Hong Kong Metro (MTR): Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide

By Kyra
January 16, 2026

The Hong Kong Metro, known as the MTR, is the fastest and most convenient way to travel across the city. It connects Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and Lantau Island, making it easy to reach business districts, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. The network is frequent, reliable, and easy to use for first-time visitors.
This guide covers MTR maps, operating hours, fares, and step-by-step instructions for using Octopus Cards, contactless bank cards, mobile QR codes, or single journey tickets. You'll also find tips for navigating the metro efficiently and suggestions for hotels located near MTR stations, helping you make the most of your trip.
Hong Kong MTR Map

Hong Kong has a compact and highly efficient metro system with 10 MTR lines and over 90 stations, covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island. The network is easy to use, well-signed in English, and is one of the best ways for visitors to explore the city quickly and comfortably.
The main urban lines include the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line and Kwun Tong Line, which serve key business and shopping areas such as Central, Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. The East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line connect the city centre with the New Territories and border areas, while the Tseung Kwan O Line serves modern residential districts and links to North Point on Hong Kong Island.
For travel to major transport hubs and attractions, the Airport Express provides a fast link between the airport and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. The Tung Chung Line connects the city to Lantau Island, and the Disneyland Resort Line offers direct access to Hong Kong Disneyland. Popular attractions such as Ocean Park are served by the South Island Line, making the MTR a convenient choice for both sightseeing and everyday travel.
Hong Kong MTR Lines, Operating Hours & Major Stations
Most Hong Kong MTR lines operate from around 6:00 AM until midnight or later, with some lines running past 1:00 AM. Times may change on holidays, so always check the MTR Mobile App for live updates.
Line | First Train | Last Train | Major Spots | Notes |
Kwun Tong Line | 6:07 | 00:40 | Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui (via interchange) | Busy urban line, good for shopping areas |
Tsuen Wan Line | 6:06 | 00:54 | Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok | Core cross-harbour route |
Island Line | 5:55 | 00:50 | Central, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai | Main line along Hong Kong Island |
South Island Line | 6:00 | 01:05 | Ocean Park, Ap Lei Chau | Light metro, connects to Admiralty |
Tseung Kwan O Line | 6:00 | 01:12 | North Point, LOHAS Park | Late last trains, serves new towns |
Tung Chung Line | 6:01 | 00:50 | Hong Kong Station, Ngong Ping (via cable car) | Connects urban area to Lantau |
Disneyland Resort Line | 6:15 | 00:45 | Hong Kong Disneyland | Short shuttle line |
East Rail Line | 5:55 | 00:00 | Lo Wu, University, Admiralty | Cross-border route to Shenzhen |
Tuen Ma Line | 5:45 | 00:09 | Kai Tak, Tsim Sha Tsui East | Longest MTR line |
Airport Express | 6:00 | 00:45 | Hong Kong Station, Airport, AsiaWorld-Expo | Fast airport service |
*Note: Operating times are based on regular MTR service schedules. Times may change on public holidays or special occasions; please check the official MTR website or MTR Mobile app before travelling.
Hong Kong MTR Ticket Prices
Hong Kong MTR fares are calculated based on distance travelled, line used, and passenger type. Using an Octopus Card is the easiest and often cheapest way for visitors to travel.
Hong Kong MTR Fare (Adult Single Journey)
Trip Type | Typical Distance | Fare Range (HK$)* | Notes |
Short trips | 3–5 stations | HK$6–10 | Inner-city journeys |
Medium trips | 5–10 stations | HK$10–15 | Kowloon & Island routes |
Long / cross-harbour trips | 10+ stations | HK$10–20 | Includes harbour crossings |
East Rail Line (border routes) | Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau | HK$26.5–28 | Highest standard MTR fares |
Airport Express | City ↔ Airport | HK$65–110 | Fast premium service |
Passenger Discounts (Using Octopus Card)
Passenger Type | Fare Policy | Notes |
Adult | Standard fare | Morning peak discounts on selected routes |
Child (3–11) | 50% of adult fare | Automatic with Child Octopus |
Student (12–25) | Around 50% off | Requires Student Octopus |
Senior (65+) | HK$2 per trip | With Elder Octopus / JoyYou Card |
*Note: Fares may vary by station, route and time of travel. Please check the official MTR website, MTR Mobile app or station ticket machines for the latest prices.
🚄 Intercity Travel Guide:
For cross-boundary or regional journeys (such as Hong Kong to Shenzhen or Guangzhou), consider high-speed rail. These trains are much faster than metro services and are ideal for longer distances, even though fares are higher.
[5% Off] China Train Ticket Discount for New Users
24/7 Ticketing · 3-Minute Booking · E-Tickets
How to Buy Hong Kong MTR Tickets?
Hong Kong MTR offers many easy payment options for international visitors, including the Octopus Card, contactless bank cards, and mobile QR codes. Most stations have clear English signs, and payment is quick and cash free, making travel smooth for first time visitors.
Let’s look at the main ways to pay and how they work.
1️⃣ Octopus Card (Most Popular & Recommended) 💳😍
The Octopus Card is the most widely used travel card in Hong Kong.
- How to use: Simply tap the card at the gate when entering and exiting.
- Where you can use it: MTR, buses, ferries, trams, Light Rail, and also shops, cafés, supermarkets and attractions.
- Where to get it: Buy and top up at MTR Customer Service Centres, ticket machines, selected retailers, or Hong Kong International Airport.
- Good to know:
✅ Best choice for tourists
✅ Works almost everywhere
✅ Supports child, student and senior discounts

