Hong Kong and Macau - Airport Express

I'm going to be using the Airport Express for my trip on Friday for HKG-BKK in J. What should I expect? Are there any tips etc?

Cheers

Well except using in-town check-in there's nothing special. (note though sometime line at in-town check in can be very ugly, just go direct to airport check-in if that's the case)

Thanks. Hopefully it won't be too busy at 6am!

Depending on your location, it might be easier using the airport buses. They take a bit more time, but if you are close to a bus stop, it definitely saves you making your way to the MTR station - you simply get on the bus, and get off the bus at the airport.

Ride at the back of the train for CX check in / south security.

Unrelated to CX - moving to HKG forum.

cxfan1960
CX CoMod

I've read on one of the hong kong your it websites that some local travel agents can provide 30 percent discount tickets on airport express. Does anyone have any information

One other question with the combined airport express 3 day tourist pass the cost includes a 50 deposit. What is the deposit for and is this this a good deal?

I've read on one of the hong kong your it websites that some local travel agents can provide 30 percent discount tickets on airport express. Does anyone have any information

One other question with the combined airport express 3 day tourist pass the cost includes a 50 deposit. What is the deposit for and is this this a good deal?

Deposit is for the card itself, which is a variant of the Octopus stored-value cards used in HK. If you return it, you'll get your $50 back.

Whether it's a good deal depends on whether you're going to ride the MTR trains a lot in those 3 days, as well as whether you can get other discounts on the Airport Express to start with. For example, 2, 3 or 4 traveling together on the AE already get a discount, with 4 traveling together really cheap already. So, the value of the tourist card lessens in that case.

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I've read on one of the hong kong your it websites that some local travel agents can provide 30 percent discount tickets on airport express. Does anyone have any information

One other question with the combined airport express 3 day tourist pass the cost includes a 50 deposit. What is the deposit for and is this this a good deal?

Most if not all travel agent has that already. Just walk in and ask for airport express voucher will do

BTW if you have more than 2 passenger traveling together it may make more sense to get group ticket at airport express service counter instead.

Thanks for your clarifications. We've got 2 people on the way in and 4 on the way out so it looks like airport express is a good deal with or without MTR.

If you are able to use at least some of the discount vouchers in the MTR Tourist Value Pack that comes with the Airport Express Travel Pass, it will reduce the breakeven cost:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/valuepack2011.html

However, the promotion ends in a few days and not sure if it will be extended.

Depending on where you will be staying and the amount of luggage, taxi may be a viable alternative. Otherwise, as suggested by another poster, the "A" prefix Cityflyer bus is also a good choice if your hotel is near a bus stop. However, you will have to carry your luggage onto the bus where there is a rack for you to store it.

http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/airport-bus/route/index.aspx?intLangID=1

Any unused value stored in the AETP and the deposit are fully refundable when you return the card for cancellation on departure. You can do it at the airport. The same applies to the "regular" Octopus card but is subject to a HK$7 administration fee which is not applicable to the AETP.

Whether it's a good deal depends on whether you're going to ride the MTR trains a lot in those 3 days

Also, the "3-day MTR pass" is really 3-4 days: it covers the first partial day that you use the MTR, plus the next 3 full calendar days. So, since by definition you don't use the MTR on the first day prior to when you use it the first time on that day, it's effectively a 4-day pass. It's not clear to me why they don't just call it a 4-day pass based on the way it actually works.

If you are going from HK station, the travel agent right next to the check in desks sells HK Express open return one month tix for HK$140.

Also, the "3-day MTR pass" is really 3-4 days: it covers the first partial day that you use the MTR, plus the next 3 full calendar days. So, since by definition you don't use the MTR on the first day prior to when you use it the first time on that day, it's effectively a 4-day pass. It's not clear to me why they don't just call it a 4-day pass based on the way it actually works.

Maybe to avoid people who claim that 4 days = 96 hours.

