AIR TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Flying time to Hong Kong is around 16 hours nonstop from New York City, 15½ hours nonstop from Los Angeles, or 14 hours nonstop from San Francisco.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Airlines and Airports<\/span>
"); document.write("Airline and Airport Links.com.<\/span> Airline and Airport Links.com has links to many of the world’s airlines and airports. |www.airlineandairportlinks.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Airline Security Issues<\/span>
"); document.write("Transportation Security Agency.<\/span> | www.tsa.gov\/public<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("

AIRPORTS<\/h3>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Easy to navigate and full of amenities, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)—also known as Chek Lap Kok, after its location—is a traveler’s dream. Terminal 1, one of the largest in the world, handles arrivals and departures for most major airlines. The newer but smaller Terminal 2 handles all other airlines, including budget carriers.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Although the lines usually move quickly at security and immigration checkpoints, it’s advisable to arrive at least two hours before departure. Remember that check-in counters are a long distance from the gates. Most major airlines let you use the In-Town Check-In service at the Hong Kong or Kowloon Airport Express stations up to 24 hours before your flight (confirm with your airline first). You can check luggage as well, saving you the bother of lugging bags out to the airport.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Once you’re at the airport, there are multiple options for meals, from fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants. Many open as early as 6 am and close as late as midnight. Beyond immigrations in Terminal 1, you’ll find a few places that are open 24 hours, including Café de Coral and McDonald’s in the Departures East Hall and the Starbucks at Departures Central Concourse and Departures Check-in Hall. There’s also a 7-Eleven convenience store in each terminal, although the one in Terminal 1 is on Level 5 of the Arrivals Hall, making it inaccessible once you’ve passed through security checkpoints.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Travelex currency-exchange machines in each terminal make it easy to get rid of your leftover Hong Kong dollars. Another way is to take advantage of the wealth of duty-free shopping choices throughout the airport, especially in Terminal 1. If you’d rather relax before or after a flight, you can pay to use one of the 24-hour Plaza Premium Lounges with restrooms, showers, massage services, online access, and hot meals. Packages range from HK$200 to HK$800. Free resting lounges (without showers and other perks) and miniature gardens with comfortable seating are at the Departure Level near Gates 21, 26, 34, 41, and 61.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Most of the airport’s public areas have free Wi-Fi access. Otherwise, you can use one of the 62 free computers available throughout Terminal 1 or the 24-hour Internet Zone at the North Satellite Concourse. For local calls, courtesy phones are placed at convenient locations throughout both terminals.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
If you have a long layover, catch a movie at the airport’s 350-seat IMAX cinema, which is the largest in Hong Kong. You can also wander through one of the frequent art exhibits that pop up throughout the airport.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
When arriving in Hong Kong, you’ll be asked to fill out an immigrations form. An immigrations officer will collect an arrivals slip and give you a departure slip that you must show when you leave the city. An airport tax is normally included in your ticket price. If it’s not, the fee is HK$120. It’s levied only on those 12 years and older and is waived for all transit and transfer passengers who arrive and leave on the same day.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Airport Information<\/span>
"); document.write("Hong Kong International Airport.<\/span> | 2181–8888<\/span> | www.hongkongairport.com<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Plaza Premium Lounge.<\/span> | 2261–0888<\/span> | www.plaza-network.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("

