Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, connecting travelers to over 200 destinations worldwide via Cathay Pacific and about 140 international airlines. It’s a gateway not just to Hong Kong, but to mainland China and the broader Far East. Having flown through HKG dozens of times over the years, I’m excited to share my insider tips with you.
How to get to and from HKG and Hong Kong
The Airport Express train is your most reliable option for getting between HKG and central Hong Kong. While buses and taxis are available, the train is faster and more reliable in most situations. Here’s why it’s become my go-to option after years of flying through this airport.
I prefer the Airport Express for a few reasons, first and foremost because you don’t have to think much about it. It departs once every 10 minutes, so there’s no need to time things out too specifically. I also love how clean, comfortable and spacious the coaches are. The experience feels upscale, in spite of being public transportation.
Remaining mindful of a few things before and during your journey will make your arrival into Hong Kong a lot smoother. First, having an Octopus card (be it a physical one, or a digital one installed via a mobile wallet) allows you to pay for your fare using a simple tap. I recommend setting this up before your trip so you can just tap and go when you arrive.
Secondly, realize that the “Kowloon” stop is a bit of a trek from many of the top hotels in that area. The MTR-operated free shuttle bus service is gone now, but some hotels provide their own shuttles from the Airport Express stations. But I typically use a different strategy. I ride the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, make the short walk to MTR Central Station, and then travel to TST, Jordan or Mong Kok on the MTR Tsuen Wan Line.
In most cases, I don’t recommend traveling between HKG and central Hong Kong by bus or private car, like a taxi or Uber. Traffic can hit any road vehicle, which can delay your arrival and departure. The only time I take a taxi is if I have extremely heavy or bulky luggage and don’t want to carry it.
Navigating security lines at HKG
Security and passport control at HKG move quickly despite being thorough. You won’t find a TSA Precheck equivalent at HKG, so all passengers go through the same screening. However, if you meet certain criteria (like being disabled, pregnant, traveling with an infant or are 65+) you can use the Courtesy Channel. This dedicated lane isn’t always faster, but it can be less hectic if you or a travel companion needs extra time.
Once you clear security, you’ll hit passport control. Here, you have a couple of options for skipping the main queue. If you’ve registered for the e-Channel for visitors (the Frequent Visitor Card programme has ended), you can use an automated kiosk. Also, if you hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can use a designated line that’s often a bit shorter.
I will say, in general, that both security and passport control in Hong Kong move quickly. While I love feeling like a VIP as much as any traveler, the general lines at HKG are usually so fast that you don’t save a ton of time using the special channels.
Transfers at HKG
Hong Kong doesn’t have any domestic flights, so all transfers at the airport are international-to-international. This includes flights to and from mainland China, which operates a separate immigration system despite Hong Kong technically being part of China.
After your first flight arrives, follow signs to the nearest Transfer Desk if you don’t have your next boarding pass. If you do, you can head directly to the security screening checkpoint. Just like the main security areas, these lines tend to move quickly.
Once you’ve cleared security, you can proceed into the main part of the airport to shop, dine or visit a lounge. If you’re an #avgeek like me, you could simply watch airplanes take off and land. One of the reasons I love transiting through HKG so much is that there’s never a dull moment.
Airline lounges and alternatives at HKG
Hong Kong International Airport is home to some seriously impressive airport lounges, particularly those of home carrier Cathay Pacific. But even if you’re not flying with them, you still have options.
Cathay Pacific operates five lounges accessible to premium passengers on Cathay Pacific and oneworld carriers like British Airways and Qantas, plus elite flyers with top-tier status. Most premium passengers can access The Bridge and the business class sections of The Wing and The Pier.
However, The Deck is currently serving as an interim First Class lounge while the first class section of The Wing undergoes renovations, so it’s restricted to First Class passengers and oneworld Emerald status holders.
If you have access to the first class lounges, I’d normally recommend The Wing. Both have chef-cooked food, craft cocktails and full-service spas, and I find the private Cabana rooms at The Wing feel more exclusive than the Day Suites at The Pier. However, with the first class section of The Wing currently closed for renovations, the first class section of The Pier and The Deck (serving as interim first class) are your options. Have a long layover? Split your time between both spots.
Other airlines with their own lounges include Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qantas. The Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge is especially useful, as it’s the designated spot for premium passengers on Star Alliance carriers like Air China and United. Check current status before your visit, as it occasionally closes for refurbishment, during which time eligible passengers can use the United Club near Gate 60.
If you hold a Priority Pass card, you have several choices. My personal favorite is the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which is stylish and feels intimate despite its size. HKG also has three locations of the Plaza Premium Lounge, a familiar name for frequent international travelers, plus the Kyra Lounge near Gate 23.
Should you explore Hong Kong on a long layover?
If you have a layover of more than about 7 hours and aren’t totally wiped out, I do recommend going into Hong Kong to explore. Some companies offer “transfer tours,” but I usually just hop on the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station and hit the ground running from there.
When I take a quick trip into the city, I typically visit the secure short-term baggage storage facility on Level 5 of Terminal 1 to drop my bags first. You can also find luggage storage at the Hong Kong Airport Express Station, but I prefer to handle it before leaving the airport.
When heading back to HKG, board the Airport Express at least three hours before your flight departs. The train takes about 24 minutes to reach the airport, leaving you plenty of time for check-in, security and immigration. Passengers are advised to reach the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure.
Transport to Macau and Mainland China from HKG
HKG is a hub not just for Hong Kong, but also for nearby Macau and parts of Guangdong province in China, like the city of Zhuhai. It’s possible to travel directly to these destinations from the airport.
Before you go through immigration at HKG, you’ll see signs for “Ferries to Macau and Mainland.” This route lets you travel onward without clearing Hong Kong immigration or customs. Just a heads-up, these ferries don’t run constantly, so you should check timetables to see if they line up with your arrival.
Alternatively, if you do clear immigration in Hong Kong, Cityflyer bus services can take you to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. From there, you’ll need to disembark, clear immigration, and transfer to the HZMB Shuttle Bus (Gold Bus) or cross-boundary coaches to reach Macau or Zhuhai. These buses come much more often than the ferries, giving you a bit more flexibility.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
