How to get from Hong Kong International Airport to Central

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) sits on Lantau Island about 30 km from Central, and thanks to the Airport Express, airport buses, taxis and private shuttles, getting from the arrivals hall to the skyscrapers of Central is quick and straightforward; this guide compares each option with journey times, fares, booking links and step-by-step directions so you can pick what fits your schedule, budget and luggage.

At A Glance (Hong Kong International Airport to Central)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Airport Express Train (HKG → Hong Kong Station)	~24 minutes train + ~5–10 minutes walk/connection to Central	Fastest, most convenient overall
🏷️ Cost: ~HKD 90–115 one-way adult (discounts for online/group tickets) » discounted Airport Express | timetable & fares
🚌 Airport Bus (Cityflyer A11 & others)	~45–70 minutes, traffic-dependent	Cheapest option with scenic views
🏷️ Cost: ~HKD 40–45 one-way » Cityflyer routes | airport bus overview
🚖 Urban Taxi (Red) or Ride-hailing	~30–45 minutes door-to-door	Late arrivals, groups, heavy luggage
🏷️ Cost: Typically ~HKD 300–400 including tolls and surcharges » official taxi fares | prebooked drivers
🚐 Shared Shuttle / Private Transfer	~40–70 minutes door-to-door	Hotel drop-off, predictable pricing
🏷️ Cost: From ~HKD 120–250 per person (shared) or higher for private vans » shuttle bus tickets | compare transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: The Airport Express train is usually the quickest way into town and drops you at Hong Kong Station with easy connections and free in-town check-in for some airlines.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: The Cityflyer airport buses are slower but inexpensive and run frequently with stops around Central and along the north shore of Hong Kong Island.
• Most Luggage-Friendly: Shared shuttles or private transfers let you store luggage in the vehicle and get dropped directly at your hotel lobby.
• Most Flexible / 24–7: Taxis and prebooked cars run day and night and are ideal if you land very late or are traveling as a family or group.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book Airport Express online for discounts: You can often save compared to walk-up fares by buying QR-code tickets via Klook Airport Express or Trip.com Airport Express e-tickets, then just scan at the gate.
• Compare all modes in one place: Sites like 12Go and Trip.com transport guides show trains, buses and transfer options with approximate prices.
• Use Octopus or contactless cards: Octopus cards and many international contactless bank cards work on Airport Express, MTR and most buses, making transfers around Central seamless.
• Pre-arrange late-night transport: If your flight arrives after midnight, check the last Airport Express and bus departures; if in doubt, prebook a car via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
• Where to stay in Central: For easy access to Airport Express, look at hotels near Hong Kong Station or Central MTR on Booking.com (Hong Kong) and filter for Central/SoHo/Admiralty.
• Luggage storage while exploring: If your room is not ready or you’re checking out before an evening flight, consider off-site storage options in the city with Radical Storage in Hong Kong.
• Bikes and mobility: Hong Kong Island is hilly and busy; if you still want two wheels, check what’s available via BikesBooking or use local bike rental shops in flatter districts.

🚆 Option #1 — Airport Express Train (Fastest, Most Convenient)

Fastest Easy connections Higher fare than bus

• Overview: The MTR Airport Express links Hong Kong International Airport with Hong Kong Station in Central in about 24 minutes. Trains run roughly every 10 minutes and offer luggage racks, Wi-Fi and wide, comfortable seats. From Hong Kong Station, you can walk or connect to Central MTR via underground passageways.
• How to book (with price): A standard one-way adult fare between Airport and Hong Kong Station is around HKD 115, with online and group discounts available. You can buy QR tickets from Klook Airport Express tickets, or via Trip.com Airport Express guide, or purchase directly on the official MTR Airport Express site or station machines.
• Pros: Fastest connection; very reliable; easy transfers into Central; in-town check-in at Hong Kong Station available for some airlines.
• Cons: More expensive than Cityflyer buses; you still need to walk or transfer from Hong Kong Station to some Central hotels.