Ground Transportation<\/h4>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The Airport Express train service is the quickest and most convenient way to and from the airport. High-speed trains whisk you to Kowloon in 21 minutes and Central in 24 minutes. Trains run daily every 10 minutes between 5:54 am and 11:28 pm and every 12 minutes between 11:28 pm and 12:58 am. The last train from the airport departs at 12:48 am. The trains have Wi-Fi access, plenty of luggage space, and comfortable seating with video screens showing tourist information and the latest news.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The Airport Express station has stops at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Central stations. Excluding the AsiaWorld stop, all stations connect to the MTR. One-way or same-day return tickets are HK$90 to Kowloon and HK$100 to Central. Round-trip tickets valid for one month cost HK$160 to Kowloon and HK$180 to Central. Tickets are cheaper if purchased online or through a travel agent. It’s the most expensive public transport option, but the speed and dependability justify the extra cost. The Airport Express Travel Pass is a good option if you are planning a very short stay, as it allows you unlimited travel on the MTR for 72 hours; the HK$220 pass includes a single airport journey, and the HK$300 pass includes an airport round-trip.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The Airport Express also provides its customers with free porter service, and free shuttle buses run every 12 or 20 minutes between major hotels and the Hong Kong and Kowloon stations—there are several routes, and a list of stops is displayed prominently at the boarding area. Service begins at 6:12 am and ends at 11:12 pm. To board, you must show your Airport Express ticket and airline ticket or boarding pass.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Citybus runs five buses (“A” precedes the bus number) from the airport to popular destinations. They make fewer stops than regular buses (which have an “E” before their numbers). Two useful routes are the A11, serving Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay and ending in North Point; and the A21, going to Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, and Mong Kok. The A11’s operating hours are from 6:10 am to 12:30 am, while the A21 runs from 6 am to 12 am. Should you arrive in Hong Kong outside of these hours, you can take the N11 or the N21, which are night buses serving the same routes. The buses are comfortable, have adequate luggage space, and include free Wi-Fi access. The onboard announcements are in Cantonese, Putonghua, and English, so you won’t miss your stop.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Several small shuttle buses with an “S” before their numbers run to the nearby Tung Chung MTR station, where you can get the MTR to Central and Kowloon. MTR trains run parallel to the Airport Express route, but they cost much less (HK$27.50 from the airport to Central). However, you won’t have the same amenities, and travel time is longer as the trains make more stops.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Taxis from the airport are reliable and plentiful. Trips to Hong Kong Island destinations cost around HK$295, while those to Kowloon are around HK$240. There is also an HK$5 charge per piece of luggage stored in the trunk. Vigor Airport Shuttle Services runs the hotel coach service, which stops at 96 hotels on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The coaches depart every 30 minutes for HK$140 to destinations on Hong Kong Island, HK$130 to those in Kowloon. Vigor also offers Mercedes-Benz limousine transfers for HK$650 to HK$860, depending on the destination and type of car. Parklane Limousine and Trans-Island Limousine offer comparable rates.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Contacts<\/span>
"); document.write("Airport Express.<\/span> | 2881–8888<\/span> | www.mtr.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Citybus.<\/span> | 2873–0818<\/span> | www.nwstbus.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Parklane Limousine.<\/span> | 2730–0662<\/span> | www.hongkonglimo.com<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Trans-Island Limousine Service.<\/span> | 3193–9332<\/span> | www.trans-island.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Vigor Airport Shuttle Services.<\/span> | 2186–6883<\/span> | www.vigorholding.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("

FLIGHTS<\/h3>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong’s flagship carrier. It maintains high standards, with friendly service, good food, an extensive in-flight entertainment system, and an excellent track record for safety. Cathay has nonstop flights from both Los Angeles and San Francisco on the West Coast and from New York–JFK on the East Coast, with connecting services to many other U.S. cities. Singapore Airlines is also another highly rated airline with flights to Hong Kong from multiple American cities, including daily flights from San Francisco.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
If you are on a tight budget, Air China and China Airlines offer lower-cost flights between New York and Los Angeles and Hong Kong, although the savings are reflected in the service and amenities. Several other airlines also offer service from the United States to Hong Kong, usually with connections in Asia.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
If you’re planning to travel to three or four Asian destinations, you might want to consider One World’s Visit Asia Pass, which provides travel throughout Southeast Asia via an array of airlines. Cities are grouped into zones, and there’s a flat rate for each zone. The pass doesn’t cover flights from the United States, Europe, or Australia and New Zealand, however. Inquire through American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, or any other One World member.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Airlines<\/span>
