Hong Kong International Airport sits on a man-made island near Lantau Island, about 40 kilometers away from city hotspots like Tsim Sha Tsui and Central.
Good news is, there's a variety of public transport options to help you cover this distance. You can pick from the Airport Express train, buses, taxis, and even rental cars right at the airport.
On our recent trip to Hong Kong, we decided to hop on a bus to get into the city. Why? Well, it’s cheaper than other options, and it also drops you off closer to many hotels than the train.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to catch a bus from the airport to the city. If you're planning to explore Hong Kong and considering the bus for your airport transfer, this guide is for you.
Before you hop on the bus, the first thing to sort out is how you’re going to pay. There are several payment options available for the bus ride from the airport, but here are a few traveler-friendly recommendations:
This electronic money card is a big hit in Hong Kong. It’s super versatile - you can use it not just on buses, but also on the MTR, ferries, trams, and even at convenience stores and restaurants.
You can pick up a standard Octopus Card at convenience stores or the customer service center at the Airport Express station in the airport. If you’re looking for the Tourist version, check out the vending machine near the Airport Express ticket counter.
For a more detailed guide on purchasing an Octopus Card, take a look at this article:
If the Octopus Card isn’t your thing, you can simply buy a one-way bus ticket. These are available at the ticket counters near the bus terminus.
Paying with cash is also an option. Just remember to have the exact fare ready, as you won't receive any change for overpayment.
Lastly, if you’ve got a Visa or Mastercard with contactless capability, it's an option too. You can use it just like an Octopus Card to pay for your bus fare. Just make sure your card supports the contactless feature.
Once you've decided how to pay, it's time to make your way to the bus terminal, also known as the Bus Terminus. Just follow the signs marked "To City" or look for the "Bus" sign with a bus logo.
When you get to the Bus Terminus, you’ll find a big screen displaying bus numbers and their destinations. For a detailed list of buses available from the airport, you can check this link.
Take a moment to find out which bus will take you to your destination. If you're unsure, Google Maps is a great tool to figure out the right bus number. The screen also shows where each bus stops. Once you know your bus stop, head straight there.
At every bus stop, there's a sign displaying the bus number, its route, and the fare. Join the queue at the designated waiting area and get ready for your bus to arrive.
As soon as the bus pulls up, head in through the front door. If you're using an Octopus card or another payment card, just tap it on the reader by the door. For those paying with cash, drop the exact amount into the cash box next to the card reader.
One great feature of these buses, especially for those heading to or from Hong Kong Airport, is the luggage storage space. You’ll find two designated areas for your suitcases or large bags downstairs.
Make sure to place your luggage carefully in these spots. If possible, tilt your suitcase so it takes up less room. Once your bags are settled, feel free to find a seat, either downstairs or upstairs.
As you travel, enjoy the stunning sight of skyscrapers nestled between lush green hills. The journey to the city typically takes about an hour. The rules on this bus are like those on any bus in Hong Kong. Eating, drinking, smoking, and littering are not allowed.
There’s also a nice feature for those sitting on the upper floor: a monitor displaying CCTV footage of the luggage storage area. This lets you keep an eye on your bags throughout the trip to ensure the safety.
At each bus stop, the bus will announce the stop's name in both the local language and English. You can also see the stop's name displayed on the information screen at the front of the bus.
As your destination approaches, press one of the stop buttons located on the poles inside the bus. This signals the driver to halt at the next stop. Then, gather your suitcase and move towards the exit door in the middle of the bus.
Once the bus reaches your stop, exit in an orderly fashion. And there you have it – your bus journey from the airport is complete! From here, you can continue on foot or switch to another mode of transport to reach your final destination.