2️⃣ Contactless Bank Cards & Devices 💳📱
- What it is: Tap Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay credit/debit cards, or your phone/watch with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other NFC wallets.
- How to use: Tap at the light blue gates designated for contactless payments. The fare is automatically deducted from your card account.
- Where it works: Available on most MTR heavy rail stations (except Airport Express).
- Good to know: No need to buy tickets or download apps. Fare is charged directly to your bank card.
3️⃣ QR Code Mobile Payments 📱🔥
You can also enter the MTR by scanning QR codes from mobile apps.
- What it is: Use QR codes generated from AlipayHK, Alipay, WeChat Pay, MTR Mobile, or UnionPay App.
- How to use: Scan your QR code at the gate. Select passenger type (adult, child, senior) if needed.
- Where to use: Most MTR heavy rail lines. Not accepted on Airport Express.
- Good to know:
📌 Available on most heavy rail MTR lines ✅
📌 Not valid on Airport Express or Light Rail ❌


4️⃣ Single Journey Tickets & Cash Tickets 🎫✅
- What it is: Traditional paper tickets for one-off trips.
- Where to buy: Ticket machines or Customer Service Centres.
- Payment methods: Cash, Octopus, or mobile payment depending on station.
- How to use: Insert or scan your ticket at the gate to enter and exit.
- Where it works: All MTR stations, including some cross-harbour and airport lines.
- Suitable for tourists who do not need a stored-value card.
5️⃣ Hong Kong MTR Tourist Day Pass 🎫💰
Hong Kong offers a Tourist Day Pass designed for visitors who want to travel around the city conveniently in one day. The pass allows unlimited rides on the MTR, Light Rail and MTR buses for 24 hours from the first entry time. It is not valid on the Airport Express, East Rail Line First Class or travel to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations.

Tourist Day Pass Prices
Pass Type | Price | Age / Notes |
Adult Tourist Day Pass | HK$75 | Unlimited travel for 24 hours |
Child Tourist Day Pass | HK$35 | For children aged 3–11 |
How to Buy & Use
- Where to buy: Customer Service Centres at MTR stations (except Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Racecourse, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung, South Horizons, Hin Keng, Kai Tak, Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan).
- Payment: Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash or Octopus Card.
- Tourist verification: Must show a valid passport or other proof of tourist status. Only for visitors staying less than 14 days in Hong Kong.
- Usage tips:
- Swipe or tap at the gate to enter and exit.
- Valid for 24 consecutive hours from the first entry.
- Keep the pass safe and show it when requested by MTR staff.
- Important restrictions:
- Cannot be used on Airport Express or First Class East Rail Line.
- Travel to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations is not allowed.
- Non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.








