Hong Kong Airport to the City: Airport Express, Buses and Taxis
Train, bus or taxi? How each one gets you from Hong Kong International Airport into town, with the latest official times.
At a glance
| Option | Best for | Key facts |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Express train | Central, Kowloon, Tsing Yi | 24 min to Hong Kong Station, about every 10 min |
| Airport bus | Many districts, and late nights | "A" routes by day, overnight "NA" routes |
| Taxi | Door to door, heavy bags | Metered fare; red taxis serve most of the city |
Times and rules checked on 28 October 2026 with the MTR and the Transport Department. Fares change, so we give the official pages rather than numbers.
The Airport Express
The Airport Express is the MTR's airport railway. It opened on 6 July 1998 and serves five stations: Hong Kong (in Central), Kowloon, Tsing Yi, Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo.
| Between the airport and | Ride time |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong Station (Central) | 24 minutes |
| Kowloon Station | 22 minutes |
| Tsing Yi Station | 14 minutes |
- First and last trains: from the airport to Hong Kong Station, 05:54 to 00:48. From Hong Kong Station to the airport, 05:50 to 00:48. These come from the MTR timetable that took effect on 13 September 2026.
- How often: every 10 minutes for most of the day, and up to every 12 minutes early in the morning and late at night.
- Fares: the MTR sets different fares for different tickets and payment methods. Check the MTR Airport Express page before you travel.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
New departure facilities at Terminal 2 came into use on 27 May 2026. The Transport Department says Platforms 3 and 4 at Airport Station, which connect to T2, are in service. Airport-bound A and NA bus routes now stop at T1 first and then at the T2 drop-off area. Check with your airline which terminal you fly from.
In-town check-in
On the way back, some airlines let Airport Express passengers check in their bags at Hong Kong or Kowloon Station. The MTR says you can check in from 24 hours to 90 minutes before your flight, within each airline's hours. It is only for passengers with valid electronic travel documents on the listed airlines, and not every airline is at both stations. You enter with an Octopus, a contactless bank card, a QR code or an Airport Express ticket, and the full fare is charged at the check-in gate. See the MTR in-town check-in page for the current list.
Airport buses
Citybus and Long Win Bus run the airport routes. Routes whose numbers start with A run in the day, and overnight routes start with NA. For buses to the urban areas and the New Territories, board at the airport's Ground Transportation Centre. The bus network reaches many districts the Airport Express does not, and the overnight routes run after midnight.
Taxis
- Red (urban) taxis serve most of Hong Kong, except Tung Chung Road and the roads of south Lantau.
- Green (New Territories) taxis mainly serve the north-east and north-west New Territories.
- Blue (Lantau) taxis serve only Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok, where the airport is.
All three colours may pick up at the airport's passenger terminals, but for Kowloon or Hong Kong Island you want a red taxi. The taxi stand is outside the T1 Arrivals Hall. You pay what the meter shows, and extra charges can apply. Since 1 April 2026 drivers must accept at least two e-payment methods, one QR code and one non-QR.
Your first meal in town
Landed hungry? A cha chaan teng is the quickest local meal, with set menus and milk tea. If you arrive in the morning, go for yum cha. For a first evening, head to Temple Street Night Market.
Part of our Hong Kong guide, with the Octopus card and visa guides.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Airport Express to Central?
The MTR timetable gives 24 minutes between the airport and Hong Kong Station in Central. Kowloon Station is 22 minutes away and Tsing Yi 14 minutes.
What time does the Airport Express stop?
The last train leaves the airport for the city at 00:48, and the last train from Hong Kong Station to the airport also leaves at 00:48 (MTR timetable from 13 September 2026).
Can I take a bus from Hong Kong airport?
Yes. Citybus and Long Win run airport routes: A routes by day and NA routes overnight. Board buses to the city at the Ground Transportation Centre.
Which taxi do I take from Hong Kong airport?
Take a red urban taxi to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. Blue Lantau taxis serve only Lantau and Chek Lap Kok, and green taxis mainly the New Territories.
- MTR, Timetable (Airport Express, effective from 13 September 2026): https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/timetable_index.html
- MTR, Service Hours and train frequency: https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/train_service_index.html
- MTR, Airport Express Services: https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/airport_express_index.html
- MTR, Airport Express In-town Check-in: https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/complom_checkin.html
- Transport Department press release, Traffic and public transport arrangements upon commissioning of HKIA Terminal 2 (25 May 2026): https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/25/P2026052200278p.htm
- Transport Department, Taxi: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/index.html
- Wikipedia, Airport Express (MTR) (stations and opening date): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_Express_(MTR)
All checked 28 October 2026. Facts were taken from these sources and written in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.