Outside these centres, and at several other places in the territory, you’ll be able to find iCyberlink screens, from which you can conveniently access the HKTB website and database 24 hours a day.
Travel Agencies
The following are among the most reliable agencies and offer the best deals on air tickets:
Concorde Travel ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2526 3391; www.concorde-travel.com; 7th fl, Galuxe Bldg, 8-10 On Lan St, Central; h9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat)
Forever Bright Trading Limited ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852-2369 3188; www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk; Rm 916-917, Tower B, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon; h8.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, to 1.30pm Sat; mEast Tsim Sha Tsui, exit P2)
Traveller Services ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2375 2222; www.traveller.com.hk; 18E, Tower B, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Rd, Kowloon Bay; h9am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat)
Travel with Children
Hong Kong is a great destination for kids, though the crowds, traffic and pollution might take a little getting used to. Food and sanitation are of a high standard. The city is jam-packed with things to entertain the young ones.
Travellers with Disabilities
People with mobility issues have to cope with substantial obstacles in Hong Kong, including the stairs at many MTR stations, as well as pedestrian overpasses, narrow and crowded footpaths, and steep hills. On the other hand, some buses are accessible by wheelchair, taxis are never hard to find, most buildings have lifts (many with Braille panels) and MTR stations have Braille maps with recorded information. Wheelchairs can negotiate the lower decks of most ferries.
Easy Access Travel (香港社會服務聯會 %852 2855 9360; www.rehabsociety.org.hk; Ground fl, HKSR Lam Tin Complex, 7 Rehab Path, Lam Tin; mLam Tin, exit D1) Offers tours and accessible transport services.
ATransport Department (www.td.gov.hk) Provides guides to public transportation, parking and pedestrian crossings for people with disabilities.
Websites
Lonely Planet (lonelyplanet.com/china/hong-kong/hotels) Book LP's top accommodation picks online.
Hotel.com (www.hotels.com/Hong-Kong) Specialises in cheap lodging.
Discover Hong Kong (www.discoverhongkong.com) Provides a hotel search based on location and facilities.
Asia Travel (www.hongkonghotels.com) Has better deals than others.
8Getting There & Away
Most international travellers arrive and depart via Hong Kong International Airport. Travellers to and from mainland China can use ferry, road or rail links to Guǎngdōng and points beyond. Hong Kong is also accessible from Macau via ferry or helicopter.
More than 100 airlines operate between Hong Kong International Airport and some 190 destinations around the world. Flights include from New York (16 hours), Los Angeles (14 hours), Sydney (9½ hours), London (13 hours) and Běijīng (3½ hours). There are regular buses connecting Hong Kong with major destinations in neighbouring Guǎngdōng province. Twelve trains run daily from Hong Kong to Guǎngzhōu (two hours), and trains to Běijīng (24 hours) and Shànghǎi (19 hours) run on alternate days. Visas are required to cross the border to the mainland.
Regularly scheduled ferries link the China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon and/or the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island with a string of towns and cities on the Pearl River Delta, including Macau. Trips take two to three hours.
Flights, cars and tours can be booked online at lonelyplanet.com.
Air
There are flights between Hong Kong and around 50 cities in mainland China, including Běijīng, Chéngdū, Kūnmíng and Shànghǎi. One-way fares are a bit more than half the return price. The national carrier is Air China (%852 3970 9000; www.airchina.hk).
Other carriers include:
Cathay Pacific ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.cathaypacific.com; 7th fl The Cameron, 33 Cameron Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; mTsim Sha Tsui, exit A2) From Hong Kong, with connections to Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban.
ADragonair (www.dragonair.com) Owned by Cathay Pacific, Dragonair specialises in regional flights and flies to 20 cities in mainland China.
Hong Kong Airlines (HX; %852 3151 1888; www.hongkongairlines.com) Cheaper airline that specialises in regional routes, including 22 cities in mainland China.
Hong Kong International Airport
Designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG; GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2181 8888; www.hkairport.com) is on Chek Lap Kok, a largely reclaimed area off Lantau’s northern coast. Highways, bridges (including the 2.2km-long Tsing Ma Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges) and a fast train link the airport with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
The two terminals have a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs and moneychangers.
