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.