5 Hour 20 Min Layover in Hong Kong
#16
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Take Airport Express to HONG KONG, not Kowloon, people. Even if you're going to Tsim Sha Tsui. The Central Pier of the Star Ferry is 5 minutes walk from HK Station while it is a shuttle/taxi or long 20 minutes walk (if you can even find your way - this local couldn't) to the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier from the Kowloon Station.
#17
Join Date: Mar 2011
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Take Airport Express to HONG KONG, not Kowloon, people. Even if you're going to Tsim Sha Tsui. The Central Pier of the Star Ferry is 5 minutes walk from HK Station while it is a shuttle/taxi or long 20 minutes walk (if you can even find your way - this local couldn't) to the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier from the Kowloon Station.
#18
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YES! Because the faster and easier way to get from the Airport Express train to the TST Promenade is by Star Ferry from HK side. And NOT from the Kowloon Station.
#19
Join Date: Sep 2014
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Take Airport Express to HONG KONG, not Kowloon, people. Even if you're going to Tsim Sha Tsui. The Central Pier of the Star Ferry is 5 minutes walk from HK Station while it is a shuttle/taxi or long 20 minutes walk (if you can even find your way - this local couldn't) to the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier from the Kowloon Station.
Would that be quicker than getting the A21 bus?
#20
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Likely, bus takes an hour to get to TST. Train takes 23 minutes, and then 5-7 minute walk to pier, then ferry runs every 6-8 minutes or so for the 5 minute ride. And the point is, why wouldn't one want to take the Star Ferry? I have taken it for 40+ years, and even today, I still enjoy every single ride on it.
#22
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Sorry to resurrect a super old thread, but I'm in the same situation, and would love to know if/how your trip went.
I have about 4hr:45min in HKG, never been there, and would really like to see at least a little of it. Kowloon seems like the best option. I'm okay even if I have say, 20mins to take in the view, then head back to the airport.
Were you able to do this successfully? Any tips?
I have about 4hr:45min in HKG, never been there, and would really like to see at least a little of it. Kowloon seems like the best option. I'm okay even if I have say, 20mins to take in the view, then head back to the airport.
Were you able to do this successfully? Any tips?
I think you have two choices for a 'taste' of Hong Kong in one hour. You could either take the star ferry to TST... an immediate turn-around followed by a quick browse of the attached shopping mall.
Alternatively, and given the ferry ride is so short these days, I'd walk up from Central and catch a tram towards Happy Valley. Sitting on the upper deck, front row, will give you great views of not only the new buildings, but also the tiny side streets, historical buildings, and general hustle and bustle and colourful signs.
I'd probably go as far as Wan Chai or Causeway Bay, and then turn around and head back (you could even take the underground back if you wanted). Have the cash fare ready to go before you board.
It's a tough choice between the two, but I'd probably take the tram for more of an immersion into the island. The views from the ferry, while great, can be seen in photos and the ride really is very short.
#23
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While the tram will give you the best feel in terms of sights and sounds of Hong Kong on the Island side, I would not recommend it if you are doing it during a scheduled layover.
The tram is more so at the mercy of the traffic as it cannot just pull over and pass or divert around any traffic blockages.
The tram is more so at the mercy of the traffic as it cannot just pull over and pass or divert around any traffic blockages.
#24
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when i was in HK last October/November, the area from Causeway Bay to Central resembled a car park, with horrendous traffic problems. This may well have been caused by the Umbrella Movement protests that were at their height at that time. My suggestion is that you take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station followed by a taxi ride to the Star Ferry. Take the Ferry over to Wan Chai and head for the Sportful Garden Restaurant(about 10 mins slow walk) on Fleming Road, for some really good dim sum and finally head back to Hong Kong Station to catch the AE back to the airport
Last edited by steveben53; Mar 26, 2015 at 12:21 am
#25
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While the tram will give you the best feel in terms of sights and sounds of Hong Kong on the Island side, I would not recommend it if you are doing it during a scheduled layover.
The tram is more so at the mercy of the traffic as it cannot just pull over and pass or divert around any traffic blockages.
The tram is more so at the mercy of the traffic as it cannot just pull over and pass or divert around any traffic blockages.
#26
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#27
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#28
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#29
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Try finding it west of Luard or East of Fleming/O'Brien.