Hong Kong transportation

[portnum]

I will be dropped off from my Norwegian southeast itinerary in Hong Kong. Is there any recommendation on what taxis to use as I think Uber doesn't do well over there? I heard the public transportation system is good and that an Octopus pass is recommended. Is there an app for that?

 

Can you tell me if the public transportation goes through the Victoria peak or Hong Kong Park?

 

Sorry for questions that maybe perceived as way too basic to ask.

 

Thanks!

[Betty in Cozumel]

No app.  The Octopus card is a card is just a money card that can be used on the subway, buses, ferries and even at some stores and vending machines.

 

Public transportation will take you to the HK Park but not inside.  As for the Peak, you can take the Peak Tram which is a one time thrill or use the buses to get to the top for a spectacular ride.

[mking8288]

OP, depending on your length of stay/visit in HK, you might want to buy the Sold-Tourist-Octopus-Card, $39 HKD without any stored value (that's about $5 USD) and add maybe $30 to $50 USD to use - roughly $220 to $380 HKD - accepted for most public transportation, including those PMB (Public Mini Bus) if you are brave enough - MTR trains, buses, ferries and Peak Trams, NP 360 Cable Car, etc.  as well as food, fruits, beverages, snacks & soda/juices at 7-11's, McDonalds, Watson's Drug Store, all over town as a debit card.  

 

http://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/octopus-cards/products/sold-tourist/index.html

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/plan-your-trip/traveller-info/transport/getting-around/octopus-card.jsp

 

Details in the offical government website, HKTB online - download the free Apps & eGuides if you will have a tablet or iPad for helpful info, offline maps, etc.  The other tip is to get and use the Discover HK Tourism (3-in-1) Sim card, usable in almost all smart/iPhone - a 5 day Pass with generous allowance of fast 4G LTE data, access to local WiFi hotspot, etc. and discounts/offers at retailers also included. 

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/plan-your-trip/traveller-info/communications/tourist-sim-card.jsp

 

Inside Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a licensed currency exchange counter booth/service is open on ship days - you can get some local money (not the best exchange rates, maybe 7.55 to 7.65 HKD for 1 USD instead of bank/ATM's better rate of 7.65 to 7.75 - a service charge is allowed, and have passport/ID's available) to get started for taxi, bus or mall shuttle to nearby MTR stations, where you can buy the Octopus cards (English is widely understood, maybe not perfectly spoken at MTR's customer service center).  HK Tourism Board has a booth/service counter at the terminal, maps & guides are available ... I don't believe the tourist sim card and/or Tourist Octoups card are available/sold there.  

 

Hong Kong Park is semi "hidden" by the area's tall skyscrapers & mix of elevated roadways & limited access roads, it is near/across from the lower terminus of the Peak Tram, near the U.S. Consulate Office - the nearest MTR Station is "Admiralty" or 金鐘 - there are multiple numbered exits from this (and other) underground stations, check the bilingual signage for the closest one for Peak Tram and/or (it's an uphill walk) HK Park, which in my opinion, isn't one of those "must see or do" for 1st. time tourist-visitors to HK.  Kowloon Park is far more interesting on Nathan Road.  As long as you aren't visiting on a Sunday or public holiday in HK, lines for the historic Tram aren't too bad but will be long.  On the island side of the Star Ferry terminal in Central is one of the key public bus terminal, where you can catch (usually, double-decker) a bus to go up to the top of the Peak, winding its way quickly thru town, passing the Peak Tram terminus & up Mid Level, it is a fun & very scenic ride in about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic - look out the windows, beyond the trees, you can see - on a clear day - across Victoria Harbour & into Kowloon Bay where the ship is (was) docked. 

 

From the top of the Peak, you can take the Peak Tram down & then HK Park should be to your right, away from Central slightly toward Wan Chai.  From the upper Peak, there are taxis (metered fares, always) and buses as well as PMB to take you down to Central or Causeway ... while others might head the other way south to Stanley, on the opposite side of the island.  Be advised, that it is not easy to flag down a passing taxi and/or ask the driver to stop easily in Central or by the Peak Tram as many roads & streets as designated as no stopping or drop-off/pickup for passengers, to maintain a smooth flow of HK's heavy volume of traffic ... tell the driver way, way ahead if you plan to do so and will be using a taxi to get around.  They know their ways around & will try to turn off to a side street where they are permitted to stop & let you out. 

 

Tourism website is well maintained and has tons of info, tips & links - please bookmark & take advantage of it.  Happy planning & traveling abroad. 

[ROCruiser]

This route search page may help if you are brave and interested in taking public buses in Hong Kong. http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/index.aspx?intLangID=1