How to Ride Hong Kong MTR?
Travelling on the Hong Kong MTR is easy, fast and tourist friendly. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll get around the city with no stress.
1️⃣ Find the MTR Station & Enter
Use Google Maps or similar apps to find the nearest MTR station.
Some station entrances are not very obvious, so look carefully for the red MTR logo.
Walk straight in, there is no security check for bags.
2️⃣ Choose How to Enter the Gate
You have three main ways to enter:
- Scan QR Code (Mobile Payment) 📱
Use AlipayHK, WeChat Pay, UnionPay App or MTR Mobile.
Scan the QR code at gates with a 🟣purple logo or QR scanner. - Tap Octopus Card 💳
Tap your Octopus Card or Mobile Octopus on the reader.
Make sure your balance is enough before entering. - Single Journey Ticket 🎫
Buy a paper ticket from the ticket machine and insert or scan it at the gate.
3️⃣ Take the Train
Check the line colour, line name and direction on signs and electronic screens.
Stand behind the platform screen doors and wait for passengers to exit first.
Priority seats are clearly marked, please give them to elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers.
⚠️ Some lines, such as the East Rail Line, have First Class carriages.
Do not enter First Class unless you have a First Class ticket, or you may be fined.
4️⃣ Exit the Station
Use the same method as entry:
- QR code: scan again
- Octopus Card: tap again
- Single journey ticket: insert or scan
The fare is deducted automatically ✅
Follow the exit signs carefully, as large stations have many exits leading to different streets, shopping centres or attractions.
Best Hotels Near Hong Kong MTR Stations (By Area)
Hong Kong has many excellent hotels located close to MTR stations, making it easy for visitors to travel around the city. The areas below are popular with foreign travellers because they offer fast transport links and quick access to major attractions, shopping streets, and transport hubs.
Area | 🔥 Most Booked | Nearby MTR Station | Why Stay Here |
Central, Hong Kong | Financial centre, Airport Express, harbour views | ||
Tsim Sha Tsui, East Tsim Sha Tsui | Shopping, museums, Victoria Harbour | ||
Mong Kok, Mong Kok East | Lively streets, night markets, easy transfers | ||
AsiaWorld-Expo, Airport | Convenient for flights, direct Airport Express, transfer to city |
After choosing the area that suits your trip, you can narrow down your options by hotel type. The cards below highlight top picks for different needs, including luxury 5-star stays, business-friendly hotels, family-friendly options, places with breakfast included, and properties with a gym.
Hotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on Mobile)
Homes & Apts: Save up to £39 (App-only deal)
Our Top Picks
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Breakfast
Gym
FAQ – Hong Kong MTR
-
1. How do I pay for the Hong Kong MTR?
You can pay with an Octopus Card, contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay), mobile QR codes (AlipayHK, WeChat Pay, MTR Mobile), or buy a single journey ticket at station machines. -
2. Can I ride the MTR without an Octopus Card?
Yes, you can use a single journey ticket or mobile QR codes, but the Octopus Card is the most convenient for multiple trips and transfers. -
3. How much does the Hong Kong MTR cost?
Fares depend on the distance travelled, typically HK$6–20 for adults, with discounts for children, students, and seniors using an Octopus Card. -
4. Can I use a Visa or other contactless card on the MTR?
Yes, most heavy rail MTR stations accept Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay contactless cards, tapped at light blue gates for automatic fare deduction. -
5. How do I ride the subway in Hong Kong for the first time?
- Enter the station using an Octopus Card, mobile QR code, or single journey ticket.
- Check the line colour, direction, and destination on signs and screens.
- Stand behind the yellow line and board safely.
- Tap or scan your payment method again to exit.
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