Written by Jianne Soriano
Travelling around Hong Kong is easy with plenty of transportation options. Be a pro and know your way around with these Hong Kong transport apps. Whether you need to find a certain route, check when the next train or bus is coming, or hail a taxi or cab, these Hong Kong travel apps have you covered.
From the MTR – Hong Kong’s metro system – to its impressive bus network, any traveller should know their way around the city. Thankfully, these Hong Kong travel apps come to the rescue. Mostly free for download on the App Store or Google Play, they provide the essential service you need to explore the city. Check out the best Hong Kong travel apps to enjoy a hassle-free time in the city.
MTR Mobile
The MTR is the easiest way to get around Hong Kong, so it only makes sense to have the official MTR app. It lists travel time, train fares, train routes, and even when the next train will arrive in real time. The app also has other handy information such as services that are available in each station, shops, which exits to take, as well as traffic news. Everything MTR-related is right here.
App 1933: KMB and LWB buses
Once you get the MTR nailed down, it’s worth looking at Hong Kong’s comprehensive bus system, especially if you’re travelling around Kowloon. App 1933 lists KMB and LWB bus routes, nearest bus stop, estimated arrival time, stops to get off, and even travel time. Simply input the bus number and there’ll be a list of the stops. Users can also bookmark bus routes for easier navigation in the future. In case you don’t know the specific bus route number, just input the area you want to go to and the smart bus route keyboard will list buses that you can take. Download on Google Play or the App Store.
Citybus NWFB app
Travelling around Hong Kong Island? Citybus NWFB has the bus information you need. It’s simpler compared to the KMB/LWB app but it serves its function. Besides a list of bus routes, next bus arrival time information and ETA of buses and even minibus routes. Best of all, the red light option within the app sends a reminder when it’s time to alight. The CitybusNWFB app is particularly helpful if you’re unsure which bus stop to alight at as it gives a view of the street of each bus stop. The Citybus NWFB app is available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play.
Fly Taxi
Flytaxi connects riders with taxi drivers. Basically, if you want to hail a cab but can’t find any on the street, Flytaxi comes to the rescue. The app will match you with available taxis nearby which minimises the wait time. Moreover, the app allows users to track the taxi’s location and even manage the trip directly through the app. Flytaxi supports multiple payment methods, including Octopus and e-payment. Download Fly Taxi on Google Play or on the App Store.
For a comparison of all the ride hailing apps in Hong Kong, check our article here.
Uber
Just like Flytaxi, Uber connects riders with drivers, albeit a little more expensive. Uber is available 24/7 and covers almost all areas in Hong Kong except the Outlying Islands. The ride-hailing platform allows cashless payments as well as cash payments. Users can track the ETA of drivers as well as their route and have full transparency of the ride fare. So, even if you’re stuck in a traffic jam or if you need to take a detour, chances are, you won’t have to pay more.
Uber is also great if you’re travelling in large groups. Most taxis in Hong Kong can only accommodate four to five passengers, while Uber can take as many as six or sometimes even eight passengers, depending on the vehicle size you choose. Travelling with pets? Uber also welcomes your furry friends with Uber Pet. The elderly can opt for Uber Assist. Moreover, Uber also allows users to reserve rides in advance.
HKeMobility
Not a fan of too many transportation apps? HKeMobility consolidates them under one app. It provides users with travel routes on different transportation options as well as fares and journey times. Furthermore, users can stay updated on real-time traffic news. HKeMobility makes travelling around Hong Kong even easier. Download HKeMobility for free on the App Store or Google Play.
CityMapper
CityMapper is Google Maps on steroids. It provides different transportation options in Hong Kong, comparing in real-time which is the best and fastest option. It covers MTR, bus, taxi, Uber, walking, and even tram and ferry routes. With traffic conditions included. Users can pick between three different map views and get step-by-step directions. Look at wait times and ETAs to avoid missing a bus, train, or tram. Users can also save their home, work, and other go-to stops for easier planning. CityMapper doesn’t just cover Hong Kong but also over 30 cities worldwide. CityMapper is available for free on the App Store or Google Play.
Hong Kong Taxi Translator
Some travellers opt for Uber as it reduces miscommunication with local taxi drivers. But those who want to save a few bucks and prefer to take the taxi may be wary of the language barrier. That’s when the Hong Kong Taxi Translator comes in handy. It’s an app that every Hong Kong non-Cantonese native speaker should have. It finds and translates addresses in Hong Kong in written and phonetic Cantonese, covering over 7,000 streets, residential areas, buildings, schools, sightseeing shops, and more. It doesn’t even require the internet to work, except for the map function. Users can also save their addresses for future use. Hong Kong Taxi Translator costs HK$18.00 on the App Store or Google Play.
Pokeguide
Pokeguide prides itself as “the most intelligent public transportation app” and for the right reasons. It covers all means of transportation in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Users can see ETAs, search routes, and even know the best exit to take. But its most impressive function is providing the best carriage door to board that is nearest to the escalator. Users can also pick different travelling modes from no stairs to lift only, and more. The app functions both online and offline for train routes. Download the app for Android or iPhone here
SynCab
SynCab is the app for the SynCab taxi fleet, the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. The app provides convenient point to point transport service as well as customised journey arrangement. SynCab allows users to book 20 minutes prior to their journey. The app also calculates and provides a fixed price fare of the journey at the time of booking.
There is an option to pay through credit card upon confirmation of booking. So, regardless of traffic, the price will not change. Payment by cash or e-wallet is also available. Users can make use of the Passengers List feature to add and save name and phone numbers for easier booking in the future. Beyond the app, passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi and USB charging at SynCab taxis.
Download SynCab from the App Store or Google Play.
TADA
Singaporean ride hailing platform TADA has made its beta service available in Hong Kong. TADA matches riders with drivers quickly on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the Hong Kong airport. The Smart Call feature, for an additional fee, allows riders to find rides quickly. New users can take advantage of the incentives and rewards when signing up.
