Taxis from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Central Hotel

[Johnny34]

Arriving at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in January. Will there be a lot of taxis to go to a Central Hotel?

 

What is the approximate cost?

 

Than you.

[loeb]

See #12 on the attached

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2392313

[mking8288]

Assumed that you will disembark your ship in mid/late morning ?? so it will be toward the end of the morning/AM rush hour for commuter traffic - there should be "reasonable" # of taxi at the KTCT ... although, the lines queue for the next available taxi should move along.

 

Most likely, the taxis are red in color, meaning they can go to practically all popular tourist destination, including Lantau for HKIA (airport) or across the harbour (via one of 3 tunnels under the Victoria Habour) ... except mid/late afternoon where the drivers do their shift changes, some of them will NOT be happy going across the harbour if that's not "on the way" (although, by law - they are not supposed to refuse, especially once you get inside the taxi)

 

Where in your hotel in Central, if you don't mind sharing? Taxi fare estimates are higher than previously given by another CC - as Tsim Sha Tsui is on the Kowloon side whereas Central is on the HK island side with the tunnel crossing.

 

Regardless, I'm using One Pacific Place, Admiralty Place (which is practically Central) as nearby is the Conrad and Marriott Hotel with excellent views across town & toward Kowloon - one of my favorite place to meet with friends for high tea in the afternoon or "power" breakfast in the good old days. 88 Queensway, HK is the address. The cheapest & shortest route from KT is about 13 km - in about 30 minutes @about $130 HKD whereas the fastest route is typically longer & more expensive at about 16 km in about 25 minutes @about $140 HKD. Tunnel toll is $10 HKD via the Cross Harbour Tunnel for the shortest route vs. $25 HKD for the Eastern Harbour Tunnel. If you are going further west into Central & toward Sheung Wen - taxi fares will be higher.

 

Not a big difference, $20 to $24 USD total in fares, toll & surcharge for luggage ($5 per piece).

 

Traffic is notorious in HK - link to live webcams - http://traffic.td.gov.hk/SwitchCenter.do

Edited November 10, 2016 by mking8288

[Johnny34]

Thank you for all the detailed information. That is very helpful.

 

We are staying at FS Hong Kong on 8 Finance Street, Central.

Should we tell taxi driver which tunnel to take? for the shorter route?

We arrive early and would probably be in taxi by 9:00-9:30 a.m.

 

Also I saw they only have money changers at Cruise Terminal. I am surprised there are no ATM machines.

[mking8288]

Excel choice and a classic (gotta do Dim Sum for brunch & colonial high tea in the PM ;) ) - FS would be a little further near IFC (Int'l Finance Center) - metered fares will run about an extra $10 HKD or less (or, $1.50 USD with 7:75 to 1 exchange factor)

 

As for taking the shorter/cheapest route - overall difference is practically minimal, Cross Harbour Tunnel (opened in the 1970's) will wind its way thru its way over the newer & mixed-use area by the old airport, elevated highway & into Hung Hom for the island & most congested - $10 toll is a bargain for commuters and you get a free, scenic tour moving along. The Eastern Tunnel will head "away" from town into HK island & put you on the elevated highway that run along the reclaimed landfill waterfront, winding its way toward Wan Chai into Central - it's a different but equally scenic route - you will come to appreciate the term & true meanings of an urban high-rise concrete jungle. Take whichever route, there's free WiFi for all travelers at KTCT - use it to check Google Map (it's bilingual in HK) for real-time traffic & route, before you get into the taxi so you will have a good idea.

 

HK Transport Dept has mobile app & mobile access, bookmark it & you can use on the go (download & install it first, make it easier - iOS and Android supported) Info/tips on taxi - http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/plan-your-trip/traveller-info/transport/getting-around/taxi.jsp

Taxi-fare Calculator (relatively accurate) - https://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Hong-Kong-China&from=Kai+Tak+Cruise+Terminal%2C+Hong+Kong&to=Finance+Street%2C+8%2C+Central%2C+Hong+Kong&toCoord=22.2851589,114.15884119999998

 

P.S. Seat belt use are required even while riding as pax in taxis in HK per local regulations; and, highly recommended - as drivers are known to be tailgaters & will stop just short behind each other's bumpers ... relax, buckle up & enjoy the views along the route.

[Johnny34]

Great information.

I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything!