport Express Terminal, Man Cheung Road. In Causeway Bay, the World Trade Centre is the main parking point, while in Kowloon, parking can be found at The Sun Arcade, Kowloon Park Drive in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Car hire:
Car hire companies usually require drivers to be over 25 years and to pay a large refundable deposit. A valid driving licence from the country of residence or an International Driving Permit is required, as well as third-party insurance. Major operators include Avis (tel: 2890 6988; www.avis.com) and Hertz (tel: 2525 1313; www.hertz.com).
Bicycle hire:
Despite the heavy traffic and appalling air quality, there are places in Hong Kong to enjoy cycling - out on the islands or in the New Territories. Explore the backstreets of Lamma, Cheung Chau or Peng Chau islands and you’re likely to find someone willing to rent a bike at a reasonable price. There are plenty of shops offering bicycle hire around Tai Po MTR station. Bicycles are also available for hire from the Friendly Bicycle shop in Mui Wo (tel: 2984 2278) or Shun Lee Bicycle Company in Sha Tin (tel: 2695 7195). For mountain bike gear, contact Flying Ball Bicycle Company (tel: 2381 3661; www.flyingball.com) in Cheung Sha Wan.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) (tel: 2881 8888; www.mtr.com.hk) runs eight underground metro lines and the Airport Express link. Fares are metered by the number of stations, with only limited zoning. Visit the information counter at any MTR station and ask for the best travel pass to suit your needs, or, if you’re planning a longer stay, ask for an Octopus Card (tel: 2266 2222; www.octopuscards.com) - a smart card that automatically deducts the cost of the journey when it is placed on a sensor.
Bus routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnel. Exact change is required for passengers not in possession of an Octopus Card.
Locals use the fast and furious green and red minibuses but unless you know Hong Kong well, the routes can be confusing.
Trams only operate on Hong Kong Island. They are frequent and cheap and passengers pay with an Octopus Card or exact change as they exit. The Peak Tram, on the Island, is a funicular tramway to the upper terminus on Victoria Peak.
The Star Ferry (tel: 2367 7065; www.starferry.com.hk) ride across Hong Kong harbour is a tourist ‘must do', as well as the cheapest way to make the crossing. Passengers pay with an Octopus Card or exact change as they enter. Star Ferry terminals are in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai and Hung Hom. Other ferry services also connect with the outlying islands of the territory and other destinations.
Taxis:
Taxis are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon and are extremely cheap - most journeys cost less than HK$30. There are taxi ranks in busy locations but taxis can be flagged down anywhere on the street. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones serve the New Territories and blue ones Lantau Island. Taxis with a rectangular red plaque on their dashboard are generally cross-harbour taxis meaning passengers only pay a one-way toll for using the cross-harbour tunnel. Some journeys incur extra tolls, and charges are also sometimes added when carrying luggage. It is common for passengers to round up the fare to the nearest dollar, although this is not mandatory.
Many drivers speak a little English but visitors would be advised to carry a map or have their destination written in Chinese characters. It is also wise for passengers to ask if the taxi is a Hong Kong or Kowloon taxi when boarding, especially late at night - drivers are happiest sticking to their own side of the water.
Driving:
Driving in Hong Kong is best left to professionals. With one of the best public transport systems in the world and ubiquitous taxis, there is no need for visitors to risk going behind the wheel. Rates on cars are strong deterrents, with a 100% vehicle import tax and petrol tax, as well as hefty insurance and vehicle registration fees.
Major car parks in Central are at the City Hall, Murray Road, and the Airport Express Terminal, Man Cheung Road. In Causeway Bay, the World Trade Centre is the main parking point, while in Kowloon, parking can be found at The Sun Arcade, Kowloon Park Drive in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Car hire:
Car hire companies usually require drivers to be over 25 years and to pay a large refundable deposit. A valid driving licence from the country of residence or an International Driving Permit is required, as well as third-party insurance. Major operators include Avis (tel: 2890 6988; www.avis.com) and Hertz (tel: 2525 1313; www.hertz.com).
Bicycle hire:
Despite the heavy traffic and appalling air quality, there are places in Hong Kong to enjoy cycling - out on the islands or in the New Territories. Explore the backstreets of Lamma, Cheung Chau or Peng Chau islands and you’re likely to find someone willing to rent a bike at a reasonable price. There are plenty of shops offering bicycle hire around Tai Po MTR station. Bicycles are also available for hire from the Friendly Bicycle shop in Mui Wo (tel: 2984 2278) or Shun Lee Bicycle Company in Sha Tin (tel: 2695 7195). For mountain bike gear, contact Flying Ball Bicycle Company (tel: 2381 3661; www.flyingball.com) in Cheung Sha Wan.
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