Lois Larson
The Octopus card is a smart card designed for tourists in Hong Kong. It can be used for the Airport Express, which is the fastest way to get to downtown Hong Kong Island from the airport. The Octopus card can be purchased at any MTR (subway) station, including the Airport Express station at Hong Kong International Airport. The card can be topped up with cash at any MTR station or at self-service Add Value machines. The Octopus card can also be used in some places in Macau and Shenzhen, as well as on the MTR network, in convenience stores, supermarkets, coffee shops, and on the Cityflyer airport bus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Octopus card be used for Airport Express? | Yes, it can be used for Airport Express and MTR connecting journeys to or from Airport Express stations. |
| Same-day return option | Octopus card can be used for same-day returns, but there should not be more than 9 transaction records during the entry and exit period. |
| Cost of Octopus card | HK$50 refundable deposit. |
| Cost of Octopus card for tourists | HK$250 or HK$350 for 1 or 2 Airport Express journeys, respectively, plus 3 days of unlimited MTR travel. |
| Top-up options | Top up at MTR stations or self-service "Add Value" machines. |
| Refund options | Refund at Airport Express Customer Service Centre. |
| Validity | 3 years, extended by usage. |
| Accepted in | MTR, Light Rail, MTR Bus, some shops, and supermarkets. |
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What You'll Learn
- Octopus cards can be used for free connecting rides with the Airport Express
- Octopus cards are valid for three years and can be extended by using them
- The Octopus Card provides a free return ticket on the Airport Express on the same day
- The Octopus Card can be used in some places in Macau and Shenzhen
- The Octopus Card can be used at convenience stores, supermarkets, and coffee houses
Octopus cards can be used for free connecting rides with the Airport Express
The Octopus card is a smart card designed for tourists and can be purchased at any MTR station, including the Airport Express station at Hong Kong International Airport. It offers one or two journeys on the Airport Express, along with three consecutive days of unlimited rides on the MTR, Light Rail, and MTR Bus (excluding specific stations). The card provides a hassle-free payment option, eliminating the need for fumbling with coins or queuing at ticket machines.
Additionally, the Octopus card is accepted at various establishments beyond transportation, such as convenience stores, supermarkets, coffee houses, and select locations in Macau and Shenzhen. It is also possible to use the card to make purchases at shops displaying the Octopus Card logo, further extending its usefulness during your stay in Hong Kong.
When using the Octopus card for the Same Day Return offer, it is important to note that the same card must be used for entry and exit at Hong Kong, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi Station. Additionally, there should not be more than nine transaction records on the card during the entry and exit period for this offer to apply.
For those transiting through Hong Kong for a day, the Octopus card can be a convenient option. It eliminates the need to purchase separate tickets for the MTR and Airport Express, streamlining your travel experience.
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Octopus cards are valid for three years and can be extended by using them
The card offers convenience and slight cost savings for tourists who plan to use the MTR network and other means of transportation in Hong Kong. With the Octopus card, tourists can enjoy the same-day return fare on AE trains, and MTR connecting journeys to or from Airport Express stations are free if made within an hour of each other.
The standard tourist Octopus card is available for HK$39 with no stored value, although cards with stored value can be purchased at select travel agencies. The card can be reloaded at any authorised service point and is valid for three years, after which it can be reactivated for future visits to Hong Kong.
To reactivate an expired Octopus card, cardholders can visit the big customer service desk at the airport near the ticket machines, or any MTR station service counter. The reactivation process may vary, with some cardholders reporting a fee of around HKD 60, while others were able to reactivate their cards for free. It is important to note that the card must be reactivated if it hasn't been used for over 1000 days.
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The Octopus Card provides a free return ticket on the Airport Express on the same day
The Octopus Card is a convenient way to pay for your travel on the MTR network in Hong Kong, including the Airport Express. The card can be used to pay for single journeys or, if you are taking a return trip on the same day, you can benefit from a free return ticket. This offer is available to both Octopus Card and Same Day Return ticket holders.