"); document.write("One World.<\/span> | www.oneworld.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("

BOAT AND FERRY TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
With fabulous views of both sides of Victoria Harbour, the Star Ferry is so much more than just a boat. This icon has been circling the harbor since 1888. Double-bowed, green-and-white vessels connect Central and Wan Chai with Kowloon in less than 10 minutes, daily from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. A ride on the upper deck costs HK$2.50 on weekdays and HK$3.40 on weekends and public holidays, making it the cheapest scenic harbor tour in town. You can use cash or your Octopus Card to pay the fare. The Star Ferry also offers an hour-long harbor tour for HK$85 during the day and H$160 at night.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
There’s also regular ferry service to outlying islands, such as Lantau, Lamma, and Cheung Chau. Ordinary ferries are cheap but slow, while fast ferries travel at twice the speed for twice the price. As a general rule, fares are more expensive at night. You can pick up printed copies of the ferry schedules at the Hong Kong Tourist Board information center at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Concourse.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Information<\/span>
"); document.write("Discovery Bay Transportation Services Limited.<\/span> | 2238–1188<\/span> | www.discoverybay.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("New World First Ferry.<\/span> | 2131–8181<\/span> | www.nwff.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Star Ferry.<\/span> | 2367–7065<\/span> | www.starferry.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("

BUS TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
An efficient network of double-decker buses covers most of Hong Kong, often with stops at locations not accessible via MTR. Figuring out the routes, however, may be a bit daunting for newcomers. Drivers usually don’t speak English, and the routes posted at bus stops can be confusing. Your best bet is to look up your destination on the two major bus companies’ websites to see whether they serve the route and which bus to take. Citybus and New World First Bus share a common website, as do Kowloon Motor Bus and Long Win Bus Company. Both sites use a map-based route search that allows you check nearby stops. Click on a bus number to pull up information on where the route originates.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
More intrepid visitors can take a chance on a minibus. These cream-colored vehicles seat 16 people and rattle through the city at breakneck speeds. Routes and prices are prominently displayed in front. While faster than buses, minibuses are risky if you aren’t sure of your destination. There are designated stops, but minibus drivers will also pick up and drop off passengers at other points along the way. To get off, you’ll have to shout out to the driver and hold on tight as he screeches to a halt.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Fares<\/h4>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Double-decker bus fares range from HK$2.50 to HK$48; minibus fares from HK$2 to HK$20. The best way to pay is by Octopus Card. Otherwise, you’ll need to have exact change. Some minibuses, particularly the overnight ones, accept only cash, but they do give you change.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Bus Information<\/span>
"); document.write("Citybus.<\/span> | 2873–0818<\/span> | www.nwstbus.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Kowloon Motor Bus.<\/span> | 2745–4466<\/span> | www.kmb.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Long Win Bus Company.<\/span> | 2745–4466<\/span> | www.kmb.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("New World First Bus.<\/span> | 2136–8888<\/span> | www.nwstbus.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
CAR TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Frankly, you’d be mad to rent a car on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon. Traffic jams, hard-to-navigate streets, and next to no parking make driving here severely stress inducing. What’s more, gasoline costs up to twice what it does in the United States. So why bother, when public transportation is excellent and taxis are inexpensive?<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
If you must have your own wheels, consider hiring a driver. Most top-end hotels can arrange this; the Peninsula in Kowloon and the Island Shangri-La even have their own fleets of chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces and Mercedes available for hourly hire. Avis can also provide chauffeur services along with car rentals.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
