Jazmin Li
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the world's best airports, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. With efficient transit services and a convenient transportation network, it serves as a popular gateway city for travellers. For those with a long layover, the question arises: can they leave the airport and explore Hong Kong? The answer depends on various factors, including time constraints, visa requirements, and the airport's security policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport | It is possible to leave the airport during a layover, but you must check if you need a visa to enter Hong Kong. |
| Transport options | The airport has a variety of transport options to the city centre, including the Airport Express train, MTR subway, taxi, bus, and hotel coaches. |
| Travel time | It takes around 24 minutes to get to the city centre by train, and 25 minutes to 1 hour by taxi, depending on traffic. |
| Travel costs | The train costs around HK$100 (US$13) and a taxi to the city centre costs between $45 and $60. |
| Things to do | Hong Kong has many restaurants, street markets, and famous dishes such as dim sum. There are also sightseeing options, including Victoria Peak, Po Lin Monastery, and the Big Buddha. |
| Visa requirements | Nationals of about 170 countries and territories may visit Hong Kong without a visa for up to 180 days. However, Indian citizens must apply for a pre-arrival registration visa. |
| Re-entering the airport | You will need to go through immigration and customs when re-entering the airport, which can take around 30-45 minutes. |
| Minimum layover time | It is recommended to have a minimum of 6 hours for a layover to allow for leaving the airport and exploring the city. |
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What You'll Learn
Hong Kong airport facilities
Hong Kong International Airport, located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, is one of the world's busiest airports for passenger and cargo traffic. The airport features two main terminal buildings, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 being one of the world's largest enclosed spaces at almost 1.25 km in length.
The airport offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers. Both terminals feature an extensive selection of shops, including duty-free outlets, gift shops, fashion boutiques, and convenience stores. Terminal 1 houses notable brands such as Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, Swarovski, and Chanel, while Terminal 2 offers shops like 7-Eleven, Chanel, and Swatch. The SkyMart on Level 5 of Terminal 1 is known for its clothing and fashion options, while Level 6 boasts the highest concentration of shops. Level 7 features newsagents, bookstores, and food outlets, and Level 8's Mezzanine includes restaurants and food outlets with views of the departures hall. The airport also provides 24-hour dining options, including local Cantonese cuisine and international fare such as Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go and Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar.
Hong Kong International Airport is well-equipped to handle business travellers' needs, with business facilities located within the Telecommunications and Business Centre, open from 7 am to 11 pm. Additionally, the airport provides complimentary shower facilities, complete with hair dryers, shampoo, bath gel, and vending machines for towels and other toiletries. ATMs and money exchange services are also available throughout the airport, and it is fully accessible for travellers with disabilities, offering disabled toilets, wheelchair access, and Braille signage.
The airport has a total of 88 boarding gates, with a mix of jet bridge gates and virtual gates. The Centre Runway and Terminal 2 were temporarily closed for construction and upgrades, with the runway reopening in November 2024 and Terminal 2 expected to reopen in 2025. The airport is easily accessible via the Airport Express from Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station, with check-in services available at these stations. Ferry transfer services are also available for direct connections to Mainland China.
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Transport options to the city
There are several transport options for travelling from Hong Kong International Airport to the city. The Airport Express train is the quickest way to get to the downtown city centre, taking just 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong's business centre. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes from 05:54 to 00:48 daily. The train has three stations: Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong. Tickets can be purchased online, from self-service machines, or from the Airport Express Kiosk in the concourse.
There are also around 50 bus lines servicing Hong Kong airport and downtown areas, including Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Causeway Bay. Buses to Central take about 45 minutes and 30 minutes to Kowloon, depending on traffic. Shuttle buses also depart every 30 minutes from the airport to more than 100 major hotels.
Taxis are another option, but they are relatively expensive. Red taxis, also called urban taxis, serve downtown areas including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories. Green taxis, or New Territories taxis, serve passengers travelling to the New Territories, while blue taxis, or Lantau taxis, run in Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok.
Finally, private transfers can be booked in advance, offering a personalised greeting, air-conditioned vehicles, and spectacular views of Hong Kong.
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Visa requirements
Hong Kong's visa policy depends on your nationality, place of residence, and purpose and duration of your visit. Nationals of certain countries are required to possess a visa for any type of entry into Hong Kong, including tourism, business, work, or study. However, citizens of more than 150 countries and territories can enter Hong Kong without a visa for varying durations, with permitted stay lengths ranging from 7 to 180 days. For instance, citizens of the United Kingdom and Macau can stay for up to 180 days without a visa, while citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most European nations can stay for up to 90 days.
