Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
The Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) on Lantau Island is one of the busiest and highest-rated airports in Asia. Over 100 airlines fly to more than 200 destinations. The airport has two terminals, is modern and efficient — immigration rarely takes longer than 15 minutes.
Flights from Germany
- Direct flights: Cathay Pacific flies nonstop from Frankfurt (approx. 11 hours). Lufthansa also offers direct flights from Frankfurt and Munich.
- With stopover: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore). Often the cheaper option: from 500–700 € return.
- Flight time: Nonstop approx. 11 hours, with stopover 15–20 hours.
Transfer to the City Center
- Airport Express: The fastest way — express train from the airport to Hong Kong Station (Central) in 24 minutes. 115 HKD (single trip), 205 HKD (return, valid for 30 days). Convenient, fast, reliable. In-town check-in available (check luggage the night before).
- Bus: CityFlyer buses (A-lines) connect the airport with various districts. A21 to Mong Kok/Nathan Road (33 HKD, 60 min.), A11 to Central (40 HKD, 75 min.). Cheaper than the Airport Express, but slower.
- Taxi: To Kowloon center: approx. 270 HKD (30–45 min.), to Central: approx. 350 HKD (40–60 min.). Reliable, meter required.
- Grab/Uber: Works, but Uber operates in a legal gray area in Hong Kong. Taxis are usually cheaper and less problematic.
Tipp
The Airport Express offers a free shuttle bus service from Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station to the main hotels in the area. Ask at the Airport Express Customer Service for the routes — saves the taxi to the hotel. Also: The Airport Express Tourist Octopus Card (from 350 HKD) combines Airport Express Return with 3 days of unlimited MTR travel.
Local Transport
MTR — Hong Kong's Lifeline
The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is one of the most efficient subway systems in the world: clean, punctual (99.9% reliability), air-conditioned, and affordable. 11 lines cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and Lantau. Most attractions are located at an MTR station.
- Operating hours: Approx. 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
- Single ride: 5–30 HKD (distance-dependent).
- Payment: Octopus Card (rechargeable chip card) or contactless with credit card. The Octopus Card saves 5–10% on MTR rides.
Octopus Card — the Wonder Card
The Octopus Card is Hong Kong's universal payment method — rechargeable, contactless, and usable everywhere: MTR, bus, ferry, tram, Star Ferry, 7-Eleven, supermarkets, restaurants, even vending machines. Deposit: 50 HKD (refundable upon return). Rechargeable at any MTR station and at 7-Eleven. Get an Octopus Card upon arrival — it makes life in Hong Kong infinitely easier.
Tram (Ding Ding)
The double-decker trams on Hong Kong Island (since 1904) are an attraction in themselves — the last fully double-decker tram system in the world. The line runs from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east (13 km). Flat fare: 3 HKD (!) — the cheapest sightseeing in the city. Sit upstairs, open the window, rattle through the street canyons. Slow, loud, wonderful.
Star Ferry
The Star Ferry between TST and Central/Wan Chai is not just transport, but an experience (→ Chap. Kowloon). 2.70 HKD, 10 minutes, priceless view. Additionally: Ferries to the Outlying Islands (Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, Lantau Mui Wo) from the Central Piers.
Taxi
Hong Kong's taxis are affordable and reliable: Base fare 27 HKD (first 2 km), then 1.90 HKD per 200 m. Color code: Red (everywhere on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon), Green (only New Territories), Blue (only Lantau). All have meters — insist on it! Tip: Write the destination address in Chinese (ask at the hotel reception) — not all taxi drivers speak English.
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