How to get around in Hong Kong? Well, get an Octopus Card, just like Singapore “EZlink” card or UK Oyster card. This Octopus card will allow you to use MTR, ferry, bus, minibus, tram (also known as Ding Ding) and yes to buy food in McDonald’s. You can get the Octopus card in the airport once you touch down in Hong Kong Airport or get it in the MTR station at the customer service desk.
The Octopus card cost HKD 150 (USD 19.10) which includes an initial HKD 100 (USD 12.70) of credit and a refundable HKD 50 (USD 6.40) deposit, that is for an adult. If you are only visiting Hong Kong for few days, you may want to consider the Airport Express Travel Pass, cost HKD 300 (USD 38.20) include a return Airport Express journey plus three days of unlimited travel on the MTR and bus services. Side note, one way to Hong Kong airport cost HKD 100 (USD 12.70) by the MTR Airport express. We do not get the Airport Travel Pass because we came to Hong Kong from Macau via ferry so it isn’t worth to get one.
Have you wondered why the card is named Octopus card? In Cantonese, it is called Baat Daath Tung 八達通 which mean reaching everywhere. And the Baat 八 in English is Eight, an auspicious number for Chinese. 達 meaning getting wealthy. Look carefully, there is a logo “eight” printed on the card. Hence they use Octopus for the English name as octopus has 8 tentacles.
Double-decker Bus
One of the most common scenes in Hong Kong busy street is the double-decker buses. Well, we do have a lot in Singapore too. Sitting near the front on the top deck would be one of the nicest things to do when you board on the double-decker bus. Beware and hold tight if the double-decker bus goes up winding roads (to the Peak)
Minibus 小巴 or Public Light Bus
Minibusses are another icon in Hong Kong, they called it “siuba” in Cantonese. “Siuba” often appeared in Hong Kong drama back in the 80s and 90s, that is how I first knew about this minibusses because of their foul-mouthed drivers who made a strong impression to me. I find the minibus very interesting as it stops anywhere and there is no bell for you to ring when you want to stop. You need to yell out “Stop please” in Cantonese. The number of seats is limited, only up to 16 passengers. You can use the Octopus card as there is a reader in the minibus near the door. The minibus will make an authentic Hong Kong experience for daring travelers.
Have you wondered why Hong Kong has these small minibusses? Well, they were established because of the 1967 Hong Kong riots. Trams were not able to function so the government uses minibusses to transport people daily in vans and with little cost. The idea of minibusses works well in Hong Kong as it is also cheaper as compared to a taxi, so they get to stay till now. There are two type os minibusses, the green, and the red. The red seems rowdier and too flexible. Tons of minibusses can be found in Mongkok.
Taxi
Taxi is everywhere and easy to hail on the street, at the ferry terminal or outside your hotel. All are metered with air-conditioned and pretty clean. There are three types of color taxi, the red taxis operate in Hong Kong, Green taxis operate in New Territories and the blue taxis operate in Lantau Island.
It is cheaper to get a taxi to the airport if you have 4 passengers. The single ticket via MTR Airport Express cost HKD 100 (USD12.70) per person. We stayed in Jordon Hong Kong island and we used a taxi to the Hong Kong airport, cost us HKD 264 (USD 33.60). The taxi saves us trouble from pulling our luggage to the MTR station and costs cheaper if you have 3-4 persons. You cannot use Octopus card for the taxi ride.
Final thoughts:
Hong Kong public transport such as the MTR is still the most convenient choice to travel around. The historical Ding Ding tram and minibus are something you may want to consider trying them out, get a taste of the local style experience. You may or may not like it especially the minibus’s driver attitude. LOL.
30 comments
This news on public and ecological transport in Hong Kong is really interesting and cheap to get around the city
Dear Cristina,
It is cheapest way to travel in Hong Kong too.
It is always good to know how to get around best when you travel. Never been to Hong Kong, but it looks fabulous.
Dear Wren,
Hong Kong is a small country but very populated, getting around with the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the easiest way to reach your destination.
Oh my gosh, transit posts are SO helpful! I remember my first time to NYC and I was like a deer in headlights trying to figure out the subways!
I have always liked the idea of a double decker bus. That really sounds like a fun way to travel and see the sights!
Dear Melissa,
Yes, double-decker bus are cute and go up the second-floor deck and sit in front, that would be the best seat!
I have always wanted to visit Hong Kong!! Lools so fun!
I remember the MTR in Hong Kong and it was so efficient! Thank you for explaining the meaning behind the Octopus card too, I never knew that!
Dear Lisa,
Similar to Octopus card in Hong Kong, the Oyster card in London also has its own hidden meaning – “the world is your oyster”. LOL
I saw double decker bus when I was there I must say the transportation is cool in Hong Kong.
Dear Moni,
Double-decker bus is also another icon in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is so densely populated, with little room to spare. These are great tips for navigating the city while leaving enough of your travel budget to actually explore and try new experiences.
Dear Alicia,
You are right, the housing in Hong Kong is small and narrow however we are able to find a hotel that is quite spacious in Jordan, called “West Hotel”. The price is also quite affordable and not too expensive but offer very good location, just next to Temple street.
Hong Kong public transport system looks quite efficient. I always love to travel on public transport to save a bit for that extra souvenir or on a local delicacy.
Dear Kalyan,
Hong Kong public transport system is pretty efficient especially their MTR system.
I still haven’t been to hong kong but I’d love to! Also it’s was good to learn more about their public transport system!
I’ve been in Hong Kong a years ago but only tried a subway for transportation. Looks like they have an efficient public transport and it looks like a nice way of using it in exploring the whole city.
Dear Catherine,
You are right, the best way to explore Hong Kong is with the MTR and buses. You may want to try out the mini bus if you dare. Lol.
This was such a thorough guide! I truly appreciate the effort that you put into making sure you left nothing out, and now I feel like I must visit Hong Kong! Your photos are stunning as well
Dear Karin,
Thanks for your comment. I hope my guide gives an intro to people who plan to visit Hong Kong. Using public transport is the cheapest and fastest way.
You leave nothing out in your post! Very detailed and the photos are well taken. I would love to go there soon!
I would love to visit Hong Kong, such an interesting post. Will have to bookmark this post!
Thanks for this great travel sharing, I love to travel & enjoy local transport. Saved this as I plan to revisit HK soon. waiting for cheap airfare. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Dear Sienny,
I know there are so many people visit Hong Kong just for their food. I am also one of them who visit Hong Kong just for their local cuisine, especially those “siu mei”/roasted meat, my fave is HK roasted goose!
Me too
I’ve never been on a double decker bus but it’s a great way to take in all the sights of the city. Thanks for sharing!
Dear Catherine,
We have double-decker here in my home country, it is certainly fun especially you get to sit on the second deck front seat.
How cool! Hong Kong is such a fascinating city! I didn’t know about the mini-buses it is really a good idea.
I would love to do the tram – something we don’t have here