Airport Express Hong Kong
| 4.7 out of 5.0 stars |
Unbeatable Transport Option HKIA
The number one transport option in and out of HKIA. The Airport Express is part of Hong Kong’s superb MTR network, arguably one of the best mass transport systems anywhere.
From HKIA trains operate every 10 minutes between 05:54 and 23:28 and 12 minutes thereafter until 00:48. Running on separate tracks to the rest of the network the service is direct and fast, taking 14 minutes to Tsing Yi (New Territories), 22 minutes to Kowloon and 24 minutes to Central on Hong Kong Island.
The ride in modern, fully air conditioned carriages is comfortable. Complimentary WiFi and two ample luggage racks in the middle portion of carriages round off the amenities.
At Kowloon and Central stations MTR runs free shuttle buses to major hotels. From Kowloon there are 5 circular routes (K1, K2, K3, K4 and K5) while at Hong Kong Central there are 4 (H1, H2, H3 and H4). Check the MTR website for complete details.
On the return trip to HKIA the buses will pick you up where you were dropped off at your hotel. Normally you would need to show a boarding pass for the day or an Airport Express Ticket/Octopus Card. This sometimes is not requested, but have it present just in case the driver asks.
At Kowloon and Hong Kong Central you’ll be dropped off close to the airline check-in counters. Checking-in your luggage here saves lugging the heavy stuff around on the Airport Express and the airport.
To travel, purchase a Single Journey or Round Trip Airport Express Ticket or an Octopus Card. The fares for an adult Airport Express Ticket to Central are currently $HKD100 one way and $HKD180 round trip. On the Octopus Card the fare is $HKD100 each way. Fares to Kowloon and Tsing Yi are cheaper as are those for children (3-11yrs). There is no discount for seniors on the Airport Express Ticket. Same fare as adults.
There’s also a tourist version, the Airport Express Travel Pass, that can be used on all forms of public transport and valid for three consecutive days from first use. The card can have 1 or 2 Airport Express journeys. The Octopus Card can be used for the same services (Airport Express, MTR trains, buses, tramway and some ferries) and has the added bonus it can be used to make purchases at convenience stores, etc. Seniors do get concessions on the Octopus Card. You must be 65 years and over, however there are some operators that will accept 60 as the minimum age.
As there are different tickets and cards it is best to ask at the service counter, found just outside immigration, for the solution that suits your needs best. All cards can be reloaded and there’s also an initial deposit. This is refundable as well as any portion of money not used if one plans not to return within 6 months. If you intend to return or travel regularly to Hong Kong you can just top up as you go.
The Airport Express platform is easy to find and well sign posted, straight ahead exiting the Terminal 1 when arriving. The same on departure. All under the same roof.
For more information on the Airport Express, tickets, fares, timetable, promotions, etc., visit the Hong Kong Airport Express website.
Note: The free Airport Express Hotel Shuttle bus service was suspended permanently in April 2020. No date of a possible reinstatement has been released. For update information see the Airport Express Shuttle Bus webpage.
| Cleanliness | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0 |
| Comfort | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0 |
| Facilities | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0 |
| Service | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0 |
| Staff | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0 |
| Value | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars |
| WiFi | 3.5 out of 5.0 stars |
