By Taxi
A taxi is an ideal vehicle for short-runs. There are three colors of taxis in Hong Kong. Red ones can cover most Hong Kong destinations except Tung Chung Road and roads in south Lantau Island. Green cabs run around in New Territories and on some appointed roads on Lantau Island. Blue taxis serve most destinations on Lantau Island. If you are planning to go to New Territories or Lantau Island, choose a green or blue taxi as more reasonably priced than red. All the taxis can touch Hong Kong International Airport but may not be available in Discovery Bay.
Note: if your journey covers the Lantau Link, you are required to pay an extra toll fee of HK$30 even to downtown or Lantau Island. And if you using toll tunnels, the extra fee is also your responsibility
Hong Kong taxi prices:
| Price | Red Taxi | Green Taxi | Blue Taxi |
| Flag-down-rate (for the prior 2km(1.24 miles)) | HK$15 | HK$12.5 | HK$12 |
| Every 0.2km (0.12 mile) or one minute waiting | HK$1.4 | HK$1.2 | HK$1.2 |
| One piece of luggage (exclude portable luggage) | HK$5 | HK$4 | HK$5 |
| One pet | HK$5 | HK$4 | HK$5 |
| Reservation through telephone | HK$5 | HK$4 | HK$5 |
To avoid problems, always get your destination written in Chinese on a card. Be sure to bring loose change instead of HK$500 and HK$1,000 bank notes. Taxi drivers are not obliged to make change. Get on and off cars on the left side of the street.
Roads with painted double yellow lines are forbidden zones for picking up passengers; you cannot take a taxi here. During rush hours, taxis may stop in front of some hotels. Always ask for the bill before leaving the taxi as the car number is listed on it. If you are not satisfied with the service or you left something in the car, you can complain through (852)28899999.
By Public Light Bus
In Hong Kong, there is a kind of minibus called the public light bus and known locally as 'Van 仔' (Van Zai). This name is a combination of Chinese and English. In Cantonese, '仔' means 'small' or 'young'. The natives in Hong Kong also speak Cantonese; hence, they like to use this character.
The public light bus plays a very important role within Hong Kong's urban traffic system. It reaches the areas that subway trains and regular buses cannot go so many locals travel upon them. If you want to experience the life of ordinary people whilst there, you might want to have a go.
A public light bus has 16 seats. In Hong Kong, there are red and green-roofed public light buses and their bodies' color is light yellow. The red-roofed ones, also known as 'red vans' do not have regular routes, scheduled departure times, or fixed fares so red vans are not suitable for visitors unfamiliar with their routes. Most red vans provide a 24-hour service and usually, passengers pay for their journey in cash when they are ready to get off. As a rule red vans do not accept the Octopus Card With the exception of the forbidden zones indicated with a yellow line, they are free to stop anywhere.
Differing from the red vans, the green-roofed public light buses have regular routes, schedules and standard fixed fares and as such, provide a better service. In line with the Hong Kong Government’s policy to convert red vans to green, more scheduled routes are being introduced.
Tip: Most of the public light bus drivers are only able to speak Cantonese. They cannot speak English, or even Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese). Therefore, as a visitor, if taking the public light bus, you should be familiar with the bus routes or know some Cantonese.
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Travelers' Voices on Getting Around Hong Kong by Taxi & Public Light Bus
1.
Nov. 8,2009 01:29 Reply
Ms.Ivy(Malaysia) said:
Hi there,
I will have to travel from Tseung Kwan O back to my hotel(Royal Plaza) at Mongkok for some work(probably after midnight). Do you know what is the approximate price for a taxi between these 2 destinations? Thanks a lot!
And if possible, is there a train to catch for these destinations after midnight? Thanks.
2.
Oct. 23,2009 05:37 Reply
Ms.Brenda(Philippines) said:
Oh im sorry I forgot to say Thank you so much in advance if you could help me on my inquiries.
Oct. 24,2009 21:30
Ms.Liz replied:
That's all right. My pleasure. See my reply below. Hope it helps.
Nov. 4,2009 03:58
Ms.Brenda(Philippines) replied:
HI Ms. Liz, I'm here again, I just want to show you our itinerary on Dec 5-9. If this is covenient or you could suggest a better one
Dec 5: Manila-HK will arrive at 7:40 in HK
- will go directly to our friends house to drop-off our luggage will have breakfast
- from our friends pad to ocean park till 3:00pm? then from there to victorias peak
Dec 6 - shenzen
- window shopping /meet some friends
Dec 7 - Disneyland the whole day
Dec 8 - going to Macau
Dec 9 - continuation to macau tour
since our departure will be at 10:00pm at Macau airport.
