A quick 3-day, 2-night trip to Hong Kong! Transportation tips
#NovemberDestinations2025
Hong Kong is a perfect place to take a half-day or full-day off on Friday, or even travel after work. Flights are less than 2 hours, there's no time difference, no language barrier, and you can set off anytime without much planning!
Since we're only here for three days, we'll focus on Hong Kong Island, leaving Kowloon for next time.
✈️ Flights - Hong Kong Express (Low-cost carrier)
Any carry-on baggage of any size needs to be weighed! I bought extra carry-on baggage allowance, but even with carry-on baggage, it still can't exceed the 7kg limit.
🚌 Airport to City - Citybus or MTR Airport Express
Airport Express HK$115, Citybus only HK$42
Based on my hotel, the Citybus doesn't require transfers and takes about the same amount of time, so isn't almost a third of the fare a great deal? 😆 Don't assume the MTR is always faster!
💳 Octopus Card
Not a must-buy!
Not a must-buy!
Not a must-buy! (Important, said three times) Most public transport accepts credit cards at the same price; having an Octopus card is slightly more convenient or secure, but it's perfectly fine not to buy one. 👌🏻 If you don't want to keep a physical card as a souvenir, you can just buy a rental Octopus card.
⚠️ The first purchase of a rental card costs HK$200, a HK$50 deposit + HK$150 stored value, cash only.
⚠️ Rental cards are not sold at the airport! You need to buy them at the customer service centers in specific MTR stations (they are available at stations frequently visited by travelers; you can also buy them in the city).
⚠️ If you want to return the card and get your deposit back within 90 days of purchasing a rental card, there will be a handling fee! If you don't use it at all within three years, a HK$15 administrative fee will also be deducted. Therefore, it is recommended that when making your last transaction, the balance should be exactly negative HK$50, so you don't need to return the card and won't waste your deposit! (The maximum negative balance for a rented Octopus card is -HKD 50 = deposit value)
🚎 City Transportation - MTR, Bus, or Hong Kong Island's unique Ding Ding tram
⚠️ MTR fares vary depending on distance, starting from HKD 4.9
⚠️ Bus fares are uncertain; I took one for about 30 minutes and it cost HKD 7.7.
⚠️ Ding Ding tram fares are a flat HKD 3.3, perfect for running and jumping around Hong Kong Island (super retro and cute, great for taking photos). If you can take the Ding Ding tram, just choose it without hesitation.
🚠 Peak Tram - Victoria Peak Tram
⚠️ Don't buy tickets in advance! The queues for buying tickets on-site and buying in advance are different, but these days, far too many people buy tickets in advance! The queues for those who buy tickets in advance aren't necessarily shorter! If you find there are fewer people at the pre-purchase ticket counter when you arrive, just buy your tickets on Trip.com; the ticketing process is very fast.
⚠️ There are a few disadvantages to buying tickets in advance:
1. The date cannot be changed or cancelled.
2. Due to platform errors, the QR code for pre-purchased tickets may not scan. I encountered this problem! Others around me also had the same issue and ended up buying tickets on-site again. 🫠
⚠️ If you want to take photos of the scenery, remember to sit on the right side.
🚌 Hotel shuttle bus (if any)
The Emperor Grand View Hotel I chose this time was very affordable, but it provided shuttle buses to Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Station, etc., which was super convenient! I suggest considering this when choosing a hotel.
Travel Dates: 2025/11