The Star Ferry: Routes, Sailing Times, Fares and How to Pay
Hong Kong's harbour ferry has crossed between Kowloon and the Island since 1888. Routes, times, fares and how to pay.
At a glance
- Routes: Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui, across Victoria Harbour.
- Hours: 06:30 to 23:30 daily on the Central route. The Wan Chai route starts later and stops earlier.
- Adult fare: from HK$4.0 (lower deck, weekdays) to HK$6.5 (weekends and public holidays).
- Pay with: Octopus, cash, or e-payment at the ticket machines.
Times and fares from the Star Ferry timetable, checked on 28 October 2026. The page gives no effective date, so check it on the day.
A harbour crossing since 1888
The Star Ferry has served Victoria Harbour since 1888. It began as the Kowloon Ferry Company, set up by the Parsee merchant Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, and took the name Star Ferry in 1898. Most of its boats carry names ending in "Star", such as Morning Star and Night Star, an idea drawn from Tennyson's poem Crossing the Bar. The Transport Department lists its two routes among Hong Kong's franchised ferry services.
Sailing times
| Route | First and last sailing | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui | 06:30 to 23:30, both ways, every day | Every 6 to 8 minutes for most of the day, 10 to 12 early and late |
| Wan Chai → Tsim Sha Tsui | 07:30 (Sun and public holidays 07:40) to 23:00 | Every 8 to 20 minutes |
| Tsim Sha Tsui → Wan Chai | 07:20 (Sun and public holidays 07:30) to 22:50 | Every 8 to 20 minutes |
The Star Ferry's timetable does not give a crossing time, so allow for the wait at the pier as well as the ride.
Fares
Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui (HK$):
| Passenger | Mon-Fri upper / lower | Sat, Sun, holidays upper / lower |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 5.0 / 4.0 | 6.5 / 5.6 |
| Child (3 to under 12) | 2.9 / 2.8 | 3.9 / 3.7 |
| Senior (65+) | 2.9 / 2.8 | 3.9 / 3.7 |
On the Wan Chai route there is one fare: adults pay HK$5.0 on weekdays and HK$6.5 at weekends and on public holidays. A four-day tourist pass costs HK$50.
How to pay
- Octopus: tap your card at the gates of any Star Ferry pier. The Star Ferry does not sell Octopus cards; see our Octopus guide for where to get one.
- Cash: HK$10 and HK$20 notes and coins are accepted, and change is given.
- Ticket machines: WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay QuickPass, credit cards and QR codes.
Making the most of the ride
- Go upper deck on the Central route for the wider view. It costs only a little more.
- Pair it with the tram. Ride the ding ding along the Island, then cross to Kowloon by ferry.
- Eat on the other side. From Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon's Temple Street Night Market and Yau Ma Tei Market are a short MTR ride away.
Part of our Hong Kong guide, with our three-day food itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Star Ferry go?
It runs two routes across Victoria Harbour: Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.
Can I use Octopus on the Star Ferry?
Yes. Tap your Octopus at the gates of any Star Ferry pier. You can also pay cash, with change given, or use e-payment at the ticket machines.
How much is the Star Ferry?
On the Central route, adults pay HK$4.0 lower deck or HK$5.0 upper deck on weekdays, and HK$5.6 or HK$6.5 at weekends and on public holidays (Star Ferry timetable, checked 28 October 2026).
What time does the Star Ferry start and stop?
The Central to Tsim Sha Tsui route runs from 06:30 to 23:30 every day. The Wan Chai route starts around 07:20 to 07:40 and ends at 22:50 or 23:00.
- The Star Ferry Company, Timetable & Fare: https://www.starferry.com.hk/en/service
- The Star Ferry Company, home page (serving Victoria Harbour since 1888): https://www.starferry.com.hk/en/home
- Transport Department, Ferries: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/ferries/index.html
- Wikipedia, Star Ferry (history and fleet): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Ferry
All checked 28 October 2026. Facts were taken from these sources and written in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.