Hong Kong International Airport: Introduction, Transport Guide

Hong Kong Airport Facts

Hong Kong International Airport is located at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island in the New Territories of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, approximately 34 kilometers from the city center. It is a 4F-class civil international airport and one of the busiest in the world, playing a crucial role in the global aviation network. Designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, it is recognized as one of the top ten architectural achievements of the 20th century and has been repeatedly voted the best airport.

The airport officially opened on July 6, 1998. According to the airport's official website as of June 2019, Hong Kong International Airport's terminal area covers 850,000 square meters (including Terminals 1, 2, the Midfield Concourse, and SkyPier). It has two runways, each 3,800 meters long, 182 aircraft parking positions, and serves over 220 destinations worldwide.

Airport Features

1. Hong Kong International Airport is the world’s busiest airport for international cargo and ranks third globally for international passenger traffic. The immigration process is highly efficient.

2. World's Largest Airport Pedestrian Bridge: Offers views of airplane models, the terminal, and planes taking off, with distant sights of the harbor and mountains. The black wall with silhouettes of planes and terminals is great for photos.

3. Airport Shopping: Hong Kong International Airport features top luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. Its two-story Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton flagship stores make it a must-visit for fans of French luxury fashion.

Transportation from Hong Kong Airport to the City Center

There are several ways to travel from Hong Kong International Airport to the city center, depending on your budget and luggage needs. Here are some options:

Airport Express
One of the fastest ways to reach the city center from Hong Kong International Airport. You can arrive at Hong Kong Station, located in the International Finance Centre (IFC), in just 24 minutes, or even faster at Kowloon Station or Tsing Yi Station. The Airport Express runs every 10 minutes from 5:54 AM to 12:48 AM, and a one-way ticket costs HKD 115.

Taxi
For travelers heading to nearby destinations, taxis are a quick and convenient option, though more expensive. The fare from the airport to Hong Kong Island ranges from HKD 350-390, and to Kowloon, it’s between HKD 250-300. Taxis serve most areas of Hong Kong, except Tung Chung Road and South Lantau.

Public Bus
Public buses provide an affordable and convenient alternative. They cover a wider range of routes than the Airport Express, with direct buses to places like Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay. Fares are cheaper than the Airport Express; for example, a trip from the airport to Yau Ma Tei costs HKD 34. However, buses are more prone to traffic delays and take longer.

Private Airport Transfer Service
If you're traveling with elderly family members or children, it's recommended to book a private transfer service in advance through a travel agency. You'll be greeted at the airport, and you won't need to carry your luggage on public transport, making for a much smoother travel experience.

Check out Hong Kong International Airport Transfer Service.

Transportation from Hong Kong Airport to Other Cities

Hong Kong International Airport is a key aviation hub in the Greater Bay Area, which includes the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions, as well as nine cities in the Pearl River Delta: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing. From the airport, you can transfer to nearby mainland cities via cross-border buses or ferries. If you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with children or elderly, or attending business meetings, it's advisable to pre-book vehicles offering cross-border services, such as 7/8-seater Alphards or 49-seater buses. Check out Hong Kong Transfer Services, Car Rental & Coach Hiring to the neighboring cities.

• Hong Kong Airport to Macau: 50-80 minutes, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong Airport to Zhuhai: 60-90 minutes, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong Airport to Shenzhen:  60-90 minutes, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong Airport to Foshan: About 2.5 hours, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong Airport to Guangzhou: About 3 hours, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong Airport to Huizhou: About 2.5 hours, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong to Jiangmen/Zhongshan: About 2 hours, excluding border crossing time

• Hong Kong to Zhaoqing: About 3.5 hours, excluding border crossing time