How to Get to Kowloon. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport & Airlines

Major Airports

Hong Kong special administrative region International Airport (HKIA, airport code: HKG) is the only major international airport for Hong Kong special administrative region. It sits on Chek Lap Kok island, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Kowloon. HKIA is famous for its efficiency and far-reaching facilities.

Airlines & Routes

Major Airlines: Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier, operates extensively. Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines also serve many routes. Numerous international carriers connect HKIA to metropolitan areas worldwide.
Typical Routes: HKIA functions as a major global hub, offering direct flights from cities across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and Africa.
Seasonal Prices: Flight availability remains stable, but prices peak during busy travel times like Chinese New Year, Easter, and summer holidays. Early booking is wise. Dollar Flight Club can find deals.

Airport Facilities & Services

HKIA consistently ranks among the world's best airports. It offers extensive facilities and services:

Terminal Amenities

Duty-Free Shopping: A wide array of duty-free shops, from luxury brands to local specialties.
Dining Options: Diverse restaurants, cafes, and dining halls catering to various culinary tastes and budgets.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Financial services, baggage services, medical clinics, prayer rooms, and children's areas for children to play also available.

Direct Flight Options

Numerous direct flights from major global centers such as London, New York, Singapore, and Tokyo connect to HKIA, making Hong Kong easily accessible.

Airport Express

The fastest way to Kowloon Station (23 mins), with free transfer buses to major hotels for Airport Express passengers.

Other Transfers

Public buses offer an economical choice (45-75 mins). Taxis are simple to get at HKD 280-350 to most Kowloon locations, plus tolls. Car rentals are available but not advised for Kowloon.

Transfer Options from HKIA to Kowloon

Airport Express Details

Travel Time: Approximately 23 minutes to Kowloon Station.
Frequency: Runs every 10-12 minutes from 05:50 to 01:15 daily.
Cost: HKD 105 for a single adult ticket to Kowloon Station. Purchase tickets at the airport or use an Octopus card for direct entry.
Convenience: A no-cost MTR shuttle bus service connects Kowloon Station to major hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, and Mong Kok, for Airport Express passengers.

Bus & Taxi Options

Public Buses: Slower but more economical. Routes like A21 (Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok) and E21 (Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po). Fares HKD 14-40. Travel time 45-75 minutes.
Taxis: Readily available. Red urban taxis serve Kowloon. Fares HKD 280-350 to most Kowloon locations. Additional tunnel tolls (HKD 50-70) apply. Always ensure the meter runs. Cash is most common.
Hotel Limousines/Private Car Services: Pre-arrange through your hotel or private transfer companies. They offer direct transfer and convenience at a higher cost.

Getting to Mainland China

Border Crossings

Hong Kong shares a land border with mainland China. Remember, Hong Kong has a separate immigration policy, so a separate China visa is often needed for most nationalities.

Train Connections

Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau (Futian Port): Major railway crossings to Shenzhen, popular for day trips. High Speed Rail: West Kowloon Station offers direct connections to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other major mainland Chinese cities.

Long-Distance Buses

Cross-boundary buses link various points in Kowloon (e.g., Prince Edward, Tsim Sha Tsui) to cities in Guangdong province, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Operators like CTS, Eternal East, and Trans-Island Limousine run these services.

Kowloon Land Travel

Mainland China Borders

Hong Kong special administrative region shares a land border with mainland China, offering several crossing points. Hong Kong has a separate immigration policy, so a separate China visa is often needed for most nationalities.

Crossing Points

Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau (Futian Port): Major railway crossings to Shenzhen. Popular for day trips to mainland China but require a valid China visa.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB): Connects Hong Kong special administrative region to Zhuhai (mainland China) and Macau. Cross-boundary buses operate across the overpass.
High Speed Rail (Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link): West Kowloon Station is the terminus. Connects directly to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other major mainland From china cities. A separate China visa is needed.

Train Services

MTR (Mass Transit Railway): Hong Kong's urban rail network. Kowloon is well-covered by several MTR lines, including the Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, East Rail Line, Tuen Ma Line, and Tung Chung Line. The MTR means easy and rapid travel within Kowloon, to Hong Kong Island, and into parts of the New Territories.

High Speed Rail HSR

West Kowloon Station is a modern, integrated station with HSR services. It offers a fast and comfortable way to travel to destinations in mainland China.
Immigration: You clear both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese immigration procedures within the station itself.

Bus Options

Cross-boundary buses offer another option for transport between Kowloon and mainland China.

Bus Companies

Routes connect various points in Kowloon (e.g., from Prince Edward, Tsim Sha Tsui) to cities in Guangdong province, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Operators like CTS, Eternal East, and Trans-Island Limousine run these services.
They offer a convenient alternative for those not using the High Speed Rail.

Driving in Kowloon

Driving in Hong Kong for tourists is generally not suggested. Public transport is excellent, traffic density is high, parking is very limited and expensive, and left-hand traffic rules might be unfamiliar.

Requirements

Valid driving license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum age (usually 23-25). A credit card for deposit is needed.
Road Safety: Roads are well-maintained. Traffic can be heavy. Pedestrians usually have the right of way at marked crossings, however always exercise caution and look both ways.

Important Travel Tips

For travel to mainland China or Macau, always confirm your visa requirements and carry your passport.
Observe traffic laws and pedestrian crossings diligently.
Driving is on the left side of the road.

Kowloon Sea Arrivals

Cruise Terminals

Kowloon serves as a hub for sea travel, especially for cruises and ferries going to Macau.

Terminals

Ocean Terminal (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon): Located within Harbour City, a main cruise terminal. Its central location offers immediate access to shopping, dining, and major attractions.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (Kowloon): A newer, larger terminal on the previous Kai Tak Airport site. It accommodates larger cruise ships. Offers shuttle services to nearby MTR stations.
Star Ferry: An iconic service connecting Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) to Middle and Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island). A scenic commute and an attraction.

Macau & Other Ferries

Ferries to Macau operate from two main terminals. The China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) offers convenient access for those staying in Kowloon. The Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island) is the other major departure point. Operators like TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet provide frequent services. Macau is a separate jurisdiction, requiring passport checks.

River Transport & Outlying Islands

Kowloon does not feature significant river transit choices. Its urban landscape and coastal position mean sea-based transport is dominant.
Outlying Islands Ferries: Ferries to Hong Kong's outlying islands (e.g., Lamma, Cheung Chau) mainly depart from the Central Ferry Piers on Hong Kong Island, not directly from Kowloon. You would take the MTR or Star Ferry to The central area first.

Immigration Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports match those at the airport. Passengers clear immigration upon arrival at cruise terminals or ferry terminals. You present your passport and any needed visa documentation. The process is usually efficient.

Kai Tak Connections

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal provides shuttle buses to nearby MTR stations (e.g., Kai Tak Station or Kwun Tong Station) or other areas. Taxis are also available.

Ocean Terminal & China Ferry

Ocean Terminal is within walking distance of Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, with taxis available. China Ferry Terminal is a short walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station.

Departing from Hong Kong

Exit Fees & Taxes

Hong Kong special administrative region does not charge specific exit fees or taxes to departing passengers at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Airlines typically include any relevant airport taxes within the price of your ticket. You will not face unexpected fees when leaving.

No Extra Costs

No specific exit fees upon departure.
Airlines include relevant airport taxes in the cost of tickets.
No unexpected fees when leaving HKIA.

Departure Timing

Be aware of exit procedures and timing recommendations.

Check-in & Security

Airport Express In-town Check-in: A highly convenient service at Kowloon Station for many airlines. Check in luggage and receive your boarding pass typically 90 a few minutes to 24 hours before departure. This lets you explore Kowloon unburdened on your last day. Confirm this service with your airline.
Airport Arrival: Arrive at HKIA at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights. This provides ample time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate. During peak travel periods, consider arriving even earlier.
Security & Immigration: Standard international airport security procedures. Be prepared to remove electronics, liquids, and any outer layers for screening. After security, you clear immigration. This process is generally efficient.

Airport & Station Facilities

HKIA Services

As a major international hub, HKIA offers extensive facilities for departing travelers.

Shopping & Dining

A vast array of duty-free shops, luxury boutiques, electronics, local souvenirs, and numerous dining options catering to various tastes and budgets.

Comfort & Connectivity

Airline and independent lounges provide comfortable spaces to relax. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Currency exchange, ATMs, and last-minute souvenir shops are also there. West Kowloon Station (for High Speed Rail) also offers dining and retail options with integrated immigration facilities.

Relaxed Departure

Use the Airport Express in-town check-in service if your airline participates. It causes your departure day much more relaxed.

How to Get to Kowloon