Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Minibus
Minibuses are vans with no more than 16 seats. They come in two varieties: red and green.
Red minibuses
The red minibuses (HK$4 to HK$22) are cream-coloured with a red roof or
stripe, and they pick up and discharge passengers wherever they are hailed or asked to stop
along fixed routes. The destination and price are displayed on a card propped up on the
windscreen, but these are often only written in Chinese. You usually hand the driver the fare
when you get off, and change is given. You can use your Octopus card on certain routes.
Green minibuses
Maxicabs (HK$4 to HK$24), commonly known as 'green minibuses', are
also cream-coloured but with a green roof or stripe, and they make designated stops. You
must put the exact fare in the cash box when you get in or you can use your Octopus card.
Two popular routes are the 6 (HK$5.70) from Hankow Rd in Tsim Sha Tsui to Tsim Sha
Tsui East and Hung Hom station in Kowloon, and the 1 (HK$9.20) to Victoria Peak from
next to Hong Kong station.
Boat
Despite Hong Kong's comprehensive road and rail public-transport system, the territory still
relies very much on ferries to get across the harbour and to reach the Outlying Islands. The
cross-harbour Star Ferry services are faster and cheaper than buses and the MTR. They're
also great fun and afford stunning views. While Lantau can be reached by MTR and bus, for
the other Outlying Islands ferries remain the only game in town.
Star Ferry
You can't say you've 'done' Hong Kong until you've taken a ride on a
Star Ferry
, that won-
derful fleet of electric-diesel vessels with names like
Morning Star
,
Celestial Star
and
Twinkling Star
.
There are two Star Ferry routes, but by far the most popular is the one running between
Central (Pier 7) and Tsim Sha Tsui (HK$2.50 to HK$3.40, every six to 12 minutes from
6.30am to 11.30pm). Quite frankly, there's no other trip like it in the world. Try to take a trip
on a clear night from Kowloon to Central. It's not half as dramatic in the opposite direction.
Star Ferry also links Wan Chai with Tsim Sha Tsui (HK$2.50 to HK$3.40, every eight to 20
minutes from 7.20am to 11pm). The coin-operated turnstiles do not give change, but you
can get change from the ticket window or use an Octopus card.
