By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
FOR those visiting Hong Kong (it's going to get colder there soon, which means it's a good time to visit), here's a cheaper way to the mainland city without taking the Airport Express.
After getting out of the airport, exit to the right and walk just right across to find the S1 bus stop. Hop on it, pay HKD3.50 and go down at the Tung Chung MTR station. From there, pay about HKD23-25 (depending on which station you're going -- Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, etc.) to get to the main city. At HKD30 or less, it beats the HKD75 you pay when taking the Airport Express.
I learned about this route last week, thanks to these two Filipino settlers in HK I met at the bus stop who graciously told me about it. Otherwise, I would've taken this other bus that goes all the way to the city but takes an hour and 20 minutes. From Tung Chung, it's only about 20 minutes to the city.
The Airport Express gets you straight to MTR Central station in about 15 minutes but it costs some HKD75 -- in peso terms times six you save at least P200. And you get to practice riding the MTR, one of the best city train systems anywhere in the world.
Also, remember to have coins ready because buses charge exact fare. Coins are a precious commodity when you're traveling in Hong Kong.�
FOR those visiting Hong Kong (it's going to get colder there soon, which means it's a good time to visit), here's a cheaper way to the mainland city without taking the Airport Express.
After getting out of the airport, exit to the right and walk just right across to find the S1 bus stop. Hop on it, pay HKD3.50 and go down at the Tung Chung MTR station. From there, pay about HKD23-25 (depending on which station you're going -- Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, etc.) to get to the main city. At HKD30 or less, it beats the HKD75 you pay when taking the Airport Express.
I learned about this route last week, thanks to these two Filipino settlers in HK I met at the bus stop who graciously told me about it. Otherwise, I would've taken this other bus that goes all the way to the city but takes an hour and 20 minutes. From Tung Chung, it's only about 20 minutes to the city.
The Airport Express gets you straight to MTR Central station in about 15 minutes but it costs some HKD75 -- in peso terms times six you save at least P200. And you get to practice riding the MTR, one of the best city train systems anywhere in the world.
Also, remember to have coins ready because buses charge exact fare. Coins are a precious commodity when you're traveling in Hong Kong.�
actually, you'd be better off if you turn left -- instead of right -- after exiting the airport (arrival area) coz you'll get to the bus ticketing office, where you'll get information on the exact bus to take and at which station to alight. the office clerk would even give you a map.
hmm, interesting.. i didnt know about S1 bus. i gotta try it one time.. just got confused.. is it to the left or to the right. maybe left.. coz i know about the bus stops, but no S1 stop there.
thanks mucho!
hi reeyuh! i got out of the arrival area to the right and the bus stop is just across to your left. it takes you straight to tung chung terminal in about 10-15 minutes.
hope this helps. ;P
i saw that bus when i was there but didn't take it since i have a package airport transfer.
better have an octopus card
am currently blogging about my HK trip with lots of tips and historical tidbits :)
actually it is better to get an octopus card at the airport. you can use this for bus fare, mtr fare, peak tram, etc. better than fumbling with coins and exact change all the time.
If you reall want to save money, take the E23. From Kowloon to the Airport costs only HK$ 14. Really cheap.
thanks lawrence! i think it's one of the bus stops opposite those of A11, A12. maybe.
octopus cards are so convenient - also accepted in groceries, food shops, oh and 711. hassle-free payment with just a *beep* of the card.
It's way easier and better to buy and reload an octopus card from the airport. When we got to hk airport, we rode the city bus going to our hotel in kowloon.
We had a very adventurous trip and just took the mtr and the buses, we never took a taxi since it's really expensive.
HK is very tourist-friendly sorrounded with great sights.
you can also take an e11 bus from the airport to central. the fare is only HKD22.50. way cheaper than the s1 you posted.