Octopus, MTR, Ferries, Trams and Taxis: Getting Around Hong Kong Smoothly

What Octopus is and where it works

Octopus (八達通) is a stored-value tap card. It works on the MTR, buses, trams, the Star Ferry, minibuses, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle K, and many eateries and vending machines, so you rarely need coins.

This guide goes deeper than “Transit Cards: Suica, T-money, Octopus and EasyCard”, which compares cards across several countries. Here the focus is purely on Hong Kong.

Getting an Octopus and topping it up

1. 1Pick a formatPhysical cards are sold at MTR service counters and tourist versions exist; check the Octopus website for current terms. iPhone users can add Octopus to Apple Wallet instead.
2. 2Top up with a foreign cardIn Apple Wallet you can top up with a foreign Visa or Mastercard. A physical card can be topped up at MTR machines, convenience stores and counters, and cash is the simplest route.
3. 3Check the balanceTap a reader or open the Octopus app before riding so the balance does not run short at the gate.
4. 4Use up or return the cardBefore flying home, spend leftover value in a convenience store or check the refund terms on the official site.

Tapping a bank card at MTR gates

Most MTR gates accept contactless Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB cards, plus phones with a linked card. Tap in and out with the same card or device. The catch is that only the adult fare is charged, with no child or senior concession.

• Use one card for both ends of a trip and keep other cards away from the reader.
• Minibuses and many small shops still need Octopus or cash.
• Your Thai bank may charge foreign transaction fees, so ask it first.

MTR lines visitors use most

Admiralty and Central are big interchanges. Platform signs show the terminus name, and exits are lettered (for example Exit A), so check the exit before you leave the paid area.

Airport Express and in-town check-in

Airport Express links the airport with Kowloon and Hong Kong stations as a fast, limited-stop train. Many airlines offer in-town check-in and bag drop at Hong Kong or Kowloon station before you head to the airport, but you must confirm your airline takes part.

Buses, Star Ferry and trams

• Double-decker buses reach places the MTR does not, such as bus 15 from Central to The Peak. Pay with Octopus and plan with Google Maps or Citymapper.
• The Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour between Central or Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, accepts Octopus, and is one of the best city views on offer.
• Double-decker Ding Ding trams run along the north side of Hong Kong Island. They are slow but scenic; board at the rear and pay as you get off.
• Minibuses take Octopus or cash only, and many stop wherever a passenger asks the driver.

Taxis and the colour zones

Hong Kong taxis are colour-coded: red cabs run the urban zone on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, green cabs serve the New Territories and blue cabs serve Lantau. Green and blue cabs are not meant for central trips. Some drivers speak limited English, so keep the destination in Chinese or on a map screen.

Uber and HKTaxi can hail cars, which needs mobile data. To stay online both in the MTR and on the street, see “Hong Kong Trip Prep: Checklist, SIM, eSIM and Staying Online”.

Etiquette and practical tips on transit

• Stand on the right of escalators and leave the left side clear for people in a hurry.
• Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the MTR paid area, so finish snacks before the gate.
• Weekday morning and evening peaks are crowded, especially at Central, Admiralty and Mong Kok, so avoid them with large luggage.
• Check the exit letter before leaving, since large stations have many exits that can be several blocks apart.
• Carry a power bank, because running maps and ride apps all day drains the battery.

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