Everything you need to know about Hong Kong Cruise Terminals & Ports

Hong Kong is known as the Asia’s premier cruise port and travel hub. Arriving or departing in Hong Kong via a cruise ship is an unforgettable experience. While the cruise ship performs its docking or undocking manoeuvres at one of the cruise terminals, passengers can enjoy amazing unparalleled views of the world famous Victoria Harbour and see the magnificent skyline unfold.

Hong Kong is not only world class destination but also the attractive cruise ship destination. The two cruise terminals in Hong Kong, Ocean Terminal and Kai Tai Cruise Terminal serves over hundreds of cruise ships each year. In fact, It should be no surprise that the top and best cruise lines and ships arrive in Hong Kong. One of the highlights is always the arrival and departure of the Queen Mary 2.

No matter you plan a few more days to enjoy the city pre and post your cruise ship, there are some good hotel options near the cruise terminals. Figure out how to get to your cruise port in the best way.

Below is everything you need to know about Hong Kong’s cruise terminals, e.g. their locations, how to get there, cruise lines and close-by hotels, how to travel from the cruise ports to the airport. So, are you ready to start and plan your pre- or post-cruise stay in the city?

Cruise ship terminals in Hong Kong – how many cruise ports & what are the names

As one of the leading and most busiest Asia cruise hubs, Hong Kong has two major cruise terminals. One is the Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and another is the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Both cruise ship terminals are located on Victoria Harbour, one of the world’s most fascinating harbours. Arriving into Victoria Harbour by cruise ship is one-of-kind experience. In fact, for many travellers this location ranks high on their bucket-list.

• Ocean Terminal (Check details)

  Location: Tsim Sha Tsui;
  Nearby landmarks: Avenue of Stars, Clock Tower, Star Ferry, various museums
  Hotels within walking distance: The Prince, Marco Polo hotel, The Langham, The Peninsula, Hyatt Regent, YMCA, The Regent, Rosewood, K11 Artus, Sheraton, Kowloon Shangri-La
  Direct transportation: Accessible with all means of transportation, including MTR railway, Star Ferry, public bus, taxi
  Docking cruise lines: 34 cruise lines, including Princess, Oceania, Europa, Azamara, Seabourn, Silver, Pacific World, etc.
  Benefit: In the city center; vantage location for sightseeing;

• Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (Check details)

  Location: Kai Tak
  Nearby landmarks: Chi Lin Nunnery, Nan Lian Garden
  Nearby hotels: Camlux Hotel, Nina Kowloon East Hotel, Dorsett Kwung Tong, Hotel Cozi Harbour View, Holiday Inn Express, ind Hotel, IW Hotel
  Direct transportation: Public bus, taxi and coach
  Docking cruise lines: 21 cruise lines, including Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Holland American, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, etc.
  Benefit: Latest cruise terminal, Less touristy

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Where do the cruise ships dock in Hong Kong?

Both Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal are located by the beautiful Victoria Harbour in Kowloon Peninsula. While the Ocean Terminal is right in the city center, the Kai Tai Cruise Terminal is a bit inconvenient in terms of location.

Before you arrive in Hong Kong make sure to check with your cruise operator, which cruise terminal you will embark or disembark.

No matter which cruise ship terminal you will arrive, you have to go through immigration and customs. Plan sufficient time accordingly (especially for the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal). This terminal is quite big and has long ways until you get out.

Ocean Terminal – in the city center

The Ocean Terminal is located centrally in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), literally in the heart of Hong Kong. Arriving at this cruise terminal is super convenient.

Ultimate location: It is surrounded by many landmarks, top sightseeing attractions as well as fine hotel selections. Directly connected to Hong Kong’s largest shopping – Harbour City, once you step outside the port, you are already inside the shopping mall with various shopping and dinning options.

