Hong Kong's transport network is dense, fast and easy to use once you have a payment method sorted.
Transport information last checked:
Get an Octopus card (standard, with a refundable deposit, or a no-deposit Tourist Octopus) or use a Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay contactless bank card (credit, debit or prepaid, excluding UnionPay debit) directly at MTR gates, including Airport Express. Contactless bank cards do not work on Light Rail or MTR Bus. Check the official MTR trip planner for your specific fare, since fares vary by exact station pair.
Covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Pro Tip: Check the [MTR Octopus Fare Charts](https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/octopus_fares.html) for your specific journey rather than a flat figure.
Double-decker trams along Hong Kong Island at a flat fare regardless of distance.
Pro Tip: For the current flat fare, see the [operator's fare page](https://www.hktramways.com/en/schedules-fares).
Crosses Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central/Wan Chai.
Pro Tip: Check live sailing status during typhoon or black rainstorm signals before relying on the ferry.
Double-decker buses and green/red minibuses reach areas the MTR does not.
Pro Tip: Check the specific route before assuming contactless or QR payment works on a minibus.
Hong Kong's rechargeable smart card, usable on transport and at many shops.
Tap a Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay contactless credit, debit or prepaid card directly at MTR gates, including Airport Express.
A fare benefit for interchanging between Airport Express and the MTR network.
The Airport Express connects Hong Kong International Airport to Hong Kong, Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations in about 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station, with trains roughly every 10 minutes; check current ticket prices on the official MTR Tickets and Fares page, which also lists Octopus, QR code (AlipayHK EasyGo, Alipay Transit QR Code, UnionPay App Transit QR Code, WeChat Transit QR Code) and contactless bank card as accepted payment methods. If you use the same Octopus (with sufficient value), contactless bank card or e-wallet QR code to transfer onto an MTR line within about one hour of arrival at Hong Kong, Kowloon or Tsing Yi Station, the connecting MTR journey is free, excluding Light Rail, MTR Bus and East Rail Line First Class; at Tsim Sha Tsui/East Tsim Sha Tsui only Octopus within 30 minutes qualifies, while card or QR transfers there are charged as two separate trips — check the MTR free connections terms in full before relying on it. Airport buses are a cheaper, slower alternative; check routes and fares on the Airport Authority Hong Kong transport page. Taxis are available at designated stands outside the terminal.
At MTR gates, including Airport Express, you can tap a Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay contactless credit, debit or prepaid card (UnionPay debit cards are not supported) — see the MTR Contactless Bank Card page. This does not extend to Light Rail or MTR Bus. An Octopus card remains the most universally useful option: the Standard Octopus has a refundable HK$50 deposit, while the Tourist Octopus (sold version) costs HK$39 with no deposit — see Octopus's tourist options and Standard Octopus terms. KMB's e-payment system accepts contactless Mastercard, UnionPay, Visa, JCB, American Express and Discover/Diners Club cards plus several mobile wallets on equipped routes; check KMB's payment page. Green minibus QR-code payment is only available on specific Transport Department–notified routes, and red minibuses remain cash-only.
Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay are all directly served by the MTR; check the exit letter for your destination before surfacing, as large stations have several. The Star Ferry's Central–Tsim Sha Tsui crossing is a practical and scenic way to cross the harbour, with an adult fare of HK$5.0 (upper deck) / HK$4.0 (lower deck) on weekdays and HK$6.5 / HK$5.6 on weekends and public holidays, per the operator's service page. For The Peak or Hong Kong Island's southern side, compare bus routes with the Peak Tram using the Citymapper or MTR Mobile planner.
Official MTR journey planner, fares and real-time updates.
Multi-modal planner covering MTR, buses, trams and ferries.
Real-time bus arrivals for Kowloon Motor Bus routes.
Reliable for walking routes and a backup transit check.
Victoria Harbour and the skyline from the crossing.
Street-level views along Hong Kong Island from the top deck.
A busy, modern interchange at the heart of the network.
Fares, service availability and ticket conditions can change. Check the operator for your travel date and exact journey.