Hong Kong Airport: Hours Of Operation And More

Hong Kong International Airport is a 24-hour operation and is one of the world's busiest airports for cargo and passenger traffic. It is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong and is the primary hub for Cathay Pacific, Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and Air Hong Kong. The airport is served by three types of taxis – Urban, New Territories, and Lantau – and the Airport Express train, which travels between the airport and central Hong Kong in 24 minutes. The airport has a range of facilities for passengers, including designated rest and relaxation zones, lounges, and 24-hour food options.

Hong Kong Airport facilities: UA IMAX Theatre, Aviation Discovery Centre, free Wi-Fi, lounges, 24-hour food options, and more

Hong Kong International Airport offers a wide range of facilities to cater to the needs of its passengers. From entertainment and dining to lounges and free Wi-Fi, the airport ensures that travellers have a pleasant experience during their time there.

For movie enthusiasts, the airport used to be home to the UA IMAX Theatre, which was located in Terminal 2. The theatre offered a unique cinematic experience with its large screen, stadium seating, and 4D special effects capabilities. Although the UA IMAX Theatre is no longer operational, it previously provided a captivating way to spend time at the airport.

The Aviation Discovery Centre (ADC), also located in Terminal 2, offers an educational and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. It showcases the history of aviation development in Hong Kong through exhibits, a Cockpit model, and fun facts. The highlight of the ADC is the SkyDeck, an outdoor platform where visitors can watch mega jets in action. This attraction is especially appealing to families with children who are fascinated by airplanes.

Hong Kong International Airport also provides 24-hour dining options to cater to travellers at any time of the day. Passengers can enjoy a variety of dining outlets, ensuring they never go hungry during their visit. Additionally, the airport offers a range of lounges, such as the Cathay Pacific Lounges and lounges for various airlines, providing passengers with a place to rest, work, and access facilities like hot showers and food and beverage options.

Moreover, the airport offers free wireless internet access in most seating and public areas within the passenger terminals. Passengers can easily connect to the Wi-Fi by following a few simple steps, allowing them to stay connected and entertained during their time at the airport.

Hong Kong Airport transportation: Airport Express train, bus, taxi, or Uber

Hong Kong Airport Transportation

Airport Express Train

The Airport Express train is the fastest way to travel between Hong Kong Airport and the city centre. The journey takes 24 minutes, and trains run daily from 5:54 am to 12:48 am, departing every 10 to 12 minutes. A same-day return ticket costs around $15, and passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi on board. The train also stops at Hong Kong Disneyland and the AsiaWorld-Expo.

Bus

The airport bus terminal is located outside the Arrivals Hall exit. There are several bus services available, including the "A" Routes (Airbus service), "E" Routes (External Bus services), "NA" routes (Overnight Express Bus services), "N" routes (Overnight Bus services), and "S" routes (Shuttle Bus service to the airport). Bus announcements are made in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, and passengers need exact change or an Octopus card to pay the fare. Bus journeys to the city centre take between 60 and 90 minutes and cost around $4-5.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport's Taxi Station, located near the ramp outside the Arrivals Hall exit. There are three types of taxis serving different areas: Urban (red) taxis serve Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and roads in south Lantau. New Territories NT (green) taxis serve the New Territories, North-Eastern, and North-Western parts. Lantau (blue) taxis serve only Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok. Taxi fares to the city centre range from $45 to $60, and the journey can take between 25 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Baggage fees apply for luggage placed in the taxi's compartment or oversized items in the passenger compartment.

Uber

Uber is a convenient option for travellers who want to avoid taxi lines. The Uber app allows users to request a ride to and from the airport at any time of day. Uber rides typically cost between HK$250 and HK$290 to the city centre. The app also enables users to estimate the ride's cost before booking and access customer support and safety features.

