For those who need to transfer the connecting flight and have several hours layover time in Hong Kong, you may wonder whether/how you can use your limited stop-over time wisely while in Hong Kong. If you don’t want to just waste the time in the airport, then make sure that you have sufficient time for sightseeing apart from time for Immigration and Security Check as well as time for traveling between airport and attractions.

If you are not sure whether it is worthwhile to go out of the airport and take a look of the city, or you don’t know how much time you need to enjoy a stop-over tour, or you simply just wonder how much time you will need for clearing Immigration and Security Check, here is a general overview on what you must consider and some ideas about what you can do when doing a stop-over visit in Hong Kong.

How to arrange stop-over time in Hong Kong

How to arrange stop-over time in Hong Kong

Minimum time required for stop-over visit

No matter you come to Hong Kong from international flights, cruise ships, ferries from China or Macau, or driving from China, there are lots of ways to spend the time more meaningful instead of wasting in the airport.

For stop-over tour, the most critical part is time management if you don’t want to miss your flight. Depending where you are coming from, which flight carrier you are flying with as well as how your connecting flight is scheduled, stop-over time can range from just a few hours (3-4 hours) to half a day (12 hours) or even complete days (24 hours or more).

The options of how to spend the layover time majorly depends on how much time you have. Naturally, the longer, the more you can see and explore. Generally speaking, if you would like to do some stress-free sightseeing outside the airport or in downtown, you will need at least 7-8 hours layover time. For those who have layover time less than 7-8 hours, the options are very limited.

Depending how much time you will have, you can decide whether you should stay in the airport, travel to the attractions nearby airport or go further to downtown areas where the major attractions are.

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Time required for necessary procedures

No matter how long your stop-over time will be, don’t forget to reserve some time for the standard procedures after getting off the plane.

Brief about Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA):
Hong Kong International Airport has won many times “Skytrax World’s Best Airport” awards. It’s highly efficient, well-organized as well as clear-signed. Having said that, no matter the immigration clearance, airport services or the security check are very fast compared with many other cities.

All of the steps need time. So if you don’t want to miss your connecting flight, make sure you leave sufficient time.

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How much time needed for passing Immigration and Customs?

– Normally 30 – 45 minutes

Unless you are in transit and stay inside the airport, every passenger wishing to exit the airport needs to pass Immigration and Customs. Procedures in Hong Kong airport are simple, easy and efficient.

Arriving in Hong Kong is actually very convenient. Immigration, Airport facilities as well as Customs are very well organized and optimized. Having this efficient environment plus the opportunity of stop-over options from different airline companies make it easy to opt for a stop-over in Hong Kong.

Keep in mind that there are certain Visa Requirements depending which passport you hold. So double-check if you need a Visa to enter Hong Kong. European, US, UK, NZ and AUS passport holders don’t need a Visa. Simply present passport and get an e-entry ticket.

Clearing Immigration and Customs can take 30 – 45 minutes (depending on time and day). This estimate can be considered as an average “best-case scenario”. Sometimes it can be as fast as only 20 minutes or as long as 90 minutes when it’s busy holidays.

Luggage belts are right behind the Immigration. Most of you don’t need to worry about that since your main luggage is kept by the airline company and already checked through to your final destination. For those whose connecting flight is different air company, you will have to wait and pick your luggages after clearing immigration. Averagely it will take another 15 – 20min until the luggages show up on the luggage belt.

If you need more information, check out details about “How to clear Hong Kong Immigration”.

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How much time needed for dropping hand baggage?

– Approximately 20 – 30 minutes

If you don’t want to carry your heavy hand baggages and enjoy your sightseeing in Hong Kong relaxed, you may want to drop them to the Airport Baggage Service.

There is a secure short-term baggage storage facility located on Level 3 of Terminal 2. It is about 10 min walk from the Arrival Hall of Hong Kong Airport. Storing your bags is available on an hourly charge for HK$ 12/piece. The daily fee is HK$ 140.

The luggage facility is open from 5:30am – 1:30am (Monday to Sunday). For enquiries you can reach them under + (852) 2261 0110 or check their official site ““Baggage Storage”.

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How much time needed for travelling to downtown areas?

– Averagely 30 – 90 minutes depending on the transport means

Hong Kong Airport is located outside the town, it takes around 30-60min by different means of airport transport. There are mainly 8 Hong Kong Airport transport options.

Taking the Airport-Express is the fastest and most direct way to downtown areas, no matter you decide to go to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Airport Express will not be affected by the road traffic and will guarantee you a direct ride within 30 min. Besides, Airport Express has a special ticket promotion for the stop-over guests that you only need to pay for one ride but enjoy the round trip if you return within the same day.

You also can consider taking taxi or airbus to downtown, which takes about 45 – 90 min depending on your destination. Don’t forget to calculate the possible traffic jam.

