Hong Kong Train Travel

Hong Kong train travel is very efficient public transport system that is operated by two companies, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and MTR Corporation Limited (MTR).

KCR network connects the northeastern and northwestern parts of the New Territories with the urban areas of Hong Kong. There are four systems under the KCR, namely East Rail, West Rail, KCR Ma on Shan Rail and Light Rail. KCRC provides local train travel in Hong Kong and intercity passenger train services between Hong Kong and the Mainland with three through train routes, namely the Beijing line, the Shanghai line and the Guangdong line.

The MTR operates the metro network within inner urban Hong Kong, Tsuen Wan New Town, Tseung Kwan O New Town, North Lantau New Town, Hong Kong Disneyland and the Airport.

Hong Kong has a highly developed and sophisticated transport network, encompassing both public and private transport. Over 80% of trips are on public transport. All trains and most KCR/MTR metro stations have air conditioning which allows the visitor intimidated by Hong Kong's tropical heat to literally shop and work all day without having to experience outside temperatures.

Most train travelers arrive from Mainland China. The Kowloon-Canton Railway East Rail runs between Hung Hom in Kowloon and the Luohu in Shenzhen, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Dongguan of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou East Railway Station, Shanghai and Beijing West Railway Station, etc. linking Mainland China to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Train Travel is a good alternative for casual budget-conscious travelers as the train ticket price is pretty less than that of an air ticket.

The Beijing-Kowloon train travel takes 25 hours and about 26 hours from Shanghai. For those who prefer train to air, this journey is a wonderful sightseeing opportunity. The peak train travels are at Spring Festival and summer holiday. Tickets may be booked for the train travel up to two months in advance at Beijing West Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station. Some sales offices have 10-day advance bookings available. Twelve scheduled trains ply daily each way between Guangzhou East Station and Hong Kong. The journey lasts about 2 hours. Tickets for same-day travel are sold at the railway station and are also available 20 days ahead.