6 Ways to Get from Hong Kong Airport to the City ｜Airport Express, Buses, MTR – Prices & Pros and Cons Compared

Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki

How do you get from Hong Kong International Airport to the city center?
Whether it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong or you’re a seasoned traveler, it’s worth taking a closer look at the different transportation options available from the airport to downtown. Each comes with its own advantages depending on your budget, luggage size, and how rushed you are.

This article compares the six main ways to travel from the airport to central Hong Kong, including the highly recommended Airport Express, so you can find the option that best suits your needs.

💡Hong Kong Travel tips
[All you need to know : Hong Kong trip]
[Airport Express Guide: From Hong Kong Airport to the City]
[Octopus Card Tips for Tourists: How to Get Around Like a Local]

Switch language：繁體中文

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Main Transportation Options from Hong Kong Airport to the City

1. Airport Express ★ Most Recommended

2. Airport Express + MTR transfer

3. Airport Buses (Cityflyer / Citybus)

4. Bus + MTR transfer

5. Taxi

6. Private car / Airport shuttle

1. Airport Express ★ Top Recommendation

The Airport Express is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Hong Kong International Airport to the city. The journey takes just 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Station in Central. The train is spacious, with dedicated luggage racks, free Wi-Fi, and charging ports for your devices.

The train stops directly at Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Hong Kong stations, which are also common areas for hotel stays among independent travelers. It also connects seamlessly with the MTR system, so there’s no need to haul your luggage across platforms or up and down stairs, a huge plus if you’re traveling heavy or solo.

And if you have a valid Airport Express ticket or QR code, many hotels offer free shuttle bus transfers from the station!

🔥 Pro Tip:
Buy your QR code ticket online in advance to save money and skip the hassle of queuing at the counter. Sites like Klook, KKday, and Trip.com often offer 20%–40% discounts!

Where to Buy Airport Express Discount Tickets Online:
[Trip.com] | [KKday] | [Klook]

◾️Airport Express Line Overview

Route & Stations: Airport → Tsing Yi → Kowloon → Hong Kong Station (Central)

Travel Time: ~24 minutes to Hong Kong Station

Train Frequency: Every 10 minutes

First/Last Train:

　・To Airport: First train 05:50 (from Hong Kong Station) / Last train 00:48

　・To Hong Kong: First train 05:54 / Last train 00:48

■One-Way Ticket Prices (Updated as of June 22, 2025)

Tip: Use an Octopus Card for Extra Savings

If you pay with an Octopus Card, the fare is automatically deducted and you get one free MTR ride within an hour of getting off the Airport Express. Round trips to the airport on the same day may also qualify for free return rides (see official promo details).

Where to Buy Airport Express Discount Tickets Online:
[Trip.com] | [KKday] | [Klook]

Where to Buy Octopus Online:
[Trip.com] | [KKday] | [Klook]

Related Articles

[Airport Express Guide: Hong Kong Airport to the City]

Hong Kong Airport Express : How to Buy Tickets, 2025 Fares & Discounts — The Fastest Way from Airport to Downtown

[Octopus Card: A Must for Transportation & Payments in Hong Kong]

Octopus Card in Hong Kong: Where to Buy, Top-Up Tips & Travel Essentials

2. Airport Express + MTR Transfer

If your hotel is located near Kowloon Station, then taking the Airport Express and getting off directly there is the fastest and most convenient option.

However, if you’re staying in other parts of Kowloon, such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, or Prince Edward along the Tsuen Wan Line, you’ll need to transfer from the Airport Express to the MTR. A smart strategy is to get off at Tsing Yi Station, then switch to the regular MTR. This route is significantly cheaper than staying on the Airport Express all the way to Hong Kong Station, and it doesn’t take much longer.

Sample Cost (Approximate):

Airport Express: Airport → Tsing Yi: HKD 80 (USD 10.40), or HKD 55–60 (USD 7.15–7.80) if booked online

MTR: Tsing Yi → Tsim Sha Tsui: HKD 13 (USD 1.70), or HKD 11 (USD 1.45) with an Octopus Card

You can check the MTR routes and fares on the official MTR website.

3. Public Buses (Airport Bus / Citybus)

Taking the bus from Hong Kong International Airport is another common and budget-friendly option. The most popular are the “A” series airport buses, such as:

・A21 (to Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui)

・A22 (to East Kowloon)

・A11 (to Central & Western District on Hong Kong Island)

Each stop has clear route maps posted at the bus terminals. (Check the timetable)

Fares generally range from HKD 10–50 (~USD 1.30–6.50) depending on your destination. While buses take longer than the Airport Express (roughly 45–75 minutes), they stop at multiple MTR stations and major hotel zones, which can be convenient.