We arrive on a Thursday night and leave on Monday. So if we buy the 3 day, it will cover our AE journey on Thursday evening, MTR on Fri, Sat, and Sun and then will we be able to use for AE on Monday or not?

Can we add extra value to this card for other things while we are there?

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We arrive on a Thursday night and leave on Monday. So if we buy the 3 day, it will cover our AE journey on Thursday evening, MTR on Fri, Sat, and Sun and then will we be able to use for AE on Monday or not?

Can we add extra value to this card for other things while we are there?

Yes if you buy the round trip tourist octopus. The airport express "sector" is independent of the pass

Yes you can put additional cash on the octopus for other non-pass spending (food / tram / ferry)

To clarify a bit further, the 3 days of MTR use starts upon the first use of the Tourist Octopus in the MTR, not on the date of purchase. Also, the 1 or 2 Airport Express trips (depending on which pass is purchased) can be used at any time within 180 days of purchase, independent of the 3-day MTR pass.

Thank you. It definitely sounds like a good choice for our trip.

Please enquire additional information on this Offer when you purchase your Airport Express Travel Pass:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/tourist/touristticket2012.html

Regarding the Station Check in, what is the deal in regards to Checking in your bags in the AM and taking the train later in the PM??

Our Hotel Checkout time is 12pm, whilst our flight does not leave until 11:45pm, so we were thinking of checking in our bags at the station in the Morning, then spending the afternoon in HK before heading to the airport in the early evening. I have read mixed reports on whether, on purchase of your Airport Express ticket, you can check your bags in and then return later on in the dary and access the station again on the same ticket and take the train to the airport.

Does anyone know for sure if you can enter the station, check in and then return 5-6 hours later to take the train?

Cheers!

Yes, you can absolutely do that. In fact, that's one of the main benefits of using the AE to the airport.

Yes, you can absolutely do that. In fact, that's one of the main benefits of using the AE to the airport.

Thanks RK^, it will make our lives a lot easier on that final day.

I will be in HKG next week and am wondering if there are any promos for the AE (round trip).

I will be in HKG next week and am wondering if there are any promos for the AE (round trip).

The promotion mentioned in my earlier post #19 is still available.

If you buy your AE tickets in advance over the MTR web site, you always get a small discount. Additional discount is now being offered to all HSBC credit card holders if you buy your AE tickets in advance using a HSBC credit card. This offer expires April 30, 2012 but you can pick up your tickets up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

If you do not have a HSBC credit card and more than one travelling together, enquire about the "group" discount tickets.

Does anyone know for sure if you can enter the station, check in and then return 5-6 hours later to take the train?

Most definitely you can. You go through a turnstile to get to the airline check-in counter area. That's the point at which your AE fare is collected - either by deducting the cash fare from a regular Octopus card, or using an included AE journey from a Tourist AE Octopus card. After checking in, you leave that area of the station and are back in the public area. You then go through another turnstile to get to the train platform. Assuming you use the same Octopus card you used earlier to enter the check-in counter area, the turnstile just lets you through without any additional fare collection. This can happen soon after you finish the airline check-in, or hours later. Actually, I think you can airline check-in up to 24 hours before departure, so the actual AE journey may actually be on the next calendar day.

does anyone know whether the airport express counter or the booth accept American Express or Visa? thanks

does anyone know whether the airport express counter or the booth accept American Express or Visa? thanks

Yes, if you're buying AE tickets or tourist cards. No, if you're getting a regular Octopus.

does anyone know whether the airport express counter or the booth accept American Express or Visa? thanks

You are good with either.

Yes, if you're buying AE tickets or tourist cards. No, if you're getting a regular Octopus.

We had to pay with cash at the Counter in the arrivals area of the Airport. There is an ATM nearby however

We had to pay with cash at the Counter in the arrivals area of the Airport. There is an ATM nearby however

The counter just after exiting customs took my Amex with no problems. You must be referring to the counter in the main part of the arrivals area.

