Tai O

Question

What is the best way to get from Kai Tak cruise terminal to Tai O and the fastest way back.

Answer

Traveling from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Tai O is doable but requires a combination of public transport or taxi. The key is to balance convenience and travel time. Tai O is located on Lantau Island, and there is no direct public transport from Kai Tak, so you will need to transfer via MTR and bus or taxi.

Recommended routes:

Option 1: MTR + Bus (cheaper, standard public transport)
Take a taxi or shuttle from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the nearest MTR station (usually Kai Tak or Kowloon Bay).
From there, take the MTR to Tung Chung Station on the Tung Chung line.
From Tung Chung, take bus 11 to Tai O. The bus ride is scenic but takes about 50–60 minutes.
Option 2: Taxi/Private car (fastest and most direct)
You can take a taxi or book a private car from the cruise terminal directly to Tai O. This is the most convenient if you are short on time, but more expensive. The journey usually takes around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Option 3: Combination with ferry
This is less common for Kai Tak, but some travelers prefer to reach Tung Chung Pier first and then take a short ferry to Tai O. Check ferry schedules as they are less frequent.

Returning to Kai Tak from Tai O:

The fastest option is to retrace your route via taxi/private car directly back to the cruise terminal.
If using public transport, take bus 11 back to Tung Chung, then MTR to Kowloon Bay/Kai Tak area, followed by a short taxi to the terminal.

Tips:

Allow at least 4–5 hours for the round trip if using public transport to enjoy Tai O without rushing.
If time is limited, consider using a private taxi for both ways to maximize sightseeing time.

Overall, for speed and convenience, a taxi/private car is recommended. For budget travel, MTR + bus is reliable but takes longer.