At Harrow International School Hong Kong, we know how important it is for families to have a comfortable and convenient way to navigate this busy metropolis. The effective and well-connected public transport system in the city provides a practical, dependable, and often pleasant way to explore, regardless of whether your family is new to our school or has been here for a long time.
Arguably one of the best transport networks in the world, Hong Kong’s system is renowned for its affordability, accessibility, and timeliness. We will take you and your family through the essential features of Hong Kong’s transport system in this guide, making it easy for you to get about the city.
The MTR
Without a doubt, the most well-liked and frequently used form of public transportation in Hong Kong is the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). It links almost every area of the city, from the crowded streets of Central to the quieter New Territories, and it is quick and clean. The MTR system, which has over 90 stations and 11 major lines, includes most of the places you’ll probably visit, such as well-known locations like Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Tuen Mun, where our school is located.
The MTR’s user-friendly design is what makes it so enticing. Families who do not know Cantonese will find it simple to navigate thanks to bilingual signs in both Chinese and English. Trains also run often, so you seldom have to wait more than a few minutes during rush hour.
The simplest method of paying for MTR trips (and other forms of transit, which we’ll discuss later) is using the Octopus card, a rechargeable contactless smart card. All you have to do is touch your Octopus card to go in and out of the station. MTR stations and convenience shops both sell the Octopus card.
Source: MTR website
Buses
While the MTR is incredibly efficient, buses offer an excellent alternative, particularly for areas less accessible by train. The main bus companies in Hong Kong are Citybus, New World First Bus, and KMB (Kowloon Motor Bus). The city has a significant bus network. Bus travel to and from Harrow, Hong Kong, may be a particularly picturesque way for families to see the city.
Numerous bus lines go through places where MTR access is restricted, which makes them perfect for seeing some of the less-travelled locations. The buses in Hong Kong have the advantage of offering an amazing view of the city, particularly if you sit on the top deck. It’s a fantastic method for your children to soak up the energy of the city as they make their way to their next destination.
Buses use Octopus cards as payment, much like the MTR. At bus stations, timetables and routes are easily visible, and the majority of bus services provide real-time updates via applications like Moovit or Citymapper, so you can always be aware of when the next bus is scheduled to arrive.
Source: Hong Kong Transport Department
Ferries
Ferries provide a unique method for families to get around Hong Kong’s well-known harbour while experiencing a more traditional form of transportation. The Star Ferry, in particular, is iconic. It connects Central and Tsim Sha Tsui and offers breathtaking views of the Hong Kong skyline in addition to being a convenient way to traverse Victoria Harbour.
Ferries are often the primary means of transportation for those travelling from the outer islands, such as Lantau or Lamma. Weekend family vacations are ideal since the ferry services to these islands are regular and provide a pleasant opportunity to experience some of Hong Kong’s most stunning natural environments. Ferries add excitement to travels, whether you’re exploring the beaches of Lamma or heading to Disneyland on Lantau.
Buying ferry tickets with an Octopus card makes switching between means of transportation easy. Ferry trips are a fun way for many families to escape the bustle of the city.
Source: Star Ferry website
Taxi
Hong Kong cabs are an additional useful choice for those occasions when the public transit system isn’t exactly ideal. When compared to other large cities, Hong Kong’s taxi service is reasonably priced, widely accessible, and well-regulated.
There are three colours used for taxis: red, green, and blue. Each colour represents a certain region. Green taxis go to the New Territories (where Harrow Hong Kong is situated), blue taxis are for Lantau Island, and red taxis run throughout the city and Kowloon.
You can take advantage of applications like HKTaxi or Uber for even more ease, or you can hail a taxi on the street. Although the majority of taxi drivers are Cantonese speakers, many of them can also speak English, especially in significant locations. You can help yourself further to have a smooth ride by carrying a card with your destination printed in Chinese or by displaying your location on Google Maps.
Hong Kong taxis are also quite accommodating to families with small children; however, if you want a car seat, you should carry your own, since most local taxis do not have one.
Minibuses
Minibuses are a quicker, less formal option for a more daring bus journey than standard buses. These compact, 16-seat buses go fast and effectively across the city, reaching places that larger buses would not be able to. Minibuses come in two varieties: red and green.
Red minibuses are more flexible in where they stop than green minibuses, which follow set routes and timetables. Newcomers may find this flexibility a little bewildering, but families that know the routes well may find them to be a fantastic time-saver.
Cash and Octopus cards are accepted forms of payment for minibuses. Locals often choose minibuses, particularly for shorter excursions inside the city, despite the fact that their speed may sometimes be an experience in itself.
Trams
For families looking to experience a piece of Hong Kong’s history, the tram system is a must-try. The trams in Hong Kong, sometimes referred to as the “Ding Ding” due to the sound of its bell, have been in service since 1904 and provide a distinctive and enchanting means of seeing the city’s northern region of Hong Kong Island.
Trams provide a leisurely pace for sightseeing even if they are not the quickest mode of transportation. They’re a great option for families who wish to see and hear Hong Kong Island from a fresh angle because of their flat fee and all-day operation. It’s also among the most reasonably priced modes of travel in the city, costing just a few Hong Kong dollars every trip.
Harrow School Transport
Harrow International School Hong Kong, situated in the Gold Coast area of the New Territories, serves pupils from across Hong Kong. Most day pupils access the school via Castle Peak Road, which often experiences heavy traffic, especially during weekday mornings. As the area develops, the school community shares responsibility with other road users for local traffic safety and efficiency. The school collaborates with the HKSARG Transport Department to improve traffic flow. To alleviate congestion and manage campus access, the school encourages pupils to use the Chun Wo bus service and has implemented additional measures to reduce vehicle numbers on campus.
Seamless Transport for Harrow Families
At Harrow International School Hong Kong, navigating the public transport system is an integral aspect of everyday life for many families. It’s simple enough to get about the city with the MTR, buses, ferries and taxis providing dependable and efficient transportation solutions. Hong Kong’s transit system makes sure you can take advantage of all this energetic city has to offer, whether you’re travelling to school or spending the weekends touring the city with your family.