Travelling in Hong Kong offers the chance to experience a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and urban excitement, and a key part of navigating this bustling city is its efficient Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system.
The MTR, known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and extensive network, connects travellers to Hong Kong’s diverse districts and attractions seamlessly. Whether venturing to the bustling markets of Mong Kok, the serene parks of the New Territories, or the lively streets of Central, the MTR ensures a smooth and convenient journey, allowing Singaporeans to make the most of their Hong Kong adventure.
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How To Get Around In Hong Kong On The MTR
Hong Kong’s MTR system operates 10 main lines with over 110 individual stations across the city. According to MTR, its rail network shuttles 5.5 million passengers on an average weekday. Its trains operate daily from 6 am to about 1 am each day. These lines are the Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, East Rail Line, Tuen Ma Line, as well as the Disneyland Resort Line and Airport Express.
Source: MTR
For Singaporeans accustomed to our world-class MRT system, the MTR works similarly with interconnecting lines allowing passengers to transfer to different lines to get to their destination. In particular, your journey on the MTR can start when you land in Hong Kong – with its Airport Express shuttling passengers between Hong Kong International Airport and its city centre about 35km away in 24 minutes.
The MTR stations are also equipped with world-class facilities that include Tourist Services, Babycare Rooms, Free Internet Services, among others. MTR stations are also connected to many retail shops and external malls as well.
Payment Modes: How To Pay For Your MTR Fare
Passengers can pay for their rides using Visa contactless credit cards. There are plans to include more card options in the second phase to be launched in the third quarter of 2024. Passengers can also use other payment-enabled devices such as mobile phones or smartwatches. These can only be used on the light blue coloured gates for tapping in and out.
Passengers who do not wish to use their credit cards to pay for public transport will need to purchase an Octopus card or a one-time ticket pass for the journey.
Another alternative is to use QR codes e-tickets, where users can scan QR codes during transit. Commuters who wish to use this option need to have an e-wallet account with AlipayHK Easy Go, UnionPay App MTR, Tencent Transit or MTR mobile.
Tourists who intend to use the MTR heavily may purchase a tourist day pass for HK$65 (S$11.18). This ticket is restricted to non-Hong Kong residents who have been in Hong Kong for less than 14 days, and can be purchased/collected at the Tsing Yi, Kowloon, Hong Kong or Airport stations. The day pass gives one day of unlimited travel on the MTR, light rail and MTR Bus, except for Airport Express, East Rail Line First Class and travel to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Stations.
Looking at the fare chart, fares range from HK$5 – HK$31 (S$0.86 – S$5.33). Assuming the average fare of HK$15, this ticket could become quite worthwhile if a tourist makes more than 5 trips during the day.
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Start Your Trip With The Airport Express
The Airport Express provides a fast and convenient trip to/from the airport from Hong Kong, Kowloon or Tsing Yi Stations. The journey time to the airport is just 24 minutes from Hong Kong station, 22 minutes from Kowloon station and 14 minutes from Tsing Yi station. These stations are connected to the MTR network and can also be accessed by various other transport services.
The Airport Express allows commuters to avoid traffic jams and ensure their timely arrival at the airport. Those flying on Hong Kong Airlines or Cathay Pacific can use the free in-town check-in service at Hong Kong or Kowloon stations. Aside from this, it is generally much cheaper to get to the airport via the Airport Express rather than by a taxi, especially since taxi rides from the other end of Hong Kong could easily cost more than S$100.
| To/From | Octopus | Smart Ticket | Round Trip |
| Hong Kong | HK$110 (S$19) | HK$115 (S$20) | HK$205 (S$35) |
| Kowloon | HK$100 (S$17) | HK$105 (S$18) | HK$185 (S$32) |
| Tsing Yi | HK$65 (S$11) | HK$70 (S$12) | HK$120 (S$21) |
Note: Prices in SGD rounded off to the nearest dollar
Nevertheless, if travelling in a family or group, it may still make sense to take a taxi since the fare, when split between 3-4 people, could still be cheaper than paying the fare for Airport Express tickets.
Points Of Interest Near MTR Stations
The MTR connects commuters and tourists to many points of interest all across Hong Kong. Here are a few selected ones that tourists may want to keep in mind:
- Admiralty Station (Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, South Island Line, East Rail Line) – Busiest station connecting 4 MTR lines
- Central Station (Tsuen Wan Line) – The Peak Tram, Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong Zoo & Botanical Gardens; Central Ferry Piers (to travel to Park Island, Discovery Bay, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau and other destinations)
- Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Tsuen Wan Line) – Harbour City Mall
- Wan Chai Station (Island Line) – Hong Kong Central Plaza
- Sheung Wan Station (Island Line) – Sheng Wan Ferry Terminal to Macau
- Ocean Park Station (South Island Line) – Ocean Park
- Mong Kok Station (Kwun Tong Line) – Mongkok shopping area
- Hong Kong Station (Tung Chung Line) – Central Ferry Piers (to travel to Park Island, Discovery Bay, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau and other destinations)
- Tung Chung Station (Tung Chung Line) – Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal
- Disneyland Resort Station (Disney Resort Line) – HK Disneyland
Whether you are in Hong Kong for business or leisure, it is most certainly worth spending some time to explore Hong Kong via the MTR.
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