Hong Kong's Airport Express: A Quick Guide

what is airport express hong kong

The Airport Express is a rail line of Hong Kong's MTR (Mass Transit Railway) network. It is the fastest way to travel between Hong Kong International Airport and the downtown area, with the journey taking just 24 minutes. The train has three stations on its route: Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Station. The Airport Express is the only rail link to the airport, and it also connects to the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention centre. The train offers several benefits to passengers, including free in-town check-in services, luggage racks, and WiFi connectivity. Various discounts and rewards programmes are also available for passengers.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To link Hong Kong International Airport with the urban area and the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention centre
Number of Stations 5 (Hong Kong, Kowloon, Airport, Tsing Yi, AsiaWorld-Expo)
Journey Time 24 minutes from Hong Kong Station to the airport
Frequency Runs every 12 minutes from 05:50 to 01:13 the next day
On-board Facilities Luggage racks, in-seat loudspeakers, LCD televisions, WiFi, USB ports and power points (in the first and last cars)
Check-in Services In-town check-in available for Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines (at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations)
Shuttle Bus Service Free shuttle bus service to major hotels in the Western District, Quarry Bay, Yau Tsim Mong District, and Hung Hom station in Kowloon
Fares Higher than mainline fares; a separate fare system is used. Single trip fares: HK$115 (Hong Kong to Airport), HK$105 (Kowloon to Airport), HK$70 (Tsing Yi to Airport)
Discounts and Rewards Group discounts, free taxi connections, Asia Miles programme, discounted fares for airport staff, same-day return discount for Octopus card users

shunhotel

Airport Express Shuttle Bus

The Airport Express is a train service in Hong Kong that connects the airport to the city's vibrant central area. The journey takes just 24 minutes, with trains departing every 10 minutes from 05:54 to 00:48 daily.

The Airport Express Shuttle Bus is a free service for Airport Express passengers travelling to and from Hong Kong or Kowloon stations. The shuttle bus provides transport to major hotels and railway interchanges. To board the shuttle bus, passengers must show proof of eligibility, such as an Airport Express ticket (Single Journey, Same Day Return, Round Trip, or Airport Express Travel Pass), an air ticket or boarding pass, an Airport Staff Octopus, an AsiaWorld-Expo entry pass, or an event ticket.

The Airport Express route includes the AsiaWorld-Expo Station, Airport Station, Tsing Yi Station, Kowloon Station, and Hong Kong Station. Passengers visiting the Disneyland Resort can change to the Tung Chung Line at Tsing Yi Station and alight at Sunny Bay Station for the Disneyland Resort Line.

The MTR Mobile app is available for download to keep track of real-time train schedules for the Airport Express. Additionally, the In-Town Check-In service is offered at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station.

shunhotel

In-town check-in

The Airport Express Line in Hong Kong offers an In-town Check-in service at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station. This service allows passengers to check in for their flights and drop off their bags in the city before heading to the airport. The service is available from 6 am to 11 pm daily, starting one day before the scheduled departure time until at least 90 minutes before takeoff. Passengers can use smart kiosks to complete the check-in process and print their boarding passes and baggage tags. Additionally, porters are available at the stations to assist with luggage handling and gate access.

Currently, the In-town Check-in service is only available for Cathay Pacific passengers. However, MTR has expressed its intention to coordinate with other airlines to expand the service. The service provides a seamless and hassle-free experience for travellers, allowing them to bypass the usual check-in process at the airport and head directly to their gates.

To use the In-town Check-in service, passengers can go to the designated area at Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station during the specified service hours. They can then use the smart kiosks to check in for their flight and print their boarding passes. For added convenience, self-service bag drop counters are available, allowing passengers to drop off their checked baggage before proceeding to the airport.

It is important to note that the In-town Check-in service is only available for certain airlines and flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers should check with their respective airlines to confirm if they offer this service and to understand any specific requirements or restrictions that may apply. By offering the In-town Check-in service, the Airport Express Line provides travellers with added convenience and ease of travel, enhancing their overall experience when flying out of Hong Kong.

St. Joseph Airport: Flooded or Not?

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Stations and journey time

The Hong Kong Airport Express is one of the fastest ways to get from Hong Kong International Airport to the downtown area. It is also the only rail link to the airport. The train runs from Hong Kong Station in Central, Hong Kong Island, to the airport, stopping at just three stations along the way: Kowloon, Tsing Yi, and Airport. The journey from Hong Kong Station to the airport takes 24 minutes, with Kowloon Station being 3 minutes closer, at 21 minutes, and Tsing Yi Station being 14 minutes away. The train runs from 05:50 to 01:13, with a 12-minute interval between trains.

