Star Ferry – All you need to know about Hong Kong’s iconic transportation

Without a doubt, the Star Ferry is one of the must-do sightseeing attractions in Hong Kong. In fact, National Geographic named the Ferry crossing as one of the 50 things you should do in your life. The green and white ferries are not only a mode of transportation. They are superstar icons and appear in many TV and blockbuster movies (e.g Transformers 4 – Age of Extinction).

The short harbour tour doesn’t only offer you some stunning views of the city’s skyline, but also a glimpse of locals everyday life. Still need more reasons to take it? Simply hop on one of the iconic green and white ferries. You won’t regret it.

You probably have lots of question about where to buy tickets, where the Star Ferry piers are or how to take the ferry. But don’t worry. Below is everything you need to know. So, let’s do it step-by-step.

What is the Star Ferry?

The famous Star Ferry means much more to Hong Kong than a simple mode of transportation or tourist attraction.

The green and white vessels crossing Victoria Harbour are a legend. Moreover, they are considered a landmark since the 1880s. They are a cheap, affordable and convenient way to cross the harbour.

In addition, they belong to Hong Kong. No. They are Hong Kong. Think about e.g. the iconic Cable Cars in San Francisco, the red double-decker buses in London or the yellow cabs in New York City. Hong Kong without the Star Ferries is simply not imaginable. You can’t claim that you have been to Hong Kong until you have taken a ride on the iconic Star Ferry.

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Short History of the Star Ferry

The Star Ferries have a long history. Their origin can be traced back to 1880. The Parsee cook Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala started to use a steamboat. On a regular service he crossed Victoria Harbour.

His ferry service connected Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Back in the days, you could only use a Sampan ride to cross Victoria Harbour. His company (the Kowloon Ferry Company) introduced a regular and affordable service. He bought several other boats. As a result, Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala expanded his business quickly.

In 1898, Sir Catchick Paul Chater bought all his boats and company. The company was renamed and branded as the Star Ferry Company.

Until the opening of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in 1972, the green and white boats have been the only affordable way to commute between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

Hence, the ferries and the piers play an important role in local’s everyday life. A fare increase even triggered a riot in 1966. Similar to the Ding Ding Trams on Hong Kong Island, the Star Ferries are one of the few historic relicts that survived industrialisation, modernisation, riots and even wars. They witnessed the city’s humble beginnings to its today’s glittering financial business hub.

Star Ferry Fleet

Today, the Star Ferry fleet consists currently of 8 double-deck ferries. All boats and vessels have a unique name related with the Star. Think about the illustrious names e.g. like Morning Star, Twinkling Star, Celestial Star, Solar Star, Night Star, Silver Star and Shining Star.

The green and white boats can easily be identified on the busy Victoria Harbour. However, similar to the Ding Ding trams the ferries are used from time to time for promotional events and advertisement (e.g. some of the boats got a mustache for the Movember cancer awareness campaign). At the moment, the Night Star is currently the only colourful ferry.

In addition, each ferry is using a double-headed diesel engine. The iconic green and white boats are so popular that no Hong Kong visit, documentary, book, TV soap opera or movie is complete without having them. In fact, they are a symbol of Hong Kong. They appear in popular movies e.g. such as ‘The World of Suzzie Wong’ or recent blockbuster Transformers 4 – Age of Extinction.

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The Star Ferry Experience or is it worthwhile?

So, what makes the Star Ferry so special? First of all, it is one of the historic means of public transportation. In our fast moving world and especially in Hong Kong’s fast-paced society, it is a wonder to have such an iconic legend surviving and still operating.

Secondly, it is not only a very convenient way to travel and commute from the Kowloon to Hong Kong Island side (and vice versa). But it is also very affordable. You might ask: How affordable? On weekdays you pay only HK$ 3.2 (US $ 0.41) for a ride on the upper deck. That’s a real travel bargain.

However, the best part are the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. I think everyone agrees that the Star Ferry is one of the must things to do in Hong Kong. Even the National Geographic acknowledged and named the Ferry crossing as one of the 50 places of a lifetime to visit.

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Star Ferry Fares, Schedule and Routes

Probably you are wondering where to buy tickets? Which is the best sightseeing route? When is the best time to take the ferry and most importantly, how much are the tickets? In addition, are there special tourist tickets or discounted tickets? So, let’s take a look and break it down step-by-step.

Star Ferry Fares

Taking the Star Ferry is very cheap. Basically, you have two different travel and price/ticket options. You can choose either the upper deck or the lower deck. So, let’s take a look what the difference between these two classes are:

Upper Deck vs. Lower Deck

First, the fare for the upper deck is a little bit more expensive. But you don’t need to worry. They won’t charge you an arm or leg. A single journey is max. HKD 4.2.

The advantage of taking the upper deck is that it is a little bit more comfortable and spacey. Furthermore, each vessel is equipped with air condition in the front and back.

Alternatively, you can travel on the lower deck which is cheaper (max HKD 3.6). Unfortunately, you don’t have air-conditioning, but you can save a few cents.

Furthermore, the lower deck is open. Here you have the opportunity to walk around to the edges. This might be of interest for some of you photographers (no windows or reflections). However, be aware of the Diesel fumes from the engines which sometimes can be quite unpleasant.

