Hong Kong's subway system (Mass Transit Railway / MTR) is generally considered to be the best in the world. Passengers can enjoy all the benefits of high technology, safety, cleanliness, and fine planning. Tourists can use the system to enjoy all the excellent highlights and best shopping places in this unique city.
Hong Kong's subway is also easy to use for foreigners because the signs, announcements, and calls are all in English, and there are helpful English-speaking staff. The cost for the service is quite low compared to the rest of the world.
Here, we have provided you with a large and clear Hong Kong subway map as well as useful information about ticketing and some popular lines. Bookmark this page and read it when needed.
Map of Hong Kong's Subway (Click to Enlarge)
Ticketing and Ticket Fares
There are customer service centers in every Hong Kong subway station providing advisory and ticketing services. Passengers can also buy or rent an Octopus card.
Train fares range from 5 HKD to 55 HKD depending on the distance you travel. If you use an Octopus card, you can enjoy an 8% discount. Check the following table for some tickets that are useful for tourists.
| Ticket | Price (HKD) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Express Round-Trip Ticket | 185 (airport to Kowloon) / 205 (airport to Hong Kong) | Only for round trips between the airport and a specified station |
| Tourist Day Pass | 65 (adult) / 30 (child) | One day of unlimited rides on the MTR subway trains (except for first-class compartments on the East Rail Line, the Airport Express, and journeys to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau) |
| Airport Express Travel Pass | 350 (round trip) / 250 (one way) | Round-trip/one-way Airport Express plus 3 days of unlimited rides on the MTR subway trains (except for first-class compartments on the East Rail Line and journeys to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau) |
Major Hong Kong Subway Lines
MTR station in Tsim Sha TsuiAt present, there are 11 subway lines in Hong Kong, and the following lines are the most commonly used by locals and travelers:
Airport Express Line: Airport Station – Hong Kong Station
The Airport Express Line is very convenient for people who arrive in Hong Kong on flights. The subway line connects Hong Kong International Airport and downtown Tsim Sha Tsui / Central.
Tsuen Wan Line: Tsuen Wan Station – Central Station
Indicated in red on the MTR map, Tsuen Wan Line is one of the most important lines for tourists because it connects Central with Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon.
Tsim Sha Tsui Station is on the tourist shopping street called Nathan Road, and leads directly to Victoria Harbour and the mall called Harbour City.
Kwun Tong Line: Tiu Keng Leng Station – Yau Ma Tei Station
Special places along this line include the Mong Kok shopping streets, including Ladies' Market around Mong Kok Station as well as Temple Street and Nathan Road around Yau Ma Tei Station.
East Rail Line: Hung Hom Station – Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau
This line is very useful for going to the Chinese border via the two border crossings at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau. From either Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau border crossings, you can take the East Rail Line for quick transport.
Island Line: Chai Wan Station – Kennedy Town Station
Indicated in blue on the MTR map, Island Line is also important for tourists. It goes from west to east along the north shore of Hong Kong Island, connecting Central, Wan Chai, and the Times Square shopping area in Causeway Bay.
Tung Chung Line: Hong Kong Station – Tung Chung Station
This line is useful for going between Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island. Passengers can transfer to Disneyland Resort Line in Sunny Bay Station. It is also useful for access to the airport and interesting places in Lantau Island, such as Tai O.
Disneyland Resort Line, Sunny Bay Station – Disneyland Resort Station
This short route goes between Sunny Bay Station on the Tung Chung Line to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Special Features and Advantages of the Subway
- Free Wi-Fi: Connect to "MTR Free Wi-Fi" to enjoy five 15-minute sessions allowed per device per day.
- Free mobile charging devices: available in 13 MTR stations
- Breastfeeding areas: available in 20 stations or speak with the station staff for a private room
- ATM
- Free publications
- Handicapped services: wheelchair accessible
Tips for Using the MTR
Hong Kong MTRCheck the map carefully: Although signs are in English, they are still sparse. For residents who know the routes, choosing the right train isn't a problem. For tourists, however, it is common to get on a train that's going in the wrong direction, to miss a stop, or to transfer to a wrong line. The best advice is to check the map carefully, watch the stops, and ask people when you're not sure.
Be prepared for rush hour crowds: Five million people use the system every day and the number of rides is increasing by 4% per year. Every day, at 8–9am and 5–6pm, there might only be standing room left.
The subway is not always the best choice: For short distance journeys, such as getting around Tsim Sha Tsui near Victoria Harbour or for going between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, it might be cheaper and more convenient to take a city bus or get on a ferry.
Octopus cards: An Octopus card offers convenience and a small discount when traveling on the MTR. It also works for city buses, ferries, most convenience stores, and all supermarkets. These little plastic cards allow you to swipe your way to board a train and get out of a station, and the fare is automatically deducted. It is great for tourists and can be returned for the deposit and any remaining stored value.
Touring Hong Kong with Us
If the Hong Kong MTR still doesn't sound like the way you would like to tour Hong Kong, see our Hong Kong tours, which can include private transport from/to your hotel.
- Half-day Hong Kong Island Tour
- 1-Day Buddha and Lantau Island Tour
- 4-Day Hong Kong Private Family Tour
Our coach tours let you see more of Hong Kong above ground at an economical price. Let us help you create your own Hong Kong experience when you tailor-make your tour.