Last updated on June 5th, 2026 at 11:56 pm
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I might earn a small commission if you click on the link to make a purchase, but it doesn’t cost you anything. Thanks for your support!
Although Hong Kong’s food and shopping are known worldwide, did you know its public transportation is just as wonderful?
In fact, you might be surprised at the number of public transport options in Hong Kong.
Let’s talk about every one of them in detail.
How to Pay for Public Transport in HK
When you use public transport in HK, you need an Octopus card. Hong Kongers love this contactless card because you can use it to hop around the city and also for things like shopping, dining, and parking lot tickets (currently, the maximum limit you can put on your Octopus card is HKD 3000).
Hong Kong remains a predominantly cash-based society. You should have cash on you, in addition to an Octopus card, since some public transportation only accepts cash and/or coins.
Most people use their Octopus card whenever possible because they need an exact fare change. An Octopus card is easier to use, and 99% of locals have one.
Octopus Cards for Tourists
There are two types of Octopus cards for tourists, and no, you won’t have to give out personal information like your passport or name to purchase one.
Remember, you need to pay in cash for these. As I said in the blog post, always carry cash around in Hong Kong. There will be places that will not accept cards.
Sold Octopus Card
No deposit is required, and the remaining value can be refunded. When you leave the city, you can keep it as a souvenir. Go to a customer service counter at a subway stop or the Airport Express ticket counter at the Hong Kong International Airport and ask to buy one.
On Loan Octopus Card
Essentially, you’re borrowing the card. You pay a deposit and get it back when you return the card, along with any remaining value. A $9 fee will be deducted if you return the card within 3 months of purchase. Again, you can purchase this card at a customer service counter at any MTR station or Airport Express station.
Personally, if I were a visitor with only 24 hours, I would buy the Octopus card because I want to keep it as a souvenir. If you’re on a budget, go with the on-loan octopus card because it’s cheaper, but you don’t get to keep it.
How to Add Money to Your Octopus Card
You add money to your Octopus card at machines in subway stations (which only accept HKD 50 or 100, so if you have HKD 500 or HKD 1000, go to the customer service counter), convenience stores, and grocery stores.
You can also download Octopus Wallet and FPS from the App Store to top up your Octopus card directly from your bank account.
However, as a tourist, you’ll likely opt for cash.
Public Transport in HK – The Different Types
Ferry
The Star Ferry is the most scenic transportation route between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central (Wan Chai), and vice versa.
(There are also ferries from Central to outlying Islands. For prices and schedules, check their website.
Although the Star Ferry has only a few routes, it’s still an iconic form of public transportation in Hong Kong. You should experience it at least once!
These double-decker ferries allow you to take in the beautiful city view while sailing through the water. It’s excellent for taking Instagram photos.
While on the boat, you’ll feel the air on your skin. It’s a nice feeling, especially when the summer gets extremely hot. The feeling is also quite calming because there are no constant train or bus announcements.
You also shouldn’t have to wait too long for a ferry ride, as one boat can fit hundreds of people at a time.
It’s cute, inexpensive, unique, and a reminder of old-school life.
MTR
In other cities, this might be known as the subway or metro. In Hong Kong, the subway system is referred to as the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). It’s the most common way of using public transport in HK, and most locals use the MTR daily to get around the city.
There are a total of 10 lines:
- Airport Express
- Disneyland Resort Line
- East Rail Line
- Island Line
- Kwun Tong Line
- South Island Line
- Tsueng Kwan O Line
- Tsuen Wan Line
- Tuen Ma Line
- Tung Chung Line
Pros of Taking the MTR
Hands down, Hong Kong’s MTR is one of the best things about living in this city. You never have to wait more than 10-15 minutes before another train arrives, although it usually comes sooner than that. During peak hours, a train can arrive every 2-3 minutes.
It gets very hectic during rush hour, but it’s still organized and efficient for that many people to be squished together. This is partly because people in Hong Kong are generally good at queues. Additionally, staff members are available to direct people during those times.