Besides, the Ocean Terminal is located at one of the city’s prime locations – East Tsim Sha Tsui. The location of Ocean Terminal is one of the best places to enjoy skyline, facing landmark buildings, such as IFC, Bank of China Tower, HSBC, Hong Kong Convention Center and Hong Kong Observation Wheel over Victoria Harbour. There are plenty options of accommodations, shopping and dining options in close proximity. Many sightseeing attractions are also easily reachable.

Unbeatable experience: What’s more, for many cruise guests and passengers, the approaching and arrival of Ocean Terminal is one of the highlights. No matter sailing into Victoria Harbour and approaching the port by day or night, you will have breathtaking views of the iconic skyline and skyscrapers.

Easily accessible: The Ocean Terminal is only steps away from various transportation options and easily accessible. travellers can simply travel from/to Ocean Terminal by MTR railway, public bus, Star Ferry as well as taxi.

Various accommodation choices: East Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the best places to stay for travellers. You will easily find from budget hotels to luxury options here.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal – located at the former Kai Tak Airport

The second cruise ship terminal is the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Opened in 2013, it is the newest cruise terminal in Hong Kong. Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is located at the former location of the famous Kai Tak Airport.

Inconvenient location: The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is still quite isolated in terms of transportation. The nearest MTR station is 7-8 minute drive away. Getting to and from the terminal can be difficult and challenging. This is especially true on arrival days (embark day). Imagine thousands of cruise passengers trying to catch one of the few taxis or shuttle buses. Therefore, prepare for long waiting times and queues.

Besides that, the terminal is about 10km away from major landmarks and attractions. If you plan to stay in this area, prepare some additional traveling time.

Limited transportation: For the moment, travellers can only use public bus and coach to the nearest MTR station. Taxi is also available. However, be aware that the supply is limited during the ship call days.

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Which cruise lines visit Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is the gateway to Asia. So, literally all the major cruise line operators and cruise ships are passing through this city. No matter if you arrive, depart, visit, stop-over or transit the city.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, around 218 cruise ships stopped in the city. The cruise industry is still recovering. And right now there are 16 different cruise lines with over 160 cruise ships arriving the city’s cruise ports again each year.

The major cruise lines and ships include:

As a reference you can take a look at the past docking of cruise ships. Please use the below information only as rough reference. The cruise schedule can change any time. Certain cruise lines and operators dock at both cruise terminals in Hong Kong. Having said that you should contact your cruise operator for the actual arrival date and docking location.

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Hotels near the cruise terminals – Where to stay before/after the cruise trip

No matter if you are a first-time or repeating visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended to plan your stay ahead. Choosing to either stay on the Kowloon or Hong Kong Island side is not the only thing to decide. Hotel rooms and accommodation fill up quickly and room rates skyrocket. Having said that try to book and secure your hotel room as early as possible!

Staying close to your cruise ship is a great option. Especially, if you plan to do e.g. some sightseeing, shopping or exploring the city before or after your cruise. You also should consider staying close to your cruise terminal if you have an early or late arrival. This reduces hassle and the potential of getting caught and being stucked in the traffic rush hours.

There are plenty of options from affordable accommodations to luxury 5-star hotels. Several of them are even in walking distance to the cruise port. It also saves you time and hassle on the day of boarding. So, let’s have a closer look.

Hotels close to the Ocean Terminal
– where are the best places to stay when you dock to Ocean Terminal

The closest location to the Hong Kong Ocean Terminal cruise terminal is Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). There are plenty of hotels in every price range available. Many of them are located within walking range to the cruise port. The area is very convenient. It has e.g. several other top sightseeing attractions, restaurants and shopping options in close proximity.

Option 1:
The Marco Polo Hotels – in the same building complex

The most convenient hotels are the three Marco Polo Hotels, which are literarily connected to the Ocean Terminal in the same building.

The first two hotels are linked and integrated by air-conditioned walkways to the Harbour City shopping mall. Guests have direct access to the mall and therefore the Ocean Terminal. You literally just have to walk a few steps to reach the boarding area.

