Hong Kong Airport Express train is definitely one of the best and fastest option to get from the airport to Hong Kong’s downtown city center. Especially when after a long-haul flight, all you want is just to get out of the airport, check-in your hotel and get some rest. No more time wasting.
Besides being the fastest transportation between downtown and the airport, Airport Express also provides a lot of more benefits, such as free In-town Check-in service, high frequency and long operation time, free porter services etc. The train stations are located literarily underneath luxury hotels and business buildings, very convenient for travellers.
The fastest way from the airport to the city centre
Here is a detailed guide on how to take Hong Kong Airport Express trains. This includes and covers everything from fares, tickets, discount, promotions, schedules, advantages and how to use free In-town Check-in services. Maybe it can answer most of your questions.
All you need to know about Hong Kong Airport Express
- What is Airport Express?
- Why choose Airport Express? – advantages and benefits
- The fastest transfer within 24 minutes;
- Free In-town Check-in services;
- clean and comfortable ride with free porter services;
- Free in-train Wi-Fi internet access
- Long operation hours and high frequency;
- Free hotel shuttle;
- Where to get tickets, travel passes, promotions and discount tickets?
- How to take Airport Express from the airport
- How does the In-town Check-in services work?
- Timetable, schedule and frequency
- Additional insider tips and FAQs
- General Info (contact info, official link)
What is the Airport Express?
Th Airport Express train is one of the lines of the Hong Kong MTR network (Mass Transit Railway). It is the fastest option connecting Hong Kong Airport directly with the downtown area as well as the AsiaWorld – Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. Within 24 minutes you are able to travel between the city center and the airport.
The fastest link to the city centre
The Airport Express stops only three stations on the way to downtown, of which “Kowloon” (21 min) and “Central” (24 min) stations are the major hubs for business. Many important hotels are situated right above the train stations.
Route of Hong Kong Airport Express
Undoubtedly, taking the Airport Express train is one of the most convenient and economic transportation from the airport to city.
Why take Airport Express? – advantages and additional benefits
The Airport Express train is the fastest and best transfer option from the airport to the downtown area. Furthermore, it is super efficient, fast, comfortable, clean and safe. However, you can also enjoy some additional free benefits. These include free wifi, porter services and In-town Check-in service.
The main advantage of the MTR Airport Express train is obviously the time saving. Unlike taxis, private cars and public buses, no more worries about traffic jam or unexpected accident on the way.
Three major Airport Express MTR stations
There are only three stations on the way from the airport: Tsing Yi, Kowloon Station and Hong Kong Station.
1st station: Tsing Yi station (in New Territories district, 14 minutes from airport);
2nd station: Kowloon station (in Kowloon District, 22 minutes from airport);
3rd station: Hong Kong station (on Hong Kong Island, 24 minutes from airport);
Kowloon station and Hong Kong station are the hubs of major business. There are many luxury hotels and business buildings on the top or close to these two stations, which are extremely convenient for business travellers.
The train system can be very easily navigated even if you are first-time visitor. If you are staying on the Kowloon side, then take the train to the Airport Express Kowloon Station. In case you are staying on Hong Kong Island, take the Airport Express train to the final Hong Kong Station in Central (Hong Kong Island).
Another main selling point of the MTR Airport Express train – aside from being the fastest transport – is the free In-town Check-in service. In fact, many people don’t use or know about this special benefit. Therefore, you can consider this still as an insider tip.
In-town Check-in service allows you to collect your boarding pass and drop your luggage at the Airport Express stations (Kowloon and Hong Kong stations) instead of taking them to the airport.
In-town Check-in Counters
Moreover, this service is available for many major airlines available between 90 minutes and up to 24 hours prior your scheduled flight departure. Check more details about how to use Airport Express In-town Check-in service.
The experience of riding Airport Express is quite comfortable. Air-conditioned cabins provide everyone a soft seat.
Clean and comfortable seats
For those who travels with more than one bag or heavy luggages, don’t worry. There are plenty of luggage racks inside the train compartments.
Luggage compartments inside the Express Train
In case you are worried how to get to the train, Airport Express also provide free porter services. These are available at the Airport, Tsing Yi Station, Kowloon Station and Hong Kong Station. The porters will assist you with your luggage. Hence, even if you travel with excess luggage, too many bags and suitcases or sporting goods, you don’t need to worry.
Free luggage carts are widely available
All trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi high-speed internet access. Therefore, you don’t need to worry to be cut off from the rest of the world. You easily can check your Facebook or post your first Instagram pictures. Send some WhatsApp or WeChat messages to your beloved ones. Or be productive and answer some business mails while enjoying the short ride to the downtown city center.
Free power charging sockets inside the train
In addition, car 1 and 7 of each train are equipped with power charging sockets. So, no need to worry about running out of power. You can easily recharge your mobile devices such as phone, camera, laptop computers or tablet PCs.