People line up in front of the train doors, which are protected by a glass shield. The doors only open when the train has arrived, and passengers can get in and out. This is a safe way to protect people from falling or being pushed onto the tracks.
Once you get inside the train, you can access your phone data just like you would outside. This makes it convenient to talk on the phone or text people while taking the train.
After you get off at your stop, the exits are clearly labelled. There are signs everywhere to guide you to the correct exit once you arrive at your destination. If you’re unsure where to go, look for these signs or use their interactive map.
Before leaving the MTR station, you must pay for your train fare. Train fares in Hong Kong are not standardized. For example, the cost of travelling from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central will differ from the cost of travelling from Jordan to Causeway Bay.
Most people use their Octopus card on the MTR, but you can buy single-journey tickets at each subway station. If you’re not sure how much money your Octopus card has left, there are machines in MTR stations that can check the remaining value and recent transactions.
Double Decker Bus
After the MTR, the double-decker bus is probably the most commonly used mode of transportation by locals because it covers most routes in Hong Kong.
The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. If you can’t get to a place with the MTR, the double-decker bus is usually the way to go.
Not all bus stations have a screen showing approximately how long until the next bus arrives. That’s why you should download the Citymapper app.
There are apps for HK buses, but I like Citymapper because it shows you the fastest way to get somewhere. You can also adjust the settings only to take a bus or train to your destination if that’s what you prefer.
Lift your arm when you see your bus coming. If a passenger doesn’t press the stop button while inside the bus, the bus might keep going (I’ve certainly learned this life lesson the hard way), and waiting for the next bus can take another 10 – 30 minutes.
For the best view, go up to the top floor and sit in the first row.
Once you’re on the bus, there will be an announcement before each stop so people know where they are. There are also screens on the bus that let you follow the route.
Similar to the MTR, eating and drinking are prohibited on the bus. It is advisable not to eat or drink while taking public transportation in Hong Kong. You might get away with a drink, but you could get called out for it.
Mini Bus
There are two types of minibuses – green and red.
The green minibus follows a schedule and stops at the same places each time. When you see it coming, you wave down the bus so the driver can let you get on. You tap your Octopus card, or pay exact change, and get off when needed. It’s straightforward.
With the red minibuses, there is no set route. You also don’t pay your fare in cash until you arrive at your destination. It’s suitable for those up for an adventure.
Friends tell me they don’t like taking the minibus when they are in Hong Kong.
I understand why.
The minibus stop might not be as obvious, so you must know where you’re going. If you’re unsure, ask other people waiting in line for the minibus or the driver directly.
The ride can also be unstable on the minibus. Don’t be surprised if the driver starts driving before you even sit down. A lot of them drive quickly as if they’re in a rush to get somewhere, and things shake while you’re on the bus.
Double Decker Bus VS Mini Bus
You might wonder about the difference between a double-decker bus and a minibus. It primarily concerns the bus size and communication with the driver.
A minibus is much smaller than a double-decker bus. It can carry only 16-19 passengers at a time, while a double-decker can have 70-100.
Also, on a double-decker bus, there is no need to communicate with the driver. Press the stop button, and the driver will open the door and let you get off the bus without saying a word.
On a minibus, you have to communicate with the driver. Some mini-buses might have a stop button, but most people yell out when they want to get off at a particular stop. Some people are uncomfortable doing this because you have to be loud unless you’re sitting in the front. It’s very possible that the driver can’t hear you. Plus, some people aren’t comfortable speaking Cantonese.
You might not want to get around Hong Kong by minibus if you don’t speak much Cantonese or aren’t familiar with the routes.
Even though I live in Hong Kong, I generally steer clear of the minibus unless I’m familiar with the route. I would much rather take the MTR or the double-decker bus. It’s worked out well for me so far.