Step-by-step: Airport Express to Central

1. After clearing immigration and customs, follow signs for ‘Airport Express’ in the arrivals hall. The station is connected to the terminal; you do not leave the building.
2. Buy your ticket from the Airport Express counters or machines, or go straight to the gates with your QR code from Klook or Trip.com e-tickets.
3. Enter through the turnstiles and wait on the platform for the next Airport Express bound for Hong Kong Station.
4. Board the train, placing larger bags in the luggage racks near the doors and keeping valuables with you. Seats are unassigned within the cars.
5. Ride for around 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station. On arrival, follow signs to ‘Central’ or ‘MTR Central Station’ via the underground walkways.
6. From Central Station, connect to the Island or Tsuen Wan Lines, or exit to street level for hotels and offices around Central, SoHo and the Mid-Levels escalator.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Express Station / Hong Kong Station)

• At the airport: Airport Express platforms are located beneath the terminal at HKG and accessed directly from the arrivals level; follow green Airport Express signs.
• At Hong Kong Station: The station links directly to major malls (like IFC) and has underground passages to Central and Hong Kong MTR lines; allow 5–10 minutes to walk between trains and street exits.
• For your return trip: You can check timetables and any service updates via the HKIA Airport Express page or the MTR Airport Express tickets & fares page.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Cityflyer Airport Buses (Cheapest, Scenic)

Budget-friendly Direct to many stops Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Citybus runs Cityflyer routes like A11 from the airport to Hong Kong Island, with stops around Sheung Wan, Central and Wan Chai. Buses are double-decker, air-conditioned and offer great views crossing Tsing Ma Bridge and along the harbourfront.
• How to book (with price): Fares to Central are typically around HKD 40–45 one-way. You can pay in cash (exact amount), with an Octopus card, or contactless. Check route maps and stops on the official Cityflyer route listing; for planning in English, see the Trip.com airport-to-city guide.
• Pros: Cheapest option; many hotel-friendly stops; scenic ride into town.
• Cons: Travel time varies with traffic; can be crowded at peak times; less luggage space than the Airport Express.

Step-by-step: Cityflyer Bus to Central

1. From arrivals, follow signs for ‘Buses’ to reach the Ground Transportation Centre outside the terminal.
2. Find the Cityflyer bus stands and check which route best fits your destination; for Central and the north shore of Hong Kong Island, look for A11 toward North Point.
3. Buy a ticket at the counter where available, or tap an Octopus/contactless card or pay exact cash when boarding.
4. Load large luggage into the racks near the door and head upstairs if you want the best harbour views.
5. Listen/watch for your stop; display screens usually show upcoming stops in English and Chinese. For Central, you may get off near the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, City Hall, or nearby stops depending on your hotel.
6. Walk from your stop to your accommodation in Central or connect to the MTR or trams for short onward hops.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Terminus / Central)

• Airport bus terminus: Cityflyer buses depart from the Ground Transportation Centre adjacent to the passenger terminals; follow yellow ‘Bus’ signs from arrivals.
• Stops in Central: A11 and similar routes stop around the Central Ferry Piers, Central Government Offices and along Connaught Road Central; check the latest stop list via the interactive A11 route map.
• Return buses: For trips back to the airport, board at the signed Cityflyer stops in Central and pay on boarding; allow extra time for rush-hour traffic.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Shared Shuttle or Private Transfer

Hotel drop-off Prebooked Less flexible than taxi

• Overview: Shared shuttle buses and private vans operate between HKG and major hotels in Central and other districts. These services are ideal if you want someone waiting with your name, guaranteed luggage space, and a fixed price.
• How to book (with price): Expect shared shuttle prices from around HKD 120–250 per person, with private transfers costing more depending on vehicle size and distance. You can browse options on Klook’s Hong Kong airport transfer guide, GetYourGuide Hong Kong transfers or 12Go. For custom routes and vehicles, see GetTransfer.
• Pros: Driver meets you in the arrivals hall; direct hotel drop-off; known cost in advance; good for families and business travelers.
• Cons: Less frequent than public transport; may involve waiting for other passengers on shared shuttles; can be pricier than the Airport Express for solo travelers.

Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle / Private Transfer

1. Book your shuttle or car online before you travel, providing your flight details and hotel address. Compare providers on Klook, GetYourGuide or GetTransfer.
2. After landing, switch on your phone and check any messages from your driver or operator with meeting-point details.
3. Meet your driver at the designated point (often in the arrivals hall with a name-board) or at a specific shuttle counter.
4. Load luggage into the vehicle and confirm your hotel name and address. For shared shuttles, the order of hotel drop-offs may vary.
5. Travel directly into Central; typical journey time is 40–70 minutes depending on traffic.
6. On your return journey, confirm pick-up time and location with your operator, allowing time for potential traffic delays.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrival Hall Meeting Points)

• Meeting points at HKG: Most transfer services have fixed meeting points inside the arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 2; look for the sign or counter listed in your confirmation email or voucher.
• Hotel pickups in Central: Many transfers offer hotel pick-up in Central, Admiralty and Sheung Wan; confirm exact pick-up spots, especially if your hotel is on a narrow street or up a hill.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #4 — Taxi or Ride-hailing (Door-to-Door, 24–7)

24–7 Door-to-door Most expensive

• Overview: Red urban taxis operate between Hong Kong International Airport and Central at all hours. They use meters and are regulated, offering a straightforward way to reach your hotel without transfers.
• How to book (with price): A typical taxi fare from the airport to Central is around HKD 300–400 including tolls and surcharges, depending on traffic. Official fare tables are published by the Hong Kong Transport Department. If you prefer to prebook or get an English-speaking driver, consider services like Welcome Pickups Hong Kong or car services on Klook and GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Direct hotel drop-off; no need to navigate stations; available around the clock.
• Cons: Most expensive public option; subject to road traffic and tunnel congestion; small extra charges for luggage and tolls.

Step-by-step: Taxi from the Airport to Central

1. Exit the customs area and follow signs for ‘Taxi’ in the arrivals hall.
2. Choose the red ‘Urban’ taxi queue for Central. Staff at the taxi information desk can give an approximate fare and write your destination in Chinese if needed.
3. Join the queue and wait to be directed to the next taxi. Show the driver your hotel address or location on your phone.
4. Place large luggage in the trunk; note that a small fee per piece of luggage may apply, in addition to tunnel tolls.
5. Ride directly to your hotel in Central (usually 30–45 minutes). Pay in cash (HKD) or by card if the taxi supports it, and request a receipt.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Ranks / Central)

• Taxi ranks at HKG: There are separate taxi queues at the airport for urban (red), New Territories (green) and Lantau (blue) taxis; choose red for Central.
• Ride-hailing apps: Ride-hailing in Hong Kong is usually provided by licensed taxis through apps like Uber or local taxi apps. These can be useful for your return from Central to the airport.
• Getting dropped off: Many Central hotels are on busy one-way streets; ask your hotel for the best drop-off point and have it ready to show the driver.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Hong Kong International Airport to Central)

What is the fastest way to get from Hong Kong Airport to Central?
The Airport Express train is usually the fastest option, taking about 24 minutes from the airport to Hong Kong Station, plus a short walk or MTR hop into Central.

What is the cheapest way to reach Central from the airport?
Cityflyer airport buses such as A11 are typically the cheapest convenient option, costing around HKD 40–45 one-way and taking 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.

Can I use contactless or Octopus on Airport Express and buses?
Yes. Octopus cards and many international contactless bank cards are accepted on the Airport Express, MTR and most buses, making transfers around Central very easy.

Are there late-night transport options from HKG into the city?
The Airport Express and most Cityflyer routes run until around midnight. After the last departures, taxis are the main 24–7 option; consider prebooking a transfer if your flight arrives very late or is often delayed.

Is it easy to get from Hong Kong Station to Central MTR and hotels?
Hong Kong Station is linked by underground passageways to Central MTR Station and malls like IFC; from there, signs guide you to exits for major streets and hotels. Walking times are typically 5–10 minutes.