Airport Transportation
There are 3 modes of transportation that you can take to the city center.

Airport Express
This is the quickest and easiest way of getting to and from Hong Kong International Airport. Trains depart from Hong Kong at Central Station every 10 minutes from 8.50 am - 1.15 am stopping at Kowloon and Tsing Yi Island before arriving at the Airport station. The trip to/from Central Station takes 25 minutes. To/from Kowloon takes 20 minutes.

The one-way adult fare to/from Central is HK$100.00 while to/from Kowloon is HK$90. Seniors over 65 years and children 3-11 years old pay half price. If you will be in Hong Kong for only a few days adults can purchase a return ticket, valid for one month, for HK$180 (Central) or HK$160 (Kowloon). Note that a same day return is the same as two one way fares.

The Airport Express has two shuttle buses on Hong Kong island (H1 & H2) and six on Kowloon island (K1 to K6) with free transfer for passengers between Hong Kong and Kowloon. These buses run every 30 minutes from 6.05 am and 6.25 am to 11pm. You can find schedules and routes at the Airport Express and MTR stations and on the Airport express web site. http://www.mtr.com.hk

When departing be advised that several airlines provide convenient check-in service (including luggage) at both the Central and Kowloon stations.

Taxis/Limousines
Taxis from/to Hong Kong Airport are convenient but expensive. Journey time to/from the Central business district on Hong Kong island is around 30-40 minutes in good traffic but can be longer in rush hour. Taxi fare is approximately HK$350-HK$450 (US$45-60).

Buses
There is a huge choice of buses run by different companies that links most major areas of Hong Kong island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau to the airport. The popular choice for travelers are Citybus 'Airbuses' A11 (HK$40) and A12 (HK$45) which go to or pass near most major hotels and guesthouses on Hong Kong island. The A21 (HK$33) serves the areas in Kowloon. All Airbuses are air conditioned and spacious enough for luggage, announcements are made in English and Chinese informing passengers of the stops.

There are also cheaper bus options. Visitors may take the external bus E11 to Hong Kong island or shuttle bus S1 to Tung Chung and then transfer to the MTR to get to their final destination. However considering how crowded the MTR usually is this option is not advisable when carrying a large amount of luggage.

Do note that bus drivers in Hong Kong are unable to give change, so you will need to have ready change available. That said, visitors staying more than a few days should buy an Octopus card. The Octopus card is a smart card that can be used on most forms of public transportation (MTR, buses and trolleys) and also allows you to purchase items from phone booths, vending machines and at some convenience stores such as 7-eleven or Circle K.

These cards can be purchased at customer service counters at Airport Express and MTR stations. The minimum is HKD$150 which includes a refundable deposit of HK$50 and HK$100 of purchase value (when you are ready to leave just go to any MTR station and you will given the HK$50.00 plus any unused value amount on the card). see sidebar for more information.