Written by Zakiyyah Wahab
Hong Kong has over 200 islands, making ferries an essential part of the city’s transport mix. With so many routes to explore, here’s everythng you need to know about ferries in Hong Kong.
There are many ways to get around Hong Kong via public transport. One of the most popular and reliable modes of transport would be the MTR, which can just about take you to a lot of places in the city. Then there are buses, minibuses, trams, and if you’re in a hurry, you can always opt for taking a taxi or even grabbing an Uber. For those who want to consider a more scenic mode of transport, you can’t beat the ferry.
Star Ferry
There are many different ferry operators that offer transport around Hong Kong, but the most popular and scenic one must be the Star Ferry. The Star Ferry Company offers two franchised ferry routes, one between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and the other between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Enjoy a breezy (but also sometimes stuffy and hot!), leisurely ride across Victoria Harbour and admire the city from another angle.
Once you hop on the ferry, you can sit in the middle section of the ferry and enjoy a breezy ride. Alternatively, you can sit in the front or stern of the ferry for an airconditioned ride. Another fun part about the ferry ride is how you can change the direction of the seats depending on the direction the ferry is headed.
There are two decks – upper and lower. Whilst the lower deck is a tad bit cheaper, most people opt for taking the Star Ferry ride on the upper deck as the ventilation is better and you get a better view of the harbour and Hong Kong.
Where to take the Star Ferry
- Central Pier No. 7, Central Star Ferry Pier (from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Wan Chai Ferry Pier (from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier (from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central or Wan Chai)
Central/Tsim Sha Tsui Route
This route is the more popular one beloved by both locals and tourists. Take snapshots of iconic buildings such as the IFC, ICC and Hong Kong Convention Centre, and admire parts of the West Kowloon Cultural District and Hong Kong Cultural Centre whilst you traverse across the harbour on the iconic green vessel. Sometimes, there may be some special edition Star Ferries, but catching one really depends on luck.
Whether you take the Star Ferry during the day or at night, the view is guaranteed to be stunning. If you’re visiting, consider planning two ferry rides – one during the day and one at night – and admire Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline at different hours of the day. If you plan to take a ferry ride at night, you might be able to catch the light show “A Symphony of Lights”, which starts at 8pm!
Weekday fares
- Upper deck: HK$5.00 for adults, HK$2.90 for concessionary tickets
- Lower deck: HK$4.00 for adults, HK$2.80 for concessionary tickets
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays:
- Upper deck: HK$6.50 for adults, HK$3.90 for concessionary tickets
- Lower deck: HK$5.60 for adults, HK$3.70 for concessionary tickets
Wan Chai/Tsim Sha Tsui route
Wan Chai Ferry Pier used to be a bit of a trek from the busy parts of Wan Chai, but the pier’s connectivity has been given a boost by the new Exhibition Centre MTR station right next door.
Fares
- Weekdays: $5 for adults, $2.9 for concessionary tickets
- Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: $6 for adults, $3.9 for concessionary tickets
- Central to Cheung Chau: Central Pier No. 5
- Central to Discovery Bay: Central Pier No. 3
- Central to Mui Wo/Peng Chau: Central Pier No. 6
- Tap Mun (Grass Island): Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier or Wong Shek Pier
- Tung Ping Chau: Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier (only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
- Tung Lung Chau: Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter Landing No. 10 (Sai Wan Ho) or Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier (services at both piers are available only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
Cheapo tip You can also get a 4-day Tourist Ticket for $50 and enjoy unlimited rides on both routes for four consecutive days
Other franchised ferries on Victoria Harbour
If you are looking into taking a ferry ride that is less touristy but still want the ride to see Victoria Harbour, consider taking a ferry from the following piers instead. Bear in mind though, that the ferries here will not be as lavish as the Star Ferry. Nevertheless, the ferry ride will be just as memorable and enjoyable!
North Point Ferry Pier
Enjoy a brief walk along the North Point Promenade before getting on a ferry at the North Point Ferry Pier. The pier is not as popular as the Star Ferry piers, so this could be a nice alternate way to enjoy a ferry ride without crowds. There are also a few seafood market stalls at the pier, which is something you can also check out before getting on the ferry.
Hung Hom Ferry Pier
The Hung Hom Ferry Pier is located on the reclaimed land of Hung Hom Bay, and you can enjoy a brief, quiet stroll along the Hung Hom Promenade if you want to be away from the crowds. Some people also enjoy a jog along the promenade, so if you want to get some cardio in whilst travelling, this could be one way to see Hong Kong in a unique way!
Kowloon City Ferry Pier
Located in Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon, the Kowloon City Ferry Pier only has ferry services to North Point. The ferry rides are mainly taken by locals who need to cross the harbour for work.
Kwun Tong Ferry Pier
If you want to enjoy a quiet sunset by the sea, taking a ferry ride from North Point to Kwun Tong and getting off at the Kwun Tong Ferry Pier might just be one option for you.
Kai Tak Ferry Pier
Kai Tak Ferry Pier
If you happen to be near Kai Tak Stadium and would rather have a ferry ride instead of a bus ride or MTR ride, consider taking a ferry ride at Kai Tak Ferry Pier. The ferry ride is between Kai Tak Ferry Pier and North Point Ferry Pier, with a stop at Kwun Tong Ferry Pier.
Sai Wan Ho Pier
Sai Wan Ho Pier is located in a more residential area. The pier is small and ferry rides are not as frequent. However, there are a few lovely bars and restaurants opposite the pier where you can enjoy a beer and a light snack before getting on a ferry.
Sam Ka Tsuen Pier
Sam Ka Tseun Pier has ferry rides to and from Sam Ka Tsuen to Sai Wan Ho and Tung Lung Chau. The pier is also near Lei Yue Mun Seafood Street, which is famous for local seafood.
Outlying Islands
Ferry services to outlying islands are massively popular with day-trippers, and are vital for many communters. Our area guides and getting around articles give in-depth information on all these routes. The HK SAR Government’s Transport Department’s official website also has fare and timetable information on every ferry in Hong Kong.
Some of the most popular ferry rides between Central and the outlying islands inculde:
Kaito ferries
For more local ferry rides, Hong Kong also has what is known as kaito ferries. Also known as kaito or kaido, these are small ferries that provides rides to mainly remote islands.
For visitors who are considering hikes to outlying remote places in Hong Kong, you might need to take a kaito ferry at some point. These ferries are the only way to reach some popular hiking trails.
If you want to experience a kaito ferry ride on Hong Kong Island, the one that serves between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau might be worth checking out. The ride takes less than 5 minutes.
The fares for these ferry rides differ depending on how remote the location is.
How to pay
While most ferry rides now accept Octopus Card payments, it is always wise to have some cash just in case. Some ferry services also accept other forms of electronic payment, such as AliPay.
