Getting Around Kowloon City
Kowloon City sits in New Kowloon, part of Kowloon City District, and is roughly bounded by Prince Edward Road West and Prince Edward Road East to the south, Lok Fu to the north, Kai Tak Nullah to the east, and Kowloon Tsai to the west. It is an old district that has been steadily transforming into a modern one, packed with shops and restaurants, and it is well known for its wide range of cuisine. For a visitor, the good news is that this is a compact, walkable neighbourhood with solid public transport links to the rest of Hong Kong.
How Tourists Move Around
Hong Kong's public transport is dense, frequent, and easy to use, and Kowloon City is plugged into it. You can get almost everywhere by a combination of metro, bus, taxi, and your own two feet. A single stored-value card, the Octopus Card, is accepted on all public transport as well as at many retail outlets, and you can buy one at any MTR station. Single-journey tickets are also available. For real-time information, the MTR Mobile app is useful, and Google Maps or Citymapper are handy for planning bus routes.
Rail and Metro
Kowloon City is served by the MTR's Tuen Ma line, via Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station. The MTR generally runs from around 06:00 to 01:00 daily, with trains every few minutes at peak times. Expect crowding during the morning rush, roughly 08:00–09:30.
Two other rail-style services are worth knowing about, even though neither serves Kowloon City directly:
- Trams (the "Ding Ding"): these run only on Hong Kong Island and do not serve Kowloon.
- Light Rail: this serves Tuen Mun and Yuen Long in the New Territories, not Kowloon City.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Hong Kong has an extensive bus network operated by KMB, Citybus, and New World First Bus. Buses are especially useful for reaching areas that the MTR does not cover, and most routes run from early morning to late evening. For a visitor based in Kowloon City, buses are a good complement to the metro for cross-town trips.
Ferries are another part of the network, though they are not a Kowloon City service. They connect Hong Kong Island to the outlying islands, and the Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful and easy to flag down on the street, except in restricted areas such as double yellow lines. You will also find designated taxi stands at transport hubs, hotels, the airport, MTR stations, and ferry terminals.
- Red (urban) taxis serve Kowloon City and all urban areas.
- Green taxis are restricted to the New Territories.
- Blue taxis serve Lantau Island.
Cash is the most common way to pay, though some taxis accept Octopus or credit cards, so it is worth confirming before you set off. Receipts are available on request.
For ride-hailing, Uber operates in Hong Kong, and the HK Taxi app can be used to hail a taxi.
Walkability
Kowloon City is very walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets around the markets, restaurants, and Kowloon Walled City Park. The public market here is one of the largest wet markets in Hong Kong, and the food scene is the area's signature draw, so much of the pleasure of a visit comes simply from wandering. Kai Tak Runway Park also has walking paths with harbour views.
Cycling is not really an option for getting around urban Kowloon City. There is limited dedicated cycling infrastructure here, cycling is more common in parks and the countryside, and cycling on busy city roads is not recommended. Note too that major highways and tunnels are off-limits to pedestrians and cyclists. Cross streets at designated pedestrian crossings, and be aware that construction zones may have temporary diversions.
Accessibility
Most MTR stations are wheelchair accessible, with lifts and ramps, and accessible toilets at many stations. Newer buses have low-floor, wheelchair-accessible designs, and taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs. The Transport Department provides information for persons with disabilities.
Getting In from the Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main gateway, and the city's public transport makes the transfer straightforward. The MTR connects the airport area to the urban network, and the Octopus Card works across the system, so you can buy one on arrival and use it for the onward journey. Buses also serve the airport and the wider city, and taxis are available at the airport taxi stand. Note that the former Kai Tak International Airport, once located in this district, is now defunct, so arrivals come through the newer airport rather than into Kowloon City itself.
Sightseeing Transport
A few transport options double as attractions, and all are reachable from Kowloon City by MTR or bus:
- Big Bus Tours: routes covering major Kowloon attractions.
- Star Ferry: the classic Victoria Harbour crossing.
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: on Lantau, heading to the Tian Tan Buddha.
- Peak Tram: on Hong Kong Island, climbing to Victoria Peak.
Sampan rides are available in areas such as Aberdeen, but not in Kowloon City.
A Note on Car Rental
Renting a car is possible, with major firms such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget, but it is not generally recommended for tourists given the efficient public transport, high parking costs, and congestion. Renters typically must be 21–25 and hold a valid licence, with an International Driving Permit for non-residents. Driving is on the left, seatbelts are required, speed limits are strict, and tunnels and bridges carry tolls. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are very limited, and bicycle rentals are mainly found in country parks.