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Travel - Internal
SEA: Cross-harbour passenger services (shortest route 7-10 minutes) are operated by Star Ferries (sailing every 5 minutes) from 0630-2330. There are frequent passenger and vehicle services on other cross-harbour routes. Wallah wallahs (small motorboats) provide 24-hour service. The outlying islands are served daily by ferries and hydrofoils. However, the opening of the Cross Harbour Tunnel means that wallah wallahs are decreasing in popularity.
Tours of the harbour and to Aberdeen and Yaumatei typhoon shelters are available by Watertours junks, and visits to outlying islands are possible by public ferry. Ferries sail to Tuen Mun, Sha Lo Wan, Tai O, Discovery Bay and Cheung Chau. Weekdays are the best time to go, since ferries tend to be very crowded at weekends. During the typhoon season (May-November), all ferry services may be suspended during bad weather.
RAIL/METRO: Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has four lines and provides a cross-harbour line. It is more expensive than the ferry, but quicker, particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than Tsimshatsui or to Lantau Island. Trains run between 0600-0100. For visitors staying for a week or more it is worth getting an Octopus Card, an electronic ticket from which the cost of the journey is automatically deducted when it is placed on a sensor. The card costs HK$50, and value can be added to the card at machines in any MTR station. Any other credit remaining is also refunded when the card is handed in. At present, the card may be used on MTR services, as well as on the Kowloon-Canton Railway, major bus routes and some ferries. The Airport Express Tourist Octopus Card is valid for three days, entitling passengers to one Airport Express journey and three days of unlimited travel by MTR. Plans are underway to extend its use to other routes and means of transport as Hong Kong’s transport system becomes more and more integrated. For further details, contact the MTR information line (tel: 2881 8888). The Kowloon–Canton Railway Corporation (KCR) has 13 stations within Hong Kong. Trains run between 0530-0025 from Hung Hom (Kowloon) to Shenzhen in China; see Travel – International section for more information. KCR also run the Light Rail (LR) which connects the north west new territories Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. LR trains run from 0545-0030. For further information contact Light Rail (tel: 2468 7788).
ROAD: 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. Minibus: These can pick up passengers and stop on request except at regular bus stops and other restricted areas. Trams: Only available on Hong Kong Island, running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan (via Happy Valley racecourse). Double decker trams are also available. All trams run from 0600-0100 and fares are HK$2. Peak Tram on the Island is a cable tramway to the upper terminus on Victoria Peak. Taxi: These are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon. There is an extra charge (HK$20) for the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island. 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: A wide selection 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 licence is accepted for up to 12 months. Minimum age is 18 years. Third Party insurance is compulsory.
TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Hong Kong Island to main tourist districts and outlying islands.
| Road | Metro | Sea | | Kai Tak | 0.35 | - | - | | Kowloon | 0.20 | 0.04 | 0.10 | | Causeway Bay | 0.10 | - | - | | Lantau Is. | - | - | 1.00 | | Aberdeen | 0.20 | - | - | | Cheung Chau | - | - | 1.00 |
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