The counter just after exiting customs took my Amex with no problems. You must be referring to the counter in the main part of the arrivals area.

All major cc's are accepted - you can also pay on arrival if there is a long line at the counter at the airport and the train is arriving.

The counter just after exiting customs took my Amex with no problems. You must be referring to the counter in the main part of the arrivals area.

Yes I was, they would not take any type of plastic payment there (bar perhaps the plastic $10 notes!), so if you want to pay on your card, it sounds like you need to do it before you enter the airport proper (or go back to the other desk if you are able)

Yes I was, they would not take any type of plastic payment there (bar perhaps the plastic $10 notes!), so if you want to pay on your card, it sounds like you need to do it before you enter the airport proper (or go back to the other desk if you are able)

Are you trying to get a regular Octopus card, or doing a re-fill? In those situations, you must pay with cash. Otherwise, credit cards are accepted for purchase of the Airport Express tickets.

In any case, why not purchase the Airport Express tickets in advance over the MTR web site? You receive a discount.

In any case, why not purchase the Airport Express tickets in advance over the MTR web site? You receive a discount.

If purchased online in advance, how/where does one get the AE tickets in advance?

(I'm speaking specifically of the AE Travel Pass with the three days MTR included).

If purchased online in advance, how/where does one get the AE tickets in advance?

(I'm speaking specifically of the AE Travel Pass with the three days MTR included).

You do not need a ticket to board the Airport Express train. You only need a ticket to exit the turntile at your destination station.

When you buy in advance, print the confirmation e-mail and bring along the credit card that you used to make the purchase. On arrival at HKG, proceed directly to the train platform that is on the same level as the baggage reclaim and custom and excise inspection to board the train.

At your destination station, proceed to the customer service kiosk and present your purchase confirmation and credit card, they will give you the tickets to use to exit the station fare area.

You have 90 days from the date of purchase to pick up the tickets.

There are 2 parts to the AE Travel Pass. The Airport Express train portion and the unlimited MTR rides portion. The 3-day clock starts to "click" on your first entry to use the MTR system, not when you ride the Airport Express train. So you can take the Airport Express to town and wait several days before using the MTR portion.

Additionally, the AETP is just another Octopus card. You can load $$ into it to use for other purchases where this form of payment by Octopus is accepted by the merchants.

At the airport on departure, turn in your AETP and you will get a full refund on any unused stored value in the card.

Did I confuse you? Post again if you have any further question.

You do not need a ticket to board the Airport Express train. You only need a ticket to exit the turntile at your destination station.

When you buy in advance, print the confirmation e-mail and bring along the credit card that you used to make the purchase. On arrival at HKG, proceed directly to the train platform that is on the same level as the baggage reclaim and custom and excise inspection to board the train.

At your destination station, proceed to the customer service kiosk and present your purchase confirmation and credit card, they will give you the tickets to use to exit the station fare area.

You have 90 days from the date of purchase to do you.

There are 2 parts to the AE Travel Pass. The Airport Express train portion and the unlimited MTR rides portion. The 3-day clock starts to "click" on your first entry to use the MTR system. So you can take the Airport Express to town and wait several days before using the MTR portion.

Additionally, the AETP is just another Octopus card. You can load $$ into it to use for other purchases where this form of payment by Octopus is accepted by the merchants.

At the airport on departure, turn in your AETP and you will get a full refund on any unused stored value in the card.

Did I confuse you? Post again if you have any further question.

I would suggest to print the confirmation screen or write down the confirmation number as you may end up not getting the confirmation e-mail after all. This was my experience last time and it took 2 agents at the Kowloon station almost 20 minutes to locate my purchase based on my e-mail address, date of purchase and credit card number.

Did I confuse you? Post again if you have any further question.

Not at all! Thank you for this detailed response Clipper801, I very much appreciate it. ^

I would suggest to print the confirmation screen or write down the confirmation number as you may end up not getting the confirmation e-mail after all.

