The Star Ferry Company Ltd. operates their harbor crossing service since 1880 and National Geographic named the Ferry crossing as one of the 50 places of a lifetime to visit. The Star Ferry fleet consists currently of 8 double-deck ferries which operate on 2 different routes.
Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour
The routes are currently:
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) – Central (traveling time approx. 9 minutes)
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) – Wan Chai (traveling time approx. 8 minutes)
The route of Central/Wan Chai – Hung Hom was closed on 1st of April 2011.
Insider Tips:
The ferries have two decks – the upper and lower deck. The upper deck is a little bit more comfortable, spacey and has air condition in the front and back. On the lower deck you have the opportunity to walk around to the edges which might be interesting for some of you photographers (but be aware of the Diesel fumes from the engines which sometimes can be quite unpleasant).
Nonetheless we highly recommend taking the upper deck. The fare difference is not really much (just around 50 cents) and you enjoy a more pleasant trip with a great view.
How to use the Ferry:
Travelers have three different methods of payment. If you own an Octopus card you simply swipe your card over the fare receiver. The second method is to tender the exact fare in coins into the coin box or last but not least to purchase a token at the token vending machine (see pictures).
How To Purchase Star Ferry Tickets
Star Ferry Vending Machine
Tourist Ticket
The Star Company issues a special tourist ticket for HK$ 34. This ticket can be purchased at the Star Ferry Harbor Ticket Counter in Tsim Sha Shui and entitles the ticketholder to take unlimited rides on the routes “TST/Central”, “TST/Wan Chai” and the tram services (the Ding Ding tram, the Peak Tram is not entitled!) for four consecutive days. I think you guys can do the math and figure out if it is worthwhile to purchase. In my opinion it only makes sense if you really stay in Hong Kong for at least 4 days, take the Ferry at least twice each day and/or do a lot of sightseeing on Hong Kong Island with the Ding Ding Tram hoping on and off for a few times.
Star Ferry Harbor Tours
The Star Ferry Company offers several harbor tours, single tours as well as half-day hopping on/off packages. For more information about dinner cruise etc. please read our article about Victoria Harbor. If you are interested in some of the tours you can have a look the Harbor Tour by Stary Ferry Company.
Star Ferry Official Website: http://www.starferry.com.hk/index.php
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