Layover
Hong Kong is a vibrant city that is well worth a visit, even if you only have
a short layover.
Quick glimpse
Hong Kong International Airport
Victoria Peak
Aberdeen Fishing Village
Shopping at Hong Kong International Airport/Citygate Outlets Tung Chung
(4-hour layover)
If you have a layover at Hong Kong International Airport, there are several things you can do to make the most of your time. You can explore the airport’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, relax in a lounge or designated sleeping area, play golf at the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course, or take a guided tour of the city’s top attractions. There are many options available to keep you occupied during your layover in Hong Kong International Airport.
You may also visit the Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung, which is a popular shopping destination in Hong Kong. It is only 20 minutes away from the airport and easily accessible from the airport by both MTR and bus.
How to get there
1. Take the MTR subway: After clearing customs and picking up your luggage, follow the signs to the Airport MTR station. Buy a ticket to Tung Chung Station, which is the final stop on the line. Trains run every 4-12 minutes and the journey takes around 25 minutes.
2. Exit Tung Chung Station: After getting off the train at Tung Chung Station, take Exit C and walk to Citygate Outlets. The walk should take around 5 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also take a bus from the airport directly to Citygate Outlets. Here are the steps:
1. Take the bus: After clearing customs and picking up your luggage, follow the signs to the bus terminal. Look for bus route S1 or S56 and buy a ticket at the counter. Buses run every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes around 10 minutes.
2. Exit at Citygate Outlets: Get off the bus at the Citygate bus stop.
Tai O
(6-hour layover)
Tai O is a small fishing village located on the western side of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. It is known for its traditional stilt houses, fishing culture, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Tai O is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience a more authentic and traditional side of Hong Kong. Visitors can explore the village’s narrow streets, visit local markets and temples, take boat tours to see the stilt houses and pink dolphins, and sample local seafood and snacks.
How to get there
- By bus: Take Bus 38 from the airport bus terminal to Tung Chung Bus Terminus. From there, transfer to Bus 11 which takes you to Tai O Bus Terminus. It takes around 2 hours.
2. By taxi: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal and can take you directly to Tai O. However, this option can be more expensive than taking the bus. It takes around 30-40 minutes.
3. By MTR and Bus: Take the Airport Express from the airport to Tsing Yi Station, and then transfer to the Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station. From Tung Chung Station, take Bus 11 to Tai O Bus Terminus. It takes around 2 hours.
Please note that these are estimated travel times and may vary depending on the traffic conditions and other factors. It’s always a good idea to plan your trip in advance and allow extra time for unexpected delays.
Victoria Peak (8-hour layover)
During your layover in Hong Kong, consider visiting Victoria Peak for stunning views of the city skyline. Take the Peak Tram to the top and enjoy the views from the Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong. There are also dining and shopping options, as well as the Peak Circle Walk to explore. Avoid long lines by visiting during off-peak hours or buying tickets in advance.
How to get there
1. Take the Airport Express train: After clearing customs and picking up your luggage, follow the signs to the Airport Express train station. Buy a ticket to Hong Kong station, which is the final stop on the line. Trains run every 10-12 minutes and the journey takes around 24 minutes.
2. Transfer to the MTR subway: At Hong Kong station, transfer to the MTR subway and take the Island Line towards Central. Get off at Central Station and take Exit J2.
3. Walk to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus: From Exit J2 of Central Station, walk to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus. The walk should take around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Central Station to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus.
4. Take the Peak Tram: The Peak Tram is a funicular railway that takes you up to Victoria Peak. Purchase a ticket at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus and enjoy the ride up the mountain. The journey takes around 7-10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also take a taxi from the airport directly to Victoria Peak. Taxis are available outside of the airport terminals and the journey takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Aberdeen Fishing Village (12-hour layover)
Aberdeen Fishing Village is a tourist attraction located in Aberdeen, Hong Kong. It is a floating village that features a traditional fishing village lifestyle and culture. The main attraction is the Aberdeen Promenade, where visitors can take a boat tour to see the floating restaurants, fish markets, and houseboats. The village is also home to a Tin Hau Temple, a popular religious site for local fishermen and residents. Visitors can enjoy seafood and other local dishes in the nearby restaurants and sample local handicrafts and souvenirs at the nearby markets.
How to get there
1. Take the Airport Express train: After clearing Customs and picking up your luggage, follow the signs to the Airport Express train station. Purchase a ticket to Hong Kong Station, which is the final stop on the line. Trains run every 10-12 minutes and the journey takes around 24 minutes.
2. Transfer to the MTR subway: At Hong Kong station, transfer to the MTR subway and take the Island Line towards Chai Wan. Get off at Admiralty Station and transfer to the South Island Line towards South Horizons.
3. Take the bus: Get off the train at Wong Chuk Hang Station, Exit B and take bus route 70 or 75 to Aberdeen Promenade. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
4. Walk to Aberdeen Fishing Village: After getting off the bus, walk to Aberdeen Fishing Village which is located near Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. The walk should take around 5-10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also take a taxi from the airport directly to Aberdeen Fishing Village. Taxis are available outside of the airport terminals and the journey takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.