Tram
The tram (locals call it the “ding ding”) is another iconic mode of public transportation in the city.
Unlike the other buses or the MTR, it has a standard fare. It’s also cheaper than the different public transport in HK.
It’s affordable, fun, and a reminder of what old Hong Kong used to be like. It’s refreshing compared to the surrounding skyscrapers.
As a tourist, you might have already taken the peak tram since it’s a famous tourist attraction and where you can get one of the best views of the city. They’re similar, except the peak tram is more expensive, air-conditioned, newer, and goes uphill. A regular tram goes straight ahead.
Unfortunately, trams are only available on Hong Kong Island. For the map routes, please check their official website.
Also, these trams don’t have air conditioning. Summers in Hong Kong are brutal, so being in a small area with a lot of people can suck big time. It’s not the fastest mode of transportation, but the tram is a unique way to discover the city.
Highly recommend!
Taxi
Although this isn’t a public transportation mode, locals still frequently use taxis, so they are worth mentioning in this blog post.
In Hong Kong, taxis are available in three colours: green, blue, and red.
You’ll see most red taxis in the city. The green taxis are for the New Territories, and the blue taxis are for Lantau Island, like at Tai O Fishing Village.
There should be many of them cruising around, so you can easily flag a taxi down the street, unless it’s a place where they can’t stop to pick up passengers.
You can also wait at a taxi stand.
In general, finding an empty cab doesn’t take long, unless it’s rush hour.
Check whether a cab is available by watching the red ‘for hire’ sign near the driver’s seat. Another way to check whether a cab is occupied is to look for the ‘taxi’ sign at the top of the car. No passengers are inside when it’s lit up, though it’s hard to see in the daytime. It’s easier to notice this at night.
The taxi is metered, so the longer you’re in the cab, the more you will be charged. Additional charges include baggage, pet, and tunnel fees.
An important note: the HK Island and Kowloon sides use red taxis. However, if you want a taxi driver to take you through the tunnel, they might ask you for directions to your destination because they are unfamiliar with the area. Don’t just share the exact location with the driver; also include the district and nearby notable places so they know where to go.
For example, don’t say Langham Place Mall; say Langham Place Mall in Mong Kok.
Get it?
Public Transport in HK – Taxi Payment
Most taxis accept cash only. However, some taxis occasionally accept other payment methods, such as Octopus, WeChat Pay, PayMe, or AliPay HK. These are common apps, and locals often have at least one of them installed on their phones. However, the standard is still to pay in cash.
Also, do not expect taxi drivers to have change for large bills, such as HKD 500 or HKD 1000. Pay with smaller bills, such as HKD 10, 20, 50, or 100. Request a receipt for those who require one.
If you’re travelling with kids (a taxi only allows four passengers at a time), depending on where you go, taking a cab might not be that much more expensive than everyone taking the MTR or bus together.
Red taxis in Hong Kong come in various sizes. Most of them are standard-size, but look for larger cars if you want more space. The larger cab still seats four passengers at a time, but there’s more legroom in the back, making it more comfortable.
Although this mode of transportation is the most expensive on the list, taking a taxi in Hong Kong remains relatively affordable compared to other costly cities worldwide.
Final Thoughts – Public Transport in HK
Most public transport on this list starts around 5-7 a.m., and the last ends around 12 – 1 a.m. This gives you ample time to take the train, bus, tram, and/or ferry.
Most locals have taken all types of public transportation. As a Hong Kong tourist, you’ll likely take the MTR and double-decker bus, but you should also take the ferry and the tram for a whole HK experience.
Hong Kong boasts one of the world’s most advanced transportation systems. With a plethora of options, people can usually get by without driving in the city.
The city spoils us with its reliable, extensive public transportation system. Whenever I travel to another town without efficient public transportation, I miss HK. It’s one of the best things about the city, that’s for sure!
Now to You – Public Transport in HK
Like this post? Pin it NOW!
Xoxo,
Nicole