What you think?I'm thinking if i could book an hotel at Kowloon but others told me that its not advisable since its far from peak,ocean park,disney although its near ferry going to macau. Do you know hotels in kowloon where can we stay which cost HK 200-250?:)and a nice place also. :)
Thanks Ms. Liz. :) have a nice day
Nov. 7,2009 21:40
Ms.Liz replied:
To Ms Brenda. I don't think it is a bad idea to stay in Kowloon area which is comparatively cheaper. If the hostel is located far from MTR stations, it is easy to get tho those places you want to visit. Chungking Mansions in Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui has many budget hostels within the buildong. This one: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/hampton-hotel-hong-kong.htm is also a cheap hotel. It is in Mong Kok, between Yau Ma Yei MTR Station and Mong Kok MTR Station. Via MTR, you can get to Admiralty from te hotel. Then catch bus 629 to Ocean Park and can walk to the Peak from Admiralty. As to Disneyland, it is faraway wherever you live. You need to make few transfers: Yau Ma Tei/Mongkok to Lai King to Sunny Bay to Disneyland.:-) Hope it helps.
3.
Oct. 21,2009 06:17 Reply
Mrs.peachy(Philippines) said:
Hi, I would just like to know the cheapest way to get to BP International hotel from the airport. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids ages 6 and 8 with 2 luggages. Will it be more convenient to just take taxi? What taxi should we take and how much will it all cost? Thanks!
Oct. 21,2009 20:20
Mr.Leo replied:
If you would like to ease the trip with kids, please hire a cab driving to the hotel directly. The fare is about HK00~350. Alternatively, you could take the Airport Express train to get to Kowloon Station firstly. Here, you could transfer to the free shuttle bus K4 to reach the hotel directly. The fare is just 220HK$ before Dec 21, 2009.
Oct. 21,2009 23:03
Mrs.Peachy(Philippines) replied:
Thanks, Mr. Leo. We will be arriving on December 30, 2009. How much will it cost us, 2 adults and 2 children (6 and 8 years old) if we decide to ride the airport express to BP Intl Hotel? Thank you so much for the quick reply.
Nov. 7,2009 02:15
Mr.ADNARIM(Philippines) replied:
I think best way is to take taxi (red) to take you to BP Int'l in Austin Road, TST. Fare should be approxmately HK 50. Taxi's better because it will take you directly to your hotel unlike when taking Airport Express where you still have to go to K4 and wait for the free shuttle bus that will take you to BP Int'l. Hope this helps you. Have a nice trip!!
4.
Nov. 3,2009 06:46 Reply
Mrs.Koh(Singapore) said:
Hi,
appreciate if u could give me advise :-
eta Hongkong on 22 dec, noon, compare from taxi & coach which is cheaper
for 4 adult & 2 children to panda hotel?
can a taxi fix in 4 adult & 2 children?
Nov. 3,2009 21:51
Ms.Sisley replied:
The cab of HK allows five adults (exclude the drivers)together. So, if one of your children is little, I think you could hire a cab from the airport to the hotel directly. The fare is HKD250/cab.
Other, you could take the hotel shuttle bus at the Airport Shuttle Bus Service Counter (A16 or B16). The fare is HKD100/person.
5.
Nov. 1,2009 03:40 Reply
Mr.Gemma Pineda(Philippines) said:
Hello, we will arrive in HKg by Nov 5 5pm and leave on Nov 7 11pm flight to Phils. What is the best way to spend our vacation there and maximize our time because we missed the morning flight to Hkg.
How do we get to Tung Chung Crescent B6 from Airport? what is the best way? and maybe cheaper too.
Then after we put our luggage we plan to go to Tsim Sha Tsui Station to see the Clock Tower, Star Ferry, etc..
How long will it take from Tung Chung station to Tsim Sha Tsui?
Is the Symphony of the lights at 8pm can be seen from this place?
Day 1 - Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car then Disneyland is it okey? After Disneyland, Is there any place for night market?
Day 2 - To Victoria Peak, then to Ocean Park, how long in minutes will it take from Tung Chung Station to this destination by MTR? Please guide us. Since Ocean park closes at 6pm, can you suggest a place to shop a little and may not make us late to go to airport? we will still get our luggage from Tung Chung Crescent,What time should be leave Tung Chung Crescent to Airport?
Please advise or guide us. Thank you
Nov. 3,2009 20:28
Ms.Sisley replied:
Well, I haven't found the Crescent B6 you metioned, but if it is located in Tung Chung, I think you could take a cab in blue color from the airport to arrive there directly. The fare is not expensive.
In the evening, it is suggested that you take the metro of Tung Chung Line to its terminal at Hong Kong. From here, you could go to the Victoriall Peak for a night view. Then, return to Tung Chung by metro.
On Day 1, I think you will spend most of the time in the Disneyland. If there is time left in the afternoon, you could fo to the Buddha with 360cable car. Or, you could go to the Citygate Outlet for shopping, which is just located at the metro station of Tung Chung.
On Day 2, you could go to the the Ocean Park for a visit. And, do some shopping in Central in the late afternoon. Today, you should leave for the airport at 20:00 at least~
Hope this helps!
6.
