Adjacent to the Lantau Island, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It has two terminals. Terminal 2 is usually used by low-cost companies. The distance to city center is ~35km. The airport as a transportation hub aslo provides a ferry service for transit passengers to Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, etc. There are several options to get from the Hong Kong International Airport to the city center or vice versa: Airport Express, taxi, bus or limousine service. Each option has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Fares from Airport | to Kowloon | to HK Island |
Airport Express | HK$90 | HK$100 |
Taxi | ~HK$220-280 | ~HK$280-350 |
Bus | HK$14-39 | HK$21-48 |
Limousine Service | ~from HK$500 | ~from HK$550 |
Airport Express
Airport Express is the fastest way to reach the downtown Hong Kong. The journey to Central takes 24 minutes and the trains run every 12 minutes from 5:50am to 1:15am. The fare to Kowloon station costs HK$90, to Hong Kong station (Central) costs HK$100. If you travel in a group or family you can save up to 40% on fares.
Airport <-> Kowloon station: group of 2 - HK$140; 3 - HK$190; 4 - HK$220.
Airport <-> Hong Kong station: group of 2 - HK$160 ; 3 - HK$210; 4 - HK$250.
Also, Airport Express offers several benefits to its customers, such as free in-town check-in service, free return journey (same day) and free shuttle buses to major hotels in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
There are two minor flaws: 1. Price. The fare is several times more expensive than a bus fare. 2. Interchanges. To get to your hotel you have to get off the express train and get on the free shuttle bus or taxi to your hotel. This is not a problem if you travel light, but if you have a lot of luggage it is a bit awkward.
For more information visit Hong Kong Airport Express - fares, time table, shuttle bus routes.
Scheme: Airport --> Airport Express --> Free AE Shuttle Bus or taxi --> Hotel or Apartment.
Airport Bus Routes
Another popular method is to take a ride on a bus. The main benefit is the price as well as the main disadvantage is time. There are several routes: "A" routes are the fastest and the best way to get to the city by bus; buses on "E" routes stop more frequently and have a limited luggage space; "N" routes run after midnight and are suitable for those who arrive at night. The bus stop (Ground Transportation Centre) of specified routes is situated outside the Arrival Hall on the right side. Follow the direction signs.
"A" Routes are served by two bus companies. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are served by Citybus Limited (Cityflyer Routes), while the New Territories are served by Long Win Bus Company (Airbus Routes). The majority of Hong Kong Hotels are situated within 50-300 meters from the bus stops.
Cityflyer Routes serving Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are most suitable for tourists. Buses on specified routes are very comfortable, have large racks for luggage, and come with announcement system which inform about the next stop in English and Chinese. The most popular routes among travelers are A11 and A21. Route A11 goes through Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Fortress Hill and North Point. Route 21 goes through Mongkok, Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui.
The New Territories are served by 5 Airbus Routes. These routes serve the different parts of the New Territories, such as Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Tuen Mun.
Route | To/From Hong Kong Airport | Fare (HK$) |
Hong Kong Island | ||
A10 | Ap Lei Chau Estate | $48 |
A11 | North Point Ferry Piers | $40 |
A12 | Siu Sai Wan (East Part) | $45 |
Kowloon | ||
A21 | Hung Hom Station | $33 |
A22 | Lam Tin Station | $39 |
A29 | Tseung Kwan O (Po Lam) | $42 |
New Territories | ||
A31 | Tsuen Wan (Discovery Park) | $18.9 |
A33 | Tuen Mun Station | $27.7 |
A41 | Sha Tin (Yu Chui Court) | $22.3 |
A41P | Ma On Shan (Yin On) | $27.7 |
A43 | Fanling (Luen Wo Hui) | $30.9 |
For more information visit Airport Bus "A" Routes - time table, bus stops on the map, list of hotels and nearby bus stops.
Scheme: Airport --> Airport Bus --> A short walk or taxi --> Hotel or Apartment.
Taxi
Taxi is a comfortable and flexible way of a point-to-point transfer. It's convenient, relatively fast (depends on traffic conditions) but a bit expensive, especially if you travel alone. Taxi is very suitable if you travel in a group or family. It can normally carry about three suitcases of regular size (1.7m length x 0.7m width x 0.5m height) in a baggage compartment. There are three types according to their operating areas: Red – Urban Taxis, Green – New Territories, Blue – Lantau Island. But all types of taxis serve the airport.
Approx. Taxi Fare Table (HK$) | |||
Destination | Fare | Destination | Fare |
Kowloon | Hong Kong Island | ||
Tsim Sha Tsui | $230 | Western District | $300 |
Jordan | $220 | Central | $290 |
Yau Ma Tei | $225 | Admiralty | $290 |
Mongkok | $225 | Wan Chai | $290 |
Hung Hom | $230 | Causeway Bay | $285 |
New Territories | North Point | $300 | |
Ma On Shan | $290 | Aberdeen | $315 |
Sha Tin | $250 | Repulse Bay | $330 |
Tsuen Wan | $190 | Stanley | $350 |
The fare includes toll chagres.
Additional charges: every baggage - HK$5.
Scheme: Airport --> Taxi --> Hotel or Apartment.
Note: This information is for reference only and is subject to change without prior notice.