Good advice! Will do. :)

Yes I was, they would not take any type of plastic payment there (bar perhaps the plastic $10 notes!), so if you want to pay on your card, it sounds like you need to do it before you enter the airport proper (or go back to the other desk if you are able)

I have used CC to purchase the Airport Express ticket(not Octopus card) at all 3 MTR counters: before exiting restricted area, land-side arrival hall, and exit gate at HK Station; and then paid cash for the Octopus card, on each single visit.

I have used CC to purchase the Airport Express ticket(not Octopus card) at all 3 MTR counters: before exiting restricted area, land-side arrival hall, and exit gate at HK Station; and then paid cash for the Octopus card, on each single visit.

Hmmm, we were definitely told "Cash only" when buying two Airport Express tickets and two Octopus cards, it may have simply been that they did not want to do two separate transactions to save time.

I'm staying in TST. If I am flying out on a Monday morning on TG to BKK (business class) at 7:45 AM, what time should I catch the Airport Express to allow enough time to comfortably get to the airport, get through security and get to the lounge with just enough time to grab a coffee and then board??? No luggage to check.

Will a 6:30 AM Express departure from TST allow enough time for the 7:45 AM departure? Does TG have premium class security lines?

I'm staying in TST. If I am flying out on a Monday morning on TG to BKK (business class) at 7:45 AM, what time should I catch the Airport Express to allow enough time to comfortably get to the airport, get through security and get to the lounge with just enough time to grab a coffee and then board??? No luggage to check.

Will a 6:30 AM Express departure from TST allow enough time for the 7:45 AM departure? Does TG have premium class security lines?

Kowloon to airport takes 21 mins, there is a 6.03am, 6.13am and 6.25am departure. assuming you can grab your boarding pass at TG airport express counter prior you jump on to the train and have the a train ticket ready. airport express counter can check you in up to one day prior departure.

there is no premium security/immigration line at HKG, queues can be very long in the early am so please allow yourself plenty of time. (unless you have HK ID or HK frequent visitor card, which can reduce a huge amount of queue time)

regards to the lounge visit, it also depends on how familiar you are with HKG, TG lounge is near gate 40, which you can catch train after the immigration. this also assuming TG aircraft park nearby.

I'm staying in TST. If I am flying out on a Monday morning on TG to BKK (business class) at 7:45 AM, what time should I catch the Airport Express to allow enough time to comfortably get to the airport, get through security and get to the lounge with just enough time to grab a coffee and then board??? No luggage to check.

Will a 6:30 AM Express departure from TST allow enough time for the 7:45 AM departure? Does TG have premium class security lines?

I suggest that you take the first train departing Kowloon Station at 5:53AM (and no later than the next one at 6:03AM). The journey to the airport is about 24 minutes. There is a train every 10 minutes. The complimentary shuttle buses do not start until after 6AM. So take a taxi from your hotel.

You will be able to check in for your TG flight at Kowloon Station. So arrive 15 minutes early to allow sufficient time.

The 6:30AM train is tight IMO.

On arrival at the airport, return your AETP for refund. Then proceed directly to security and immigration. They will take your baggage and issue you the boarding pass at Kowloon Station. There is no further airline formality at HKG.

There is no premium security and immigration queue at HKG but they usually move very quickly.

If you’re Star Alliance Gold, I suggest either the TG Royal Orchid Lounge or UA Club. They are located at the same podium and one level upstairs from the departure level. The lounges are next door to each other. Both are near TG's usual gates. The SQ Silverkris is the best Star Alliance lounge at HKG in terms of food and drink but it is located quite far from the usual TG gates. You do not have a lot of time and I suggest that you skip it this time.

I last flew TG HKG-BKK in the morning about a year ago and they served a full breakfast in J.

No need to take first train. You can complete checkin as late as 615 for the 745 flight at the Kowloon Station, so get to station by taxi around 6 and you'll be fine unless you really want to maximize your time at the lounge. After checkin at Kowloon, you'll be on the 613 or 623 train, getting to HKG at 634 or 644. Should be able to go through everything and arrive at gate or lounge in about 20 minutes thereafter.

