The Hong Kong Airport Express is the only rail link of Hong Kong that connects the heart of the city to the airport in just 24 minutes. It is operated by the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Corporation. This rail service is celebrated for its speed, comfort, and traveler-centric features like in-town check-in, free Wi-Fi, and seamless connections to Hong Kong’s vibrant districts.
The Airport Express in more comfortable and equipped than other MTR services. In this article, we will discuss the train overview, route maps, ticket prices, best tourist attractions etc, so stay tuned.
Route Map
Overview of the Hong Kong Airport Express Train
The Airport Express started its operations in July 1998. It has set a global standard for airport rail services. It covers the distance from HKIA to Central in just 24 minutes, and can reach speed of up to 135 km/h. The trains are air-conditioned, equipped with free Wi-Fi, and feature spacious luggage racks, power sockets, and ergonomic seating.
The unique features of Airport Express include in-town check-in at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations, allowing passengers to drop off luggage hours before their flight. It also provides free shuttle buses to major hotels. With a 99.9% on-time performance, the service is a lifeline for over 15 million passengers annually, blending convenience with cutting-edge technology.
- Owner: MTR Corporation
- Operators(s): MTR Corporation
- Transit Type: Airport Rail Link/ Rapid Transit
- Operation Start: 6 July 1998
- Operational Network: 35.2 Km
- Other Names: This Rail Link is colored Teal on the official transit maps.
- Total Lines: 1
- Number of Stations: 5
- Track Gauge: 1,432 mm
- Operating Speed: 135 Km
- Rolling Stock: Adtranz- CAF EMU, CRRC Qingdo Sifang EMU(Future)
- Ridership: 34,600 daily average (October 2023)
- Official Website: https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/airport_express_index.html
- Contact:
- MTR Hotline– 28818888
- Honk Kong– 25233627
- Kowloon– 27360162
- Tsing Yi– 24499059
- Airport– 22610522
- AsiaWorld– Expo- 22153568
Key Features of the Airport Express
- Composition: The train consists of 8 coaches, including:
- One of the Coach carries only luggage.
- Speed: The maximum speed of Hong Kong Airport Express is 150 km/h, but its operational speed is 135 km/h.
- Comfort: The train has very comfortable sleeper berths, automatic doors, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports at each seat, modern toilets with showers & improved sound insulation.
- Safety: The Airport Express is equipped with the collision prevention system, fire-resistant materials, deformation zones, and reinforced buffers to minimize the impact of accidents.
- CCTV Surveillance: CCTV Surveillance along with Security Staff monitors stations and trains 24/7.
- Emergency Systems: The trains have intercoms and emergency buttons in every car, which will prevent any mishappening and alert the authorities for timely action.
- Health Protocols: Regular sanitization is carried out to maintain the health protocols, and also, they have provided air filtration systems in cabins for the health and comfort of the passengers.
Timetable & Operating Hours
The Airport Express operates daily from 5:50 AM to 00: 48 AM, with trains departing every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes off-peak. This schedule accommodates early morning arrivals and late-night departures, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
During major events at AsiaWorld-Expo, such as concerts or trade shows, MTR may add extra trains to handle increased demand. Real-time updates are available via the MTR Mobile app or the MTR website.
- Weekdays
| Departing From | From | Then Every | Until |
| Honk Kong Station | 05:50 | 10 Mins | 00:48 |
| Kowloon Station | 05:53 | 9-10 Mins | 00:52 |
| Tsing Yi Station | 06:00 | 9-10 Mins | 00:59 |
| Airport Station | 05:54 | 9-10 Mins | 00:48 |
| AsiaWorld- Expo Station | 06:00 | 10 Mins | 00:45 |
- Saturday- Sundays
| Departing From | From | Then Every | Until |
| Honk Kong Station | 05:50 | 10 Mins | 00:48 |
| Kowloon Station | 05:53 | 9-10 Mins | 00:52 |
| Tsing Yi Station | 06:00 | 9-10 Mins | 00:59 |
| Airport Station | 05:54 | 9-10 Mins | 00:48 |
| AsiaWorld- Expo Station | 06:00 | 10 Mins | 00:45 |
- Journey Time
| Station | Journey Time (Mins) |
| Hong Kong to Airport | 24 |
| Kowloon to Airport | 22 |
| Tsing Yi to Airport | 14 |
| Hong Kong to AsiaWorld-Expo | 28 |
| Kowloon to AsiaWorld-Expo | 25 |
| Tsing Yi to AsiaWorld-Expo | 18 |
| Airport to AsiaWorld-Expo | 2 |
Airport Express Stops & Stations
The Airport Express serves five stations, out of which the services on four of them started started first while AsiaWorld- Expo started its operations 7 years later.
