Airport to accommodation
Hello All,
We are spending a weekend in June in Hong Kong and are a bit confused about how best to get from the airport to accommodation.
It would seem the airport train only has x4 stops, we are undecided between Kowloon and Hong Kong island at this stage, will Hong Kong island make things more difficult? We don't want to muck around too much because of our limited time. Is it best to just Taxi?
Also any recommendations for accommodation for 3 nights, around 600$ U.S budget.
Many thanks.
Traveling from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to your accommodation is straightforward, and you have a few good options depending on your priorities of convenience, cost, and time.
Airport to Accommodation Options:
- Airport Express Train: The Airport Express is fast and efficient. It stops at four stations: Airport, Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island (Hong Kong Station). If you stay in Kowloon, you can get off at Kowloon Station and either take a taxi or the complimentary shuttle bus to nearby hotels. If you stay on Hong Kong Island, you can disembark at Hong Kong Station and take a taxi, tram, or MTR depending on your hotel’s location. The journey takes about 24 minutes to Kowloon and 28 minutes to Hong Kong Island.
- Taxi: Taxis are convenient, especially if you have luggage or prefer a direct route. Red taxis serve urban areas (Hong Kong Island and Kowloon). Approximate fares: Airport to Kowloon ~HKD 300–350, Airport to Central/Hong Kong Island ~HKD 350–400. Travel time is around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Bus (City Bus/Coach): City buses or hotel shuttles are cheaper than taxis but take longer (~45–60 minutes). Good option if you are staying near bus stops and want to save money.
Kowloon vs Hong Kong Island:
- Kowloon is more compact with many hotels, shopping areas (Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok), and nightlife. Staying here gives easy access to the airport via the Airport Express and is slightly less expensive than Hong Kong Island.
- Hong Kong Island is slightly more spread out but offers proximity to major attractions like Victoria Peak, Central, Soho, and IFC. Access from the Airport Express is still convenient, but you may need to transfer or walk slightly depending on hotel location.
Hotel Recommendations for 3 Nights (~$600 USD Budget):
- Kowloon Options:
- Hilton Garden Inn Mongkok – central location, close to MTR, street markets, and dining.
- Hotel ICON – modern, stylish, great service, near Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
- Royal Plaza Hotel – convenient access to Mong Kok, good facilities and shopping nearby.
- Hong Kong Island Options:
- Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour – central, near Central MTR and Star Ferry.
- Ovolo Central – boutique hotel, walkable to restaurants, bars, and shopping.
- Novotel Century Hong Kong – close to Wan Chai, convenient for sightseeing.
Recommendation: If minimizing travel hassle is your top priority for a short weekend, staying in Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok) is slightly easier from the airport and gives quick access to key sights. Taking the Airport Express to Kowloon Station and then a short taxi or shuttle to your hotel is usually the most convenient balance of speed and comfort. If you prefer a slightly more scenic/central Hong Kong Island experience, Hong Kong Station with a short taxi or MTR ride works well too.
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