Boat Service
SEA: Cross-harbour passenger services (shortest route 7-10 minutes) are operated
by Star Ferries (sailing every 5 minutes) from 0630-2330.
There are frequent passenger and vehicle services on other cross-harbour routes.
Wallah wallahs (small motorboats) provide 24-hour service. The outlying islands
are served daily by ferries and hydrofoils. However, the opening of the Cross
Harbour Tunnel means that wallah wallahs are decreasing in popularity.
Tours of the harbour and to Aberdeen and Yaumatei typhoon shelters are available
by Watertours junks, and visits to outlying islands are possible by public
ferry. Ferries sail to Tuen Mun, Sha Lo Wan, Tai O, Discovery Bay and Cheung
Chau. Weekdays are the best time to go, since ferries tend to be very crowded
at weekends.
During the typhoon season (May-November), all ferry services may be suspended
during bad weather.
Rail/Metro
Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has four lines
and provides a cross-harbour line. It is more expensive than the ferry, but
quicker, particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than Tsimshatsui
or to Lantau Island.
Trains run between 0600-0100. An MTR Tourist Ticket, valid for 2 single journeys,
is available at a cost of HK$35. The price includes a map and souvenir ticket.
For visitors staying for a week or more it is worth getting an Octopus Card,
an electronic ticket from which the cost of the journey is automatically deducted
when it is placed on a sensor.
The card costs HK$50, which includes a refundable deposit of HK$50. Any other
credit remaining is also refunded when the card is handed in. At present, the
card may be used on MTR services, as well as on the Kowloon-Canton Railway,
major bus routes and some ferries. Plans are underway to extend its use to
other routes and means of transport as Hong Kong's transport system becomes
more and more integrated. For further details, contact the MTR information
line (tel: 2881 8888).
The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) has 13 stations within Hong
Kong. Trains run between 0530-0025 from Hung Hom (Kowloon) to Shenzhen in China.
(see Travel - International section for more information). KCRC also run the
Light Rail (LR) which connects the new territories of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long.
LR trains run from 0545-0030.For further information contact the Light Rail
(tel: 2468 7788).
Road
Traffic drives on the left.
Bus:
Routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnel.
These, however, are often very crowded. Exact change is required. Air-conditioned
coaches operate along certain Hong Kong and Kowloon routes. Maxicabs, however,
operate on fixed routes without fixed stops.
Fares range from HK$1.20 to HK$32. Make sure you have coins ready as drivers
do not provide change. Services run from 6 am to midnight daily.
Late and overnight bus services connecting Hong Kong Island with major areas
in Kowloon are available.
Minibus
Minibuses are yellow and red with 16 to 20 seats on board. It's advisable
to use the minibuses only if you are familiar with the route. Maxicabs are
yellow and green and ply scheduled and numbered routes. Fixed fares means the
exact change has to be given upon boarding.
Several routes are ideal for visitors, such as the No. 1 maxicab operating
from Hong Kong Island's City Hall to the Peak (HK$7), and the No. 6 between
Central and Ocean Park (HK$8).
Taxi
These are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon. There is an extra charge (HK$20)
for the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon,
green ones the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island.
Many drivers speak a little English, but it is wise to get your destination
written in Chinese characters.
There are 3 taxi types. Red taxis operate between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
The fare starts at HK$14.50 with HK$1.30 for every subsequent 200 metres and
waiting time at HK$1.30 per minute.
New Territories' taxis are green in colour. Fares start from HK$12.50 and
then it's HK$1.20 for every subsequent 200 metres.
Lantau Island taxis are blue and fares start at HK$11 plus HK$1.10 for every
200 metres.
Extra charges include tunnel toll charges and radio-called taxis.
Toll fares for the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Harbour Crossing are
HK$20 and HK$15 respectively.
For Aberdeen Tunnel and the Lion Rock Tunnel, it's HK$5 and HK$6 respectively.
All taxis are licensed, air-conditioned and metred.
Price tariffs are displayed inside taxis.
Rickshaws
These are gradually disappearing and are now purely a tourist attraction.
It is advisable to agree the fare in advance.
Car hire
Major hotels and other agencies offer self-drive and chauffeur-driven car-rental
services. Daytime parking is inconvenient in urban areas so it may not be such
a good idea to rent a car. Carry travel documents and driving licence when
driving. Air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven limousines can be hired by the hour
or day.
Documentation
An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally
required. A valid national licence is accepted for up to 12 months. Minimum
age is 18 years. Third Party insurance is compulsory.
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