The Public Transportation system in Hong Kong is very efficient, well developed, and consists of a wide network with many modes of Transport across the whole of Hong Kong. While living or renting an apartment in Hong Kong either for a long or short-term, below are travel tips on using a Journey Planner and details on the main modes of public transport, which can be used in conjunction to get you to almost any destination in Hong Kong. For people new to Hong Kong an essential item when travelling is the “Octopus Card”, a value storing card that can be used as a method of payment for transport and many products or services. Octopus cards are available at all MTR stations for a deposit of HKD $50.

Journey Planner from the Transport Department of Hong Kong

This Journey Planner works out the best mode(s) of transport from A to B for the least amount time or cost. The Planner considers nearly all means of public transport including MTR, Tram, Ferry, Bus Lines, and Green Mini-Buses, then provides details on where to board and disembark. Please click on the image link below to the Journey Planner, you can enter your apartment or home address and search for any connecting transportation that are within 50m to 400m from your starting point and destination, please read the user guide they provide for more information.

MTR (Mass Transit Railway)

MTR is the most efficient means of public transportation in Hong Kong. Currently there are a total of 10 lines in the MTR network, incorporating 83 stations across the whole of Hong Kong and 68 light rail stops in the New Territories. Travelling by MTR is a very simple process if you follow the MTR network map to your required district, and then find your corresponding exit by referring to the district map provided at each station. A MTR journey planner is also available at their website with station maps and recommended attractions at each stop.

Currently a new West Island line is in the midst of construction and completion is scheduled for 2014. This line is an extension of the Hong Kong Island line from Sheung Wan, to include future stations in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong University and Kennedy Town.

Proposed MTR extensions greatly affect the prices of property for sale and even the apartments for rent that are in the planned area and almost immediately whenever the plans are confirmed. Other extensions that MTR has planned for include the South Island Line, the Shatin to Central Link and the Kwun Tong Line Extension. For more information on Hong Kong MTR Projects you can visit their website or call us for any property investment advice.

Buses

There is a high frequency of Buses that travel the routes covering most of Hong Kong. The majority of buses in Hong Kong are the notable Double Decker’s that provide plenty of seat and standing room. At each bus stop there is information on each of the stops that the route caters for, so getting around is quite easy and convenient. The main bus franchises include City Bus and New World First Bus that provide services mainly for Hong Kong Island, and KMB Company servicing mainly Kowloon and the New Territories. The journey planner provided by the Transport Department above includes the routes for all bus franchises, or alternatively for detailed route information go to the corresponding websites provided by these companies.

Mini-Bus

Mini-Buses provide short and long distance routes all over Hong Kong and can be flagged down anywhere along its route to board. The Routes mostly cover areas that the major Bus Lines don’t reach or are less frequented and often provide passengers a connection to the closest MTR. This means of transport may be a bit daunting for the first time, if required, you need to know where you should stop the bus and tell the driver directly in advance. Mini Buses carry a maximum of only 16 people and no standing is allowed, and if the destination is near to a MTR Station, the MTR symbol and the station name should be clearly displayed.

In Hong Kong there are two types of Mini-Buses, Mini Buses with a Green top or a Red top. The Green Mini-Buses have fixed routes which are regulated by the Hong Kong Government; most of these Mini Buses accept the Octopus Card and may provide passengers a button to press if a stop is required. Red Mini Buses are not regulated by the government and may not have regular routes. Most of the red Mini-Buses don’t offer Octopus card payment so fares are paid for in cash at the correct amount or in low denomination bills.