Getting Around Hong Kong

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the best way to get around the city. The system has around 155 stations on 10 rapid transit lines and 12 light rail lines. The Island, Tsuen Wan, West Rail, Disneyland Resort, and Airport Express lines are commonly used by tourists to get around Hong Kong, as they connect you to most of the city’s popular landmarks and areas.

You can buy single tickets to travel, but investing on an Octopus Card gives you discount on fares and saves you time at the same time. Sold at all MTR stations, this pre-loaded card costs around HK$150 per adult and HK$70 per child, with a stored value of HK$100 and HK$20. Before leaving Hong Kong, return it to any MRT customer service counter to refund a HK$50 deposit. An alternative for travellers is the Sold Tourist Octopus, which costs HK$39. No deposit is required, but there isn’t an initial stored value so you’ll have to top up the card to use it. 

The Kowloon–Canton Railway Company (KCR) is Kowloon's version of the MTR. It offers rapid transit services, a light rail system and feeder bus routes within Hong Kong, along with train services to mainland China. Key MTR and the KCR lines intersect at several main stations, one of which is Kowloon Station. 

There are around 162 double-decker trams shuttling passengers throughout Hong Kong, but most regularly travel along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. Trams run from Kennedy Town through the Western District, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and ending in Shau Kei Wan. For a cheap and easy tour of the main shopping streets of Hong Kong Island, you can make the entire 14-km-long, 65-stop trip in about 90 minutes. 

The Peak Tram is a cog-wheel railway departing from its own station on Garden Road. Since 1888, this funicular railway has been carrying locals and travellers to the top of The Peak for the best view in town. Have a good look around at the top – there's a good path to walk down for those feeling energetic.