Welcome to Hong Kong International Airport – the premier airport in Hong Kong! Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, navigating a new airport can be a little confusing.
But don’t worry, from check-in to take-off, we’ll help you every step of the way. If you’re traveling through this airport, you might find the following text helpful!
The Layout of Hong Kong International Airport
Credit: Unsplash, Ivan Lau, Check-in Counter, Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport operates across two straightforward floors.
The First Floor
- Arrivals and transportation
- Baggage storage and delivery
- ATM, currency exchange & pocket wi-fi
- Cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores
- Exit to the transport hub, including Airport Express train, Airport buses, taxis, and MTR
The Second Floor
- Departure hall, check-in counters, security checks, immigration control, etc.
- Convenience store for quick snacks and drinks, coffee, and shops
- Banks for currency exchange
- Pharmacies for medicines or other health products
The two floors are connected by escalators and elevators, which is good for quick transfers. With so many services available to serve you at Hong Kong International Airport, enjoy your time here!
Pros:
- Separate taxi services: red line for urban area, green line for New Territories area, and blue line for the Lantau area.
- Octopus card: This is your pocket money to pay for things in Hong Kong, which makes your life easier during your stay!
NO.1
Where to Buy an Octopus Card at Hong Kong International Airport?
Octopus card can make you’re your stay in Hong Kong more convenient and efficient. It’s also easy for you to get one at the airport.
First, you should approach the Octopus card-selling machine at the Airport Express Counter / 7-Eleven. Or if you were at the airport, try to find one at the MTR Customer Service Counter near the Airport Express Station.
Second, find the “Tourist Octopus Card” button. Pay HK150 (~$19.11), including a card fee of HK50 and a top-up of HK100 to use. Use your credit card to pay it!
Enjoy your stay in HK! Come and check your favorite hotels here. Book a low-cost flight with best services on Trip.com! ✨
Duty-Free Shopping & Tasty Food in Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is a paradise for shoppers and foodies!
For duty-free shopping, you'll find luxury brands like Chanel and Dior at tax-free prices and exclusive travel sets. Tech lovers can score deals on cameras and headphones.
Don't miss the local specialties - pick up delicate Chinese tea sets, crispy egg rolls, or traditional wife cakes as perfect souvenirs.
When you want to grab something to eat, the airport transforms into an amazing playground. You can find specialties in Hong Kong like the famous egg waffles, silky milk tea, pineapple buns, braised duck, soup dumplings, etc.
If you just want a quick snack or drink, you can stop at the airside 7-Eleven. Every moment before your flight becomes a delicious adventure!
How Do You Get to & from Hong Kong International Airport?
Credit: La Jolla Mom, How to get from Hong Kong International Airport to your hotel
Hong Kong International Airport is about 34 km (21 miles) away from west of central Hong Kong. Here’s a detailed transportation guide to get to/from Hong Kong International Airport with all the available options, costs, and pro tips!
Ways | Cost & Time | Pro Tips |
Airport Express Train | ~$15 to central ~24 mins | Fastest & easiest Train schedule: 5:50 am – 1:15 am (come every 10 mins) |
Airport Buses | ~$5 to central ~50 mins | Board outside the arrivals Pay by cash, Octopus, e-payment, or ticket |
Taxis | ~$30 - $50 to central ~30 – 40 mins | Avoid rush hours (8-10 am / 5-8 pm) |
You can also use the MTR metro network, but you have to transfer to Kowloon/Hong Kong/Tsing Yi station via Airport Express first. Then take the lines you need to your destinations, like Disneyland or the central part of Hong Kong.
How to Get to Macau from Hong Kong International Airport
There are 3 ways to transfer from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau. Pick up the best option for your trip.
Ways | Cost & Time | Pro Tips |
SkyPier Ferries (fastest & easiest) | ~$20-$30 ~45-60 mins | 6:00 am – 12:00 am (every 30-60 mins) Buy a ticket at Terminal 1 (near Gate 8) Visa-free entry (7-30 days) |
Bus + Ferry (cheaper but slower) | ~$20-$25 ~55-75 mins | Take a bus to Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminals (Sheung Wan / Tuen Mun) |
Shuttle Bus | ~$8-$9 ~40 mins | Take the airport bus A21/A29 to Hong Kong Port and hop on the shuttle buses |
If you also want to visit mainland China, make sure that you get your Chinese Visa in hand before you go. It’s easy for you to transfer among these urban cities via China high-speed rail, MTR metro, cross-border bus, or even ferry as well!
Transit Tips & Things You Can Do During Your Layover
What you can do during your layover depends on how many hours you will stay here.
If you only get 2-5 hours here, just stay at the airport and hang around a little bit. There are many tax-free shops, restaurants, and even cinemas you can go to. If you get a premium cabin ticket, go to the lounge and take a rest~
If you have more hours, like 5-12 hours for your layover, you’re supposed to take a quick visit in Hong Kong. Don’t miss it. Take the Airport Express Train to the city center in about 24 mins.
- Go to Victoria Peak for the amazing skyline views.
- See the harbor scenes at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
- Take the 360 cable car on Lantau Island just near the airport.
- If you arrive at night, go find some food in Temple Street Night Market!
If you have more than 12 hours for your layover, I think a hotel stay might be better! Book a transit hotel or a nearby hotel for a rest. And you can not miss out on Disneyland this time (30 mins from the airport).
Transit Perks: Free Wi-Fi; Mobile charging; showers (free at Gate 23 and Gate 35); Quiet zones for napping near Gate 21, 31, 34, and 42; Local eats like Tsui Wah (HK-style milk tea & noodles) or Maxim’s (dim sum).
Enjoy Hong Kong Like a Local!
Credit: Unsplash, Gigi, Streets of Hong Kong
So, you already know so much about Hong Kong International Airport. I hope you will have a nice journey here! Maybe you would like to learn some Cantonese, and that’s one of the fun things to do. Find out more useful information about Hong Kong on Trip.com!
FAQs about Hong Kong International Airport
Can you leave Hong Kong International Airport during a layover?
Yes, you can. If you get more than 5 hours, try to take the Express Train to the city center. But you have to be aware of the time you come back for your flight. Leave more time to check in and board.Is Hong Kong International Airport safe?
Yes, it is very safe for visitors worldwide. HKG has strict security regulations to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. If you have any problems, go to the information counters to ask for help!Does Hong Kong International Airport have free wi-fi?
Yes, of course, it offers free wi-fi. You can enjoy seamless internet in HKG at most seating and public areas.Where to sleep in Hong Kong International Airport?
Yes, you can choose to stay in and out of HKG. You’re able to find resting lounges or nearby hotels. If you didn’t get a premium cabin ticket, you have to pay for lounge access.