Transportation Options from Hong Kong Airport to the City

Maria Papakonstantinou

September 5, 2024

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is about 32 km west of the city centre and there are four main transportation options connecting the two; taxi, private transfer, train, and bus. The best way to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city is by hiring an airport taxi or pre-booking a private transfer. These options are pricier but provide 24/7 service and door-to-door transportation for a smooth arrival to your hotel or apartment in the city.

Public transport is a cheaper way to get from Hong Kong Airport to the City. The Airport Express train is a fast and convenient choice with several stops around Hong Kong. The bus is slower but is the cheapest option and there are multiple bus lines to choose from that connect Hong Kong Airport to downtown.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Hong Kong at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€33	30min	24/7
Private Airport Transfer	€54	30min	24/7
Airport Express Train	€25	25min	05:54–00:48
CityFlyer Bus A11/A21	€8	75min	05:35–00:30
CityFlyer Overnight Bus N11/N21	€5.60	75min	00:20–04:50

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to City by taxi

A taxi from Hong Kong Airport to downtown is one of the best ways to reach your destination. Taxi service is available 24/7 and you can enjoy a direct ride to the door of your hotel or apartment.

You should note that three types of taxis operate at Hong Kong Airport and are colour-coded according to their operating areas. To reach the city centre, you need to take an Urban taxi; they are red and operate in most areas of Hong Kong.

How much is a taxi from Hong Kong Airport to the city?

Hong Kong taxi fares are calculated by using a taximeter for all types of taxis operating at the airport. Each type of taxi has different rates, with Urban taxis being the most expensive ones.

That being said, the average Hong Kong Airport to city taxi fare is around €33 (HKD 284). Note that a €0.70 (HKD 6) fee applies to every piece of luggage or a baby pram, and all tolls are to be paid by the passenger.

Photos (3)

Official Urban (Red) taxi in Hong Kong

Cost

€33

Trip Duration

30 Min.

During peak times, the queue for an available taxi can be significantly longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Hong Kong Airport (HKG).

Where do I get a taxi from?

Look for the clear signage inside the Arrivals Hall leading you to the official airport taxi station; it’s located near the left-hand ramp in front of the terminal. Keep in mind that there are different queues for each type of taxi so make sure to stand in the queue for Urban (Red) taxis.

Convenience

A taxi from Hong Kong Airport to the city is a convenient and fast option to reach your hotel or apartment, even if your flight arrives early in the morning or late at night. However, during peak tourist season from October to December and during peak hours in general, you can expect the airport to be busier, resulting in long queues at the rank.

Editor’s Note

To avoid waiting in queue for an available taxi, consider pre-booking your ride and have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land.

Useful Tips

Scams aren't common in Hong Kong but it's recommended to take a taxi only from the official rank at the airport.

Not all taxi drivers speak fluent English so it's best to write down anything important in Chinese.

Once you get in the taxi, check that the taximeter is turned on and set to the base fare of €3.40 (HKD 29).

Make sure to carry cash in small notes as paying for your Hong Kong taxi by credit card is usually not an option.

Tipping your taxi driver isn’t expected but it’s common practice to round up to the nearest Hong Kong dollar.

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to City by private transfer

The best way to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city is by private transfer. Rather than rushing to the taxi rank to secure a taxi, your driver will already be waiting for you with your private vehicle.

By pre-booking a private transfer with a top-rated operator, such as Welcome Pickups, you can secure tailored services and several perks that guarantee a seamless travel experience:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support

Choosing a private transfer allows you to organise everything in advance and enjoy peace of mind on the day of your arrival in Hong Kong. Welcome Pickups will be your friend on the ground; your driver will be happy to share valuable tips and recommend places to visit to make your stay even more memorable.

How much is a private transfer from Hong Kong Airport to downtown?

Pre-booking a private transfer secures a fixed fare that you will know and pay in advance. This takes much of the stress off and allows you to budget your trip beforehand.

That being said, the fare for a private transfer from Hong Kong Airport to the city centre is €54 (HKD 465) for a sedan. If you’re travelling in a larger group, you can book a minivan for €70 (HKD 603). These rates are fixed throughout the day and all fees are included.

You can easily complete your booking online in a few steps and select the appropriate vehicle for you and your travel party. By paying securely online, you have nothing to worry about on the day of your arrival in Hong Kong; you can relax and enjoy the ride to your accommodation.

Cost

€54

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Hong Kong Airport (HKG).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Instead of joining the taxi queue outside the airport terminal, you can enjoy a personalised meet and greet inside the Arrivals Hall. Your friendly English-speaking driver will be waiting for you in the public area, holding a sign with your name on it so there’s no way you’ll miss them! After a warm introduction, your driver will offer to help with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle at the airport parking.

