Chen Liu
Quick Navigation
I've lost count of how many times I've helped travelers figure out how to get to Hong Kong. Some land at the airport and immediately hit a wall with taxi queues. Others follow outdated blogs and end up stuck at a land border for two hours. Here is the catch – most guides won't tell you that the fastest route is often not the cheapest, and that one wrong turn can cost you half a day.
In this article, I'll break down every major way to get to Hong Kong – by air, high-speed rail, ferry, and land – with specific prices, times, and the little tricks that only a local guide knows. Whether you're coming from a different country or mainland China, you'll know exactly what to book and what to avoid.
How to Get to Hong Kong by Air
Flying into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is the most common choice for long-haul travelers. The airport is massive but surprisingly efficient – if you know the shortcuts.
Key Airlines and Routes
Major airlines like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates serve Hong Kong directly from hundreds of cities. For budget options, look at HK Express (part of Cathay) for regional flights from Japan, Korea, or Southeast Asia.
Airport to City: What Actually Works
Here is where many tourists waste money. The Airport Express is fast (24 minutes to Central) but expensive – HKD 115 (around USD 15) one-way. Alternatively, the Cityflyer bus (A21, A22, etc.) costs HKD 33-38 and drops you at many hotels. I always tell my clients: if your hotel is near a bus stop, take the bus. It's only 45 minutes longer but saves you enough for a decent meal.
How to Get to Hong Kong by High-Speed Rail
Coming from mainland China? The high-speed rail is my top recommendation. It connects Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to 58 mainland cities, including Beijing (8.5 hours), Shanghai (8 hours), Guangzhou (47 minutes), and Shenzhen (18 minutes).
Booking Tickets – Yes, It's Tricky for Foreigners
Foreigners can buy tickets at the station with a passport, but the queues can be long. I recommend using Trip.com (an English-friendly site) to book in advance. The official 12306.cn website requires Chinese ID verification – skip that nightmare.
Departure and Arrival Procedures
You need to clear immigration at West Kowloon Station – both Hong Kong and mainland sides. Leave at least 45 minutes for this on departure. And here's a detail no one mentions: the station has two levels. If you arrive from Shenzhen, you'll walk a long corridor; bring a water bottle because the air conditioning is intense but the walk is long.
How to Get to Hong Kong by Ferry
If you're coming from Macau, Shenzhen Airport (Shekou), or the Pearl River Delta, ferries are convenient and scenic. The main ferry terminals are Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) and China Ferry Terminal (Tsim Sha Tsui).
Macau to Hong Kong
TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet run ferries every 15-30 minutes. The trip takes about 1 hour. Prices range from HKD 170 to 220. For a more luxurious ride, try the Cotai First class – slightly more legroom and a sandwich included.
Shenzhen Airport (Shekou) to Hong Kong
This is a hidden gem for international travelers landing at Shenzhen Bao'an Airport. A ferry from Shekou to Hong Kong Airport or Central takes 30-45 minutes. It's seamless because you can check your luggage through to your final destination (if you're connecting). Cost: around HKD 150.
How to Get to Hong Kong by Land from Shenzhen
The busiest land crossings are Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay, and Man Kam To. Each has its quirks.
Which Border to Use?
| Border Crossing | Best for | Hours | Travel Time to Central |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lo Wu | Direct MTR connection; very crowded | 6:30 am - midnight | 45 min (MTR) |
| Lok Ma Chau (via MTR) | Faster for eastern New Territories | 6:30 am - 10:30 pm | 55 min (MTR + bus) |
| Shenzhen Bay | 24h crossing; good for buses | 24 hours | 1 hour (direct bus) |
Practical Tips for Foreign Travelers Navigating to Hong Kong
No matter which route you choose, here are things that can make or break your trip.
Payment: Cash Won't Cut It
Hong Kong is more card-friendly than mainland China, but cash is still king for taxis and small shops. However, for ferries, trains, and buses, you can use Octopus card (buy at any MTR station) or AlipayHK/WeChat Pay. If you're coming from abroad, install Alipay and link your international credit card before arrival. I've seen too many tourists stuck at a toll booth without a card.
Navigation: Forget Google Maps
Google Maps works in Hong Kong (it's not blocked), but it's often inaccurate for walking routes and bus stops. Use Citymapper or the MTR Mobile app for real-time transit. Even better: download an offline map of Hong Kong on Apple Maps or Google Maps before you arrive.
VPN and SIM
If you plan to visit mainland China after Hong Kong, you'll need a VPN. But within Hong Kong, all regular apps work. Get a local SIM at the airport – I like the SoSIM (from 7-Eleven) or CMHK prepaid plans. They're cheap and offer good data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting to Hong Kong
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All prices and travel times are subject to change – please confirm with official sources before your trip.
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