Getting to Hong Kong by Road

Getting to Hong Kong by Road

Hong Kong is well-connected by air, water and land. By land there are several means by which visitors can travel like bus, minibus, trams, taxis, rickshaws and car hire.

Several transport companies in Hong Kong offer bus services to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other destinations in Guangdong Province. Buses leave from eight major locations: one on Hong Kong Island, and the rest in Kowloon and the New Territories.

The road network is extensive and of high quality but often congested in central areas. Traffic drives on the left.

Bus: Routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnels. These, however, are often very crowded. Exact change is required. Air-conditioned coaches operate along certain Hong Kong and Kowloon routes. Final destinations are marked clearly in Chinese and English.

Minibus: These carry up to 16 passengers and can pick up and stop on request except at regular bus stops and other restricted areas. Octopus Cards are accepted.

Trams: The Octopus Card can be used on trams. They are only available on Hong Kong Island, running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan (via Happy Valley racecourse). You can also avail Double-decker trams which provide magnificent views. All trams run from 0600-0100 and fares are HK$2 in exact change. Peak Tram on the Island has operated since 1888 and is a cable tramway to the upper terminus on Victoria Peak. Octopus Cards accepted.

Taxi: These are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon. Taxis are metered and come in three colours. Red taxis may travel anywhere; green ones are restricted to outside the SEZ, and yellow ones are restricted to inside the SEZ. There is an extra charge (HK$10) for the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island except Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island, green ones the rural areas of the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island. All taxis operate to and from Hong Kong International Airport. Maxicabs, however, operate on fixed routes without fixed stops. Many drivers speak a little English, but it is wise to get your destination written in Chinese characters.

Rickshaws: These are gradually disappearing and are now purely a tourist attraction. It is advisable to agree the fare in advance.

Car hire: Wide selections of self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available, although car hire is not that popular in Hong Kong.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required. A valid national license is accepted for up to 12 months. Minimum age is 18 years. Third Party insurance is compulsory.

The Octopus Card is a stored value smart card which can be used to pay fares on most trains, buses and ferries in Hong Kong. All parking meters accept the Octopus Card as the only form of payment, and a majority of car parks also accepts Octopus card. The Octopus card can also be used and recharged at various convenience stores.

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