The Prince Hotel is the third hotel and also belongs to the Marco Polo Hotel Group. The hotel is adjacent to the China Ferry Terminal. This building is also part of the Harbour City shopping mall complex. All three hotels are an excellent option if you want to stay as close as possible to your cruise ship.

Having said that you should not neglect other close-by hotel options. Especially if you would like to enjoy Hong Kong’s magnificent Victoria Harbour views. Each of the below hotels are just few steps away. You can easily reach the Harbour City shopping mall and Ocean Terminal within 5 minutes.

Option 2:
Best hotels within walking distance to Ocean Terminal in TST

The following hotels are all within walking distance near the Ocean Terminal. They are also considered as one of the best hotels in Hong Kong.

Option 3:
Additional accommodation options

If you don’t need to stay within walking distant to the cruise terminals you might want to consider the following two options:

Both hotels have access to the ELEMENTS shopping mall, the MTR subway system, the MTR Airport Express Trains and the Hong Kong High Speed Rail (HSR) station.

Hotels close to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
– where are the best places to stay when docking to Kai Tai Cruise Terminal

There are no hotels in the walking distance to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The best options for travellers are either traveling to city center and staying in any hotels, or staying in one of the nearby hotels within 15-minute drive. Another popular option is to travel to opposite the harbour to North Point.

Option 1:
Getting to the best hotels in downtown from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Compared with Ocean Terminal’s convenient location, getting to or going out from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is a bit more troublesome. The area around the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is still undergoing a redevelopment process. There is still a lack of true high-end luxury 5-star accommodations in this area.

However, as long as you manage to the nearest MTR station, you can easily get further to the city center (eg. Tsim Sha Tsui) within 4-5 subway station. There are plenty of good hotel selections around, such as The Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, Four Season, Mandarin Oriental.

Alternative, In case you would like to experience another side of the city, you might want to check out some of the following hotels along Central and Wan Chai areas. These districts have plenty of hotel options. In terms of transportation, you have better access. You can easily hop on the iconic Star Ferry or subway to explore the city.

Option 2:
Staying close to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

The following accommodations are a good option if you want to stay close to your cruise ship. All of them are 7 – 15 minute away from/to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Option 3:
Staying around North Point (Hong Kong Island)

An alternative option is to stay in North Point and the surrounding area. North Point is located across Victoria Harbour on the Hong Kong Island side. The advantage is the more accessible public transportation system (MTR subway).

Besides that there is the local CKS Fortune Ferry operator. The water taxi connects North Point (Hong Kong Island side) and Kwun Tong (Kowloon side) on an hourly basis. On weekends and public holidays the ferry directly stops at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Hotels near the airport, hotels with Day Use Room Stay and airport lounge
– where are the best places to stay near the HKIA

Staying close to the Hong Kong International Airport is another popular option for cruise ship passengers pre- or post- the cruise trip. No matter you have a early flight to catch or simply feel more secured to stay near the airport, there are many airport hotels and lounge choices.

Option 1:
Airport hotels

There are three airport hotels located minutes away to the airport, which are considered the closest one to the airport. You don’t need to worry about e.g. traffic, congested roads, traveling back to the airport on packed buses or subway trains.

Option 2:
Airport lounges

Airport lounges are a great option to relax if you only have a few hour stopover time. Usually, access to these lounges are included in your ticket price if you travel in Business or First Class. However, if it is not included in your ticket, you still have use some of the lounges with day pass.

Hong Kong airport has several airport lounges that are open to all passengers. As a passengers you can purchase a day pass regardless of which flight class or airline carrier you use.

Pay-in and Corporate Airport Lounges

1. Plaza Premium Airport Lounges
2. Priority Pass Airport Lounges
3. Centurion Lounge

Option 3:
Nearby airport hotels in Hong Kong

There  are several other accommodation options that are also close and nearby the airport (5-8 minute away). These hotels are gathering around Tung Chung Centre with more dining and shopping options.