Oct. 23,2009 05:32 Reply
Ms.Brenda(Philippines) said:
Hi, I hope someone could help me how much will it cost for the ff:
airport to ocean park (taxi)
ocean park to victorias peak (taxi)
kowloon hotel to Disneyland
kowloon to pier (ferry going to macau)
we'll be there with my mom and my cousin this coming Dec 5-9.
Is it advisable to rent a cab for the 4days stay in Hongkong rather than taking a cab everyday?
If you could suggest a good hotel (cheaper but nice hotel) in Macau. Its my first time to travel with my mo and i want the best for her. I choose hongkong because its a beautiful place, i heard a lots of good words.
Oct. 24,2009 21:29
Ms.Liz replied:
Hk taxi is expensive and not suggest to take cab and rent one.
Airport to Ocean Park (over 400HKD I am afraid)
Ocean Paek to Peak (about 70-80HKD)
Kowloon Hotel to Disneyland (about 200HKD)
Kowllon to Pier (China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui is not far and will not cost too much)
My suggestion: Disneyland is in Lantau Island, nearer from the airport. Suggest you get to Disneyland from the airport first and the other places are in the city center of Kowloon and can be easily reached by MTR and city bus. You need to arrange the initerary well in advance.
Oct. 29,2009 07:35
Ms.Brenda(Philippines) replied:
Hi Ms. Liz, thank you so much for the reply. My concern is i judt dont want my Mom to get tired in commuting. Anyway, Thank you again for the information. Its really a big help for me.
Nov. 1,2009 01:29
Ms.Liz replied:
You are welcome Brenda. Yes, I see. You are considerate. If you want to use the taxi, it should also be in a more convenient way. If you want to go to Ocean Park from the airpot bus taxi, I would rather recommend you to go disneyland first, which coast about 120 (within 150HKD) to cover the trip. Anyway, my pleasure to help and wish you and your mom enjoy being in Hong Kong. :-)
7.
Oct. 29,2009 06:44 Reply
Mr.Rahul(Undia) said:
We (family of 4, 2 Adults and 2 childen below 5 yrs) are reaching Hong Kong at 7 AM in the morning. What is a convenient and not too expensive transport available to reach out Hotel Sheraton Hong Kong
Nov. 1,2009 01:14
Ms.Liz replied:
Hi.Airport express to Kowloon Station (90HKD per person, half the price for children from 3-11years old). It is a bit faster then ordinary bus. However, the total expense is similar to the taxi fare from the airport to the hotel. Cheaper mode is going by bus A21 and get off at New World Centre/Salisbury Road. Ticket price: 33HKD per person for adults. Hope it helps.
8.
Oct. 29,2009 08:36 Reply
Ms.Jbren(Philippines) said:
We (3 adults & 1 child) will be traveling to HK on Dec 20 - 22, staying at Disney's Hollywood Hotel, is it alright(more convinient) if we take a taxi to and from the airport & hotel? What color of taxi will we take? if we take a different taxi color, will we be charged extra?
Oct. 31,2009 04:26
Mr.Leo replied:
Yes, please use a cab to the hotel, which is very reasonable for 4 people togeter. Please use the blue color cab, which charges about 120HKD to the hotel directly. The red and green ones are a little expensive.
9.
Oct. 30,2009 14:49 Reply
Mr.david (new zealand) said:
It will be 5 of us travelling. would 1 taxi have the capacity to take us from airport to kowloon? thank you in advance for your information
Oct. 31,2009 04:23
Mr.Shan replied:
Yes, one cab is ok. The cabs in Hong Kong allow 5 passengers together.
10.
Oct. 28,2009 22:42 Reply
Ms.hkw(--) said:
hi, my plane lands at 10:45pm. We are a party of 4 ( 2 adults and 2 kids under 12) Will we be in time to catch the last Airport express bus A21 to Novetal Hotel in Nathan road? Otherwise, what would be the next best option? Can the bus store large luggages?
If catching taxi after midnight, if there a surcharge?
I have 3 full days in Hong Kong. Apart from a day in Disneyland and another in Ocean Park, would it be a good idea to squeeze a day trip to Macau versus the Science museum?
Can I optimise the normal Octopus card for the following destinations or is it better I pay per trip and use a combo of bus, taxi and Ocean park special bus 629 to get around for 2 adults and 2 kids?
Airport (via express bus) to Hotel Novotel at Nathan Road
Novotel to Ocean Park ( return)
Novotel to Macau (return )
Novotel to Disneyland
Disneyland to Airport
Thanks
Oct. 29,2009 04:25
Ms.Sisley replied:
Please don't worry! Even if you miss the bus A21, you could take its night line N21 for instead. The bus is in operation from 00:20 everyday. You should get off at the 32th station called 32 Nathan Hotel, Nathan Road. Then, you could walk to the Novetal Hotel easily. The bus has enought space for taking your luggages.
If you take a taxi, the fare should be about 250~300HKD excluding the luggage fee. There is no surcharge at night.
I think there is no need for you to purchase the Octopus card since you will have a short holiday. Please pay the ticket fare by cash.