The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the major urban transportation system in Hong Kong. More commonly known in other countries as the metro or underground, it is the always fast and always reliable train system. In Hong Kong the system is amazingly efficient - so efficient in fact, that customers start to get fidgety if a train is more than 5 minutes late. Passengers can easily and accurately estimate the duration of a journey with electronic signboards indicating the waiting times of the next train. Riding the MTR during rush hour is one classic Hong Kong experience, but not recommended for those who are prone to bouts of claustrophobia. Most sections of the MTR run underground, but there are also a few elevated sections above ground. The lines runs through most districts in the urban area of Hong Kong including major commercial and shopping areas such as Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok.
Areas Covered by MTR
There are altogether 6 MTR lines available (plus the Airport Express line):
- Kwun Tong Line (Kowloon area – Yau Ma Tei to Tiu Keng Leng)
- Tsuen Wan Line (Hong Kong Island to New Territories area – Central to Tsuen Wan)
- Island Line (Hong Kong Island – Sheung Wan to Chai Wan)
-Tung Chung Line (Hong Kong Island to Lantau – Hong Kong Station to Tung Chung)
-Tseung Kwan O Line (Hong Kong Island to New Territories area - North Point to Po Lam)
-Airport Express (Hong Kong Island to Airport – Hong Kong Station to Asia World Expo)
MTR Fares
The MTR fare depends on which station you begin and end your journey. The fares for adults range from HK$4-$26 and HK$3-$13 for children and senior citizens.
MTR Tickets
1)Single Journey Ticket – This ticket can be used for a specific journey on the day of issue. It can be purchased from the Ticket Issuing Machines in any station.
2)1–Day Pass – The ticket can be used for taking unlimited MTR rides on any single day within the ticket validity period (1 month from day of purchase). The selling price is HK$50. It is available for sale at the Customer Service Centre of all MTR or Airport Express stations or through online booking. Passengers can keep the ticket after use as a souvenir.
3)Octopus Card – It is a magnetic debit or credit card widely used in Hong Kong for making purchases of goods and transportation. The card costs HK$120 and includes a refundable HK$50 deposit with cash readily available on the card.
4)Airport Express Tourist Octopus – It is similar to the normal Octopus. The selling price of HK$220 or HK$300 includes one or two Airport Express journeys, 3 days of MTR rides, HK$20 stored value and an HK$50 refundable deposit.
Tip
You must complete your journey within 90 minutes of passing through the entry gate or else you will be forced to pay a surcharge equivalent to the current maximum single journey fare, so don't loiter around doing your sightseeing underground.