•　Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Hotel
•　The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery
•　Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel
•　Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong

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Transportation on normal days and ship call days

How to get to / get from the Ocean Terminal

As the Ocean Terminal is located right in the city center in Tsim Sha Tsui, getting to or from the terminal is pretty easy. The nearest MTR station Tsim Sha Tsui is only a few minutes walk away. It is also conveniently connected to public bus station and Star Ferry terminal. No matter where you plan to go and start from, travellers have many ways of transportation.

How to get to / get from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

There is no MTR station near the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal within walking distance. travellers have to use taxi, public bus, free shuttle bus traveling to/from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

By taxi

Taxi pick up and drop off area are right in front of the terminal. But be aware that taxi supply is limited during Ship Call Days especially in the morning. Most of the taxis accept only cash.

By public buses

If the queue for taxi is too long, there are several bus routes running between Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and MTR stations.

– Bus No.5R: runs from the terminal to Ngau Tau Kok station and Kwun Tong station on daily. Ticket is round HK$ 8.
– Bus No.22: runs between the terminal and Kowloon Tong station daily. Ticket is around HK$ 6.
– Bus No.20A: runs between the terminal and High Speed Railway Station on weekends and holidays. Ticket is HK$ 7.
– Bus No. 20R (on Ship Call Days only): directly to/from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry terminal.

By ferry:

Fortune Ferry sails directly from the terminal to Kwun Tong and North Point public piers over Victoria Harbour on daily. The journey time is around 24 minutes with a scenic ride. North Point has many accommodation options.

By free shuttle:

On arrival days there are free shuttle buses for debarking cruise passengers. The shuttle buses usually take you to the nearby shopping malls (more information below). The shopping malls are connected to the city’s extensive MTR subway system.

Additional paid shuttle services are usually available during the turn calls. These shuttles take you e.g. to the airport, major hotels or to the MTR Airport Express stations. Please contact your cruise tour operator for more information.

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How to get to the cruise terminals from / to the airport – pre and post cruise trip

No matter you arrive Hong Kong pre-cruise trip or want to get to the airport post-cruise trip, there are various transfer means connecting the HKIA and the cruise ports. Some are providing overnight services.

The options include e.g. taxi, airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, hotel limousines, private cars and vans, Air Bus, Airport Express Trains or public transportation such as the MTR subway and public buses. Having said you might want to take closer look at the detailed Transportation Guide on how to travel between Hong Kong Airport and the downtown areas.

How far is the Hong Kong cruise terminal from the airport?

The Ocean Terminal is approx. 35 km (22 miles) away from the Hong Kong International Airport. You should plan at least 30 minutes. Expect to pay around HK$ 270 for a taxi ride (plus surcharge for your luggages).

The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is approx. 42 km (26 miles) away from the Hong Kong International Airport. Plan at least 40 – 60 minutes of traveling time. A taxi should set you back around HK$ 310 (plus surcharge for your luggages).

Which is the best, fastest and most convenient way to get to the Hong Kong cruise terminal from the airport?

By taxi and private car

The easiest and most convenient way to transfer to and from the Hong Kong International Airport to one of the cruise terminals is to take a taxi.

Alternatively, the private airport transportation is another easy transfer between the cruise terminals and the airport. The cost for the private car can be cheaper than the taxi if book from online platform.

By Airport Express

Besides taxi and private car, travellers can also use MTR Airport Express train.

To Ocean Terminal: the nearest Airport Express station to the cruise terminals is Kowloon station. The ride from Kowloon station to the airport is 22 minutes. It’s the fastest way to get from the airport to the major downtown areas.

By Airbus – airport bus

Hong Kong’s AirBus are the cheapest mode getting between the cruise terminals and the airport. All the airbuses are fully air-conditioned double-decker CityFlyer buses with luggage areas. Most of the buses are nowadays equipped with free Wi-Fi. However, it will take longer time as it has many stops in-between.

