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Since 2009, the Star Ferry cruise in Hong Kong has been one of the fifty places you should visit in your life. The crossing of the Victoria Harbour from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island is definitely fantastic and absolutely worth seeing, even without any lists.
Taking the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island
You can also come to Hong Kong Island by MTR train from Kowloon, but the ferry crossing is nicer than the subway and also cheap. The Star Ferry ferries are integrated on the public transport network and we will show you here how the trip from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island works, as well as times and prices.
How to get to Hong Kong
To travel to Hong Kong, there are many options. The most used is certainly the airplane, because not only from the Asian countries, but also from Europe and America there are direct flights to Hong Kong. Various airlines such as Emirates, Finnair, Cathay Pacific fly to Hong Kong and you can get a good overview on Skyscanner. There you can also easily compare prices.
The second option, if you are coming from China, is the train. There are connections to Hong Kong from Shanghai, Guangzhou or even Beijing. The boat would be another variant, e.g. from neighboring Macau, if it was your first destination. For more information about getting to Hong Kong and tickets that you can book conveniently before your trip, check out our partner 12go.asia.
Accommodation in Hong Kong – our hotel tip
Located in the heart of Kowloon, Hotel Ease Mong Kok is just a minute’s walk from the Yau Ma Tei Station on the MTR train. The rooms are spread over 20 floors and offer great views of the city skyline. They are equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, safe and a small desk. A good starting point to explore Hong Kong.
Find more hotels in Hong Kong in other parts of Kowloon or on Hong Kong Island here.
Routes and prices of the Star Ferry
The Star Ferry operates two routes from Kowloon, respectively the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier. The best known and most used route is from Kowloon Pier to Central Pier on Hong Kong Island. Another route offered is from Kowloon Pier to Wan Chai – also on Hong Kong Island.
Star Ferry boats leave from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island daily between 6.30 A.M. and 11.30 P.M. to Central Pier. A ferry departs about every 10 minutes, so you never have to wait really long. During the week, the upper deck costs HK$ 2.70 and the lower deck HK$ 2.20. On the weekend, the prices increase to HK $3.70 and HK$ 3.10.
The ferry from Kowloon to Wan Chai offers daily service between 7.30 A.M. and 11.00 P.M. The frequency is not that high, that means you can wait up to 15 minutes for the next boat. The price during the week is HK$ 2.70 and HK$ 3.70 on the weekend.
Furthermore, the Star Ferry also offers harbor cruises in Hong Kong, during the day and in the evening, when the skyline is illuminated. Prizes start at HK$ 110 for the day trip and HK$ 200 for the night tour. Further information can be found on the official website of the Star Ferry.
Info: There are of course other providers of harbor cruises in Hong Kong, e.g. with one of the Chinese junks and a dinner during the Symphony of Lights light show.
Kowloon Pier
Kowloon Pier, also known as Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, is adjacent to the Clock Tower and Symphony of Lights Observation Deck. The best way to get there is by MTR train, also Tsim Sha Tsui station. From there it is only a few minutes walk.
At the entrance there are a few small shops and the access to the Star Ferry. You just have to follow the signs. If you stay at the level of the street you will gain access to the lower part of the Star Ferry. If you take the stairs up, you can get to the upper deck, which offers a better view.
At the entrance to the Star Ferry, there are now two ways to get to the ship. First, you use the two right-hand accesses, where you have to pay in cash, or you have an Octopus card and use the two left-hand entries. All you have to do is hold your card over the scanner and the appropriate amount will be debited.
Info: The Octopus Card is absolutely worth it in Hong Kong, because you can use it for the MTR trains, buses, ferries or even the trams on Hong Kong Island. It is best to buy them on arrival at the airport at the information desks, which you will find at the Airport Express entrance.
The ride on the Star Ferry
As soon as you pass the passage, you wait for the next ferry and just go on board. It’s best to find a spot on the side so you have a good view of the Hong Kong skyline. On the upper deck, the front area is even equipped with air conditioning if you need a cool down.
Now it will take you about 10 minutes to arrive on the other side of Victoria Harbor on Hong Kong Island on the Central Pier. In our opinion, a good alternative to the MTR train.
Central Pier on Hong Kong Island
At the Central Pier you can now get out and walk over the pedestrian bridge right into the hustle and bustle. It is about a 5-minute walk to the trams that go around Hong Kong Island or 10 minutes to the Mid-Level Escalator. The return trip is the same procedure as it is at Kowloon Pier.
Hong Kong: Tours and tickets
Did you use the Star Ferry on a trip to Hong Kong? How was your experience? Leave us feedback in the comments