If you are a Chinese national with hukou in mainland China, you can obtain an entry permit from the Public Security Bureau for any type of visit to Hong Kong. If you are a Chinese resident of Taiwan, you should submit your application for an entry permit through one of the authorised airlines. Macau residents have visa-free access for short visits to Hong Kong, while mainland residents can only use a PRC passport if they are transiting to a third country or have a sticker-style HKSAR Entry Permit on their passport. Otherwise, they must obtain a Two-way Permit (EEP) with the appropriate exit endorsement from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security before visiting Hong Kong.
If you are an Indian passport holder, you must complete a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) before departure. The PAR allows a stay of up to 14 days and is valid for six months with multiple entries. Nationals of certain countries, such as St. Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, may also need to obtain a visa or entry permit before travelling to Hong Kong.
To apply for a visa or entry permit, you can submit your application forms, supporting documents, and valid travel documents in person to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in your place of domicile. Alternatively, you can submit your application directly by post or through a local sponsor to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. To shorten the processing time, you can send the application forms and supporting documents by fax, but the original copy must be sent immediately by air mail. It normally takes four weeks to process a visa/entry permit application upon receiving all the required documents.
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Immigration and customs
Hong Kong International Airport is well-served by public transport, with buses, taxis, and ferries connecting the airport to the city and beyond. If you are travelling onwards to mainland China, you can apply for a Mainland China Visa at the China Travel Service counter at the airport.
Nationals of over 170 countries, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Germany, can visit Hong Kong without a visa and are permitted to stay for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality. However, it is important to check the latest visa requirements for your specific country on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Hong Kong, you must pass through immigration with your passport and visa. All passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport are required to show their boarding passes and travel documents to airport security personnel at the Departures Immigration Hall.
Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, all visitors entering Hong Kong must go through customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Liquors, tobacco, cigarettes, methyl alcohol, and merchandise imported for commercial purposes must be declared. Additionally, some items that may be considered legal in other countries can be illegal in Hong Kong, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the restricted and prohibited items before travelling.
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Attractions in the city
Hong Kong is a bustling city with a plethora of attractions for visitors. The city boasts a tremendous public transit network, making it easy to get around and explore. Here are some must-visit attractions in the city of Hong Kong:
Victoria Harbour
Take a stroll along the iconic Victoria Harbour, which meanders past the Clock Tower and the Avenue of Stars. The harbour offers breathtaking views and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is a must-see attraction, offering panoramic views of the harbour. The tram ride up to Victoria Peak is a popular way to reach the peak, but if you're short on time, taking a taxi is a faster alternative.
Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha
Po Lin Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery known for housing the world's largest sitting Buddha statue. A scenic cable car ride takes you across Tung Chung Bay to Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha. The journey offers spectacular views of the South China Sea and the rolling grassland slopes of Lantau's country parks.
Star Ferry
Hop on the super-cheap Star Ferry for a 10-minute ride across Victoria Harbour. The ferry provides excellent photo opportunities, especially during the Symphony of Lights, a renowned light and laser show that dances along the city skyline at night.
Shopping Malls
Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise, with numerous shopping malls and districts to explore. Citygate Outlets, the largest outlet mall in Hong Kong, offers discounts on international brands. Maritime Square is another unique ocean-themed mall. These malls are easily accessible from the airport and provide a great opportunity for some retail therapy.
Local Cuisine
Hong Kong is a foodie's delight, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Indulge in classic Cantonese dishes, dim sum, barbecued meats, and authentic wonton noodles within the city or at the airport's food court. The airport branch of Yung Kee Restaurant is a must-visit for charcoal-grilled roast goose.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover, but make sure to check if your passport requires a visa to enter Hong Kong. You will need to go through Immigration and Customs and collect your baggage.
It is recommended that you get back to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. The time requirement for exiting and re-entering the airport plus travelling to/from the downtown area via the Airport Express can be estimated at 2.5–3 hours (round trip).
The quickest way to and from the city is by Airport Express. It takes 24 minutes to get to Central (the city centre) and trains depart at approximately 15-30 minute intervals from 5:54 am to 12:48 am.
There are many options for things to do during your layover in Hong Kong, depending on how much time you have. If you have 6 hours or more, you can explore downtown Hong Kong, including Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, and Aberdeen Fishing Village. If you have less time, you can stay on Lantau Island, where the airport is located, and visit the traditional fishing village of Tai O, go to the beach in Pui O, or have lunch on the waterfront in Mui Wo. You can also find restaurants, shops, and entertainment facilities within the airport.