Plus another 30 min travelling back to the airport and 1-1.5 hour before boarding your connecting flight, it is only possible to make a visit to downtown Hong Kong if you have over 6-8 hours in-between. An ideal stop-hour time would be above 8+ hours. This would leave you enough time to enjoy some sightseeing places without worrying too much about catching the outbound flight as well as being too much in a rush.

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How much time needed for Immigration and Security Check (outbound flight)?

– Normally 20 minutes

After short time sightseeing, you will have to get back to the airport. Besides Immigration and Customs, you will also need to go through Cecurity Check. Once again, Hong Kong airport has very high efficiency. It takes only 20 min for getting through all of these.

box-info2 Did You Know

  • “The time requirement for exiting and entering the airport plus traveling to/from the downtown area via the Airport Express can be estimated with 2.5 – 3 hours (round trip). But we recommend planning some buffer time. Taking this estimate as a basis, you can consider to do some shopping or sightseeing when you have a stop-over for at least 5 – 6 hours.”

    “Deducting the travel and waiting time at Immigration will leave you with about 1.5 – 2 hours to enjoy Hong Kong. Please consider that in case your flight has been arriving with a delay that this will automatically shorten your stop-over time. Don’t forget you need to be at least 40 – 45 minute ahead of taking-off time at the gate for boarding.”

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How to arrange the limited time and see the most of Hong Kong?

The arrangement of itinerary is majorly depends how long your stop-over time is and what your interests are. Obviously, considering time needed for the necessary procedures, unless you have more than 5-6 hour stop-over time, no need to consider going outside of the airport. It is only do-able to take a look of downtown Hong Kong only if you have more than 7-8 hours before your connecting flight.

In addition, budget is always a constraint and since you only have a few hours, sometimes you probably need to depend on taxis which are faster but also more expensive than the average public transportation. Taxi is not always the best option especially when it’s the high traffic areas or period.

Here are some advices for your reference to plan your time wisely while you wait for your connecting flight.

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If you have only 2-3 hour stop-over time

In case you have only 2 – 3 hours stop-over in Hong Kong, I am afraid that you will not have sufficient time to travel outside airport. Actually, you will merely even have some time to look around in the airport. If you don’t want to just sit at the gate waiting for your flight, the best option is to take a look around in the airport of the restricted area. You then don’t need to go through the Immigration and Security Check.

Free time:
30 min – 1 hour;

Best options:
Staying in the airport;
Shopping in airport mall;

Hong Kong is also known as “Shopping Heaven” with tax-free. So as the airport. In Hong Kong International Airport there is a large shopping mall called “Hong Kong International Airport SkyMart and SkyPlaza“, where have numerous shops , stores and restaurants with a large variety of choices. There are several options you can consider including shopping, dining, taking a spa treatment or simply sit down in a lounge and relax.

Spend stop-over time in Hong Kong International Airport SkyMart and SkyPlaza

Shops at Hong Kong International Airport SkyMart and SkyPlaza

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If you have 4-5 hour stop-over time

If you have only 4 to 5 hours lay-over time, there are not many options. Deducting the time for passing immigration, security check and waiting for boarding, you will have merely 1.5 – 2.5 hours left to look around. Unfortunately, there are no attraction nearby the airport that you can manage within such short time.

Free time:
1.5 – 2 hours;
(No attraction is feasible within this time frame)

Best options:
Staying in the airport;
Two shopping malls close to airport: Citygate Outlet and Maritime Square;

Whether you can pay a visit to Big Buddha when stop-over time is less than 6 hours?

Some may ask that since the terminal of Ngong Ping Cable Car is only 10-15 min bus ride away from the airport, is it possible to cover the cable car and Bid Buddha within the time frame? Although Ngong Ping 360 and Big Buddha is nearby the airport, considering the possible waiting time for the Cable Car and the cable car ride takes 30 min (one way), unless you want to risk missing the connecting flight, visiting the Big Buddha in such short time is not recommended.

However, if you would like to do some shopping, besides the SkyMart mall in the airport, there are two shopping malls very close: Maritime Square and Citygate Outlets. Citygate Outlets is a 4-floor outlet mall and carries many popular international brands, such as Amani, Kate Spade, Adidas, Nike, Swarovski etc, while Maritime Square is a four-storey shopping centre located on Tsing Yi with a total of 140 shops with a wide variety of restaurants, bookstores, fashion stores, electrical appliances stores, supermarket, cinema and banks, etc.

The shopping malls in Hong Kong usually open around 10:30am – 11:00am daily and close around 10:00pm – 10:30pm.

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For 6-7 hour stop-over time

If you have only 6-7 hours, you may have chances to get out of the airport. With limited 3 – 4 hours free time, if you would like to visit the downtown (which I would not recommend), only 2 – 2.5 hours time is left for sightseeing apart from time needed for traveling back and forth. It will be too much in a hurry and stressed.

