Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) (HKG) to Hong Kong
The Airport Express train reaches Hong Kong station in Central in about 24 minutes and Kowloon in about 20, and is the fastest way in. Cityflyer airport buses (A routes) are much cheaper and stop closer to many hotels.
Best for most people: Airport Express. It is fast, frequent and luggage-friendly, and free shuttle buses link Kowloon and Hong Kong stations with many hotels.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train MTR Airport Express from the station between the arrivals halls to Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong (Central) | about 20 min to Kowloon, about 24 min to Hong Kong station | every 10–12 min | about HK$100–120 one way to Hong Kong station, less to Kowloon; group and return discounts | about 05:50–00:50 | Pay with an Octopus card, contactless bank card or ticket. Free in-town check-in for return flights at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations. |
| bus Citybus Cityflyer airport buses, e.g. A11 to Central and Causeway Bay, A21 to Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok | about 45–70 min | every 10–20 min | about HK$35–45 | about 06:00–24:00; night routes (N prefix) run overnight | Luggage racks on board. Pay by Octopus, contactless card or exact cash. |
| taxi Taxi rank at the arrivals area, with separate queues by colour: red (urban, to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island), green (New Territories), blue (Lantau) | about 30–45 min | about HK$300–400 to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, plus tunnel tolls and a luggage charge | 24 h | Take a red taxi for the city. Many drivers prefer cash, though more now accept cards or e-payment. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- Buy an Octopus card or use a contactless bank card: it works on the Airport Express, MTR, buses and ferries.
- Airport Express passengers can use the free hotel shuttle buses from Kowloon and Hong Kong stations; check the routes at the station.
- Joining the red taxi queue is essential for the city; green and blue taxis are not allowed to go into the urban areas.
- Night buses with an N prefix run after the Airport Express stops around 00:50.
- Have your hotel address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Hong Kong Airport to the city?
A red urban taxi to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui usually costs about HK$300–400, including tunnel or bridge tolls, with a small charge per piece of luggage. The ride takes about 30–45 minutes. Join the red taxi queue at the rank; green and blue taxis only serve the New Territories and Lantau.
Does the Airport Express run at night?
No. It runs from about 05:50 until about 00:50. After that, Citybus night routes with an N prefix run through the night to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and red taxis are available around the clock at the rank outside Arrivals.
How long does it take from Hong Kong Airport to Central?
About 24 minutes by Airport Express to Hong Kong station, plus a few minutes to your hotel, or about 30–45 minutes by taxi. Cityflyer buses take roughly 50–70 minutes depending on traffic, but stop along the way and may drop you closer to your hotel.
Can I pay by card on Hong Kong airport transport?
Yes. The Airport Express, MTR and Citybus accept contactless bank cards as well as the Octopus card. Taxis vary: many still prefer cash, though card and e-payment acceptance is growing. Carry some Hong Kong dollars for the taxi just in case.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.