There are three main transportation options for traveling between the airport and the city in Hong Kong. These include the Airport Express, airport buses, and taxis/Uber. To help you decide which option is best for you, here's a comparison of their prices, travel times, and levels of convenience.
The Airport Express: Fast but Expensive
Although the Airport Express is known for having the higher fare, it is also the fastest way to get to and from the airport. A single-way ticket without any discounts can cost up to 100 HKD. However, discounts are available on some websites such as KLOOK.
One downside to the Airport Express is that its stations may be far from some hotels, requiring additional transportation. Despite this, the journey takes less than 30 minutes, and you can arrive at the airport on time without worrying about traffic or bad weather conditions. Additionally, check-in services are available at the train stations in the city (Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station), allowing you to check-in your baggage and get your boarding pass up to 24 hours before your flight.
Airport Bus – the Cheapest but Slowest Option
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to travel between the airport and the city, the airport bus is the way to go. Running 24/7, the buses have a frequent schedule during the daytime, with intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. The schedule is less frequent at night, but line NA (bus number starts with "NA") continues to operate. Some airport buses also stop at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, offering a more convenient option for travelers going to the western side of the Pearl River Delta.
Keep in mind that travel time can vary depending on your destination and road conditions, especially during peak hours. However, the price is significantly cheaper than the Airport Express, ranging from 15 HKD to 50 HKD. Another advantage of the airport bus is that it stops at various locations throughout the city.
For more information on bus routes and schedules, visit here.
Taxi/Uber – Convenient but slightly expensive
If you prefer the convenience of point-to-point transportation, taking a taxi or Uber is the way to go. Compared to other cities around the world, Hong Kong taxis are relatively affordable. For example, a taxi ride from Hong Kong International Airport to Kowloon (Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui) costs around 260 HKD, while a ride to Hong Kong Island (Wan Chai, Causeway Bay) costs approximately 320 HKD.
If you find the price expensive, consider sharing a taxi with three or four friends, which can bring the cost down to just 80 to 100 HKD per person. If you or your companions require a wheelchair-accessible cab, Diamond Cab offers barrier-free cabs 24/7 – call 2760 8771 to make a booking upon arrival.
Uber, a popular alternative to taxis, has similar pricing, but it is technically illegal in Hong Kong at the moment. The pick-up point is located at Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong, which is about a 10-minute walk from the airport.
For more information on taxi fare estimate, visit here.
