Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Hong Kong.

Getting from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

You will likely arrive at Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island. The city center is about 30 to 45 minutes away by Airport Express, so you can be there fast.
Hong Kong is its own immigration zone. Even if you are coming from mainland China, expect passport control on arrival.

From the airport to the city center

Fastest

Airport Express to Hong Kong Station

HK$115 to HK$120 ($15 to $16)

24 to 30 min

  1. 1After baggage claim and customs, follow the signs to Airport Express at Arrivals level.
  2. 2Buy a single ticket at a machine or counter, or tap an Octopus card or contactless card if accepted.
  3. 3Ride to Hong Kong Station in Central. Trains run every 10 minutes or so.
  4. 4From Hong Kong Station, walk into Central or transfer to the MTR. Free shuttle buses serve some nearby hotels.
Open in Google Maps
Cheapest

Airport bus (A11, A12 or A21 routes)

HK$40 to HK$50 ($5 to $7)

50 to 90 min

  1. 1From arrivals, follow signs to the Airport Bus Terminus.
  2. 2Check the route board for a bus toward Central, Wan Chai or Causeway Bay, depending on where your hotel is.
  3. 3Pay with an Octopus card or exact change in coins. Drivers do not give change.
  4. 4Keep your bag with you on the lower deck, and watch the stop announcements.
Open in Google Maps
Easiest

Red urban taxi from the airport

HK$300 to HK$450 ($38 to $58)

35 to 55 min

  1. 1Follow the signs to the Taxi Stand outside arrivals.
  2. 2Join the queue for red urban taxis, which go to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
  3. 3Show the driver your hotel name in Chinese or English on your phone.
  4. 4Tunnel tolls are added to the fare. Ask for a receipt, and pay by cash or Octopus.
Open in Google Maps

Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

Partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Money

Hong Kong dollar

HKD

$1 is about HK$7.8

Cards

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and most restaurants. Small eateries, markets and some taxis prefer cash or Octopus.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected. Many restaurants add a 10 percent service charge. Round up a taxi fare or leave small change if you like.

Cash

  • Carry a little cash for street food, market stalls and minibuses.
  • Coins are common, so keep small change for buses and vending machines.
  • Many places accept Octopus, so a card or app can replace cash.

ATMs

  • Use bank ATMs such as HSBC, Hang Seng or Bank of China (Hong Kong) for the best reliability.
  • Decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in HKD.
  • Withdraw in larger amounts to cut down on per-transaction fees.

Apps to download

MTR Mobile

Must have

Official MTR app for trip planning, fares and service updates.

App StoreGoogle Play

Octopus

Must have

Tap-to-pay card or mobile wallet for trains, buses, trams, shops and convenience stores.

App StoreGoogle Play

Google Maps

Must have

Walking, bus and MTR directions across the city.

App StoreGoogle Play

Citymapper

Clear step-by-step public transport routing.

App StoreGoogle Play

WhatsApp

Main messaging app used by locals, hotels and many businesses.

App StoreGoogle Play

HKTaxi

Hail and book taxis in English.

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile coverage is excellent across the city, MTR stations included. An eSIM or a tourist SIM is easy to arrange before or on arrival.

  • Install an eSIM before you fly so you land online. Airalo and Holafly both offer Hong Kong plans.
  • Buy a tourist SIM at the airport arrivals hall from a carrier such as csl or 3 Hong Kong.
  • Free public Wi-Fi is available at many MTR stations and malls, but it is not a full substitute for data.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

Partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Good to know

  • Stand on the right on MTR escalators and let people pass on the left.
  • Eating and drinking are not allowed on the MTR. Fines apply.
  • Be wary of touts offering to sell watches, tailored suits or electronics. Agree prices clearly before you buy.
  • Taxi drivers should use the meter. Be cautious of anyone offering a flat fare at the airport.
  • Pickpocketing is uncommon but does happen in crowded markets and on busy trains. Keep your bag zipped.
  • Summer is hot, humid and typhoon season. Check weather warnings, as signal 8 or higher shuts down much of the city.
  • Tap water is generally safe, though many locals drink boiled or filtered water.

Emergency numbers

  • Police, fire and ambulance999
  • Police (non-emergency)18 5000
  • Hong Kong Tourism Board visitor hotline2508 1234

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.