Essentials

Octopus – Lifeline of Hong Kong

Please check the Settling in section in this book for more information.

Transportation (Travel within city)

Hong Kong is well connected through rail, buses, and waterways. Hong Kong has the famous MTR, which is a backbone of Hong Kong and first choice for Hong Kongers. There are light rails and trams that ply within cities carrying passengers. One of the Hong Kong specialties is that the person can reach, within 40 minutes, most of the locations except the outskirts of the city. The fastest and most convenient is the MTR that runs several lines and cover major parts of the city. Buses are the second-best option for reaching the places where the location is not connected by MTR. Senior citizens (above 60 years) and children below 12 years will have concessional tickets.

Local Travel (MTR, Star Ferry, Bus, Tram, Light Rail)

Mass Transit Rail (MTR):

MTR covers all major districts and leading tourist attractions in the city and beyond the city, i.e., border of mainland China or outskirts of the city.

MTR has 7 lines

Island Line (dark blue)

South Island Line (yellow Line)

Tsuen Wan Line (Red) Tseung Kwan O Line (Purple Line) Kwun Tong Line (green Line) Tung Chung Line & Disneyland Resort Line (mustard/dark yellow Line) East Rail Line (light blue line) West Rail Line (purple line) Ma On Shan Line (Maroon Line) Airport Express (dark green line)

Tram

For over a century, the tram on Hong Kong Island has been an economical mode of transportation.

The fare is HK$2.60 for an adult, HK$1.30 for a child, and HK$1.20 for a senior citizen.

This is convenient for senior citizens who wish to avoid climbing stairs or long walks inside MTR stations and makes it easy to get closer to your destination. However, the services are available in a limited part of the city and may take more travel time during peak traffic periods, such as office hours.

Buses and Mini Buses

Buses and mini buses are plying and helping Hong Kongers to reach farthest points where MTR or Tram can’t take them. They are comfortable and convenient.

Please use this link to check the routes of the buses:- http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/ routes/index.aspx?

For min buses check this link: https://www. td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/ public_transport/minibuses/index.html

Taxi

Taxis are one of the most convenient means of travel in Hong Kong. Some taxi

drivers may not speak English. You can show such drivers the address on Google or use Google translate to communicate with them. By HK law, all taxi passengers are required to wear seat belts.

Basic fare is HK$19-HK$24, which increases by HK$1.20 to HK$1.70 every 200 m. Further, the taxi will charge additionally for luggage, depending on number of bags, as well as Cross-Harbour-Tunnel toll charges, bridge charges, and return toll.

Receipts are given on request only. Tel: (852) 2804 2600 Website: www.td.gov.hk Please check the car section

For more information, you can check this Hong Kong Transport Department link: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_ hong_kong/public_transport/minibuses/ index.html