One hidden benefit of visiting Hong Kong is that your daily step count will inflate dramatically. From the buzzy and bar-filled sloping streets of Central to scenic hiking trails spread out across 25 country parks (with the latest opening of Robin’s Nest), you’ll be walking more than ever. But if you’re not too keen on walking, and you’ve already tried out our recommended tram tour, there’s another option: bus tours.
Here’s our roundup of the best bus tours in Hong Kong, including pricing information, routes, and pros and cons.
Comparing the best Hong Kong bus tours
Based on your budget and preferred route, there’s a wide range of bus tours available in Hong Kong.
Below, we have a quick comparison:
| Service provider | Price | Perks | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bus | From HK$120.00 | Many different routes and unlimited rides on the day. Hong Kong Island and Stanley route can include tickets to Star Ferry and/or Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428. | Lantau Island Bus Tour; Kowloon Night Tour; Hong Kong Island and Stanley Tour |
| Crystal Bus | From HK$280.00 | Includes a Michelin quality dim sum lunch or dinner (can be made vegetarian with prior notice). | Book online |
| Rickshaw Sightseeing | From HK$100.00 | Offers three routes, as well as a night tour. | Book online |
Big Bus Tours: For the most flexibility
From HK$120.00Various routes, including interesting sights outside the CBD, such as Stanley and Lantau
Big Bus offers a convenient way to explore the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong. With their distinctive double-decker buses, travelers can hop on and off at various iconic landmarks and attractions, allowing for flexibility and personalized sightseeing experiences. With a range of tours traversing various parts of the S.A.R., Big Bus probably has a route that works for you and your itinerary.
Here are a few that we recommend:
- Lantau Island Bus Tour: Big Bus’ Lantau Island Bus Tour, priced at HK$120.00, is an inexpensive way to navigate Lantau, home to various attractions such as Disneyland and the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. There are two routes departing at different times in the morning and afternoon, so check out the details before making a booking.
See details and book here. - Kowloon Night Tour: If you’re craving buzzy night scenes and neon, the Kowloon Night Tour is the bus tour for you. Priced at HK$320.00, this tour takes passengers around hotspots in Kowloon, including West Kowloon, Canton Road, FWD House 1881, The Peninsula Hotel, Mody Road, Victoria Harbour, and the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.
See details and book here. - Hong Kong Island and Stanley Bus Tour: Priced at HK$690.00, the Big Bus Tours Explore Ticket is a surprisingly good deal. It includes unlimited rides for two days on the Hong Kong Island and Stanley daytime routes, as well as roundtrip tickets on the Peak Tram with admission to Sky Terrace 428. This one ticket does it all!
See details and book here.
Crystal Bus Tour: Snack while you see
From HK$280.00Major attractions in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
Book online
Generally speaking, you’re not allowed to eat or consume beverages on buses in Hong Kong. However, if you join a Crystal Bus Tour, you can! Completing a circuit of 20+ major attractions both in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, combined with photo ops along the way, what sets this bus tour apart is that it includes a dim sum lunch or dinner made by Michelin-recognized One Dim Sum. So, especially if you don’t have much time in the city, this is an excellent way to kill two birds with one stone. The whole tour lasts roughly 2.5 hours.
Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus Tour: Get close to the sights with open-top buses
From HK$100.00Major attractions in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
Book online
Though the name may be misleading, this is not a rickshaw tour. Instead, Rickshaw Sightseeing offers open-top buses that let you feel the breeze and get close to 30+ major attractions in the S.A.R. Rickshaw offers both day and night rides, and operates three routes that traverse sites of interest in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island — think the Tai Kwun, Man Mo Temple, the Star Ferry, M+, and many more. Once you purchase a ticket, you can enjoy unlimited rides within one day.
Frequently asked questions
Do these bus tours actually save money?
The short answer: yes. With convenient routes and plenty of attractions included, these bus tours will not only save you money, but also the time and energy you would otherwise use mapping your route and pinning locations. If you’re not keen on planning and want to holiday in Hong Kong the easy-breezy way, we recommend booking a bus tour.
Do I get unlimited rides?
The hop-on-hop-off bus tours operated by Big Bus and Rickshaw Sightseeing offer unlimited rides within a day. If you purchased a two-day ticket, you can enjoy unlimited rides for two days.
Are tickets to attractions included in the prices listed?
Usually, you’re expected to purchase your own tickets for the attractions. However, if you go for the Explore Ticket offered by Big Bus, it will include roundtrip tickets for the Peak Tram as well as acccess to Sky Terrace 428. Book your tickets here.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in April 2024.
