Boat Service SEA: Cross-harbour passenger services (shortest route 7-10 minutes) are operated by Star Ferries (sailing every 5 minutes) from 0630-2330. There are frequent passenger and vehicle services on other cross-harbour routes. Wallah wallahs (small motorboats) provide 24-hour service. The outlying islands are served daily by ferries and hydrofoils. However, the opening of the Cross Harbour Tunnel means that wallah wallahs are decreasing in popularity. Tours of the harbour and to Aberdeen and Yaumatei typhoon shelters are available by Watertours junks, and visits to outlying islands are possible by public ferry. Ferries sail to Tuen Mun, Sha Lo Wan, Tai O, Discovery Bay and Cheung Chau. Weekdays are the best time to go, since ferries tend to be very crowded at weekends. During the typhoon season (May-November), all ferry services may be suspended during bad weather. Rail/Metro Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has four lines and provides a cross-harbour line. It is more expensive than the ferry, but quicker, particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than Tsimshatsui or to Lantau Island. Trains run between 0600-0100. An MTR Tourist Ticket, valid for 2 single journeys, is available at a cost of HK$35. The price includes a map and souvenir ticket. For visitors staying for a week or more it is worth getting an Octopus Card, an electronic ticket from which the cost of the journey is automatically deducted when it is placed on a sensor. The card costs HK$50, which includes a refundable deposit of HK$50. Any other credit remaining is also refunded when the card is handed in. At present, the card may be used on MTR services, as well as on the Kowloon-Canton Railway, major bus routes and some ferries. Plans are underway to extend its use to other routes and means of transport as Hong Kong`s transport system becomes more and more integrated. For further details, contact the MTR information line (tel: 2881 8888). The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) has 13 stations within Hong Kong. Trains run between 0530-0025 from Hung Hom (Kowloon) to Shenzhen in China. (see Travel - International section for more information). KCRC also run the Light Rail (LR) which connects the new territories of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. LR trains run from 0545-0030.For further information contact the Light Rail (tel: 2468 7788). Road Traffic drives on the left. Bus: Routes run throughout the territory, with cross-harbour routes via the tunnel. These, however, are often very crowded. Exact change is required. Air-conditioned coaches operate along certain Hong Kong and Kowloon routes. Maxicabs, however, operate on fixed routes without fixed stops. Fares range from HK$1.20 to HK$32. Make sure you have coins ready as drivers do not provide change. Services run from 6 am to midnight daily. Late and overnight bus services connecting Hong Kong Island with major areas in Kowloon are available. Minibus Minibuses are yellow and red with 16 to 20 seats on board. It`s advisable to use the minibuses only if you are familiar with the route. Maxicabs are yellow and green and ply scheduled and numbered routes. Fixed fares means the exact change has to be given upon boarding. Several routes are ideal for visitors, such as the No. 1 maxicab operating from Hong Kong Island`s City Hall to the Peak (HK$7), and the No. 6 between Central and Ocean Park (HK$8). Taxi These are plentiful in Hong Kong and Kowloon. There is an extra charge (HK$20) for the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island. Many drivers speak a little English, but it is wise to get your destination written in Chin
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