Hong Kong MTRC

Hong Kong - Getting Around

Hong Kong’s railway system, known as the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC), includes 131.5 miles (211.6 km) of rail and 150 stations.  The network is comprised of the MTR, Airport Express, Disneyland Resort Line, East Rail, West Rail, and Light Rail.

Hong Kong MTR map

The MTR is the largest portion of the system and includes five separate lines:  Kwung Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, Tung Chung, and Tseung Kwan O. Trains are frequent and run daily from 5:30 or 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., 365 days a year.  Expansions or new lines are added almost every year in order to make for more convenient travel throughout all of Hong Kong.  One of the most recent additions is the Disneyland Resort Line, which breaks off of the Tung Chung Line and was made especially for an easier transit to the resort.

The Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) merged with the MTRC in 2007, but many long-time residents still refer to it as the KCR.  This portion of the MTRC system is made up of the East and West Rails.  The East Rail extends north from Kowloon to the Mainland China border where it joins with trains running throughout the whole country.

The West Rail carries passengers to the northwest region of the New Territories where it meets up with the Light Rail, which services developments in the far reaches of the western New Territories.   The West Rail recently extended its track to the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) East Station, thus linking the New Territories’ northwestern residents to the heart of the Kowloon Peninsula.

The Hong Kong Airport Express is the most convenient way to travel between Hong Kong Station, located in Central, and the Hong Kong International Airport.  Hong Kong Station has airline check in counters and will transport luggage to the airport free of charge – passengers can check in up to 12 hours before scheduled departure times.

The complete journey takes about 28 minutes and trains run on 12-minute intervals.  The Octopus card is accepted or passengers can choose to purchase a single journey, same day return, or round trip ticket.  Travelers can also jump on the train to or from Kowloon and Tsing Yi.

The MTRC’s integrated network allows passengers to change lines without having to go through the hassle of buying a new ticket.  An Octopus card can be used or single-journey tickets can be purchased in each station with fares as low as HK $2.30.  Other options include a day or month-long pass, which are mainly used by tourists and short-term visitors.