Star Ferry

Join throngs of locals on the five-minute ferry ride across Victoria Harbour between the Tsim Sha Tsui cruise pier in Kowloon, on the mainland side, and the Central Pier on Hong Kong Island (a slightly longer ride goes to Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island). This is not just any ferry: The historic green and white Star Ferries have been moving the masses back and forth for decades, with the origins of the company going back to 1880 with the service of a single steamboat, the Morning Star. Today, the classic wooden boats make the trip many times daily, and a ride provides a great view of the city’s famous skyline and a whiff of nostalgia to boot.

One of the first things you must do upon arrival is to purchase an Octopus card, which you can continue to top up throughout your trip. This tap-and-go card will allow you to use all of Hong Kong’s modes of transportation and even lets you pay for your shopping at supermarkets and convenience stores. Hong Kong is renowned for its efficient public transport system, which, aside from the common buses (double- and single-decked) and taxis, also includes the underground MTR system, mini buses, trams, overground trains, and the much-loved Star Ferry that takes you across the Victoria Harbour at the cheapest rate. You’ll notice taxis in red, green, and blue, which indicate service to Hong Kong and Kowloon, New Territories, and Lantau Island.

Hong Kong has a most efficient public transport system, which, aside from the common busses and taxis, also includes the underground MTR system, mini busses, trams, overground trains, and the much-loved Star Ferry that takes you across the Victoria Harbour at the cheapest rate. If you find yourself with that rare spare hour, hop on a tram (affectionately known as the “ding ding”) for an impromptu tour of the city. For an even more unusual commute, the Mid-Levels escalators is the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world. It will take you from Central through Soho and finally the Mid Levels, where there are shops and restaurants to try out at each stop. Opt for this for a new experience — and to save on cab fare, too.

Not just for tourists, the Star Ferry in Hong Kong takes you from the city to Kowloon in just a few minutes and is reasonably priced. When in Hong Kong don’t miss the escalators to the mid-levels or the tram to Victoria Peak. Be sure to visit the incense infused Man Mo temple and from there stroll through the Cat Street bazaar to round out your day. Transportation all over the city is easy with a well marked subway.

Seeing the amazing light show of the building around the water’s edge in Hong Kong from the Star Ferry

There’s multiple companies that do the boat tours. Gorgeous sunsets, Symphony of Lights (a nightly light show)... worth doing once.

I never tire of traveling across Hong Kong Harbor on the Star Ferry. I first took a Star Ferry trip in 1975 and they have not changed much since then. Great views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Peak plus you get the fascinating look at the harbor traffic and the myriad of ocean going vessels.

riding the iconic star ferry is hands down the best way to cross victoria harbour. the fare is amazingly cheap and only takes a few minutes to get to/from tsim sha tsui and central. this is definitely a must try when in hong kong.

A smoggy day in Hong Kong is often par for the course, but this was a remarkable moment caught coasting across the bay from Kowloon to Hong Kong on the trusty old Star Ferry.

Join throngs of locals on the 5-minute trip across Victoria Harbour between the Ocean Terminal cruise pier in Kowloon, on the mainland side, to Hong Kong Island aboard the historic green and white Star Ferries. The company’s origins go back to the late 19th century. The classic boats make the trip many times a day and a ride provides a great view of the city’s famous skyline.

Join throngs of locals on the five-minute trip across Victoria Harbour between the Ocean Terminal cruise pier in Kowloon on the mainland side and Hong Kong Island aboard the historic green and white Star Ferries. The company’s origins go back to the late 19th century. The classic ships make the trip many times a day, and a ride provides a great view of the city’s famous skyline.