If you’re determined to drive yourself, your driver’s license must be valid in Hong Kong for up to a year if you’re 18 to 70 years old (those over 70 must pass a physical examination before driving). You’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (HK$80) for stays up to 12 months. Check the AAA and Hong Kong Transport Department websites for more info.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The cheapest option for car rentals is Hawk Rent-a-Car, which has lots of models and prices; there are special rates for weekends and longer-term rentals. Rental rates begin at HK$480 per day and HK$2,550 per week for an economy car with air-conditioning, automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. Parklane Limousine has a fleet of more than 100 Mercedes-Benzes with hourly rates for chauffeur services.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Information<\/span>
"); document.write("Hawk Rent-a-Car.<\/span> | 2516–9822<\/span> | www.hawkrentacar.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Parking<\/h4>"); document.write(""); document.write("
There’s next to no on-street parking in Hong Kong, and the extremely vigilant traffic police hand out copious parking tickets. If you luck out and find a metered space, you’ll have to use an Octopus Card to pay.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Most drivers take advantage of parking garages, which cost up to HK$22 per hour in prime locations. However, some mall garages will subsidize parking if you make purchases at their shops or eat in one of their restaurants. Be sure to have the receipt validated by the staff before leaving.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Rules of the Road<\/h4>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road in Hong Kong. Wearing a seat belt is mandatory in the front and back of private cars, and the standard speed limit is 50 kph (30 mph) unless signs state otherwise. The police spend a lot of time setting up speed traps and giving out juicy fines. Using handheld cell phones while driving is forbidden. You can’t make a right turn on a red light, and you should scrupulously obey lane markings regarding turns.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Drunk driving is taken very seriously: the legal limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (or 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath), and there are penalties of up to HK$25,000 and three years in prison for those who disobey. You can get highly detailed information on Hong Kong’s road rules on the Transport Department’s website.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Road Rules<\/span>
"); document.write("Hong Kong Government Transport Department.<\/span> | 2804–2600<\/span> | www.td.gov.hk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
CRUISE TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Star Cruises has trips through Southeast Asia that start from, or call at, Hong Kong. The crème de la crème of cruisers, Cunard, docks in Hong Kong on its round-the-world trips. Princess Cruises has a wide variety of packages that call at Hong Kong and many other Asian destinations. Holland America has two-week Asian cruises as well as round-the-world options. Be sure to check out last-minute special offers from all these lines.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Cruise Lines<\/span>
"); document.write("Cunard.<\/span> | 800\/728–6273<\/span> | www.cunard.com<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Holland America.<\/span> | 877\/932–4259<\/span> | www.hollandamerica.com<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Princess Cruises.<\/span> | 800\/774–6237<\/span> | www.princess.com<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Star Cruises.<\/span> | 2317–7711<\/span> | www.starcruises.com<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
SUBWAY TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
By far the best way to get around Hong Kong is on the MTR. The network now provides all subway and train services in Hong Kong. The trains are among the cleanest in the world, with hardly any litter to be found. Eating or drinking on the trains or in the paid areas is prohibited, with fines of HK$2,000.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The five major lines are color-coded for convenience. The Island line (blue) runs along the north coast of Hong Kong Island; the Tsuen Wan line (red) goes from Central under the harbor to Tsim Sha Tsui, then up to the western New Territories. Mong Kok links Tsim Sha Tsui to eastern New Kowloon via the Kwun Tong line (green ). Also serving this area is the Tseung Kwan O line (purple), which crosses back over the harbor to Quarry Bay and North Point. Finally, the Tung Chung line (yellow) connects Central and West Kowloon to Tung Chung on Lantau, near the airport.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The MTR is extremely safe, even late at night. Glass screens have been installed between the edges of platforms and tracks, preventing falls and other mishaps. Emergency stop buttons and help lines are easy to access and ensure instant response from the staff.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Trains run every two to eight minutes during peak times between 6 am and 1 am daily.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Entrances, platforms, and exits are clearly marked and signposted, and all MTR areas are air-conditioned. Most stations have wheelchair access, and all have convenience stores and other shops or services. All MTR stations have free Wi-Fi, and 13 provide computer terminals with free Internet access. Most stations are situated close to public restrooms, and 11 have station toilets for passenger use.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Fares and Schedules<\/h4>"); document.write(""); document.write("
