Air
Hong Kong is a major international air-traffic hub for the region, handling more than 35 million passengers a year. There’s a 24-hour service to and from destinations around the globe. Flying in to Hong Kong used to be something of a thrilling, but heart-stopping experience. At the old Kai Tak airport, aircraft were literally landing in the harbour within the city; some passengers claimed they could even see the flickering of televisions through apartment windows as they approached the airport at low altitude. The impressive new airport is located at Chek Lap Yok, about 21 miles from downtown. Aircraft are received at a number of gates and moving walkways speed arrivals to immigration and baggage reclaim.
The easiest and quickest way to get into town is by the Airport Express train. It reaches Hong Kong island in 23 minutes with stops at Tsing Yi and Kowloon. Trains run at 12-minute intervals. A single fare is $HK 100 or a round-trip ticket (valid for a month) is $HK 180. Tickets can be bought at the Airport Express station at the airport. Free shuttle buses operate between Airport Express stations and nearby hotels. Details at www.mtr.com.hk. In addition to the rail service, numerous buses link the airport with the city; Airbus services (prefixed ‘A’) run at regular intervals to Hong Kong and Kowloon for around HK$ 40. The taxi fare to Hong Kong island works out to about $HK 350. The Hong Kong airport website is www.hongkongairport.com/eng.
Train
Hong Kong has a network of fast and efficient rail systems. The MTR network of five interlinked lines covers the main urban areas. For rail journeys to mainland China, passengers would use the KCR system (www.kcrc.com)