| Station | Station Code | Layout | Operation Starts |
| Honk Kong | HOK | Underground | 6 July 1998 |
| Kowloon | KOW | Underground | 6 July 1998 |
| Tsing Yi | TSY | Elevated | 6 July 1998 |
| Airport | AIR | Elevated | 6 July 1998 |
| AsiaWorld- Expo | AWE | At-grade | 20 December 2005 |
- Hong Kong: This station connects to the Island and Tsuen Wan Lines, with easy access to Victoria Harbour and the Peak Tram.
- Kowloon: This station is situated in West Kowloon. It is few steps away from the Elements Mall, luxury hotels, and cultural landmarks like the West Kowloon Cultural District.
- Tsing Yi: This Station connects to the Tung Chung Line, providing access to Lantau Island’s attractions like Disneyland and the Big Buddha.
- Airport: This station is located in Terminal 1 of HKIA. Airport Station offers direct access to check-in counters, shops, and dining.
- AsiaWorld-Expo: This station is adjacent to the convention center, is ideal for event attendees. It is just 2 minutes away from the Airport Station and hosts major concerts, exhibitions, and trade fairs.
Each station is designed for efficiency, with escalators, lifts, and multilingual signage ensuring a smooth experience.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices of Hong Kong Airport Express are competitive and vary according to stations. It offers Single Journey Ticket, Same Day Return Ticket and Round-Trip Ticket. You can also use the Octopus card to buy tickets.
| To/From AsiaWorld Expo | Adult (Aged 12 or above) | Child (Aged 3-11) |
| Single Trip | Single Trip | |
| Hong Kong Station | HK$ 115 | HK$ 57.5 |
| Kowloon Station | HK$ 105 | HK$ 52.5 |
| Tsing Yi Station | HK$ 70 | HK$ 35 |
| Airport | HK$ 6 | HK$ 3 |
| To/From Airport | Adult (Aged 12 or above) | Child (Aged 3-11) |
| Single Trip | Single Trip | |
| Hong Kong Station | HK$ 115 | HK$ 57.5 |
| Kowloon Station | HK$ 105 | HK$ 52.5 |
| Tsing Yi Station | HK$ 70 | HK$ 35 |
| Airport | HK$ 6 | HK$ 3 |
- Chldren under 3 years of age will not be charged any fare, their travel is free.
- Seniors (65+) can avail discounted fares.
Payment Options at Hong Kong Airport Express
- Octopus Card: You can use the rechargeable Octopus card to travel to and from AsiaWorld- Expo Station on the same day. The prices are less compared to general tickets.
- Contactless Payments: Visa, MasterCard, and other cards.
- Cash: You can also use Cash at ticket counters and machines to buy tickets, but exact fare is required for some kiosks.
- Online Platforms: For online booking you can use the MTR website, Klook, or Trip.com for discounts.
How to Buy Tickets for Hong Kong Airport Express?
You can use the multiple platforms to buy your tickets for travelling, below is given the list for your convenience:
- Ticket Counters: There are numerous counters at all stations which assist with cash, card, or Octopus payments.
- Ticket Machines: The stations have self-service kiosks at every station which accept cash, Octopus, and contactless payments, with English and Chinese interfaces.
- Online Booking: You can use the MTR website, Klook, and Trip.com which offer e-tickets with QR codes for gate access. Klook often provides promotions like HK$10 off for first-time users.
- Octopus Card: This card can be purchased at MTR stations, HKIA, or convenience stores. You can top up the card via the Octopus App, station machines, or retail outlets and use it for travelling. You can avoid ticket counter queues if you have the Octopus card.
- MTR Mobile App: You can use the MTR mobile app to buy e-tickets, check balances, and plan routes in one place.
For group discounts or special passes, visit customer service counters and also check the official website of Hong Kong MTR. You should always keep your ticket or Octopus Card handy for exit gates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Riding the Hong Kong Airport Express
- Find the Station: After your arrival at HKIA, follow the signs from Terminal 1 to the platform. Other stations are also well-marked with MTR logos and directions signs.
