The Star Ferry Hong Kong

If you’ve seen postcards of Hong Kong, chances are you’ve spotted the HK Star Ferry. This classic boat service isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a piece of Hong Kong’s soul. For over a century, it’s shuttled locals and visitors across Victoria Harbour, offering unbeatable views of the skyline at a steal. Let’s break down everything you need to know to ride it like a pro.

What is the Hong Kong Star Ferry?

Credit: Star Ferry HK Official

The Star Ferry is one of the most popular landmarks in Hong Kong. Since 1888, these white and green double-decker ferries have been shuttling across Victoria Harbour, connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It is not merely a means of public transportation: commuters rely on it to travel quickly and cheaply, and tourists love it because they can sit in the front row of Hong Kong's famous skyline - think of towering skyscrapers on one side and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on the other. Even National Geographic magazine has called it one of the "50 Places to Visit in a Lifetime".

How to Get to Star Ferry Hong Kong (Nearest MTR)

The Star Ferry piers are easy to reach by Hong Kong’s MTR (subway) system. Here’s how to get to each:

From the MTR exit, just follow signs to the “Star Ferry” or “Harbour”—you can’t miss it.

Hong Kong Star Ferry Pier Destinations

Credit: Star Ferry HK Official

The Star Ferry connects 3 major piers. Each pier is located in a bustling area of the city. If you are going to work or sightseeing, these docks can take you to where you need to go.

• Central Ferry Pier 7: Located on Hong Kong Island, it is just a few steps away from landmarks such as the Central business district, shops and the International Finance Centre.
• Wan Chai Pier: Also located on Hong Kong Island, it is close to the bars, restaurants and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
• Tsim Sha Tsui Pier: Located in Kowloon, close to the Avenue of Stars, the Victoria Harbour waterfront and the shops on Nathan Road.

How to Ride Star Ferry Hong Kong

Credit: Star Ferry HK Official

Taking the Star Ferry is easy - no special steps are required. Here is how it works:

• Head to the pier of your choice (Central, Wan Chai or Tsim Sha Tsui).
• Buy a ticket (or swipe your Octopus card at the entrance).
• If you want to see more clearly, you can walk to the upper deck of the ferry. If you prefer shade, you can walk to the lower deck.
• Find a seat, relax and enjoy the short trip across the harbour.
• When you arrive, get off the ferry and head to the next stop.

It is so simple that even beginners won't feel confused. Just follow the signs on the pier - they are very clear and easy to find.

Hong Kong Star Ferry Ticket Price (Ferry only)

The ticket for the Star Ferry HK is very cheap and is one of the best ticket deals in Hong Kong. The price depends on the deck (the upper deck is slightly more expensive), the day (weekday vs weekend/holiday), and who rides (adults, children, the elderly, etc.).

If you want to try more tours and attractions, please check the Trip.com Star Ferry HK ticket packages (with reviews) below!

Hong Kong Star Ferry Routes

The Star Ferry has two main routes, both connecting Kowloon and Hong Kong Island:

• Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui: The busiest route, popular among commuters and tourists. This is the fastest way to travel between Central (the commercial center of Hong Kong Island) and Tsim Sha Tsui (a tourist hotspot in Kowloon).
• Wan Chai ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui: This route is relatively quiet and connects Wan Chai (famous for its nightlife and activities) with Tsim Sha Tsui.

Star Ferry Hong Kong Hours and Duration

The Star Ferry runs early morning to late night, with more frequent trips during rush hours. The ride itself is short—only 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the route and harbour traffic.

How to Buy a Star Ferry Ticket

Buying Star Ferry HK tickets is very simple - you have several options:

• Ticket offices: Ticket offices are available at each pier, selling one-way tickets (cash or Octopus cards).
• Octopus Card: Tap your Octopus card at the entrance (as is applicable to most public transport in Hong Kong).
• Monthly pass/Four-day pass: Available for sale at the control room near the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier Nai Ma Shao Bing.

There's no need to make a reservation in advance - just buy it when you arrive. If you want to try more tours and attractions, please check the Trip.com Star Ferry HK ticket packages below.

Star Ferry HK Shining Star & Combo Tickets

If you’re looking for more options, the Shining Star cruise and combo tickets (with bus tours) are popular choices. Here’s Trip.com Star Ferry HK ticket packages.

Hong Kong Star Ferry - Facilities & Floor Plan

Credit: Star Ferry HK Official

The "World Star" is no ordinary ferry. It was built in 1989. After an upgrade, it was equipped with a diesel-electric engine, retaining the classic appearance of the Star Ferry (thanks to a decorative chimney), while offering more interior space. The interior of the upper deck is now larger and has an open layout, so you can see no obstruction from one end to the other.

Credit: Star Ferry HK Official

The facilities include comfortable air-conditioned carriages, a cafe where you can have drinks or snacks, and glass curtain walls that make sightseeing easy - no need to stretch your neck to look at the skyline. If you want to breathe fresh air, there is also a sunny platform here. It can accommodate 408 people and is spacious enough for you to move around and find the perfect place.

[8% Off] Hong Kong Hotels Recommendations

Grab an extra 8% off HK hotels on Trip.com—my go-to for booking reliable stays in Hong Kong.