From Ocean Terminal to airport: travellers can take Citybus A21 (Hung Hom – Airport via Tsim Sha Tsui) at either Haiphong Road or Kimberley Road. Bus runs daily fro 5:15am till midnight. Ticket is around HK$ 35.

From Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to airport: there is no directly bus route from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the airport. Travellers can firstly take bus 5R to Kwun Tong station and transfer to Citybus A29 (Tseung Kwan O – Airport via Kwun Tong) at Millennium City. Bus runs daily fro 5:15am till 11:30pm. Ticket is around HK$ 44.

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Best time to visit and cruise

Hong Kong is an amazing and very attractive destination. The city has a lot to offer. For many travellers the city is on top of their bucket-lists.

Although, cruises depart from Hong Kong throughout the year, you should re-think to plan a trip during the summer months. Hong Kong’s summer months are very hot and very humid. Especially, if you are not used to this kind of weather, you should reconsider and visit the city at a more pleasant temperature level.

Having said that, the weather is most pleasant between November and April. Temperatures are not so high anymore. And humidity falls to a comfortable level.

Hence, it is no surprise that the peak season is between late fall and early spring. The city is especially popular during the holiday and festival season (e.g. Christmas and Chinese New Year).

Do prepare that rates for hotel rooms and flights skyrocket and sell out quickly. So, it is important to plan and book your hotel stays in advance. Once you decided to get on a cruise, try to book your accommodations as soon as possible.

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Where to shop near the cruise terminals

Without a doubt Hong Kong is a shopping heaven. It is one of Asia’s major shopping destinations. No matter what you are looking for, you will find it.

Best shopping near the Ocean Terminal

The Ocean Terminal is located inside Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall called Harbour City. Over 700 shops and stores are catering to any needs, tastes and budgets. You can find everything from electronics to fashion.

And if this is not enough just step outside. The Canton Road runs just outside Harbour City. The street is famous for its high-end luxury shops. Looking for the latest Apple iPhone, bags and fashion (e.g. from LV, Hermes or Gucci) or luxury watches (Rolex, Breitling, Panerai, Patek Philippe or Hublot)? This is place to be.

In fact, the Tsim Sha Tsui district is one of the major shopping and dinning hubs. Several other big shopping malls are in close proximity (K11, The One, iSquare) and of course the famous Nathan Road. Along Nathan Road there are myriads of shops and shopping options. This includes also the famous tailors.

Best shopping options near Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

As mentioned above the location of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is a little bit inconvenient. However, the cruise terminal offers some free shuttle services to two nearby shopping malls.

The first free cruise shuttle services takes you to the Telford Plaza shopping mall in Kowloon Bay. In close proximity is also the MegaBox mall. You can reach this mall by another free shuttle bus from the Telford Plaza mall.

The second free cruise shuttle services runs to the nearby apm shopping mall in Kwun Tong. This mall has around 170 shops and caters more to the younger generations. They have a good mix of e.g. international fashion brands, electronics, cosmetics, healthcare and lifestyle products including an Apple store.

The area around the former Kai Tak airport is still undergoing a complete redevelopment. Several big projects are still in progress. The Kai Tak AIRSIDE shopping mall just opened in late September 2023.

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Must-see sightseeing attractions

Hong Kong has plenty of must-see and must-do sightseeing attractions. Having said that there are several you should not miss. The following are some of the most memorable and enjoyable things to do in Hong Kong:

1. Taking the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak – Enjoy stunning views over the Victoria Harbour and the city (highly recommended)
2. Do a harbour tour on a traditional junk boat
3. Visit Big Buddha, Lantau Island and take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
4. View Hong Kong from above with a helicopter sightseeing trip
5. Do a day-trip to Macau

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Final Thoughts and FAQ

The cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong attracts all the major cruise lines. Cruise ships from around the world arrive at the two modern cruise terminals every day. And thousands of cruise passengers arrive and travel through Hong Kong each year. Certainly, Victoria Harbour is one of the most busiest ports of the world. So, what has been your experience?