Singapore Getaways

Useful Resource: Mobile-Friendly MTR Journey Planner

MTR is by far the fastest way to get around in Hong Kong because of how shit the traffic situation is. Not only is it the fastest, but it is pretty cheap as well. Unless you are going to be making a lot of trips or very long train rides into the wilderness, don’t bother with the Tourist Cards.

Just get the regular Octopus card. It will cost you 150 HKD inclusive of the 50 HKD deposit. This pretty much gives you 100 HKD in your value. That should be more than enough for a short trip. For example, a 7 minute journey from Causeway Bay to Central will only cost you 4.50 HKD. If you decide to head from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, it will only cost you 7.90 HKD. You have to make 7 of these trips in a day to exceed the tourist card (55 HKD, 1-day unlimited trips).

If you’re still not sure which one to get, have a look at MTR’s Journey Planner get a rough idea of how much you will be spending. Or glance at the MTR map and as a rule of thumb just estimate 1 to 2 HKD per station.

PRO TIP: In addition to getting back your 50 HKD deposit, you can get a refund of any remaining value in your Octopus card. This costs an administrative fee of 7 HKD. If you were traveling back to the airport by the Airport Express like you should be doing, get your refund at the service counter at the Airport. Perfect timing for your duty free shopping.

The Hong Kong Airport Express claims that it takes 24 minutes to reach the city. I timed it and found that it was closer to 26 minutes from doors closing to doors opening. Out of all the cities I’ve been to, Hong Kong has the quickest time to get between the airport and city central.

It really is an amazing service. When I took the Airport Express, not only did I find it a painless way to reach the city, but an enjoyable ride. You can check it out on the Airport Express official site. The cost was about 180 HKD for a round trip (about $30 SGD) and pretty much beats Singapore’s MRT hands down. It’s far more comfortable than taking a taxi with it’s spacious seats and carpeted floor. Carpet on an MRT! You should take this train just for that.

When you drop off at Hong Kong Station, you can walk to Central Station via underground pass and take a train from there, or take a cab from Hong Kong Station itself. Don’t be a nub like me and go looking for the taxi stand on other levels. The taxi stand will be facing you directly once you exit the gantries (how to save money on the MTR).

More importantly, the Airport Express is amazing because of its city check-in. On your departure date, you can drop your bags off at the city check-in at Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station, leave the station & spend your day unencumbered until you get back to the station to board the Airport Express. BTW – when you beep your card to get in to the Airport Express city check-in, it will say 0 trips left or something scary like that. Don’t panic! Your card is valid for the entire day. If you’re at Hong Kong Station, it’s only a 15 minute walk away from your delicious last bowl of porridge at Wai Kee Congee Shop. Do it, it’s worth the walk.

PRO TIP: If there are 2 of you, instead of getting two Return Tickets at 180 HKD each, you will actually save 20 HKD buying the Single Ticket package at 160 HKD for 2. So basically buy one package going into the city (80 HKD each), then on your departure day buy one heading out (another 80 HKD each for total of 160 HKD each). Savings increase if your group size is larger up to 4 people (read more about group packages). If it is “only 20 HKD” to you and not worth the effort, do it anyway and donate the 20 HKD to the charity box at the airport.