No need to take first train. You can complete checkin as late as 615 for the 745 flight at the Kowloon Station, so get to station by taxi around 6 and you'll be fine unless you really want to maximize your time at the lounge. After checkin at Kowloon, you'll be on the 613 or 623 train, getting to HKG at 634 or 644. Should be able to go through everything and arrive at gate or lounge in about 20 minutes thereafter.

You are talking about 20 minutes' difference if everything runs smoothly according to your plan. I always leave myself a few extra minutes as contingency, especially as geo1005 appears to be on his/her first visit to Hong Kong and unfamiliar with HKG. I'd rather sit in the lounge seeping a cup of coffee rather than worrying about missing my flight.

I am not sure if TG has a J/F priority check-in counter at Kowloon Station and may end up in a queue. KA was the handling agent for TG when I last flew with them about a year ago.

geo1005 - mindful that the "standard cut off time" for check-in at Kowloon Station is 90 minutes before the flight. It's up to you but you must complete your check-in by 6:15AM or you will have to carry your bags, etc. to the airport check-in counter to do the check-in there.

Just work it backward:
7:45AM - Flight departure
7:20AM - Boarding begins
7:15AM - Leave Lounge
In other words, you should arrive the lounge by no later than 6:50AM if you want to get a coffee for something before your flight.

21 mins travel time from Kowloon Station to HKG on the Airport Express.
5 mins to return AETP for refund
5 mins from train platform to security/immigration entrance
20 mins to clear security and immigration
10 mins from immigration to lounge/gate by train
Last minute duty free shopping?
Final money exchange to rid your leftover HK$.

I always leave myself a few extra minutes as contingency, especially as geo1005 appears to be on his/her first visit to Hong Kong and unfamiliar with HKG. I'd rather sit in the lounge seeping a cup of coffee rather than worrying about missing my flight.


Many thanks to you all for the detailed responses! ^

I like a little buffer time in my travel too. I'll shoot for the earlier train and enjoy a cup of coffee in the lounge for 20 minutes or so.

As an aside, I have been to HKG several times with my first arrival being a crosswind landing on a JAL 747 in the late 80's at Kai Tak! :D

Also, my wife and I spent the first four days of our honeymoon in HKG. We flew NH IAD-NRT-HKG in J. The morning after arriving I thought I was just jet-lagged but soon realized I had tonsillitis! Off to the hospital! :o

BTW, as the poster is going to lounge at Gate 40 anyway, I would recommend to do exit immigration at T2

1. When arrive airport, exit for T2 (assume poster already checked in at Kowloon)
2. Go straight for exit immigration at the super end of the terminal
3. Do the train from t2 to t1, then connect to the normal train

I found this the least painful way to reach high gate at early hours, unless I need to go to the wing / cabin :-)

BTW, as the poster is going to lounge at Gate 40 anyway, I would recommend to do exit immigration at T2

1. When arrive airport, exit for T2 (assume poster already checked in at Kowloon)
2. Go straight for exit immigration at the super end of the terminal
3. Do the train from t2 to t1, then connect to the normal train

I found this the least painful way to reach high gate at early hours, unless I need to go to the wing / cabin :-)

Interesting idea. Never thought of using T2 for departure security and immigration. In any case, geo1005 is flying TG and TG's check-in is at T2 (Aisle Q) anyway even if he does not check in at Kowloon Station.

Here're two maps of HKG that geo1005 may find helpful:

http://www.hongkongairport.com/leaflet/map_facilities.pdf

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/departure/all/check-in-departure/airport-check-in.html

TG's ROL is above Gate 40 and UA's Club is above Gate 60. TG usually uses 40's gate. SQ's SKL is near Gate 15 and is quite far away.

Here're two maps of HKG that geo1005 may find helpful....

Yes! Very helpful. Thanks! ^