Free time:
3.5 – 4.5 hours;

Best options:
Citygate Outlet;
Lantau Island, Big Buddha, Ngong Ping Cable Car;

Alternatively, how about paying a quick visit to the Lantau Island and Big Buddha near the airport or do some shopping in the Citygate Outlets, which are only 10 min bus drive away from the airport. Bus S1 can take you directly from the airport to Tung Chung Citygate Outlet and terminal of Ngong Ping Cable Car.

box-info2 Did You Know

  • “Please keep in mind that Giant Buddha is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. The most efficient way for climbing up to Giant Buddha is to take the Ngong Ping Cable Car. Be prepared that you may end up in waiting line for 30-60 min for the cable car (one way). The ride of cable car is approx. 25 – 30 minutes.”

  • “If you want to skip the waiting line, you may consider the “Fast Pass Combo Tickets“.

Spend stop-over time in Hong Kong Big Buddha or Giant Buddha on Lantau Island

Big Buddha or Giant Buddha on Lantau Island

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When you have 8 hours or more stop-over time

When you have move than 7 – 8 hours time before your connecting flight, you have a good chance (over 4 hours) to enjoy your time in the downtown areas and do some sightseeing.

If you hate to worry about the itinerary and time management, a Private Walking Tour with the local experts may be the best way to use the time efficiently. You will have chances to get to know not only famous attractions but also Hong Kong’s own stories and secrets.

If you are the first time visitor, you should visit at least one of Hong Kong’s most famous and iconic attractions Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak (The Peak).

Enjoy Hong Kong Skyline during your stop-over time

Hong Kong Skyline

Besides, the following attractions/routes are on the recommended list. Basically you only can plan to do two or maximum three suggested sightseeing routes. Remember to check the individual articles for fast pass, discount tickets as well as insider tips.

West Kowloon:

Hong Kong Island:

Tsim Sha Tsui:

  • Taking the Star Ferry
  • Enjoying skyline along Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront promenade of Victoria Harbour;
  • Shopping at Harbour City shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui (the largest mall in Hong Kong);
  • Taking an afternoon tea-time at the famous Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui;

Other options:

  • Enjoying some of Hong Kong’s most famous dishes e.g. Dim Sum (this can be done in the airport);
  • Experience the local life style among Street Markets;

Reminder: For sky100 Observation Deck, Peak Tram and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, don’t forget to calculate the time that you need to standing in line. However, all of them has fast pass ticket package that you can consider.

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If you have more than 12-hour stop-over time in Hong Kong

For those who have more than 12 hours in Hong Kong or plan to stay Hong Kong longer, you can check out the previous article “Arrange Your Stay in Hong Kong” and get more details on how to plan the stop-over time (1-day Stay, 2-day Stay, 3-day Stay, 4-day Stay and 5-day Stay).

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Here are some brief suggestions on how to get to all these attractions efficiently. For more details, you can check our full reviews on this site.

The closest attractions from the airport should be Hong Kong Disneyland and Ngong Ping (Ngong Ping 360 and Big Buddha).

Ngong Ping 360 is very close to the airport and from the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride you even can see the airport. It takes only 10 – 15 minutes by bus from Hong Kong International Airport to Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminus. The ride of cable car is approx 25-30 minutes. However, don’t underestimate the time waiting in line. To be on the safe side, getting a fast pass in advance to skip the line.

When you arrived in Central (best way is by Airport Express), walk to the Star Ferry Central Pier and take Bus 15C to The Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus (15C starts from 10:00am daily. Alternatively you can take a taxi if you are pressed for time). The Peak Tram is the historical and fastest way going up to Victoria Peak.

Insider Tip: Depending what time of the day you arrive at the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus, it can be quite crowded. If you see people already lining up outside, you might want to consider taking a taxi instead of the funicular Peak Tram up the Peak (approx. HK$ 80). Alternatively, purchase a Peak Tram Fast Pass to avoid unexpected waiting time.

Tsim Sha Tsui promenade is one of the best locations for enjoying Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. When you have enough of the beautiful views from the Peak, take the Peak Tram or taxi back to the Star Ferry Central Pier. Then take the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Fare for single ride is below HK$ 4.0 and takes about 9-10 minutes (waiting time is around 5-10 minutes). Taking Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour was listed as one of the top things in your life by National Geographic. When you arrived in Tsim Sha Tsui, you can take some pictures of the iconic Clock Tower and walk along Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade. In case you are there around 8:00pm you also can enjoy the daily 10 minutes A Symphony of Lights Show.

Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui

Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui

For those wishing directly go to Tsim Sha Tsui, just transfer to MTR from Central after getting off the Airport Express at Hong Kong station (Central) and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui station which takes about 15 minutes.

If you still have some time left, you can either stroll along Nathan Road or do some shopping in the largest mall of Hong Kong “Harbour City“. If you need to purchase Apple products, there are two Apple stores nearby. One is in IFC mall in Central while another is on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.

As an alternative to The Peak, you also can consider visiting the sky100 Observation Deck. Taking Airport Express and get off at Kowloon Station and walk to the sky100.

More About “How To Plan Your Trip” in Hong Kong

All Attractions in Hong Kong

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