Hong Kong Airport to the City: Train, Bus or Taxi

Three main ways into the city

From Hong Kong International Airport you have three main options: the Airport Express train, the A-route airport buses and taxis. According to our Hong Kong guide, the Airport Express is the fastest (about 25 minutes), the buses are the cheapest (about 50-70 minutes), and taxis (about 30-45 minutes) are handiest late at night or in a group.

The right choice depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have and when you land. Below we cover each option, which hotel areas it suits and what to check before you arrive. Our guide does not list exact fares for any of the three, so we point you to the official sources for prices.

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Airport Express: the fastest option

The Airport Express is the fastest link from Hong Kong International Airport to Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong stations. The ride takes about 25 minutes, so road traffic is not a concern.

Fares vary by the station you get off at; check the official MTR fares. Some hotels run free shuttle buses from Kowloon and Hong Kong stations. These are hotel-operated and subject to change, so ask your hotel in advance whether it offers one.

If you need to continue on the MTR, find the MTR station nearest your hotel before you fly. For how to transfer from the Airport Express stations to the MTR, check the official MTR information.

Airport buses (A routes): cheap with a view

Airport bus routes start with the letter A. The A21 serves Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, and the A11 goes to Central and Causeway Bay. The ride takes about 50-70 minutes, longer than the train, but the buses are cheap.

Fares vary by route and our guide does not list them, so check the official information before boarding. These are double-deckers, and the upper deck front seats give you a great view on the way into town.

If your hotel is in an area the A21 or A11 serves, the bus is a good choice. Our guide does not list stop locations or operating hours, so confirm them with the official information.

Taxi: best late at night or in a group

Red urban taxis go anywhere in the city. The ride takes about 30-45 minutes and is especially handy if you land late at night or travel in a group.

You pay the meter plus extra charges for luggage and tunnels. Our guide does not give exact amounts, so check the official information. Note that Hong Kong taxis are color-coded by area: red for the urban area, green for the New Territories and blue for Lantau.

Showing your destination in Chinese or English makes things much easier. Save a screenshot of your hotel address in both.

• How to choose an airport transfer →

Which option suits which area

Where you stay matters most. Here are the four main hotel areas from our guide and the most convenient way to reach each. If you take the Airport Express, check the official information for how to get from your arrival station (Tsing Yi, Kowloon or Hong Kong) to your hotel.

• Tsim Sha Tsui (first visit, skyline views): the A21 bus serves this area. It is busy with tourists
• Mong Kok / Yau Ma Tei (local vibe, value): the A21 bus serves Mong Kok. Hotels are cheaper but rooms are often tiny
• Central / Sheung Wan (stylish stays, dining): the A11 bus goes to Central. Hotels here are expensive
• Causeway Bay (shopping): the A11 bus goes here. Expect big crowds on weekends
• If time matters most: take the Airport Express (about 25 minutes) to Kowloon or Hong Kong station, then continue by hotel shuttle, MTR or taxi

Late-night arrivals and a pre-trip checklist

If you land late at night, a taxi is the easiest choice. Our guide does not list first and last service times for the Airport Express or the airport buses, so check the official MTR and bus information before you fly.

An Octopus card makes paying for transport easy. It works on the MTR, buses, trams and ferries, plus convenience stores and fast food chains, and you can buy and top it up at the airport or MTR stations. Most shops take credit cards, but small stalls may need cash.

• May-September is typhoon season. When Typhoon Signal No. 8 or higher is raised, buses and ferries generally stop and the MTR runs a limited service, so watch the forecast
• No eating or drinking in the MTR paid areas; hold the handrail and stand on either side of escalators
• Have your hotel address ready in Chinese and English for taxi drivers
• Check entry requirements with the official source
• Korean MOFA travel advisory Level 1 (exercise caution), whole country; check your own government's travel advice too

Side by side

All times below are approximate. Our guide has no exact fares, so check the official sources for prices.

• Airport Express: Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong stations, about 25 min, fare varies by station (check official MTR fares), free hotel shuttles from Kowloon and Hong Kong stations at some hotels (hotel-operated, subject to change)
• Airport buses: A21 (Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok) and A11 (Central, Causeway Bay), about 50-70 min, cheap, fare varies by route (check official information)
• Taxi: red urban taxis go anywhere in the city, about 30-45 min, meter plus luggage and tunnel charges (check official information), handy late at night or in a group

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