You can buy tickets from ticket machines (using coins or notes) or from English-speaking staff behind glass-windowed Customer Service Centres. Fares range from HK$4.20 to HK$47.50, depending how far you travel. Instead of paying cash, consider a rechargeable (and refundable) Octopus Card. It saves time lining up for tickets and fussing for change, gives you a discounted fare on each trip, and can also be used for buses and other forms of transportation.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Another alternative is the Tourist Day Pass. For HK$55, this pass allows you unlimited travel on the MTR, excluding the Airport Express, for one day. However, you cannot use the pass on other public transport or to purchase items.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Information<\/span>
"); document.write("MTR.<\/span> | 2881–8888<\/span> | www.mtr.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
TAXI TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Taxis are easy to find in Hong Kong, although heavy rush hour traffic in Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui means they aren’t always the best option for getting around the city quickly. They’re most useful other times of the day, especially after the MTR closes. Drivers usually know the terrain well, but many don’t speak English; having your destination written in Chinese is a good idea.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
You can hail cabs on the street, provided you’re in a stopping area (i.e., not marked by double yellow lines). The white “taxi” sign is lit when the cab is available. Not all taxis will drive from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon (or vice versa). You can usually identify cross-harbor taxis by the red plastic “No Service” sign on their dashboards; you’ll find cross-harbor taxi ranks at the Star Ferry terminal and elsewhere around town. It’s sometimes hard to find a taxi between 3 and 4 pm, when the drivers switch shifts.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
There are three types of taxi: red, green, and blue, with each color representing a geographical area. Red taxis are found throughout most of Hong Kong, and fares start at HK$22 for the first 2 km (1½ miles), then HK$1.60 for each .2 km (.1 mile) or minute of waiting time. (Fares add up fast in bumper-to-bumper traffic.) After the fare reaches HK$78, you’re charged HK$1 for each .2 km or minute of waiting time. The Hong Kong Kowloon Taxi and Lorry Owners Association and the Kowloon Taxi Owners Association operate red taxis.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
There’s a surcharge of HK$5 for each piece of luggage you put in the trunk. The Cross-Harbour Tunnel, Eastern Harbour Crossing, and Western Harbour Crossing all incur surcharges of the toll plus HK$10 or HK$15 return toll. The surcharge for crossing the Tsing Ma Bridge over to Lantau is HK$30. Passengers must pay the toll amount for other tunnels and roads.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
In the New Territories, taxis are green; on Lantau Island they’re blue. Fares are lower than in urban areas, but while red urban taxis may travel into rural zones, rural green and blue taxis can’t cross into urban zones. Call the Lantau Taxi Call Station for blue taxis, and the NT Taxi-call Service Centre for green taxis.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Passengers are required by law to wear a seat belt when available. Most locals don’t tip; however, if you round up the fare by a few Hong Kong dollars you’re sure to earn yourself a winning smile from your underpaid and overworked driver. Taxis are usually reliable, but if you have a problem, note the taxi’s registration number and the driver’s name, which are usually prominently displayed on the dashboard, and call the Transport Complaints Unit. If you’ve left an item behind in your taxi, you can call the Road Co-op Lost and Found hotline.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
In urban areas it’s as easy and safe to hail a cab on the street as it is to call one. There are hundreds of taxi companies, so it’s usually best to get your hotel or restaurant to call a company it works with. Note that there’s a HK$5 surcharge for phone bookings.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Contacts<\/span>
"); document.write("Hong Kong Kowloon Taxi and Lorry Owners Association.<\/span> | 2574–7311<\/span>.
"); document.write("Kowloon Taxi Owners Association.<\/span> | 2760–0411<\/span>.