- Purchase or Scan Ticket: To enter the Airport Express platform for boarding the train, tap your Octopus Card, contactless card, or scan a QR code at the gate. You can also buy the tickets form the ticket machines or counters if you are not carrying any of the digital cards.
- Board the Train: The screens on the platforms display real-time arrival & departure information. Trains have designated luggage areas in cars 2, 3, 5, and 6, with power sockets in cars 1 and 7.
- Enjoy the Journey: After boarding the train, take your seat and enjoy the air-conditioned cabins with free Wi-Fi. The Express Train announces next stations, warnings & important informations in both English and Chinese language.
- Exit: Tap out with your Octopus Card or scan your ticket to exit from the Station. You can follow the Station Signs for nearby Hotels and Shuttle services.
For in-town check-in, visit designated counters at Hong Kong or Kowloon stations which are available for airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
Tips for Maximizing Your Airport Express Experience
- Invest in an Octopus Card: It streamlines payments and offers free MTR connections within an hour of tapping out.
- Use In-Town Check-In: This feature of the Airport Express allows you to drop off luggage up to 24 hours before your flight at Hong Kong or Kowloon stations to explore the beautiful city.
- Travel Off-Peak: Avoid rush hours (8-9 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM) for quieter trains and shorter queues.
- Book Online for Savings: You can book your tickets form the platforms like Klook and Trip.com which offer discounts and bundled deals with attractions like the Peak Tram.
- Download the MTR Mobile App: Access real-time schedules, station maps, and fare calculators.
- Take Advantage of Free Shuttles: One of the best features of Airport Express is that the hotel shuttles from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations cover over 100 hotels which save taxi fares.
- Charge Devices: Power sockets in cars 1 and 7 keep your devices ready for the day.
- Plan for Events: Check AsiaWorld-Expo’s schedule to avoid crowds during major concerts or exhibitions.
- Combine with Other Passes: The Airport Express Travel Pass pairs well with the Tourist Day Pass for unlimited MTR travel.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel on the Hong Kong Airport Express during the weekdays is – Between 10 AM and 4 PM. You should avoid peak hours (8-9 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM) for more space and comfort. During AsiaWorld-Expo events or any festival, the trains are busier on weekends.
Accessibility Features and Amenities
The Airport Express provides the best facilities to the passengers, below is the list of all such amenities:
- Wheelchair Access: All stations feature lifts, wide gates, and tactile paths for the visually impaired.
- Free Porter Service: Free Porter Service is available at Airport, Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Hong Kong stations for luggage assistance.
- Wi-Fi: Airport Express provides free high-speed internet on trains and at stations for all the passengers.
- Luggage Storage: Baggage services are also provided at Tsing Yi, Kowloon, and Hong Kong stations that charges accordingto the time period, you have used the services.
- In-Town Check-In: This facility is Available for 30+ airlines at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations. You can Check-In from 90 minutes to 24 hours before flight departure.
- Multilingual Support: Announcements are made in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin language for the convenience of the passengers, also the signals and signs are used in these three languages.
- Child-Friendly: The Stations and trains are Child-Friendly, which also provide spacious cabins for strollers.
All the stations have customer service counters to assist the passengers & travelers with accessibility needs or ticketing issues.
Luggage Policy
The MTR Airport Express allows passengers to carry personal luggage on board but it should not pose risk or inconvenience to others.
- Permitted Items
- Handbags, backpacks, small suitcases and travel bags.
- Items should not obstruct seating areas or doors.
- Prohibited Items
- Hazardous Materials, Sharp Objects, etc.
- Animals
FAQs
1. Is food provided on the Hong Kong Airport Express?
The Airport Express does not offer onboard food or dining services due to its short 24-minute journey. Eating on the train is discouraged to maintain cleanliness, though bottled water is permitted. For longer trips, you can buy food items or drinks at station convenience stores before boarding.
2. Where does the Hong Kong Airport Express stop?
The Hong Kong Airport Express Stops at AsiaWorld- Expo station of Hong Kong.
3. What time does Hong Kong Airport Express close?
The Hong Kong Airport Express generally stops its operation at 00:59 hours at night.
4. Is Hong Kong Airport Express free?
No, the Hong Kong Airport Express is not free. You have to pay to travel in it.
5. How long is the Airport Express Hong Kong?
The total length of Airport Express line is 35.2 Km that stretches from Airport to AsiaWorld- Expo.
6. Does Hong Kong airport express operate 24 hours?
No, the Hong Kong Airport Express does not operate 24 hours. It generally stops at 00:59 hours at night.