When I first set foot in Hong Kong, the city's buses really caught my eye. Most of them are double-decker buses, which means they have two levels. It's pretty rare to see a single-level bus around here.
I find these buses super comfy, even more so than the MTR (Hong Kong's subway), which can get packed during rush hours. That's why my wife and I often choose the bus when we're in Hong Kong.
If you're visiting Hong Kong and want to give the buses a try, this article is for you. I'll walk you through the simple steps to ride a bus in Hong Kong. Trust me, it's easy, and you'll get the hang of it in no time!
The first step in your journey is to select a suitable payment method. In Hong Kong, there are various options for paying bus fares, but for tourists, I suggest either an Octopus card or cash.
The Octopus card is a widely used electronic payment card in Hong Kong. Not only can it be used for bus fares, but it's also accepted for subway (MTR) fares, ferry rides, purchases in mini-marts, dining in restaurants, and even in vending machines.
You can buy an Octopus card at the customer service centers located in every MTR station, or at familiar convenience stores like 7-Eleven. For a detailed guide on getting an Octopus card, please refer to the article linked below:
Alternatively, paying with cash is an easy option. It's important to remember that exact change is necessary when using cash, as bus drivers do not provide change if you overpay.
Once you've decided on your payment method, the next step is to head to the nearest bus stop. In Hong Kong, bus stops vary in design – some have shelters, while others are simply marked by poles and signs.
Each bus stop features an information board. This board displays the bus numbers that stop there and their respective routes. When you know which bus you need, join the queue at the marked waiting area and wait for your bus to arrive.
Before boarding, if you're paying by cash, it's crucial to know the fare. In Hong Kong, you pay the bus fare in advance, which means the cost remains consistent regardless of where you alight.
You can find fare details on the same display board that shows the bus routes. For instance, as depicted in the image above, boarding at Euston Court requires a fare of HKD 8.70.
As the bus nears, signal the driver to stop at your location. Once it halts, board through the front door to maintain the order of the queue.
If you're using an Octopus card, tap it on the reader near the entrance. You'll hear a "beep" sound, and the reader will show both the fare deducted and your card's remaining balance.
For cash payments, deposit the exact fare into the cash box beside the card reader. Remember, as previously mentioned, no change is given for overpayments.
After payment, proceed to the central area to find a seat. If the lower deck is full, you can head upstairs where more seats are available.
Note that some seats on the lower deck are reserved for priority passengers like those with disabilities, senior citizens, and expectant mothers. If you don't fall into these categories, please respect these reserved spaces.
Eating, drinking, smoking, or littering on the bus is strictly prohibited. Violating these rules may result in a significant fine.
As the bus nears each stop, an announcement is made stating the stop's name in both the local language and English. In the absence of an announcement, this information is displayed on the LED screen at the front of the bus.
When your destination is approaching, press one of the "Stop" buttons located throughout the bus. Then, move towards the exit door in the center of the bus. This helps facilitate a smooth flow of passengers boarding and alighting.
Once the bus reaches your stop, promptly exit through the central door. And that concludes our journey on Hong Kong's city buses. I hope you find this information useful! See you around.
