Hong Kong Transportation

Hong Kong is small and crowded which makes public transport the only way to get around. Public transport is cheap, fast, it is widely used and generally efficient. The bus system is extensive and bewildering, but you will have to use it to explore the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. The north side of Hong Kong Island and most of Kowloon are well-served by Hong Kong's ultra-modern Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Three tunnels link Hong Kong with Kowloon. The Kowloon-Guangzhou (Canton) Railway (KCR) runs from Kowloon to the Chinese border at Lo Wu (Luohu). Light Rail Transit (fast modern air-con trams) run in the New Territories connecting the city of Tuen Mun with Yuen Long. Double-decker trams trundle along the northern side of Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong's ferries are usually faster and cheaper than buses and trams. They are also fun and the harbour views are stunning if the weather cooperates. Hoverferries are about twice as fast as conventional boats. Metered taxis are red with silver tops (green with white tops in the New Territories, blue on Lantau) will not pick up or drop passengers at bus stops. If you take a taxi to another section (like from New Territories to Lantau) you also have to pay a return fare. Cycling in Kowloon or Central would be suicidal but in quiet areas of the islands or the New Territories a bike can be quite a nice way of getting around.