Buses are also equipped with luggage racks for large suitcases. That said, if you’re traveling during rush hour or on weekends, traffic congestion may be an issue. Also, you’ll need to lift your own luggage on and off the bus, which could be tiring if you’re carrying a lot or traveling with children or elderly companions.

4. Bus + MTR Combo

If you’re on a tighter budget and not in a rush, this combo can be a smart choice.
Take the S1 shuttle bus from the airport to Tung Chung Station (about 15 minutes), for just HKD 3.5 (~USD 0.45).

From there, transfer to the Tung Chung Line (MTR) and head toward Kowloon Station or other destinations on Hong Kong Island. You can also switch at Tsing Yi Station to hop on the Tsuen Wan Line toward Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, etc.

Why consider this option?
・It’s the cheapest route to the city (total cost roughly HKD 30–50, or USD 3.90–6.50)
・Great for solo travelers or backpackers

Downsides:
You’ll need to handle your own luggage during transfers, which might be tough if you have large bags or are traveling with seniors or kids.

Sample Cost (Approximate):

MTR: Tung Chung → Central: HKD 28 (USD 3.65), or HKD 24.3 (USD 3.15) with Octopus Card

Bus: Airport → Tung Chung: HKD 3.5 (~USD 0.45)

Check MTR routes and real-time fares on the official MTR website.

5. Taxi

Taking a taxi from the airport is by far the most straightforward and hassle-free option, especially ideal for those traveling with heavy luggage, kids, or seniors.

Hong Kong’s taxis are color-coded by service area:

Blue: Lantau Island

Red: Urban areas (Hong Kong Island & Kowloon)

Green: New Territories

From the airport, you’ll mostly find blue or red taxis available.

Estimated Fare:

・Airport → Central: HKD 300–400 (~USD 39–52)

・Travel time: 30–50 minutes

・Additional charges: Around HKD 5 (~USD 0.65) per piece of luggage, and tunnel tolls apply

Pros:

・Door-to-door convenience

・No need to transfer or carry bags through stations

Cons:

・Most expensive option

・Possible delays during rush hours

6. Private Car / Airport Shuttle

While car rental might seem like a flexible option, driving in Hong Kong is not recommended for visitors. The city’s roads are complex, traffic is intense, parking is expensive, and vehicles are right-hand drive (opposite from countries like Taiwan or the U.S.). Plus, local drivers tend to be aggressive, not ideal if you’re unfamiliar with the environment.

Instead, a pre-booked airport shuttle can be a smart alternative, more comfortable than public transport, and often cheaper than a taxi.

Services on Klook, KKday, and Trip.com offer both shared and private transfers from the airport to major hotels across the city. You’ll be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name, making the experience smooth and stress-free.

Bonus Tip:
If you’re a Diamond-tier member on Trip.com, you may even qualify for free airport transfers. Be sure to check your membership benefits before your trip!

Recommended Airport Shuttle / Car Services:
KKday Custom Shuttle & Car Rental Services

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Comparison of All Transportation Options from Hong Kong Airport

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Tips & Recommendations

・First-time visitors: If you’re unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s transport system, we strongly recommend taking the Airport Express. It’s fast, reliable, and easy to navigate.

・Traveling on a budget: If time isn’t an issue, taking the bus can help you save money, and enjoy some street views along the way.

・With large luggage: Avoid rush hours and take the Airport Express for a more comfortable ride.

・Avoiding high Airport Express fares: If you’re traveling light and okay with a transfer or two, consider combinations like Bus + MTR or Airport Express + MTR.

Next time you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, make use of this comparison to choose the option that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort needs, and start your trip off on the right foot.

Hope this guide helps you travel smoothly and confidently from the airport into the heart of Hong Kong!
If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with friends who are planning their trip to Hong Kong too!

📌 Hong Kong Travel Planning

[All you need to know] Overview of pre-travel essentials for independent travel in Hong Kong

[Airport Access] Guide to Taking the Airport Express from HK Airport to the City

[Must-Have for Transit] Octopus Card: Your Essential Travel & Spending Companion in Hong Kong

[MTR Day Pass] Tourist Day Pass for Hong Kong MTR (Pick Up at Airport)

🍜 Must-Try Food in Hong Kong

[Breakfast Spot] Macaroni Breakfast at the Popular “Australia Dairy Company”

[Hong Kong Classic] Lan Fong Yuen – The Original Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

[Must visit] Waso Cafe Cha Chaan Teng in Tsim Sha Tsui

[Michelin Bib Gourmand] Legendary Local Dessert Shop “Kai Kai Dessert”

[Hong Kong No.1 ] Kam Wah Cafe Pineapple Bun

[Dim Sum] A Budget-Friendly Dim Sum Spot “DIM SUM Here”

🎠 Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland Discount Tickets

Peak Tram to Victoria Peak

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to Tian Tan Buddha

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Traveler’s Note:

The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.

Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.

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Klook.com

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