As a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong stands out for its economic & cultural importance, attracting worldwide travelers with its modern skyscrapers and local-style buildings!
Visitors planning to travel in Asia or beyond may choose Hong Kong as a layover destination. How can you navigate smoothly without any trouble? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Hong Kong transit tips, things to do during a layover in Hong Kong, visa & luggage issues, and more. Read on!
Info about Hong Kong Transit & Departure Procedures
Credit: from stopover.reisebine.de | Hong Kong Layover
Welcome to Hong Kong! If you’re taking a connecting flight at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), pay attention to the following steps to get your departure procedures perfectly done~
- If you’re with an onward flight boarding pass
After arrival, just follow the directional signs (well-marked both in Traditional Chinese and English), which will guide you to the departures level for your next boarding gates!
- If you’re without an onward flight boarding pass
Check the location of your airline’s transfer desk before you arrive. Follow the directional signs to your designated transfer desk area to get your boarding pass. Keep following the directional signs and finally find your place for boarding.
Note: you must go through security screening (including metal detectors, X-ray machines for baggage, body scanners, as well as physical searches) before heading to your boarding gate of your onward flight!
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Join Our Free Hong Kong Layover Tour!
On Trip.com, we've got you 2 free layover routes, divided into two periods (12:00 - 16:00/17:30 - 21:30). Book for free according to your available time for a Hong Kong layover!
Make sure you book successfully online (due to the limited daily bookings). If missing, just come to our counter at the airport within the Transfer Desk E1 (E35 & E36). After meeting up and signing up, you can start your hassle-free tour with us in downtown Hong Kong!
Schedule for Free Layover Tour in Hong Kong
We offer you 2 free routes every day on Trip.com for your layover in Hong Kong. Check out the detailed schedule in the following text!
Time | Feature | Route |
12:00 – 16:00 | Heritage & Local Life Citywalk | Hong Kong International Airport – Sham Shui Po – Wong Tai Sin Temple – Return |
17:30 – 21:30 | Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey | Hong Kong International Airport – West Kowloon Cultural District – Avenues of Stars - Return |
The Least Time You Need for a Layover in Hong Kong
Usually, you don’t have to recheck in for a connecting flight if it’s on the same ticket. If you book your flight separately, you might recheck in.
Give yourself at least 45 minutes to 1 hour to make the connection at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) without stress! Follow the transit & departure procedures in the upper part.
Note: we’d recommend more time if you’re traveling without an onward flight boarding pass or during a busy holiday such as the National Holiday & Chinese New Year.
Take the China Bullet Train to popular destinations ~🚄
Do You Need a Visa When Transiting at HKG?
US passport holders do not need a visa for a Hong Kong layover!
Most travelers (including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) can stay for a period ranging from 7 days to 180 days in HK without a visa.
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How to Store Your Luggage during a Hong Kong Layover?
Credit: from timeout.com | Luggage storage service at Hong Kong Intl. Airport
First of all, for a connecting flight, you don’t have to take out your checked baggage. You only have to wait at your final destination, since the airport staff will get them onto your next flight! But if you booked a separate ticket, you might need to recheck your baggage.
Most travelers will take a carry-on or a small backpack/canvas bag/tote bag. In this case, if it weighs too much (which is not good for your visit), HKG offers great services in Terminal 2 on level 3, where you can store your baggage in high security for about $2 per hour~
Get Free Wi-Fi & Charging at HKG
Credit: from world-power-plugs.com | Get yourself a Type D/G travel adapter in Hong Kong
You’ve had a long journey! Take a little rest while you’re on your short Hong Kong layover. You can easily find charging facilities for your phone and tablet at HKG near boarding gates or transit areas~ bring your adapter or USB cable for use!
By the way, you can use free Wi-Fi without using an eSIM or VPN. Hong Kong has an open internet environment, unlike mainland China. Select #HKAirport Free WiFi" or "#HKAirport Hi-Speed WiFi"~
Note: visitors from the US need a power plug travel adapter for socket types D and G in HK
Things to Do for a Hong Kong Layover
Credit: from CGTN | Buy sweet mooncakes in Hong Kong as souvenirs!
Relax at the Hong Kong Airport
Stay at the airport and take little breaks to restore your energy for the next journey! Grab a shower or a small meal at lounges if you’re in the premium cabin. You can also pay for a lounge service at HKG (3 hours starting from around $80).
Do a Quick Shop at Hong Kong Airport
For those seeking a chance to buy local souvenirs, there is a wide range of tax-free products like fragrance and skincare. Traditional Chinese pastries like mooncakes can be another choice!
Take the Airport Express from Hong Kong Airport to Central
Take the fastest Airport Express into the heart of Hong Kong if you have more time left (6-8 hours+)! Only for 30 mins at around $14. Central Hong Kong is a mix of historical and modern attractions like Victoria Peak (for a breathtaking panoramic view) and Central Market (a historic urban landmark for shopping, dining, and cultural events).
You can also just take a casual walk into the neighborhood from Hong Kong Station, soaking up the local pace and dazzling streets here.
Note: find the Airport Express in the middle of Terminal 2; free secluded spots or reclining chairs are ideal before another flight
Things to Know about Hong Kong
- Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, & English
- Currency: HK$1 = 0.13 USD
- Transport: MRT, bus, minibus, trams, ferries, taxis, Octopus Card, etc.
- Best time to visit: Oct - Dec
- Convenience stores: Circle K and 7-Eleven. (Don Don Donki, a popular supermarket in HK)
- Coffee shops: Halfway Coffee, Milkfill, Tell Camellia
- Restaurant recommended: Kwan Kee Claypot, Mak Man Kee, Po Kee BBQ
FAQs about Hong Kong Layover
Can we leave Hong Kong Airport during layover?
Sure. But make sure you won’t miss your onward flight!Can I stay in Hong Kong airport overnight?
Yes. You can find resting lounges and hotels nearby to stay the night.Do I need to go through immigration for a connecting flight in Hong Kong?
Nope. Unless you booked a separate flight ticket.What to do in Hong Kong for a long layover?
Go explore the city center; take a city walk; grab a coffee; try a local meal in HK!What can I do for a short layover in Hong Kong?
Take a break at resting areas; hanging around the airport; grab a snack; get charged.