Hong Kong’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is consistently ranked among the world’s best urban transit systems — on-time performance above 99.9%, spotlessly clean stations, and logical ticketing. For visitors, it solves almost every transport problem in the city and costs a fraction of what taxis charge. The Octopus Card is the key to using it properly, and getting one should be the first thing you do after clearing arrivals.
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Open Table of contents
The Octopus Card — Get One Immediately
The Octopus Card is a contactless stored-value card that works on every form of public transport in Hong Kong: MTR, buses, trams, minibuses, the Peak Tram, Star Ferry, and many others. It also works at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K), McDonald’s, supermarkets, and many other retail outlets. In Hong Kong, the Octopus Card is close to a universal payment device.
Where to buy: Available at the Airport Express customer service counter in arrivals at Hong Kong International Airport. Also at any MTR station from the ticket machines (select “Octopus Card”) or customer service centers.
Cost: The standard Octopus Card costs HK$150 — this includes a HK$50 deposit (refundable) and HK$100 of loaded value. Load more value at any MTR station machine or convenience store.
Refund: When leaving Hong Kong, return the card at any MTR customer service center or the Airport Express counter to get back the HK$50 deposit plus remaining value, minus a HK$9 handling fee.
Tourist Octopus: A specific tourist version exists with no deposit required; however the refund terms are different. The regular Octopus Card is generally the better option for a trip of 2+ days.
The Airport Express
The Airport Express connects Hong Kong International Airport (on Lantau Island) to the city in 24 minutes. This is one of the world’s best airport rail connections.
Stops: HKIA → Tsing Yi → Kowloon → Hong Kong Station (Central/Sheung Wan)
Fares (one-way):
- Airport to Kowloon: HK$105
- Airport to Hong Kong Station: HK$115
Round-trip discounts are available (slightly cheaper than two singles).
The service runs every 10 minutes, 6am to 1am daily.
In-Town Check-In at Hong Kong Station
This is one of Hong Kong’s great conveniences: you can check in for your outbound flight at Hong Kong Station (Central) the night before or morning of departure, including dropping checked baggage. Airlines participating include Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, Air Asia X, and others.
The in-town check-in desk is open from 5:30am to 1am. If your airline participates, this lets you explore the city without dragging your luggage, then board the Airport Express with just a carry-on. Check which airlines participate at the HKIA website.
The MTR Network for Tourists
The MTR has several distinct lines, some underground and some overground. The key ones for visitors:
Island Line runs along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island: Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Quarry Bay, Shau Kei Wan. These are the main tourist and business areas on the island.
Tsuen Wan Line connects Kowloon to the Island through the cross-harbour tunnel: Tsuen Wan → Mongkok → Prince Edward → Mong Kok → Yau Ma Tei → Jordan → Tsim Sha Tsui → Hong Kong (Central). This is the main Kowloon-Island connection and serves the tourist areas in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST).
Kwun Tong Line: Nathan Road and Mong Kok area, connecting to eastern Kowloon.
East Rail Line (crucial for Shenzhen access): Connects from East Tsim Sha Tsui (Hung Hom) northward to Lo Wu (Luohu, the Shenzhen border) and Lok Ma Chau (Futian border). Lo Wu is the end of the line — you cross immigration on foot to Luohu, then Shenzhen metro. The entire Kowloon-to-border journey takes about 40–45 minutes.
South Island Line: Runs south from Admiralty to Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau — useful for Ocean Park access.
Fares
MTR fares are distance-based and calculated automatically with the Octopus Card:
- Short hops (1–2 stations): HK$4–¥6
- Central to Tsim Sha Tsui (cross-harbour): HK$10–¥12
- Central to Mong Kok: HK$12–14
- Central to Lo Wu (border): HK$39
Much cheaper than taxis. A taxi across the harbour starts at about HK$100; the MTR does it for HK$10.
Cross-Harbour Options
Hong Kong has several cross-harbour tunnels/routes:
- MTR cross-harbour: Multiple lines go under the harbour — fastest and most common
- Star Ferry: Classic HK$3.40 (upper deck) / HK$2.70 (lower deck). Slow but iconic — the views of the harbour and skyline from the ferry are one of Hong Kong’s great free experiences. Worth doing at least once, particularly at dusk.
- Cross-harbour buses: Various routes for specific destinations
Getting Around Without the MTR
Trams (叮叮/Ding Ding) run along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island — HK$3 flat fare with Octopus. Slow but atmospheric, particularly for short hops along Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.
Green Minibuses (公共小巴): Serve destinations not covered by major bus routes. Fixed routes, Octopus accepted. Useful for specific destinations but routes can be confusing.
Taxis: Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Green taxis serve the New Territories. Blue taxis serve Lantau. Flag-fall: HK$27. Taxis don’t accept Octopus Card — cash or credit card at some stands.
Practical Tips
Doors open on the right on some lines, left on others — follow the passengers, not the door you’re facing.
No eating or drinking inside MTR stations or carriages — strictly enforced, HK$5,000 fine. Even gum.
MTR app: Download the official MTR Mobile app. It shows journey planner, live station info, and fare estimator.
Late service: Most MTR lines run to about 1am. The Airport Express and some night buses cover the gap after that.