Hong Kong Budget Airport Transportation
- Melody Wong
- Nov 2, 2017
- 3 min read
So you just landed in Hong Kong and can't wait to get to the hotel. On a tight budget? Here are the best options.
- Summary -
1. Bus
Cheapest option, around USD$3 one way
Operates 24 hours
Goes almost anywhere in Hong Kong, even places the metro can't reach
2. Airport Express train
USD$5-10 one way
Operates between 6am-1am
Connects you to the metro system
- Taking the bus -
You can find buses to basically anywhere in Hong Kong. The bus station is located right inside the airport.
Can't get any cheaper:
This is your cheapest option. Normal bus (stopping at every bus stop) costs around USD$3-4. Express bus (stops a few times only) costs around USD$5.
Travelling 24/7:
The best thing about taking a bus is that it operates late at night. If you flight lands at 3am, no problem just take the N bus. Overnight bus number always starts with an "N", e.g. N21 goes to Tsim She Tsui.
Finding the right bus:
Before you enter the bus station, there is a huge information telling you which bus you should take depending on your destination. However, the board only tells you which area the bus goes. To see the detail of all the stops, you will need to go to the bus stands to see the route map.
If you are trip planning freak like me, you can download the mobile apps of the two bus companies that provides service at the airport. They help you to plan the route to reach your destination.
The app tells you what time your bus will arrive and helps you to plan on a map.
The app tells you what time your bus will arrive. Personally, I think this app is less easy to use than the Citybus one. It doesn't let you choose your destination in a map and instead you have the input the bus stop name. It can be quite frustrating for tourists as well as locals.
Pro tip:
1. You can pay with cash, octopus card (stored value smart card) or just buy a bus ticket there.
2. You only pay when you get on the bus. Taking off at any stop will cost you the same.
Useful links:
Want to visit fun secret places in Hong Kong with the locals? Check out our awesome tours!
- Taking the Airport Express train -
If you need to get to your hotel fast and your hotel is right next to a metro station, this is the best choice. The train station is located in the airport. The train only stops at Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong stations. You can change to the metro line in Tsing Yi or Hong Kong station.
Not the cheapest:
Depending on where you want to take off, the price ranges from USD$5-10 one way. If you buy a two way ticket (if you will return to the airport), you can save some money.
Pro tip - Purchase your ticket at Klook and redeem your ticket at the station that you take off. I don't know how they made the deal but buying there is 40% off the official price you need to pay if you buy your ticket at the airport. (Not paid ad! Hahaha)
Not suitable for late night flight:
The Airport Express only operates between 5:54am and 0:48am. If your flight arrives after midnight, your best choice will be bus.
Check the timetable and travel time here.
Changing to the metro:
The best thing about Airport Express is that you can change to the convenient metro system. If you are going to the New Territories and Kowloon, take off at Tsing Yi. If you are going to the Hong Kong Island side, take off at Hong Kong station.
You can plan your metro ride on the website or using the MTR app. They will help you to decide the fastest route and tell you the time of the first and last train of the day.
Pro tip - Don't forget to check the metro timetable! Even if you can catch the last Airport Express train, other metro lines may have closed already, especially the East Rail Line!
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