Lantau Island’s Big Buddha, also known as the Tian Tian Buddha, is one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated monuments. So of course you want to know how to get there.
This statue, the biggest seated bronze Buddha in the world, is located near Po Lin Monastery, and attracts many visitors. Notably, one of the floors beneath the statue contains a relic of Gautama Buddha, which visitors can see (upon the purchase of an offering). So, whether you prefer to ride the ferry, take the territory’s famously efficient MTR, or brave it on foot, here’s the lowdown on getting to the Big Buddha.
Overview of how to get to the Big Buddha
Depending on your budget and time constraints, there are various ways to get to the Big Buddha. But by far the most popular route is to take the MTR, then hop on the scenic cable car.
| Mode | Price | Time | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTR and cable car | From HK$122.00 | ~1 hour | Buy your tickets online |
| Ferry and buses | From HK$36.80 | ~95 minutes | View the ferry timetable and bus information |
| MTR and hiking | From HK$23.60 | ~2.5 hours | N/A |
| Taxi | From HK$300.00 | ~30 minutes | View taxi information |
| Private transfer | From HK$376.00 | N/A | Book online |
Our top recommendation: Taking the MTR and Cable Car to the Big Buddha
From HK$122.00~1 hour
Book via Klook
For the best views and an overall thrilling experience, you’ll want to ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
From Central:
- Central and Hong Kong stations are connected. So, if you’re coming from Central, walk to Hong Kong Station
- Then, hop on the train towards Tung Chung. The ride is approximately 35 minutes, crossing seven stations and offering plenty of views along the way
- From Tung Chung Station, follow the signs and head to the Ngong Ping Cable Car
Pro Tip: Tickets can be purchased on the spot, but we recommend booking ahead as the counters get incredibly crowded on weekends and public holidays.
For sea views and those who like slow travel: Ferry and buses
HK$36.80~95 minutes
If you’d rather get off the road and on the water, there’s always the reliable ferry plying from Central to Mui Wo to begin your journey. From there, it’s a longish bus adventure to your final destination.
From Central:
- First, make your way to the Central Ferry Pier. The easiest route is to walk through IFC Mall and follow the helpful signs
- Then, head to pier 6 for the ferries to Mui Wo. Ferries run every 15 minutes, and you can choose between the ordinary ferry (slightly cheaper and slower) and the fast ferry (more expensive but faster)
- Upon alighting at Mui Wo, you’ll see the bus terminus right outside the pier. Take the 1 or 3M, then switch to the 23
- To begin, take the MTR to Tung Chung Station
- Use Exit D. From the bus terminus, board bus 34 or go to Yu Tong Court bus stop and catch bus 3M, 11, or 23. Alight at Shek Mun Kap Road
- Walk along Shek Mun Kap Road through Shek Mun Kap Village until you reach the end of the road
- Look for the entrance of the Tei Tong Tsai Country Trail
During weekends and public holidays, expect long lines for the buses.
For hiking enthusiasts and explorers: MTR and hiking
From HK$23.60~ 2.5 hours
To knock the Tian Tian Buddha off your itinerary in the most traditional of ways, eschew modern transport and rely on nothing but your feet. Well, kind of — to get to the starting point, you’ll still need to use a combination of public transport including the MTR and buses.
While trails like Dragon’s Back get all the attention (it’s worth the hype), Lantau has some less-traveled paths that are well worth the trek. For a truly immersive experience complete with old worship structures and wild foliage, we recommend the Fat Mun Ancient Trail.
When time is of the essence: Taxi
From HK$300.00~30 minutes
If you have a short layover or intend to head to the Big Buddha from a location on Lantau Island, take a taxi. You’ll need to get a blue taxi.
Pro Tip: Read more about taxis and other ways of getting around in our Hong Kong public transport mega guide.
To go at your own pace: Private transfer
From HK$376.00Book your private transfer here.
Hiring a private car can definitely get a little pricey. However, if you’re travelling with small kids, for example, or want to shield yourself from Hong Kong’s harsh and humid summer, it’s a stress-free option that gives you all the freedom to go at your own pace.
How do I get to other neighborhoods in Hong Kong?
For directions on how to get from the Hong Kong International Airport to specific areas in the territory, make sure to check out our handy guides:
Getting from the airport to:
Frequently asked questions
Is the Big Buddha worth visiting?
Absolutely! Not only is it an icon of Hong Kong, but the Big Buddha is also the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world.
Is the Big Buddha free to visit?
Yes. Unless you want to go inside the halls underneath the statue, in which case you’ll need to purchase an offering.
Can you get to the Big Buddha without the cable car?
Yes. It’s possible to get there using a range of public transport, and even on foot.
What’s the best way to get to the the Tian Tian Buddha?
Hong Kong Cheapo recommends taking the MTR, and then hopping on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. Book in advance to skip the queues.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2024 and updated in July 2024.