The Airport Express operates daily from 05:50am – 01:15am at 10 minutes intervals. So even when you arrive with the early flight or depart late at night, you always can use the service. Check more details about timetable, schedule and frequency
Many hotels provide free shuttle bus service from “Hong Kong Station” and “Kowloon Station” to hotels. These free airport shuttle buses will take you to the hotel and make it very easy and convenient no matter where you will be staying in Hong Kong. Passengers need to present valid Airport Express tickets.
Best hotels close to Airport Express stations
There are many hotels very close to, some even located above the train stations. Here are some best and the most convenient choices for travellers.
Among all the selections, Four Seasons, W Hotel and Ritz Carlton are the most convenient, which are located right above Airport Express stations.
Best hotels close to the Kowloon station
- The Ritz-Calton Hong Kong (on the 103rd floor above Kowloon station)
- W Hong Kong (above Kowloon station)
- The Langham, Hong Kong
- The Peninsula Hong Kong (oldest hotel)
- Hyatt Regency Hong Kong
- Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
- K11 ARTUS
Best hotels close to the Hong Kong station
- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
- Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (above Hong Kong station)
- JW Marriott Hotel
- The Upper House
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
- The Pottinger Hong Kong
- Hotel Madera Hollywood
- Butterfly on Wellington (Boutique Hotel)
- The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel
Check out the related article for more information on where is the best area to stay in Hong Kong.
Ticket information: prices, available discounts, where to get tickets of Airport Express?
All the tickets can be purchased directly from the ticket counters of Airport Express stations. You can also book the tickets from the official website and authorized sellers. Some of the providers give further discounts on both single and round trip tickets.
How much are the official prices of Airport Express?
There are several ticket options available. The adult single journey (one way) ticket is HK$ 115 to the “Hong Kong” station and HK$ 105 to the “Kowloon” station. MTR launches special promotions and discounts for round trip tickets and children tickets from time to time (check our news and keep an eye on our updates).
Official ticket prices to/from the airport
|
To/From Airport |
Adult (Aged 12 or above) |
Child (Aged 3-11) |
||
|
Single Trip |
Round Trip |
Single Trip |
Round Trip |
|
|
Hong Kong |
HK$ 115 |
HK$ 205 |
HK$ 57.5 |
HK$ 115 |
|
Kowloon |
HK$ 105 |
HK$ 185 |
HK$ 52.5 |
HK$ 105 |
|
Tsing Yi |
HK$ 70 |
HK$ 120 |
HK$ 35 |
HK$ 70 |
Did You Know
There used to be “Airport Express Travel Pass”. This pass included a one-way/round-trip journey with the Airport Express plus 3 days unlimited travel on the MTR subway system. Unfortunately, in case you are looking for it, this Travel Pass is no longer available.
Where to get Airport Express ticket discount?
There are some promotions on the tickets and you can get some discount on the MTR Airport Express. You can enjoy extra discount on Hong Kong MTR Airport Express Tickets from the following promotion links.
Available promotions on Airport Express tickets
Airport Express Ticket Discounts
Single Trip Ticket
To Kowloon: HK$ 105
To Hong Kong: HK$ 115
Round Trip Ticket
To Kowloon: HK$ 185
To Hong Kong: HK$ 205
Where can you purchase the Airport Express tickets?
In general, the tickets are available from both the ticket counters and online booking.
-
From official ticket counters in Airport Express stations
If you start from the airport, the service counter is only steps away from and directly located between the Arrival Halls A and B at the airport. Look for the huge and clear signs. Credit card is accepted.
Airport Express Service Counters
Sometimes the purchasing queues can be very long. Then you can also purchase single ride tickets directly at one of the ticket vending machines nearby.
Ticket vending machines
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From official website and authorized ticket platforms
To save some time and trouble, getting ticket prior online is also a good choice. No need to queue after a long flight, hassle with money and change. In addition, you will get an instant confirmation or voucher.
Online booking is available from their official website as well as from the above online discount providers. Booking tickets online from discount providers gives further more discounts and express entry line.
Where to take the Airport Express in the airport
Taking the Airport Express Train from the airport to the downtown area is actually a no-brainer. After you passed immigration, you can collect your bags and suitcases from the luggage belts. Then you exit the restricted airport area in one of the arrival halls.
READ MORE ABOUT:
Hong Kong arrival guide – how to cross border and pass immigration
The service and ticket counter are literally just a few steps away. It is probably less than 50 metres. The train platform is right behind the ticket counter. Look for the signs with ‘Trains to City’ or the highly noticeable signs on the floor lead you the way. You just can’t miss it.
Follow the signs to get to the service counters
In case you are looking for other transfers from the airport, the following review may help you.
More to Know
Transportation Guide – How to travel between Hong Kong Airport and downtown
A full review on how to use Hong Kong Airport Transportation, including taxi, private car and mini-van, Airport Express, airport shuttle and public bus, to travel from the airport to your hotel or downtown areas. Get discounts of the best option for you.
Free Airport Express In-town Check-in services
Updated News: After three-year suspension due to the pandemic, the in-town check-in service has restored in Hong Kong Station and is available for passengers of Cathay Pacific only. The check-in service is still not yet available at Kowloon station and for other airlines.
As mentioned above, Airport Express In-town Check-in services allow you to check in your luggages in downtown and get your boarding pass prior to your flight. This service is perfect for those who have early check out from hotel but late flight at night.
How to use the service?
There are two In-town Check-in locations. One is at Kowloon station and another is at Hong Kong station.
First of all, you need get yourself an Airport Express ticket, travel pass or Octopus Card, which permits you to enter the In-town Check-in area. Please note that the full fare will be deducted at the entry gate of the In-town Check-in. Do keep your ticket for taking the train later.
Octopus Card is a must-have if you travel more with public transportation system.
Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
With HK$ 50 preloaded value
+ HK$ 50 voucher
Pickup in the Hong Kong airport or West Kowloon station
Adult Card: HK$ 92
(more promotion combos available)
Signs leading to In-town Check-in counters
Then simply check-in at your designated airline counter, drop your luggage and bags and collect your boarding pass. Now you can enjoy the rest of your day basically bag-free. You still can enjoy some sightseeing. Do some shopping or relax before heading back to the airport.
Entrance gate to In-town Check-in counters
When you arrive at the airport, all you need to do is to go straight to immigration and security check. Then you are ready to head to your flight departure gate. No need to worry about your bags and suitcases since they are already checked to your final destination.
In-town Check-in Counters
Without a doubt, the process of the In-town Check-in is very efficient and hassle-free. Usually, there are no long lines queuing for checking in, collecting the boarding pass and dropping off your bags.
Which Airlines offer the In-town Check-in option?
The following airline companies used to offer the In-town Check-in service. Some provides 24h prior check-in service. For the moment, the In-Town Check-in service is only available for Cathay Pacific airline in Hong Kong Station. Others are still suspended.
In-town Check-in opening hours
The In-town Check-in opening hours vary depending on the airline and their flight schedules. Some airlines operate their counters around the clock every day. Some offer only same day check-in service while other airlines offer a 24-hours prior check-in service.
In addition, some open only on specific days or for specific flight destinations. Having said that it is highly recommended to contact your airline to double-confirm and find out more about the In-town Check-in counter opening hours.
For more information about the different airlines, opening hours as well as service numbers, you can check their official link.
Airport Express free shuttle buses from hotels
Several hotels around Hong Kong are providing pickup shuttle service from Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station. Staying in these hotels has a convenient connection between hotel and the airport.
– Hotels with shuttle service from/to Hong Kong Stations:
Bishop Lei International House (8:00am – 7:00pm)
Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong
Courtyard Hong Kong (9:30am – 5:30pm)
Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong (9:30am – 5:30pm)
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (on special request)
Le Meridien Hong Kong, Cyberport (7:30am – 10:30pm)
– Hotels with shuttle service from/to Kowloon Station:
ALVA HOTEL BY ROYAL (10:30am – 4:30pm)
Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East (10:00am – 8:00pm)
Airport Express timetable, schedule and frequency
So when is the first train or last train departing? How often is a train traveling to the downtown area?
The Airport Express operates daily from 05:50am – 01:15am at 10 minutes intervals.
– From airport to downtown: The first train leaves from the airport to downtown at 05:54am while the last train departures at 00:48am to the city center.
– From downtown to airport: In case you travel from the downtown area to the airport: the first trains departs at 05:50am. While the last one leave the Hong Kong Station at 00:48am.
Travel within 24 minutes to downtown
Customer Service Centre will start roughly 20 minutes before the first train departs. This also applies to ticket vending machines.
Switched off ticket vending machines
In case you are visiting one of the trade fairs, exhibitions, events or concerts at the AsiaWorld – Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre, traveling time from the airport are only 2 minutes by the Airport Express train. The AsiaWorld – Expo is basically adjacent to the airport.
Can I use the Octopus Card for the Airport Express train?
Yes, you can use a pre-loaded Octopus Card for paying the Airport Express train. The procedure is the same as you take any other MTR train. Swipe the smartcard when enter and when exit the gates.
Special Octopus Card Reader for QR Codes
Although, using the Octopus Card is super convenient plus you get a free local MTR line connection, you might want to double-check the online discount tickets. Especially if you travel with a family and/or on a tight budget the online discounts can save you quite some money.
List of useful info for first-time travellers
[Transportation] How to travel from Hong Kong Airport to downtown
[Accommodation] Where is the best place to stay in Hong Kong
[Sightseeing] Top attractions in Hong Kong that you should not miss
[Itinerary Plan] How to plan your time – from stopover to long-time stay
[Must-Have] Octopus Card – Make your travel in Hong Kong convenient
General Info and Details
Operation Hours: 05:50am – 01:15am
Ticket Fare: See price details and discounts
Contact No.: +(852) 2881 8888
Official Site: https://www.mtr.com.hk/