Hong Kong Hotels Association (香港酒店業協會; HKHA GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2383 8380, 852 2769 8822; www.hkha.org; Hong Kong International Airport; h7am-midnight) Counters are located inside the Buffer Halls. HKHA deals with midrange and top-end hotels only and does not handle hostels, guesthouses or other budget accommodation.
China Travel Service Has four counters in the terminals, including one in Arrivals Hall A that issues China ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2315 7171; www.ctshk.com; 1/F Alpha House, 27-33 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; h9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat & Sun; mTsim Sha Tsui, exit D1) visas (normally takes one working day).
Coaches to Mainland China
CTS Express Coach ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2764 9803; http://ctsbus.hkcts.com) Buses to mainland China.
Eternal East Cross-Border Coach ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 3412 6677, 852 3760 0888; www.eebus.com; 13th fl, Kai Seng Commercial Centre, 4-6 Hankow Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; h7am-8pm) Mainland destinations from Hong Kong include Dōngguān, Fóshān, Guǎngzhōu, Huìzhōu, Kāipíng, Shēnzhèn’s Bǎoān airport and Zhōngshān.
Ferry
Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company (%852 2858 3876; www.cksp.com.hk) provides regularly scheduled ferries that link the China Ferry Terminal (中港碼頭 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui) in Kowloon and/or the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre; GOOGLE MAP ; Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Rd, Sheung Wan) on Hong Kong Island with a string of towns and cities on the Pearl River Delta – but not central Guǎngzhōu or Shēnzhèn.
Mainland destinations from Hong Kong include:
AShékǒu One hour
AShùndé Two hours
AZhàoqìng Four hours
AZhōngshān 1½ hours
AZhūhǎi 70 minutes
A fast ferry service called the SkyPier (%852 2215 3232) links Hong Kong airport with nine Pearl River Delta destinations: Shēnzhèn Shékǒu, Shēnzhèn Fúyǒng, Dōngguǎn, Zhōngshān, Zhūhǎi, Guǎngzhōu Nánshā, Guǎngzhōu Lianhuashan, Macau (Maritime Ferry Terminal) and Macau (Taipa). The service enables travellers to board ferries directly without clearing Hong Kong customs and immigration. Book a ticket prior to boarding from the ticketing counter located at Transfer Area E2 at least 60 minutes before ferry departure time. Take the Automated People Move to the ferry terminal.
Train
One-way and return tickets for Guǎngzhōu, Běijīng and Shànghǎi can be booked 30 to 60 days in advance at MTR stations in Hung Hom, Mong Kok East, Kowloon Tong and Sha Tin, and at Tourist Services at Admiralty station. Tickets to Guǎngzhōu can also be booked with a credit card on the MTR website (www.it3.mtr.com.hk) or via the Tele-Ticketing Hotline (%bookings 852 2947 7888, enquiries 852 2314 7702; www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/leisurelink/ls_booking_5.html).
Shēnzhèn
Reaching Shēnzhèn is a breeze. Just board the MTR East Rail and ride it to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau; the mainland is 200m away. The first train to Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau leaves Hung Hom station at 5.30am/5.35am, the last at 11.07pm/9.35pm, and the trip takes about 44/49 minutes. The border crossing at Lo Wu opens at 6.30am and closes at midnight. The crossing at Lok Ma Chau is open around the clock.
Guǎngzhōu
High-speed intercity trains leave Hung Hom station for Guǎngzh�
�u East train station 12 times a day between 7.25am and 8.01pm, returning from that station the same number of times from 9.24am to 10pm. The trip takes approximately two hours. One-way tickets cost HK$250/210 in 1st/2nd class for adults and HK$125/105 for children aged five to nine. A cheaper but less convenient option is to take the MTR East Rail train to Lo Wu, cross through immigration into Shēnzhèn and catch a local train from there to Guǎngzhōu. There are frequent high-speed trains (¥80 to ¥100, 1¼ hours) that run throughout the day.
Běijīng & Shànghǎi
There are direct rail links between Hung Hom and both Shànghǎi and Běijīng. Trains to Běijīng West train station (hard/soft/deluxe sleeper from HK$601/934/1191) depart on alternate days at 3.15pm, arriving at 3.13pm the following day. Trains to Shànghǎi (hard/soft/deluxe sleeper from HK$530/825/1039) also depart on alternate days at 3.15pm, arriving at 10.22am the following day.
