Hong Kong Public Transport
Hong Kong runs an efficient and integrated public transport system. The Airport Express takes passengers directly from the airport arrivals hall into Central. From there, or via stations en-route you can connect to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR subway), the KCRC railway, West Rail, Light Rail, Man On Shun Rail, ferries, busses and the Ngong Ping Skyrail. See our maps page for a diagram of the integrated transport network.
The main bus operators are Kowloon Motor Bus, New World First Bus. All of the aforementioned services take the Octopus card as a form of e-cash payment. Alternatively you can catch one of the small cream local buses that are cheap, but lack air conditioning. The quaintest form of transport have to be the historic trams which ply the north side of Hong Kong island (fixed fare of HK$2) and the tourist Peak Tram.
The mid-levels undercover escalator is an additional bonus for those travelling down from mid-levels to Central in the mornings or doing the reverse journey in the afternoons, when the escalator reverses. Pedestrians enjoy one other unusual bonus in Hong Kong - covered first floor walkways. Most of the major commercial buildings are interconnected and some of the walkways are air conditioned. This saves pedestrians crossing numerous roads and being exposed to rain or Summer heat.
Alternatives to Hong Kong Public Transport
The alternative to public transport is to buy a car. Unless you live on the south side of Hong Kong island or in the New Territories this is unlikely to be a necessity. Car ownership doesn't just reflect need in Hong Kong, it reflects status. No matter how expensive it is to buy and run European cars, there is no shortage of local buyers. Affluent locals like their cars like their properties, new and showy! You'll see Mercedes Benz, BMW, Rolls Royce and Bentley cars crawling through Central with their owners enjoying the envious stares of some pedestrians. Most of the expatriates tend to have a bit more of an eye on the practicalities of costs (including the prices of parking spaces in Central) and tend to opt for Japanese Automatics with air conditioning and low mileage, which can be bought relatively cheaply.
If you have an overseas driving license it is only a question of applying for the equivalent Hong Kong driving license. Don't think of importing your car as tax rates start at 35% of the published retail price.
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