Hong Kong layover: Victoria Harbour, Star Ferry, Victoria Peak, Po Lin Monastery, and more

Hong Kong is a great place to spend a layover, with the compact and efficient city offering a unique mix of Chinese and British culture. The minimum time to leave the airport is 6 hours, but if you have a longer layover, there's plenty to explore.

Getting to the City

The Airport Express train is the fastest and most efficient way to get to Central Hong Kong, taking just 24 minutes. The train operates from 5:54 am to 12:48 am and costs around $15 for a same-day return ticket. Taxis to Hong Kong Island cost between $45 and $60 one-way and take 25 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Buses are the cheapest option, costing around $4-5, but the journey will take 60-90 minutes.

Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is a must-see, with its impressive skyline of towering skyscrapers and glittering lights. The Star Ferry is a great, affordable way to experience the harbour, with the shortest voyage taking just 7 minutes and costing $0.50.

Victoria Peak

The Peak offers the best views of the city and the harbour. The tram is the best way to get there, taking just 6 minutes and costing $8 for a single trip. At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views, walk along scenic trails, dine at restaurants, or visit Madame Tussauds.

Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha

Lantau Island is easily accessible from the airport, and here you'll find Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to reach the attractions, and enjoy the refreshing highland climate and the stunning views.

Other Attractions

Hong Kong has plenty more to offer, including the Temple Street Night Market, Happy Hour at Lan Kwai Fong, and Hong Kong Disneyland. If you're hungry, indulge in some authentic Chinese cuisine or dim sum, or head to Tung Chung for some European food.

Planning Your Time

If you want to explore the city, allow at least 7 hours before your connecting flight. This includes 1 hour to deplane and get through immigration and customs, 1 hour to travel to and from the airport, 2 hours to explore, and 1 hour to return to the airport. Then, allow 2 hours to check in, get to your gate, and board your flight.

Hong Kong visas: Citizens of over 170 countries can visit without a visa

Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport is open 24 hours. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight to allow sufficient time for check-in, security, and boarding. The airport offers several convenient ways to check in, including self-service kiosks and bag drop facilities.

Hong Kong Visa Information

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a unique blend of Chinese and British culture. With its compact size and efficient public transportation system, it is easy to navigate. For stays of up to 90 days, travellers with US passports do not need a visa, regardless of the purpose of their visit.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders have visa-free access or visa on arrival in over 170 countries and territories. This includes countries in the Schengen area, such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. However, it is always recommended to check the latest information on official government websites before travelling, as visa requirements can change.

• The HKSAR passport is valid for travel to all countries, but entry is subject to the approval of the relevant immigration authorities.
• US B1/B2 visas are usually issued for a maximum stay of six months, but the actual duration is determined by the border immigration officer.
• The HKSAR passport is not valid for entry into Mainland China. A separate Mainland Travel Permit is required for Hong Kong residents to enter and stay in Mainland China indefinitely.
• Some countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, have introduced electronic travel authorisation (eTA) requirements for visa-exempt travellers.

Hong Kong currency: The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar

Hong Kong International Airport is open 24 hours a day. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of their flight to allow sufficient time for check-in, security, and boarding.

Hong Kong Currency:

The local currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar, denoted by the symbol HK$ and the code HKD. Each dollar is divided into 100 cents, with 10 cents called a "houh". Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 HKD, while coins are available in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, 5, and 10 HKD.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong, and you can use them at most restaurants and attractions. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, preferably in the local currency or euros, as some smaller shops and eateries may not accept card payments.

When it comes to exchanging money, it is best to avoid currency exchange desks at airports and hotels, as they often have unfavourable rates and may charge hidden fees. Instead, consider using an ATM to withdraw cash upon your arrival, as this tends to offer better rates. Additionally, be mindful of any commissions or charges associated with ATM withdrawals.

The Wise Hong Kong Dollar travel money card is another option to consider. It allows you to top up your card in your local currency and then switch to spending in Hong Kong Dollars when you arrive, ensuring you get a competitive exchange rate.

Frequently asked questions