8Getting Around
Hong Kong is small and crowded, and public transport is the only practical way to move people. The ultramodern Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the quickest way to get to most urban destinations. The bus system is extensive and as efficient as the traffic allows, but it can be bewildering for short-term travellers. Ferries are fast and economical and throw in spectacular harbour views at no extra cost. Trams serve the purpose if you're not in a hurry.
To/From the Airport
Airport Express
Airport Express line (%2852 881 8888; www.mtr.com.hk; one way Central/Kowloon/Tsing Yi HK$100/90/60; hevery 10min) is the fastest (and most expensive, other than a taxi) way to get to and from the airport.
ADepartures From 5.54am to 12.48am for Central, calling at Kowloon station in Jordan, Tsing Yi island en route; the full trip takes 24 minutes. Tickets are available from vending machines at the airport and train stations.
AFares Return fares for Central/Kowloon/Tsing Yi, valid for a month, cost HK$180/160/110. Children three to 11 years pay half-price. An Airport Express Travel Pass allows three days of unlimited travel on the MTR and Light Rail and one-way/return trips on the Airport Express (HK$250/350).
AShuttle buses Airport Express also has two shuttle buses on Hong Kong Island (H1 and H2) and five in Kowloon (K1 to K5), with free transfers for passengers between Central and Kowloon stations and major hotels. The buses run every 12 to 20 minutes between 6.12am and 11.12pm. Schedules and routes are available at Airport Express and MTR stations and on the Airport Express website.
Bus
There are good bus links to/from the airport. These buses have plenty of room for luggage, and announcements are usually made in English, Cantonese and Mandarin notifying passengers of hotels at each stop. For more details on the routes, check the Transport section at www.hkairport.com.
ADepartures Buses run every 10 to 30 minutes from about 6am to between midnight and 1am. There are also quite a few night buses (designated ‘N’).
AFares Major hotel and guesthouse areas on Hong Kong Island are served by the A11 (HK$40) and A12 (HK$45) buses; the A21 (HK$33) covers similar areas in Kowloon. Bus drivers in Hong Kong do not give change, but it is available at the ground transportation centre at the airport, as are Octopus cards. Normal returns are double the one-way fare. Unless otherwise stated, children aged between three and 11 years and seniors over 65 pay half-fare.
ATickets Buy your ticket at the booth near the airport bus stand.
TAXI FARES FROM THE AIRPORT
Destination Fare (HK$)
Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay (Hong Kong Island) 280-320
Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Hung Hom (Kowloon) 230-230
Sha Tin (New Territories) 280
Tsuen Wan (New Territories) 200
Tung Chung (Lantau) 45-55
In addition to the fares listed, passengers have to pay HK$5 for every piece of baggage that is carried inside the baggage compartment.
Bicycle
Cycling in urbanised Kowloon or Hong Kong Island would be suicide, but in the quiet areas of the islands (including southern Hong Kong Island) and the New Territories, a bike can be a lovely way to get around. It’s more recreational than a form of transport, though – the hilly terrain will slow you down (unless you’re mountain biking). Be advised that shops and kiosks renting out bicyles tend to run out early on weekends if the weather is good.
Wong Kei (旺記單車 GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2662 5200; Ting Kok Rd, Tai Mei Tuk) offers bicycle hire.
Boat
The cross-harbour Star Ferry, operates on two routes: Central–Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui.
The coin-operated turnstiles do not give change, but you can get change from the ticket window or use an Octopus card.
Three separate ferry companies operate services to the Outlying Islands from the ferry terminal in Central. Another, Tsui Wah Ferry Service (翠華旅遊有限公司 %852 2272 2022, 852 2527 2513; www.traway.com.hk), offers services to less-visited but scenic spots.
Discovery Bay Transportation Services (www.dbcommunity.hk) Provides fast-speed regular ferries between Central (Pier 3) and Discovery Bay on Lantau Island.
Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry (HKKF; %852 2815 6063; www.hkkf.com.hk) Serves destinations on Lamma Island and Peng Chau only.
New World First Ferry (NWFF; GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2131 8181; www.nwff.com.hk; mHong Kong, exit A1 or A2) Boats sail to/from Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Lantau Island, and connect all three via an interisland service (regular/deluxe class/fast ferry HK$13.20/20.70/25.80), every 1¾ hours from 6am to 10.50pm.
