Even though Hong Kong transportation is very well-developed with many options, ferries are still a popular way to get around for both locals and visitors. They are cheap and fast for traveling between Kowloon, Hong Kong island, and the outlying Islands. Among the many ferry service companies, Star Ferry is the most famous for its history and cultural value.
Star Ferry currently operates two routes across Victoria Harbor, transporting more than 70,000 passengers daily and 26 million per year. Over the past 120 years of its service, fishing villages turned into city landscapes. Skyscrapers rose beside the mountains. Star Ferry remains today as a witness to the rise of Hong Kong as a global metropolitan. It’s a cultural icon that you can’t miss when you travel to Kong Kong.
Fast Facts about Star Ferry
- Pier Locations: Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai
- Hours: 6:30am to 11:30pm for the Central/Tsim Sha Tsui service; 7:30am to 11pm for the Wan Chai/Tsim Sha Tsui service
- Tickets: ranging from HK$2.8 to HK$6.5 depending on the deck, age, and the day of the week
- Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
- Best time to visit: during the evening for the Symphony of Lights show and the stunning views of the harbor
- Suited to: families with kids, couples
History of Hong Kong Star Ferry
Before the Hong Kong steam ferry service was first established in 1888, people had to cross Victoria Harbor in sampans. The company, originally named “Kowloon Ferry Company,” was founded by a merchant, provided regular steam ferry service between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. As the only cheap and convenient service, the business expanded quickly.
Until the opening of the Cross-Harbor Tunnel in 1972, Star Ferry remained the main means of public transportation across harbor, and it remains so till this day. The green and white ferries have become a symbol of Hong Kong like the yellow cabs of New York City or the double-decker buses of London. They have appeared in blockbuster movies like Transformers 4.
Why Take the Star Ferry in Hong Kong?
- Taking the Star Ferry in Hong Kong has been ranked by National Geographicas one of the top 50 things to do in a lifetime. It was rated first in the “Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides” by Society of American Travel Writers in 2009. It is certainly one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
- It’s a cheap and easy way to get across Victoria Harbor, as well as a fun and meaningful cultural experience.
- You’ll have an amazing view of the city skyline and Victoria Harbor on the upper deck. You can feel the ocean breeze. And if you take the Star Ferry at night, you might have a chance to see the Symphony of Lights show and the starry sky above you.
Hong Kong Star Ferry Routes, Schedule & Fare
As mentioned before, Star Ferry operates two routes across Victoria Harbor, between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, and between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.
At all of the terminals, there’s a service around every 10 minutes depending on the time of the day, so you’ll never have to wait for too long. Services are more frequent on weekends and public holidays. One single trip takes about 10 minutes.
Fares vary by a few factors, but never anything beyond HK$6.5. Passengers with disabilities, children aged 3-12, and seniors above 65 can enjoy the discounted price. Upper deck seats cost slightly more, and the same for weekends and public holidays. There’s a 4-day tourist ticket if you’ll be using the service extensively on your Hong Kong tour. You may use it as many times as you need for 4 days for HK$50.
*Note: The upper deck of Star Ferry has better views. It’s also more comfortable and spacious with air-conditioning. It’s usually a good option for visitors. Many locals opt for the lower deck because it’s more nostalgic and economical.
There’re a number of ways to pay for the fare. You can pay with an Octopus card, a very convenient payment method in Hong Kong currency. You may also pay electronically with WeChat Pay or Alipay. You can use your debit or credit cards at the kiosk as well. If you’re paying with cash, make sure you have notes in HK$10, HK$20, or coins for purchasing a token.
Hong Kong Star Ferry Water Tours
The Star Ferry company offers water/harbor tours around Victoria Harbor. The 45-minute tours give you more time on the ferry and a better view of the harbor. There’re three water tours daily at 3:45pm, 6:45pm, and 7:45pm. The last tour takes place at the same time as the Symphony of Lights Show, an amazing light and sound show taking the skyline as its stage.
The water tours cost HK$280 and HK$350 (for the one at 7:45pm) for each adult. And a discounted price applies to children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It’s the perfect chance to take your time and take in the view. Make sure you get your perfect shots of the skyline. It’s important to note that the water tours only depart from and return to Tsim Sha Tsui pier.
Best Time to Experience the Star Ferry
There’s really not a best time for taking the Star Ferry. It’ll be a memorable experience no matter what. But here’re some things to take into consideration for an ideal experience.
The Symphony of Lights show is definitely the highlight of visiting Victoria Harbor. If you’re not going on a water tour, consider boarding the Star Ferry around 8pm. But keep in mind that it might be a crowded hour for Star Ferry, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Early mornings and late evenings are best for a quiet ferry tour. Also, since it’s still a popular mode of transportation for locals, you might want to avoid commuting hours, around 07:30am-09:30am and 5pm-7pm.
How to Get to Star Ferry Piers
Star Ferry Central Pier – take the MTR to Central Station and take exit A, or to Hong Kong Station and take exit A2
Star Ferry Wan Chai Pier – take the MTR to Wan Chai Station and take exit A1
Star Ferry Tsim Sha Tsui Pier – take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and take exit L3
Attractions nearby Star Ferry Piers
At Star Ferry Central pier, shop and dine at the busy IFC Mall, enjoy the beautiful views from Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The Victoria Peak Tram is also nearby.
At Star Ferry Wan Chai pier, visit Golden Bauhinia Square to commemorate Hong Kong’s handover. It’s near Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. You can also enjoy the local Hong Kong shopping culture as Causeway Bay.
At Star Ferry Tsim Sha Tsui pier, walk down the Avenue of Stars and see some of the most celebrated figures of the Hong Kong film industry.