The Octopus Card is a good option if you plan to use the MTR network in addition to the Airport Express, as it saves time at ticket machines. It can also be used to pay for connecting MTR journeys to or from Airport Express stations, which are free if made within an hour of each other. The card is also accepted in some convenience stores, supermarkets, and coffee shops, as well as in vending machines, where you can top up the card.
To benefit from the free return ticket on the Airport Express, you must use the same Octopus Card for entry and exit at Hong Kong, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi Station. There should not be more than nine transaction records on the card during the entry and exit period. It is worth noting that the Same Day Return offer is not applicable for journeys between the Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo Station.
The Octopus Card has an initial deposit, which is refundable. If you are only visiting Hong Kong for a short time, you may prefer to return the card at the AE service desk when you are back at the airport. There is a handling fee of HK$9 for this.
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The Octopus Card can be used in some places in Macau and Shenzhen
The Octopus Card is widely used in Hong Kong, including on the MTR network and the Airport Express. It can be used to pay for public transport fares, small-value retail purchases, government tolled tunnels, parking, and access control for residential and commercial buildings. The card can also be used at convenience stores, supermarkets, and coffee houses, making it a convenient option for travellers.
When using the Octopus Card on the Airport Express, it is important to note that the same-day return fare is the same whether using the Airport Express Same Day Return Ticket or the Octopus Card. Additionally, MTR connecting journeys to or from Airport Express stations are free if made within an hour of each other. However, there is a HK$9 admin fee when returning the card for a refund of the HK$50 card deposit and any outstanding credit.
While the Octopus Card is primarily associated with Hong Kong, it is important to note that its usage has expanded to some places in Macau and Shenzhen in mainland China. The "Octopus - China T-Union Card" variant is specifically designed for use in mainland China and can be used in 336 cities across the region, including Shenzhen. This card can be purchased at MTR stations like Kowloon Tong, making it convenient for travellers.
The Octopus Card's expansion into Macau and Shenzhen offers a seamless transport and payment experience for those travelling between these regions. With its versatility and wide acceptance, the Octopus Card is a valuable tool for both locals and visitors in Hong Kong, Macau, and select cities in mainland China, including Shenzhen.
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The Octopus Card can be used at convenience stores, supermarkets, and coffee houses
The Octopus card can be used on the Hong Kong Airport Express, as well as other modes of transport including the MTR, Light Rail, buses, and ferries. The Octopus card is also accepted by vending machines and photo booths in transport premises.
If you are travelling First Class, you must validate your Octopus card at a First Class Processor before entering the First Class compartment. First Class Processors are located on the platform of the East Rail Line or beside the gangway door of the First Class compartment. Failure to validate your Octopus card for First Class travel will result in a HK$1,000 surcharge.
When using the Octopus card for the Airport Express, it is important to note that there is no tapping in or out at the Airport Station. Instead, you only need to tap out at the City stations when travelling from the airport or tap in when travelling to the airport.
The Octopus card is a versatile payment method that can be used beyond just transport. It is widely accepted at convenience stores, supermarkets, and coffee houses, making it convenient for purchasing drinks, snacks, and other small items without the hassle of carrying coins or small change.
Additionally, the Octopus card offers a Same Day Return fare option for Airport Express trains. To utilise this feature, the same Octopus card must be used for entry and exit at Hong Kong, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi Station, and there should not be more than nine transaction records on the card during the entry and exit period.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use your Octopus card for the Airport Express.
You can buy an Octopus card at any MTR (subway) station, including the Airport Express station at Hong Kong International Airport.
To add money to your card, visit the counter at any MTR station with cash in hand. Most stations are also equipped with self-service “Add Value” machines.
The Octopus card provides a free return ticket on the same day you take the line. It can also be used in some places in Macau and Shenzhen, as well as in Hong Kong.
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