Transport and Driving in Hong Kong

Public transport in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's public transport system is made up of a well-integrated network of trains, buses, trams and ferries. All four modes of public transport can be accessed using a contactless smartcard known as an Octopus Card. Passengers simply tap in and out before and after their journey.

Mass Transit Railway (MTR)

Buses

Buses are a popular mode of transport in Hong Kong, especially for people who don’t live near the MTR lines. They are usually less packed than the MTR, but are subject to the same slow-moving traffic as private vehicles.

Trams

A limited network of historic trams is available in the northern area of Hong Kong Island. While they're worth riding once or twice for the novelty, they don't make for a good daily commute option as they are a slow form of transport.

Ferries

The ferry is an essential mode of transit for expats living in Discovery Bay, Lamma Island, Park Island, or any of the other outlying islands favoured by foreigners.

Ferries are, of course, subject to Hong Kong’s occasionally extreme weather conditions, and service can grind to a halt in the event of a typhoon. In these cases, employees may be asked to leave work early, or find a friend to stay with until the storm has died down.

Taxis in Hong Kong

Taking a taxi in Hong Kong is incredibly cheap in comparison to places like Tokyo or even some cities in Western Europe. Expats will soon realise that each driver's English proficiency and mapping skills can vary tremendously. There are three types of taxis: red, green and blue, each of which serves a particular area.

Ride-sharing applications such as Uber are also operational in Hong Kong and can be useful in avoiding communication problems with drivers.

Driving in Hong Kong

Buying a car in Hong Kong is not necessary. The region is small, and the costs of buying and parking a car are high. That said, it is still a common mode of transport for expats, especially those that choose accommodation further away from the city centre. Hong Kong has a good road safety record, but expats are advised to nevertheless take extra caution when driving. Traffic jams are frequent so drivers should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on the road. 

Walking and cycling in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is relatively safe for pedestrians, and people generally stick to pedestrian crossings and the signals that accompany them. Hong Kong is not very bicycle-friendly and, for the most part, cyclists use the roads to get around. This can be dangerous, especially on highways and in the evenings. It's also important for expats planning on walking or cycling to keep an eye on air pollution levels and avoid long periods of rigorous exercise outdoors when pollution is high.