Bus
Hong Kong’s extensive bus system will take you just about anywhere in the territory. Since Kowloon and the northern side of Hong Kong Island are so well served by the MTR, most visitors use the buses primarily to explore the southern side of Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and Lantau Island.
ADepartures Most buses run from 5.30am or 6am until midnight or 12.30am, though there are smaller numbers of night buses that run from 12.45am to 5am or later.
AFares Bus fares cost HK$4 to HK$46, depending on the destination. Fares for night buses cost from HK$7 to HK$32. You will need exact change or an Octopus card.
ABus stations On Hong Kong Island the most important bus stations are the bus terminus in Central ( GOOGLE MAP ; Exchange Sq; mHong Kong, exit A1 or A2) and the one at Admiralty ( GOOGLE MAP ; ground fl, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty; mAdmiralty, exit D). From these stations you can catch buses to Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, Stanley and other destinations on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. In Kowloon the Star Ferry bus terminal ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) has buses heading up Nathan Rd and to the Hung Hom train station.
ARoute information Figuring out which bus you want can be difficult, but City Bus (%852 2873 0818; www.nwstbus.com.hk) and New World First Bus (%852 2136 8888; www.nwstbus.com.hk), owned by the same company, plus Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB; %852 2745 4466; www.kmb.hk) provide user-friendly route searches on their websites. KMB also has a route app for smartphones.
ALantau Most parts of Lantau Island are served by the New Lantau Bus (%852 2984 9848; www.newlantaobus.com). Major bus stations are located in Mui Wo ferry terminal and Tung Chung MTR station.
Minibus
Minibuses are vans with no more than 16 seats. They come in two varieties: red and green.
ARed minibuses (HK$7 to HK$40) Cream-coloured with a red roof or stripe, they pick up and discharge passengers wherever they are hailed or asked to stop along fixed routes. The destination and price are displayed on a card propped up on the windscreen, but these are often only written in Chinese. You usually hand the driver the fare when you get off, and change is given. You can use your Octopus card on certain routes.
AGreen minibuses (HK$3 to HK$24) Cream-coloured with a green roof or stripe; they make designated stops. You must put the exact fare in the cash box when you get in or you can use your Octopus card. Two popular routes are the 6 (HK$6.40) from Hankow Rd in Tsim Sha Tsui to Tsim Sha Tsui East and Hung Hom station in Kowloon, and the 1 (HK$10) t
o Victoria Peak from next to Hong Kong station.
Car & Motorcycle
Hong Kong’s maze of one-way streets and dizzying expressways isn’t for the faint-hearted. Traffic is heavy and finding a parking space is difficult and very expensive. If you are determined to see Hong Kong under your own steam, do yourself a favour and rent a car with a driver.
ARoad rules Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in Hong Kong, as in the UK, Australia and Macau, but not in mainland China. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers, in both the front and back seats. Police are strict and give out traffic tickets at the drop of a hat.
ADriving licence Hong Kong allows most foreigners over the age of 18 to drive for up to 12 months with a valid licence from home. It’s still a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well. Car-rental firms accept IDPs or driving licences from your home country. Drivers must usually be at least 25 years of age.
Ace Hire Car ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2572 7663, 24hr 852 6108 7399; www.acehirecar.com.hk; Flat F, 1st fl, Nam Wing Bldg, 49-51A Sing Woo Rd, Happy Valley; g1 from Des Voeux Rd Central) Hires out chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz for HK$250 per hour (minimum two to five hours, depending on location).
Avis ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2511 9338; www.avis.com.hk; Shop 2 & 3, ground fl, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai; h10am-7pm; mCauseway Bay, exit C) Hires out cars for a day/weekend/week starting from HK$930/1200/1500, nearly double on weekends. A chauffeur-driven Toyota is HK$600 per hour.
MTR
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR; %852 2881 8888; www.mtr.com.hk; fares HK$4-25) is the name for Hong Kong’s rail system comprising underground, overland and Light Rail (slower tram-style) services. Universally known as the ‘MTR’, it is clean, fast and safe, and transports around four million people daily.
Lonely Planet China Page 107
