World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Hong Kong  - Getting Around
Getting Around

Public Transport

Hong Kong has one of the most efficient and diverse public transport systems in any world city, incorporating underground railway, light urban railways, buses, minibuses, boats, ferries and trams. The diversity of operators prevents full integration, and it is not possible, for example, to transfer from train to minibus on the same ticket. Most journeys are charged individually, with no blanket pass to cover multiple journeys.

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) (tel: 28 81 88 88) has four railway lines and provides a cross-harbour line. It is more expensive than the ferry, but quicker, particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than Tsimshatsui. The only other railway line is the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR), which has 13 stations within Hong Kong. Trains run 0552-0012.

Bus routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnel. These, however, are often very crowded. Exact change is required. Air-conditioned coaches operate along certain Hong Kong and Kowloon routes. Maxicabs, however, operate on fixed routes without fixed stops. Minibuses can pick up passengers and stop on request (stand up and yell), except at regular bus stops and other restricted areas. Payment is in cash, and the kamikaze dash through busy traffic favoured by most drivers is a totally Hong Kong experience. Trams are only available on Hong Kong Island. Peak Tram on the Island is a cable tramway to the upper terminus on Victoria Peak, 400m (1300ft) high. The Star Ferry ride across Hong Kong harbour is a tourist staple, as well as the cheapest way to make the crossing (HK$1.70). Star Ferry terminals are in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central.

An MTR Tourist Ticket, valid for two single journeys, is available at a cost of HK$35. The price of the pass includes a map and souvenir ticket. For visitors staying for a week or more it is worth getting an Octopus Card, an electronic ticket from which the cost of the journey is automatically deducted when it is placed on a sensor. The card costs HK$150, which includes a refundable deposit of HK$50. Any other credit remaining is also refunded when the card is handed in. At present, the card may be used on MTR services, as well as on the Kowloon-Canton Railway, major bus routes and some ferries. Plans are underway to extend its use to other routes and means of transport as Hong Kong's transport system becomes more and more integrated. For further details, contact the MTR information line (tel: 29 93 33 33).

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon, and extremely cheap -most journeys cost less than HK$20. Minimum fare is HK$15.00 in central Hong Kong; less in the New Territories. There is an extra charge (HK$20) for the cross-harbour tunnel. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island. Some journeys incur an extra toll, such as trips through the cross-harbour tunnel. Many drivers speak a little English, but visitors would be advised to carry a map or have their destination written in Chinese characters. It is also wise to ask if the taxi is a Hong Kong or Kowloon taxi when boarding, especially late at night; drivers are happiest sticking to their own side of the water.

Rickshaws

These are gradually disappearing and are now purely a tourist attraction, usually found at the Star Ferry terminal in Central. It is advisable to agree the fare in advance.

Limousines

Intercontinental Hire Cars
(tel: 23 36 61 11) and Parklane Limousine Servs (tel: 23 77 07 33) both provide chauffeur-driven limousine services at about HK$450 per hour.

Driving in the City

Driving in Hong Kong is best left to professionals: with one of the best public transport systems in the world, there is no need to risk going behind the wheel. Cars in Hong Kong are usually about status not convenience, and rates are proportionate, with 100% vehicle import tax and petrol tax, as well as hefty insurance and vehicle registration fees. This does, however, make second-hand cars surprisingly cheap.

Car Hire

It is wisest not to be in charge of a rented vehicle in Hong Kong's tortuous streets, as the average HK$5000 refundable deposit on hire cars testifies. A valid driving licence from the country of residence or an International Driving Permit is required, as well as minimum third-party insurance. Hire rates for a standard saloon car start from about HK$1000 per day. Major operators include Ace (tel: 28 93 05 41) and Avis (tel: 28 90 69 88).

Bicycle/Scooter Hire

It may be consoling to know that if you cycle in central Hong Kong, the traffic will kill you long before the appalling air quality does. Having said that, there are places to enjoy cycling, out on the islands or in the New Territories.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
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