Long Layover in HKG

Question

Hi, I’ll be having a long layover in October from 4:35am to 4:20pm. I want to see the Tian Tan Buddha and Victoria Peak. Any ideas for what to do over the layover?

Answer

With a layover from 4:35 am to 4:20 pm, you have roughly 8–9 usable hours after factoring in immigration, transport, and return check-in time. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is conveniently connected by the Airport Express and buses, so it’s quite possible to enjoy two of Hong Kong’s highlights — the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) on Lantau Island and Victoria Peak — within that time frame if you plan carefully.

First, clear immigration and freshen up at the airport. Most travelers can expect to exit by around 6:00 am. Store your luggage at the “Left Baggage” service in the Arrivals Hall before heading out for sightseeing.

Begin your day with a visit to the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, which opens around 10:00 am. Getting there early also lets you enjoy the mountain views before crowds arrive.

Take the S1 or S56 bus from the airport to Tung Chung Station (about 15 minutes).
From Tung Chung, you can either take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (opens around 10 am, 25 minutes ride) for panoramic views or Bus 23 (45–50 minutes) if you arrive before cable car service starts.
Spend 1.5–2 hours visiting the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Ngong Ping Village.
Return to Tung Chung by cable car or bus around 11:30 am–12 pm.

After your Lantau visit, make your way to Victoria Peak for a classic view of Hong Kong’s skyline. You can reach there conveniently using the MTR and Peak Tram.

From Tung Chung, take the MTR to Hong Kong Station (about 35 minutes via the Tung Chung Line).
Walk 10 minutes to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus near Central and take the tram or a taxi to The Peak (15–20 minutes ride).
Enjoy lunch or coffee at the Peak Tower or Peak Galleria while admiring the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour.
Spend about 1–1.5 hours at the Peak before heading back down to Central.

For the return to the airport, plan to leave Central by around 1:45 pm–2:00 pm. Take the Airport Express train from Hong Kong Station directly to the airport (24 minutes ride). This should get you back by 2:30 pm–2:45 pm, giving ample time for security and boarding for your 4:20 pm departure.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider visiting only one major attraction and spending the rest of your time exploring nearby areas:

Option 1: Spend the morning at Tian Tan Buddha, then relax and shop at Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung before returning to the airport.
Option 2: Skip Lantau and head directly into Central to explore Victoria Peak, Central District, and Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for skyline views.

Remember to check visa requirements (if applicable) and allow at least 2 hours before your flight for recheck-in and security. With efficient planning, this layover offers a rewarding glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture, nature, and skyline.

Long Layover in HKG

More Hong Kong Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions