Hong Kong, a major financial hub is served by many international airlines and cruise liners. Hong Kong International Airport has two shopping and dining outlets, Internet access, banks, post office, a bureau de change, nursing rooms and playrooms for children,, hair and beauty salons, a massage service, as well as other entertainment facilities. It also has a great transportation network that connects the airport to the city. The Arrival Hall in Terminal 1 has direct access to a variety of transport links including the Airport Express Train, Buses, Tour coaches, hotel transport as well as taxis to the city.

Taxis

Since most taxi driver can only speak Cantonese and limited English, it is highly recommended to take a card with details of your accomodation both in English and Chinese before you go sightseeing, shopping or going to eat at a restaurant. The taxis at the city are red in color whereas the taxis in rural area are green in color and those in Lantau Island are blue. When crossing tunnels, bridges or carrying extra luggage, there will be extra fees. For example, when crossing the harbor from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island or vice versa, there will be an extra fee of $10. It is good practice to ask for a receipt to track down the taxi details in case anything is left behind. It is mandatory by law to wear a seat belt at all times when riding in a vehicle.

Airport Express Train

The most efficient way to get to the city is by using the Airport Express Train. It takes 24 minutes and it costs around $100 to travel from the airport to Hong Kong Station. The train comes in 12 minutes interval and the train runs from 0500 to 0115 daily. The last train leaves the airport at 0048. Passengers can check in at Kowloon or Hong Kong Station for selected airlines from 90 minutes to a day in advance.

At Kowloon Station or Hong Kong Station, there are free shuttle bus to major hotels as well as free porter service. Train tickets can be purchased at service counter.

Octopus Card

This is a convenient electronic card where it can be used in most transportation including MTR, Airport Express Train, shuttles and buses, star ferries as well as almost any public transportation. Many restaurants, shops and convenient stores such as 7-Eleven also accept octopus card as a form of payment. WHen the payment is made, the amount puchased will be debited from the card. To get the octopus card, a $50 refundable deposit is required and any unused values will be refunded within 3 months. For more information, please contact Octopus Customer Hotline at 852 2266 2222 or Lost Cards Hotline at 852 2266 2266.

Mass Transit Railway (MTR)

The MTR is one of the most extensive and efficient railway network in Asia. It covers Hong Kong from the heart of Central and Causeway to New Territories and Lantau Island. The 168.1km of tracks call at 80 station on nine lines. Moreover, there is an Airport Express Line (with a rapid link to the city) and Light Rail Network calling at 68 stations in the northwestern New Territories as a feeder service for the MTR and bus services. Most stations have facilities for disabled passengers. MTR stations are located near main shopping centers and tourist attractions. For more information, contact MTR Hotline at 852 2881 8888 (www.mtr.com.hk).

Ferry Services

Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and HKIA are well served by high speed ferries linking to neighboring ports in China. Passengers can transit into or our of the Pearl River Delta region via SkyPier in HKIA without the need to pass through HK Customs and Immigration formalities. The three main ferry companies serving Hong Kong are

1. Turbo Jet (www.turbojet.com.hk) to Macau and Shen Zhen
2. Chu Kong Passenger Transport (CKS) (www.cksp.com.hk) to ports in Guangdong provinces
3. New World First Ferry (www.nwff.com.hk) to Macau

Terminals are at

Macau Ferry Terminal, 202 Connaught Road Central (MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit D), Central.
China Ferry Terminal, 33 Canton Road (MTR Tsim Tsa Tsui station Exit A1), Kowloon.

Discount Rail Passes

Airport Express Tourist Pass

– an octopus card with one or two day journey on the Airport Express Line plus a 3 day unlimited ride on the MTR (except Airport Express, Light Rail, MTR Bus, East Rail Line First Class, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Stations). One journey cost $200 HKD and two journey cost $300 HKD.

Tourist Day Pass

– unlimited one day travel on MTR (except Airport Express, Light Rail, MTR Bus, East Rail Line First Class, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Stations). $55 HKD.

Disney Resort Line Day Pass

– unlimited on day travel on the MTR to and from Disneyland Resort Station (except Airport Express, Light Rail, MTR Bus and East Rail First Class). $50 HKD.