"); document.write("Lantau Taxi Call Station.<\/span> | 2984–1328<\/span>.
"); document.write("NT Taxi-call Service Centre.<\/span> | 2382–0168<\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Contacts<\/span>
"); document.write("Road Co-op Lost and Found Hotline.<\/span> | 1872–920<\/span>.
"); document.write("Transport Complaints Unit Hotline.<\/span> | 2889–9999<\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
TRAIN TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The ultra-efficient MTR train network connects Kowloon to the eastern and western New Territories. Trains run every five to eight minutes, and connections to the subway are relatively quick. This is a commuter service and, like the subway, has sparkling-clean trains and stations—smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly forbidden.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The train network has three main lines. The East Rail line begins at Hung Hom, with notable stops at Mong Kok, Kowloon Tong, Sha Tin, Racecourse, Chinese University, and Tai Po on its way to Lo Wu at the mainland Chinese border. East Rail is the fastest way to get to Shenzhen—it’s a 40-minute trip from Hung Hom to Lo Wu. The Hung Hom train station terminus connects via a series of walkways with East Tsim Sha Tsui; you can also transfer to the MTR at Kowloon Tong.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The short Ma On Shan Rail service starts at Tai Wai and has eight stops in the northeastern New Territories.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
West Rail starts at East Tsim Sha Tsui, moves on to Tsim Sha Tsui for a possible connection to the subway, then extends westward through 10 more stops to Tuen Mun, in the New Territories. Here West Rail connects with the local Light Rail Transit, an aboveground train serving mainly residential and industrial areas in the western New Territories.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
The regular fare from Central to Lo Wu is HK$47.50, while a first-class ticket will set you back HK$85. You can pay by Octopus Card or buy tickets from the Customer Service Centres or ticket machines inside MTR stations.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Trains have television screens that constantly barrage you with news and advertisements. To avoid this, avail yourself of the cars marked “Quiet.”<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
TRAM TRAVEL<\/h2>"); document.write(""); document.write("
PEAK TRAM<\/h3>"); document.write(""); document.write("
It’s Hong Kong’s greatest misnomer—the Peak Tram is actually a funicular railway. Since 1888 it’s been rattling the 1,365 feet up the hill from Mid-Levels to the Victoria Peak tram terminus. As well as a sizable adrenaline rush due to the steepness of the ascent, on a clear day the trip offers fabulous panoramas. Most passengers board at the Lower Terminus between Garden Road and Cotton Tree Drive. (The tram has five stations.) The fare is HK$28 one way, HK$40 round-trip, and the tram runs every 10 to 15 minutes between 7 am and midnight daily. You can walk up to the Lower Terminus or take Bus 15C, which shuttles passengers from the Star Ferry.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
STREET TRAMS<\/h3>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Old-fashioned double-decker trams have been running along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island since 1904. Most routes start in Kennedy Town or Western Market, and go eastward all the way through Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, North Point, and Quarry Bay to Shau Kei Wan. A branch line turns off in Wan Chai toward Happy Valley, where horse races are held in season.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Destinations are marked on the front of each tram and route maps are displayed at the stops; you board at the back and get off at the front, paying a flat rate of HK$2.30 (by Octopus or with exact change) as you leave. Avoid trams at rush hours, which are generally weekdays from 7:30 to 9:30 am and 5 to 7:30 pm. Although trams move slowly, for short hops between Central and Western or Admiralty they can be quicker than going underground to take the MTR. A leisurely top-deck ride from Western to Causeway Bay is a great city tour. There is no air-conditioning on trams.<\/p>"); document.write(""); document.write("
Tram Information<\/span>
"); document.write("Hong Kong Tramways.<\/span> | 2548–7102<\/span> | www.hktramways.com<\/a><\/span>.
"); document.write("Peak Tram.<\/span> | 2522–0922<\/span> | www.thepeak.com.hk<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>"); document.write("<\/div>"); document.write(""); document.write("
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