MTR
The best way to get around Hong Kong is definitely the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), metro of Hong Kong. It’s clean, efficient and reaches most parts of Hong Kong.
Train Time
Trains run from 6am until midnight at a 3-10 minutes interval, checkout the MTR app for the first and last train times. If you have to travel during rush hours, always opt for the MTR to avoid traffic. It only takes 10 minutes from Admiralty to Tsim Sha Tsui (1 station apart), which could take up to 45 minutes for a taxi ride.
Ticket and Payment
The best way to travel on the MTR is to get an Octopus Card, a rechargeable smart card (refer to this link for more information). You may get an on-loan Octopus Card from a service counter at any station. Deposit and remaining balance will be returned when you return the card at the end of your trip in Hong Kong, with an administration fee of only $11. As most rides cost $6-$25, it is not worth getting the tourist day pass which costs $65. Kids under 3 can travel for free while for those aged between 3-11 and over 65 can enjoy concessionary fares (half price of standard fares) with a dedicated Octopus Card.
Other Facts
The colorful stations along the lines in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon were designed to help illiterate people to recognize the station they are at. Some colours reflect the name of the places. For example, Choi Hung Station (Rainbow in Cantonese) has a rainbow colour on its column.
Don’t try to walk between stations, some are walkable, however some could be on the other side of the harbour or mountains even if it looks near in the train map. Always check the map first!
Similar to other transportation, smoking, eating and drinking are not allowed on trains and within the gates.
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