MTR (subway)
Hong Kong has a modern, dense subway network. The Airport Express connects Central Station to Hong Kong International Airport via Tsing Yi and Kowloon Station — a 25-minute ride for HK$90 one way (discounted group rates from 3 people, HK$210 total). Tickets are available from machines or counters at every station, and a one-day tourist pass costs HK$50. The Octopus card is a convenient way to pay.
There are six MTR lines: Airport Express (Hong Kong International Airport – Central), Island Line (Sheung Wan – Chai Wan), Tsuen Wan Line (Central – Tsuen Wan), Tung Chung Line (Central – Tung Chung), Kwun Tong Line (Yau Ma Tei – Tiu Keng Leng) and Tseung Kwan O Line (North Point – Po Lam).
Taxis
Taxis in Hong Kong are cheap and convenient for short trips when no bus is running. The base fare is HK$15, varying slightly by area. Many drivers speak enough English for well-known destinations; for street names, it helps to have the Chinese characters written down or to know the Cantonese pronunciation. Taxis only accept Hong Kong dollars in cash. Taxi color indicates the area they serve: red for most of Hong Kong (except Lantau Island), green for the New Territories, and blue for Lantau Island. Toll roads such as tunnels add to the fare. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs around HK$350.
Tram
The tram costs HK$2 per ride and has been running in Hong Kong since 1904. The double-decker tram is an attraction in its own right, offering a street-level view of the city — well worth riding at least once. It runs from Kennedy Town to Happy Valley (near the racecourse) or Shau Kei Wan. Pay with an Octopus card or cash (no change given).
Peak Tram
Victoria Peak is reached via the Peak Tram — a fantastic ride climbing 375 meters in elevation.
Ferries
Star Ferry crossings between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island take about 15 minutes and cost less than HK$3 — a great way to also reach several of the surrounding islands.
Ferries to Macau
Ferries also run to Macau from the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan — book your return ticket in advance, especially on weekends. Ferries to mainland China depart from the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui; a visa is required to enter mainland China.