Convenience

Although on-demand taxi service is a good option, nothing beats knowing having someone waiting for you upon land. With a trusted operator, like Welcome Pickups, you can enjoy reliable door-to-door transport from Hong Kong Airport to the city and eliminate any travel stress on the day; everything will be arranged in advance so you can relax after a long flight and enjoy the ride.

Editor’s Note

Your driver will monitor your flight and adjust the pickup time in case there is a delay so you don't need to worry about missing your transfer.

Useful Tips

Sedans can accommodate up to 2 passengers and minivans up to 6.

You can download the Welcome Traveller app to keep useful information about your transfer handy.

Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.

You can contact your driver via WhatsApp or the Welcome Traveller app.

You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process and your driver will provide one for you.

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to City by train

The Airport Express Train from Hong Kong Airport to the city is the best option if you want to travel by public transport; it’s fast, comfortable, and can take you to several parts of Hong Kong.

If you don’t wish to change lines, you can stay on the Airport Express Line until you reach Kowloon Station in the west part of the city in about 25 minutes or even continue your trip to Central Hong Kong Station on Hong Kong Island.

If you want to get closer to Mong Kok, you can switch to Tung Chung Line at Tsing Yi Station and then to Tsuen Wan Line at Lai King Station

How much is the train from Hong Kong Airport to city?

The Hong Kong Airport to the city cost depends on your destination. A one-way train ticket to Kowloon Station costs €12.50 (HKD 105), while to Hong Kong Central it costs €13.50 (HKD 115).

You can purchase your ticket at the Airport Express Customer Service Centres in the Arrivals Hall, from the automated ticket machines at the airport station or online via the official MTR website and mobile app.

If you plan to move around by public transport during your trip, it’s worth purchasing an Octopus card and topping it up with the amount of your choice to save time when boarding the train.

It’s also worth having a look at the Single Journey Ticket Sets available for groups of 2, 3, or 4 passengers for a discounted fare.

Photos (4)

Airport Express at Hong Kong International airport

Cost

€12.50

Trip Duration

25 Min.

The average waiting time for the train is around 10 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Express trains run from 05:54 to 00:48 daily.

Where do I get the train from?

The train station at Hong Kong Airport is located in the terminal building and only 50 metres away from the Arrivals Hall. There is clear signage everywhere guiding you there but you can also contact the Airport Express Customer Service Centres if you require any further assistance.

Convenience

Travelling from Hong Kong Airport to the city centre is very quick and cheaper than taking a taxi. However, you may not find a train station that’s close to your hotel apartment so in that case you’ll need to walk or look for additional transportation; if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage or you’re travelling with young children, this may not be ideal.

Timetables

Airport Express timetable

From Airport to City

MTR tickets

Online ticket purchase

MTR hotel shuttle service

Designated hotels and schedule

Editor’s Note

At Kowloon and Hong Kong Central Station, you can use the free MTR shuttle bus that travels to multiple nearby hotels.

Useful Tips

Children under 3 years of age travel for free.

MTR offers a free return journey for a round trip on the same day.

Single train tickets are available in QR code format allowing you to board directly by scanning the QR code.

The Airport Express trains have plenty of luggage storage space.

MTR trains offer free WiFi, TV, and power charging sockets.

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to City by bus

Several public bus lines operated by Citybus run from Hong Kong Airport to the city centre. The most popular bus routes are A11 which stops at Western Harbour Crossing near Kowloon Station and near Hong Kong Central and A21 which will take you to Tsim Sha Tsui via Mong Kok. The travel time to the city is long as both routes make multiple stops but it’s a good option to keep transport expenses low.

How much is the bus from Hong Kong airport to city centre?

The bus fare is calculated based on distance and depends on your destination. A single ticket to Western Harbour Crossing Bus-Bus Interchange or Tsim Sha Tsui costs €4 (HKD 34.6), while the bus from Hong Kong Airport to Central costs €4.90 (HKD 41.9).

You can purchase your ticket from the Citybus Customer Service Centre at the Airport Ground Transportation Centre or from the fare box on the coach, provided you have the exact fare in Hong Kong dollars.

You can also purchase an Octopus Card from the Citybus Customer Service Centre if you are planning to travel by bus or train during your stay.

Photos (4)

Cityflyer bus stop and A11 route at Hong Kong Airport

Cost

€4

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

The average waiting time for the bus is around 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus route A11 runs from 05:35 to 00:30 daily. Bus route A21 runs from 05:35 to 00:30 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

Public buses depart from the Airport Ground Transportation Centre located on the right side as you exit the Arrivals Hall. There is clear signage inside the Terminal guiding you to the bus stop.

