Written by Zakiyyah Wahab
One of the most efficient and convenient ways to get around Hong Kong is undoubtedly taking the MTR. In fact, the MTR is known as one of the best public transport systems in the world.
With currently 10 lines for the MTR, as well as the Light Rail, you can just about go to any place in the city. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to buy MTR tickets
The easiest way to use the MTR is by using an Octopus card or a Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay contactless card. Simply tap your card on the reader at the ticket gates at the start and end of your journey. Octopus Cards can be bought from the counter at any MTR station, and in most 7-Eleven or Circle K convenience stores. You’ll need to pay HK$200.00 for the card, HK$50.00 of this is held as a deposit (you can get it back if you hand your card back in). The other HK$150.00 is usable credit stored on the card.
You can also buy tickets directly on the MTR Mobile app, You will still need to buy a physical Octopus card, before transferring the card details to the app. Once that’s done, having the card on the Octopus app does bring much convenience when travelling around.
If you are just in Hong Kong for a day, you can buy a Tourist Day Pass to enjoy unlimited travel on the MTR. The MTR Mobile app also allows you to buy Airport Express tickets.
The MTR Mobile app
You are highly recommended to download the MTR Mobile app so you can check the latest MTR announcements, as well as purchasing e-tickets directly. There is the MTR system map on the app, and you can use it to plan your trip between MTR stations. The app shows you useful information such as the fare, suggested route and the time of the last train at night. The app also provides information about MTR Malls and Station Shops.
Interchange stations
If you look at the MTR system map, you will notice that most stations are identified by a white circle. However, some stations have two interconnected circles. The Admiralty one even has four! What this means is you can change between the MTR lines at these stations while paying the fare for just one journey. For example, at Admiralty Station, you can switch between the East Rail line, Tsuen Wan line, and South Island line from the Island line.
Pay attention to the announcements on board the train regarding interchanging between different lines. The lights on the system map inside the MTR train compartments are also useful in guiding you to make the most efficient line changes.
MTR lines
Island Line
As the name suggests, this is the line that runs along Hong Kong Island between Chai Wan and Kennedy Town. Some of the busiest MTR stations along this line include Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, and Central. If you are looking to check out the more urban areas and popular tourist places, this is the line to take. You can easily get to parks such as Victoria Park and Hong Kong Park, and shopping malls like Hysan Place, Times Square, Pacific Place, the IFC Mall and the Landmark, all within walking distance from MTR stations. The Star Ferry Pier and Central Pier can also be easily accessed by taking the Island line and getting off at Central Station.
Cheapo tip: Some stations such as the Admiralty and North Point can get extremely crowded during rush hour as these stations are major interchange stations. You will sometimes have to wait for three or four trains. Also, don’t be surprised if you are pushed by others into the train – it’s all part of the experience! But if you don’t like a cramped ride, take the MTR during non-rush hours.
Tsuen Wan Line
For those who want to explore Kowloon-side and check out other tourist areas that are just as popular as the ones on Hong Kong Island, taking the Tsuen Wan line that runs between Central and – you guessed it right – Tsuen Wan is the answer. The K11 Art Mall, K11 Art Musea and Hong Kong Cultural Centre are all found in Tsim Sha Tsui. The famous Ladies’ Market (for affordable clothing and souvenirs) is a 3-minute walk from Mong Kok MTR Station. If you want to eat like a local and enjoy some affordable delicious eats that are not just egg waffles, curry fish balls and siumai, Kwai Fong Plaza in Kwai Fong is also a good place to check out.
South Island Line
This is the line to take if you want to go to Ocean Park. The South Island line has five stations, running between Admiralty and South Horizons and making stops at Ocean Park Station, Wong Chuk Hang Station and Lei Tung Station. If you want to take an extremely brief kaito ferry ride, you can also get on one at Lei Tung to Aberdeen.
Disneyland Resort Line
The name of this line is self-explanatory: to get to Hong Kong Disneyland, take the Disneyland Resort line (which only has two stops, Sunny Bay and Disneyland Resort). Weather permitting, you can enjoy a lovely picnic at Inspiration Lake in Sunny Bay, or hop on the train to Hong Kong Disneyland. Expect a Disney-themed MTR train with windows in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head, and various bronze statues of Disney characters such as Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse. It is worth noting that the Disneyland Resort line is the world’s first metro line designed to service a Disney theme park.
Tung Chung Line
The Tung Chung line runs from Hong Kong Station to Tung Chung. If you want to go to Ngong Ping 360 and see the Big Buddha, otherwise known as Tian Tan Buddha, you can take this line and get off at Tung Chung Station. To get to the West Kowloon Cultural District and visit places like M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, you can also get off at Kowloon Station, and walk through the shopping mall Elements to get there.
East Rail Line
This line runs between Admiralty and either Lok Ma Chau or Lo Wu, connecting Hong Kong and mainland China’s Shenzhen. It is quite common for locals and travellers to take this line to go to Shenzhen for a weekend getaway or a day trip. For those who want some outdoor exercise, you can also check out biking paths in Sha Tin, Tai Wai and Tai Po Market.
Tuen Ma Line
This is newest MTR line, with 27 MTR stations making it the longest line on the MTR network! The line runs from Wu Kai Sha all the way to Tuen Mun. Some of the MTR stations worth taking note of include Ma On Shan (for the rock beaches and hiking trails), Che Kung Temple (Sha Tin Che Kung Temple can be found here). If you want to go to Kai Tak Stadium, or spend an afternoon at Airside and do some shopping, you can get off at Kai Tak MTR station.
Kwun Tong Line
The Kwun Tong line is one of the busier MTR lines for locals, and goes between Tiu Keng Leng and Whampoa. Kowloon Tong station is a popular interchange station for people to switch to the East Rail line.
Tseung Kwan O Line
Again one of the busier MTR lines among locals, the Tseung Kwan O line runs between North Point and ends at either Po Lam or LOHAS Park. The Popcorn Mall at Tseung Kwan O Station is worth checking out if you are looking for a cozier mall that is less crowded.
Airport Express
The line runs from Hong Kong Station to AsiaWorld-Expo. If you have just arrived in Hong Kong, or are looking for a fast and reliable ride to and from the airport, the Airport Express takes only 24 minutes.
Light Rail
The Light Rail is a light railway system in Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai. These trains act like trams, travelling along tracks that are built alongside roads, mainly serving residents in the area. The light rail system appears in simplified form on the MTR map, and the numbering system of the routes doesn’t have much logic to it. However, it’s a very convenient wat to get around some of the smaller towns in the northwest New Territories.
Our tips
- All interchange stations have toilets. For other stations, the toilets may be in the paid area. If you’re in a pinch, check out this guide for toilets in the vicinity of stations.
- Nursing and care rooms are available at some MTR stations.
- Last but not least, the MTR staff are always available. Simply approach them and ask for any help.
Other ways to get around Hong Kong
We have a whole bunch of guides to getting around Hong Kong, including:
