How to Make the Most of Hong Kong Ferries, Including Harbor Tours, and Their Fares

The Hong Kong Star Ferry connects Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. It is used not only by tourists but also by Hong Kong locals as an everyday mode of transportation.
There are two boarding entrances: the slightly more expensive “Upper Deck” and the regular “Lower Deck.” For the Upper Deck, look for the sign labeled “Upper Deck Entrance to Central.” Tickets are purchased from vending machines located before the turnstiles, where you can buy a plastic token. Of course, you can also use your Octopus transportation card. The token machines accept 10-dollar and 20-dollar banknotes as well as coins. After entering, board the ferry through the gate with the blue light.
There are two routes—Tsim Sha Tsui to Central and Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai. Fares vary slightly depending on Upper/Lower Deck and weekday/weekend, but generally range from 2.7 to 3.7 HKD per adult. Ferries depart every 6–20 minutes, and the ride takes about 6–7 minutes.
Information as of September 2017.

2. Star Ferry (Harbor Tour)

Tickets for the Hong Kong Star Ferry Harbor Tour can be purchased in Hong Kong dollars on the day of boarding at the Harbor Tour ticket counters located at the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier and Central Pier. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. As of May 2017, advance reservations—including online bookings—are not available.
The Star Ferry Harbor Tour is a roughly one-hour cruise around Victoria Harbour. Boarding and disembarking points include Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai. During the tour, you can fully enjoy the charm of Hong Kong’s harbor.
◆ Single Ride Day Round-Trip Ticket (approx. 1 hour)
Allows one ferry ride during the daytime. Includes a refreshment coupon.
◆ Single Ride Night Round-Trip Ticket (1 hour)
Allows one ferry ride at night. Includes a refreshment coupon.
◆ Symphony of Lights Harbor Cruise
Allows passengers to enjoy the multi-media laser show “Symphony of Lights,” though the route omits the western portion of Victoria Harbour. Includes a refreshment coupon.
Information as of September 2017.

3. JAL’s Hong Kong Ferry Transfer Service

Passengers transferring from a JAL flight to a ferry on the same day can use the Hong Kong Ferry Transfer Service. Without going through immigration procedures at Hong Kong International Airport, travelers arriving from Japan on a JAL flight can directly transfer to ferries heading to Hong Kong’s surrounding ports in the Pearl River Delta, and vice versa—travelers departing from these ports can transfer directly to JAL flights bound for Japan.
Eligible Ferry Terminals:
Shenzhen (Shekou), Shenzhen (Fuyong), Zhongshan, Dongguan (Humen), Macau (Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal), Macau Taipa, Zhuhai, Nansha
Information as of September 2017.

◎ Summary

Hong Kong’s ferries can be broadly divided into two types: ferries connecting Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and ferries connecting the airport to surrounding ports. For business travelers, using the ferry from Hong Kong International Airport to places like Shenzhen can be very convenient. For tourists, the nighttime “Symphony of Lights” laser show is highly recommended. Why not enjoy Hong Kong’s million-dollar night view from the sea?