Hong Kong Ferry
Despite the city's excellent road and rail network, ferries are still an important mode of transport in Hong Kong - with the added bonus of offering spectacular harbour views.
Since the privatisation of Hong Kong's ferry services in 1999, there are 11 companies offering regular routes around the islands. However, the best known is Star Ferry. As well as being a convenient way to cross the harbour (and the only way to visit some of the further islands), you'll enjoy excellent views of the Hong Kong skyline from the boat.
Star Ferry
There are two main Star Ferry routes which make the journey between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The most popular runs between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, while the other connects Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. The cruise takes 10 minutes and costs just 2.20 HKD (US$ 0.28), or 3.70 HKD (US$ 0.47) for a top-deck seat.
Routes
- Central - Tsim Sha Tsui: operates every 6 to 12 minutes from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm daily. The boat departs from Pier 7 in Central (see map).
- Wan Chai - Tsim Sha Tsui: from 7:20 am to 10:50 pm from Tsim Sha Tsui; 7:30 am to 11 pm from Wan Chai. Departures every 8 minutes during rush hour and up to every 20 minutes outside rush hour. The departure point in Wan Chai is on Convention Avenue, just to the right of the large convention centre (see map).
Find out more about the service from the Star Ferry website.
Top tip
If you don't have the Octopus Card, a handy rechargeable smart card that can be used for all of Hong Kong's public transport and more, you'll need change to buy your ferry ticket at the machine.
