I booked a flight that transits HKG enroute to LHR and we have about 7 hours layover. We get in at 0820 and leave at 1505. We will have only carry on backpacks but could check them through if it is easier and we have Aussie passports.
So is it feasible to get down town, go up the Peak, go on a Star Ferry and get back to the airport?
Our venerable HK resident Christep will correct me if I'm wrong but this is one option:
1. Take airport express to kowloon station, work your work to star ferry.
2. Star Ferry let's you off Wanchai, HK Island and catch a taxi to peak or to tram for peak.
3. Have a quick look, lunch and catch taxi to Airport Express in Central to take train back to HKIA
This is definitely doable in 7 hrs, especially if you have boarding passes for connecting flight (if not, check in at Central Station before hopping train back).
If you don't want to schlep around with huge backpacks, there's a left luggage service. Take a hard right as you enter the public area (after arriving at HKG) and walk all the way down the airport. It's just a few bucks but the convenience is priceless.
Definitely possible, with time to spare. The difficulty with dtsm's suggestion is the walk from Kowloon station (in the middle of nowehere) to the TST Star Ferry.
I would suggest:
09:04 Airport Express to HK Station.
09:30 Walk to Star Ferry pier (5 mins).
09:45 Take Star Ferry to TST.
Walk along the TST waterfront to admire the view across the harbour.
10:15 Return to Star Ferry and take it back to Central.
10:30 Walk to the adjacent bus stop at Pier 5 and take the #15 bus to The Peak via some HK street scenes along Queen's Road East (look down the side streets for glimpses of markets etc).
11:15 Wander around the Peak doing touristy things.
Or if you fancy some exercise simply take the circular path that goes around the Peak (which takes 45-60 minutes depending on fitness/walking speed); I suggest going clockwise, starting by going down the side of the Peak Lookout.
12:20 Get the Peak Tram back down to town. (Check the length of the line before you set out on the walk just in case it's really bad; the bus back down is always an alternative)
12:45 Arrive Peak Tram terminus. Either walk or get a a taxi or the #15C bus to the Airport Express Station (which is under Two IFC, the tallest building in town, easy to spot when walking - on the bus you need the second stop after leaving the tram station).
13:24 (to be safe, but the 13:36 would be OK, probably even the 13:48 assuming you already have BPs) Airport Express back to Airport
A slight variation instead of taking the Airport Express train to HK Station on HK island will be taking the A21 Cityflyer from HKG to Tsimshatsui (on Kowloon side). The A21 offers you some local scenary on the Kowloon side and a long stretch of the famous Nathan Road. Alight at the stop on the north side of Salisbury Road across from the New World Centre. Walk along the waterfront on the south side of Salisbury Road - Avenue of the Stars / Salisbury Garden - towards the Star Ferry for a view of the HK island before taking the ferry to Central. Pick up the itinerary from Christep's suggestion.
However, you'll need to keep an eye on the time. Subject to your budget, hiring a taxi at the ferry pier on HK island side to the Peak is a more expensive but viable option to save time. You should plan to take the Airport Express back to the airport.
You should take the tram down from the Peak if the queue is not too long. You can hire a taxi after you come down to the Airport Express HK Station. Taxi fare in HK is very cheap comparing to other major cities. The flagfall price is HK$18 for the first 2 km, then HK$1.5 for each additional 200 metres or part of up to meter fare of HK$70.50, then HK$1 for each additional 200 metres. Waiting time is charged at the same rate for every 1 minute or part of.
Last edited by Clipper801; Oct 26, 09 at 12:32 pm.
Be aware though that, regrettably, some dodgy taxis hang around the Peak Tram station. A friend visiting me a while ago go seriously ripped off by one. If you take a taxi there then make sure it is one that you pick, not one that picks you. The meter needs to be restarted when you get in. And a ride from the Peak Tram station to the Airport Express station shouldn't be more than $18 (the flagfall).
Be aware though that, regrettably, some dodgy taxis hang around the Peak Tram station.
Yes and very unfortunately, there are always a few of those at every city ready to rip of an unsuspecting tourist. As a whole, the overwhelming majority of HK taxi drivers are honest.
Thanks for all the help. Looks like at least the 2 major tourist attractions are doable in a short layover. We will only have backpacks weighing less than 7kg each so we can carry them on so might have to stash them or even bring them along.
I wish HKG did the free layover tours of the city like SIN does!