The Airport Express also extends to the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention centre, located near the airport. The train terminates at this station.

The Airport Express is part of the MTR network (Mass Transit Railway) and is indicated in teal on the MTR map. The train system is easy to navigate and comfortable, with luggage racks, LCD televisions, and in-seat loudspeakers. Passengers can also benefit from free in-town check-in services at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations, where they can collect their boarding passes and check in their luggage before reaching the airport. This service is available for many major airlines between 90 minutes and up to 24 hours before departure.

The Airport Express Shuttle Bus is another service provided exclusively for Airport Express passengers at Hong Kong or Kowloon stations. It connects passengers to major hotels in the Western District, Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island, and the Yau Tsim Mong District and Hung Hom Station in Kowloon. This service was temporarily discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has since been reinstated.

shunhotel

Discounts and rewards

The Airport Express is a rapid transit line that provides a direct connection between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the city's central business district. The 35.3-km journey between the airport and the city centre takes as little as 24 minutes, with trains departing every 10 minutes or so throughout the day.

The Airport Express Hong Kong offers various discounts and rewards to its passengers, providing a seamless and cost-effective travel experience. Here are some key points to note:

  • The Club Shopping Rewards: Passengers can use their Club Points to redeem e-tickets for the Airport Express. These e-tickets are valid for adults and can be used for one-way or round-trip journeys. The redemption process involves purchasing the e-ticket online and then receiving an e-redemption letter via email, which can be used immediately.
  • Round-Trip Tickets: The Airport Express offers discounted round-trip tickets, providing a cost-effective option for passengers. The return trip must be within 30 days of the first trip.
  • Children's Tickets: Children between the ages of 3 and 11 can purchase discounted one-way tickets. For round-trip tickets, children are charged the same rate as adults. Proof of age is required when boarding.
  • Airport e-Coupons: Passengers can take advantage of Airport e-Coupons, which are accepted by participating merchants and the HKairportShop.com Online Shop. To redeem these coupons, passengers need to install the My HKG mobile app and register an account.
  • In-Town Check-In Service: The Airport Express provides an In-Town Check-In service at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station, offering added convenience for passengers.
  • Disneyland Resort Connection: For passengers visiting the Disneyland Resort, the Airport Express offers a convenient connection. Passengers can change to the Tung Chung Line at Tsing Yi Station and then alight at Sunny Bay Station for the Disneyland Resort Line.

shunhotel

Luggage facilities

Hong Kong International Airport offers a range of luggage facilities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for travellers. One notable service is the baggage delivery option, which allows passengers to have their luggage collected from designated locations in downtown Hong Kong and delivered directly to the airport or their hotel/home in the city. This service is provided by S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited and ALLWAYS, with storage fees based on duration, baggage dimensions, and weight.

For those seeking temporary baggage storage, the airport provides a secure short-term facility on Level 5 of Terminal 1 in the non-restricted area. Storage rates are calculated based on storage duration, with a daily rate for any 24-hour period. Standard storage rates apply to items not exceeding 30kg in weight and 199cm in total dimensions (length + width + height). Oversize and overweight baggage will incur additional charges.

Passengers can also take advantage of the In-Town Check-In service available at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station, offering added convenience. Additionally, with trains departing every 10 minutes between 05:54 and 00:48 daily, travellers can easily reach Central Hong Kong from the airport in just 24 minutes via the Airport Express.

It is important to note that unclaimed baggage will be handled as per the airport's terms and conditions. Items not collected within 30 days from the check-in date stated on the receipt will be considered unclaimed and removed. Passengers are encouraged to contact the airport or baggage service providers directly for detailed information regarding luggage facilities and related policies.

Frequently asked questions

The Airport Express is one of the ten rail lines of the Hong Kong MTR system. It is the fastest way to travel between Hong Kong International Airport and the downtown area, taking only 24 minutes.

The Airport Express has five stations: Hong Kong, Kowloon, Tsing Yi, Airport, and AsiaWorld-Expo.

The Airport Express offers a free in-town check-in service at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations, allowing passengers to collect their boarding passes and drop off their luggage before arriving at the airport. It also provides high-frequency and long operation times, free porter services, and comfortable, clean, and safe trains.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment