Layover transport questions

Question

Hello,

We are flying Cathay , arriving in HK on Saturday at 06:30 and departing again at 15:00. We will fly in Business so will be among the first to exit the plane.

We would like to see a bit of the city, just to get out of the airport but want to be back by 13:00 to enjoy the lounge and have a quick shower before boarding our next flight. We have visited HK many years ago and did the touristy thing, so won’t be visiting Victoria Peak this time or Big Buddha this time.

Please advise on how to put the activities below together:

Take bus A21 to TST for the scenic route. (Is it easy to locate the embarkation area for the bus and where should I get off? Also how do I pay for the bus?)

Take the Star ferry.

Walk along Avenue of Stars

Take the AirPort Express back to HKIA (where do we board the train?)

Thank you !

Answer

With a layover of roughly 8.5 hours in Hong Kong (06:30 arrival to 15:00 departure), and aiming to be back at HKIA by 13:00, you have around 5–6 hours to explore the city if immigration and travel are smooth. Since you want a scenic, relaxed tour without the major tourist sites, the route you suggest is feasible but requires careful timing.

Here’s a step-by-step plan and tips for your itinerary:

Arrival and immigration: After landing at 06:30, allow about 45–60 minutes to clear immigration and collect luggage (even in Business class, this is reasonable).
Bus A21 to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST): The A21 airport bus departs from the ground transportation area of HKIA. After immigration, follow signs for “Bus” or “Ground Transport.” Tickets can be purchased from the booth at the bus stop or you can pay exact cash (HK$33 per adult). You’ll get a scenic route along the airport expressway, which offers views of the harbor and urban areas.
Where to get off: Request to be dropped at the TST Star Ferry Pier area or the Peninsula Hotel stop. Both are close to the harbor and the Avenue of Stars. Approximate travel time: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Star Ferry: Walk to the Star Ferry pier in TST and take the ferry across to Central (HK Island). It’s a 10-minute ride with excellent harbor views. Fares are inexpensive and you can pay cash at the booth.
Avenue of Stars: After the ferry, you can walk along the Central waterfront or take a short MTR/walk back to TST if you prefer. In TST, the Avenue of Stars offers views of Hong Kong Island, art installations, and sculptures. Allocate ~30–45 minutes for a relaxed stroll and photos.

Return to HKIA:

From TST, take the Airport Express train from Kowloon Station back to HKIA. Kowloon Station is located at the Elements shopping mall. You can take a taxi or MTR from TST to Kowloon Station (10–15 min). Trains run every 10–12 minutes; journey takes ~24 minutes to the airport. Ensure you board in time to reach the lounge by 13:00.
Airport Express tickets can be purchased at the station. Business class travelers often have access to express check-in counters at the airport and can store luggage if needed.

Additional tips:

Carry light hand luggage for quick transit and city exploration.
Keep track of time strictly—urban traffic or queues may delay your return trip.
All walking distances are manageable with children or luggage, but wear comfortable shoes.

Following this plan, you should comfortably enjoy a quick glimpse of TST, the Star Ferry, and the Avenue of Stars, while ensuring ample time to return to the airport lounge before your next flight.

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