Convenience

CityFlyer buses are the cheapest option to get from Hong Kong Airport to downtown, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travellers. However, keep in mind that the travel time is much longer compared to other available modes of transport and that buses can get quite crowded during peak hours.

Timetables

CityFlyer routes

Available services and service areas

CityFlyer route A11

Stops, timetable, fare

CityFlyer route A21

Stops, timetable, fare

Editor’s Note

Try to secure a window seat on the upper deck and keep your camera ready as you cross Tsing Ma Bridge and Stonecutters Bridge, offering spectacular views.

Useful Tips

All CityFlyer buses have a Wheelchair accessible ramp.

Buses have secure storage for small and large luggage.

There is a 50% discount for return on the same day.

Most CityFlyer buses offer free WiFi and are equipped with visual displays and audio recordings that provide important information in English and Chinese.

You can access real-time information on bus arrivals via the Citybus & NWFB App.

How to get from Hong Kong Airport to City by bus (night line)

CityFlyer operates overnight routes providing convenient transportation from Hong Kong Airport to the city centre after midnight. The best routes are N11 which stops goes all the way to Hong Kong Central and N21 which will take you to Tsim Sha Tsui via Mong Kok. Both routes take quite long to reach the city but it’s a good option to save money.

How much is the bus from Hong Kong airport to city centre?

The bus fare is calculated based on distance and depends on your destination. A single ticket to Tsim Sha Tsui with route N21 costs €2.80 (HKD 23.80), while a ticket to Hong Kong Central with route N11 costs €3.80 (HKD 32.10).

Note that you can purchase your ticket only from the fare box on the coach with the exact fare in Hong Kong dollars as the Citybus Customer Service Centre in the Arrivals Hall is closed after 20:00.

Photos (2)

Overnight CityFlyer buses N11 and N21

Cost

€2.80

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

Bus route N11 runs every 60 minutes and route N21 every 20-30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus route N11 runs from 01:50 to 04:50 daily. Bus route N21 runs from 00:20 to 04:40 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

Public buses depart from the Airport Ground Transportation Centre located on the right side as you exit the Arrivals Hall. There is clear signage inside the Terminal guiding you to the bus stop. It’s best to access real-time information to see the location of the bus to avoid waiting at the bus stop for a long time.

Convenience

The night buses are a convenient way to reach the city after a late-night flight as they’re the only public transport available after midnight. However, departures aren’t scheduled frequently and the travel time is quite long, which isn’t ideal after a long flight when all you want to do is reach your hotel or apartment as quickly as possible.

Timetables

CityFlyer Overnight Routes

Available services and service areas

CityFlyer route N11

Stops, timetable, fare

CityFlyer route N21

Stops, timetable, fare

Editor’s Note

If the bus stop is far from your hotel or apartment, it's best to take a taxi to get there to avoid walking at night in a new city.

Useful Tips

Make sure to carry cash as you can only purchase a physical ticket on the bus.

All CityFlyer buses have a Wheelchair accessible ramp.

Buses have secure storage for small and large luggage.

Most CityFlyer buses offer free WiFi and are equipped with visual displays and audio recordings that provide important information in English and Chinese.

You can access real-time information on bus arrivals via the Citybus & NWFB App.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Hong kong. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€71

NIGHTTIME

€71

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I go to the city centre from Hong Kong Airport?

The best transport from Hong Kong Airport to the city is an airport taxi or a private transfer; they’re available 24/7 and provide door-to-door service. Using public transport is a great value-for-money alternative. The Airport Express Train is quick and convenient while the several local bus routes connecting the airport to the city are slower but cheaper.

How much does it cost from Hong Kong Airport to the city?

The cost of a taxi from Hong Kong Airport to the city is approximately €33 (HKD 284). A private transfer starts at €54 (HKD 465) but saves you time at the airport and provides personalised services.

Is there a train from Hong Kong Airport to the city?

Yes, the Airport Express Train provides a direct connection from Hong Kong Airport to the city centre. You can easily reach Kowloon Station in the west part of the city or continue your trip to Central Hong Kong Station on Hong Kong Island.

How much is a train ticket from Hong Kong Airport to the city centre?

The ticket cost for the train from Hong Kong Airport to the city depends on your destination and the ticket type you choose. A single ticket to Kowloon Station costs €12.50 (HKD 105) and to Hong Kong Central costs €13.50 (HKD 115).

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