Ultimate Guide of Airport Express – Ticket, Discounts, Schedule, Benefits, How to Take

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.

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.

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 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.

Undoubtedly, taking the Airport Express train is one of the most convenient and economic transportation from the airport to city.

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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.

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.

• In case you would like to stay nearby the airport, there many good airport hotel options within walking distance or 5-minute away.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

• 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.

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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.

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.

In case you are looking for other transfers from the airport, the following review may help you.

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Free Airport Express In-town Check-in services

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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)

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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.

Customer Service Centre will start roughly 20 minutes before the first train departs. This also applies to 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.

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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.

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.

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