Official price and fare table

Seniors (aged 65 or above) can take the ferries for free.

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Routes

The Star Ferries operate on 2 different routes. 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.

Star Ferry Disneyland Route

In 2015, the Star Ferry introduced an additional special route. Now you can take the iconic Star Ferry to Hong Kong Disneyland. You can take the Star Ferry from the TST Ferry Pier to the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Pier. The boat leaves every day at 11:00am. Traveling time is about 45 minutes. The special Star Ferry leaves from the Disneyland Resort Pier at 12:15pm.

Prices for an adult round trip ticket is HK$ 105. Kids (aged 3 – 12 years) and seniors (aged 65 or above) can get the round trip ticket is HK$ 95. Tickets can be purchased either directly at the counter at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier (only cash). Alternatively, you can buy them online here.

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Tourist Ticket and Monthly Tickets

The Star Company also issues a special tourist ticket for HK$ 32.0. This ticket can be purchased at the Star Ferry Harbour Ticket Counter in TST Ferry Pier. The special tourist ticket entitles you to take unlimited rides on the routes “Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)/Central”, “TST/Wan Chai” 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.

For the sake of completeness, a monthly ticket is also available for HKD 160. The monthly ticket can be purchased directly at the Harbour Tour Ticket Counter at the TST Pier. In case you opt to purchase a monthly ticket, prepare and take a recent photograph with you.

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Where to get tickets or How to use the Star Ferry

As a traveller you have three different methods of payment. If you own an Octopus Card you can pay the Star Ferry ride with it. Simply swipe your card over the fare receiver before you enter the gates.

The second method is to tender the exact fare in coins. Simply put the coins into the coin box at the turnstile at the entrance of the Star Ferry Pier. The last option, is to purchase a token at the token vending machine (see pictures).

Regarding which payment options you choose, you have to use different turnstiles. The different entrance gates are clearly marked on the floor and lead you to the right turnstile.

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Star Ferry Harbour Tours

The Star Ferry Company offers several harbour 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 Harbour. If you are interested in some of the tours you can have a look the Harbour Tour by Star Ferry Company.

What are the Opening Hours and when is it the best time to take the ferry?

The Star Ferries operate from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm on the Tsim Sha Tsui – Central Route. The interval frequency of the ferries are around 10 – 12 minutes. During the rush hours you can catch every 6 – 8 minutes one.

The operating times and timetable for the Wan Chai – Tsim Sha Tsui Route are a little bit different. On weekdays, the Star Ferries operate from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm. The frequencies are between 8 – 12 minutes. However, prepare that he frequencies of ferries are less on Sundays and Public Holidays.

When is the best time to take the Star Ferry?

The ferries are still used by many locals to commute to and from their work. Therefore, try to avoid the off-office hours during the morning and evening hours.

Frankly speaking, there is no best time for this experience. No matter if you decide to take it during the day-time or when the night falls. It is an unforgettable experience for young and old.

Having said that, try to avoid the time around 8:00 pm. Travel agencies and travel groups (especially e.g. from Korea, Japan and Mainland China) flock to the Star Ferry piers and try to get on one of the boats to enjoy the nightly A Symphony of Lights show.

Believe me, even if you can make it on one of the boats, it will be packed. You won’t have much chance to see and experience the amazing light and laser show.

Therefore, if you really would like to enjoy the Symphony of Lights show on Victoria Harbour, do yourself a favour and book one of the special harbour tours. You will have a much more pleasant, enjoyable and memorable stay!

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How to get to the Star Ferry Piers

If you plan to take one of the regular Star Ferries, you have a chance to board them at three different piers. Two of the Star Ferry Piers are located on Hong Kong Island while the third one is located in TST. Below I provide you all the details how to get to the Star Ferry Piers.

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Additional Insider Tips and FAQs

Which is the best route for sightseeing and enjoy the spectacular views?

Maybe you wonder which is the best route for sightseeing and enjoy the spectacular views?

Personally, I like the TST to Central route the most. I love how the skyline unfolds when approaching Hong Kong Island. No matter if day or night, the iconic buildings such as the Bank of China, IFC 2 and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, etc. will amaze you.

Having said that, the way back to TST also has its charm. You will encounter a different Hong Kong skyline.

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Travel with a wheelchair on the Star Ferry

Maybe you wonder if it is possible to take the ferries with a wheelchair. I have some good news for you. Yes, you can. Each ferry can accommodate a maximum of 4 disabled persons on wheelchairs.

In case you would like to experience and take one of the ferries, you can inform the staff. You can do that either directly at the entrance or by bell.

However, the bad news is that you only can use the lower deck. In addition, if you plan to take the ferry from TST to Wan Chai, you should inform one of the staff.

Since the opening of the new Wan Chai Star Ferry Piers, the Star Ferry only operates the upper deck on this route. Hence, one of the staff needs to open up the lower deck for you and you have to pay for the ride when you arrive in Wan Chai.

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Can you take a bicycle on the Star Ferry?

Yes, you can take your bike on the ferry. However, each bike is HK$ 16. Furthermore, only a maximum of 10 bikes are allowed on the lower deck if the deck is not used for passenger carriage.

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More Hong Kong Public Transportation

More Important Information You Need To Know