Hong Kong  MTR Guide 2026: Routes, Map, Stations & How to Use

Written by Natalia | Updated December 17,2025

Planning your next trip to Hong Kong? Then this ultimate guide about Hong Kong MTR (Mass Transit Railway) will be a great help for you. As one of the fastest and most widely used transportation modes to travel around the city, the MTR system in Hong Kong now has 11 lines and over 95 stations, averagely transporting about 4.03 million passengers per day. Visitors can take the MTR to get to almost all major attractions and business districts quickly and easily.

As it may be confusing, especially for first-timers, to take the MTR in Hong Kong, we thus prepared this guide to explain how to use it. From main routes, schedule, stations, to practical steps after entering the station and recommended payment options for visitors, you will crack all these questions in this article.

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• Hong Kong MTR Overview: What Is Hong Kong MTR?
• Hong Kong MTR Schedule & Operating Hours
• Hong Kong MTR Map
• Hong Kong MTR Lines & Important Stations
• Step-by-Step: How to Use the MTR in Hong Kong
• How to Pay for MTR in Hong Kong? – Popular Payment Methods
• How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen by MTR?
• How to Get from Hong Kong Airport to City by MTR?
• How to get from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island by MTR
• How to Get to Popular Attractions in Hong Kong by MTR?
• Tips on Taking Hong Kong MTR
• FAQs about Hong Kong MTR
• Travel with China Xian Tour for a Smooth Hong Kong Tour

Hong Kong MTR Overview: What Is Hong Kong MTR?

Hong Kong MTR, aka the Mass Transit Railway, is a comprehensive rail-based transportation network in Hong Kong. It is now the most used transportation mode in Hong Kong, featuring an extensive system of 9 rail urban lines, 1 airport rail line (Airport Express), and 1 tourist rail line (Disney Line). Collectively, this network serves passengers through about 98 MTR stations and 1 high-speed rail station, making it the backbone of public transit in Hong Kong.

The modern Hong Kong MTR system began construction in 1975 and started operation in October 1979. However, early railways can be traced back to the Kowloon-Canton Railway in 1910.

The MTR network now covers most parts of Hong Kong, with a total operational length of 245.3 kilometers. It is  very friendly and convenient for your vacation tours or business trips.

Hong Kong MTR Schedule & Operating Hours

Hong Kong’s MTR currently has 11 lines with 98 stations. Most of them start operating around 5:55 a.m. and continue until around 12:30 pm. The frequency of most lines is within ten minutes. The regular fares range from HKD 5 to HKD 20, while some special lines are more expensive, reaching over HKD 100. The following are the details of each line:

Hong Kong MTR Map

Hong Kong MTR Lines & Important Stations

Subway lines in Hong Kong are very orderly. Tourists can take the MTR to most major attractions, the city center, and important stations like the airport. The following is a detailed introduction to each line.

Airport Express Line: Hong Kong ↔AsiaWorld-Expo

• Length: 35.3 kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Hong Kong: 05:50 – 00:48 the next day / AsiaWorld-Expo: 06:00 – 00:45 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 6 – HKD 115
• Main Stations：Hong Kong, Kowloon, Tsing Yi, Airport, AsiaWorld-Expo

East Rail Line: Lo Wu & Lok Ma Chaau ↔Admiralty

• Length: 46kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Lo Wu: 05:55 – 00:00 the next day / Lok Ma Chaau: 06:38 – 22:55 / Admiralty: 06:04 – 00:22 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5 – HKD 5
• Main Stations：Admiralty,  Hung Hum, Exhibition Center, Mong Kok East, Kowloon Tong, Tai Wai, University

Tsuen Wan Line: Tsuen Wan ↔Central

• Length: 9kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Tsuen Wan: 06:00 – 00:30 the next day / Central: 06:06 – 00:54 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5 – HKD 16
• Main Stations：Central, Admiralty, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Prince Edward, Mei Foo, Lai King, Tsuen Wan

Island Line: Kennedy Town ↔Chai Wan

• Length:3kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Kennedy Town: 06:00 – 00:50 the next day
• Chai Wan: 05:55 – 00:35  the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5 – HKD 13
• Main Stations：Central, Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, North Point, Quarry Bay, Tai Koo, HKU, Kennedy Town,  Sheung Wan

Tung Chung Line: Tung Chung ↔Hong Kong

• Length: 1kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Tung Chung: 06:02 – 00：43 the next day / Hong Kong: 06:01 – 00:50 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5- HKD 28
• Main Stations：Hong Kong, Kowloon, Lai King, Tsing Yi, Tung Chung, Sunny Bay

Kwun Tong Line: Whampoa ↔Tiu Keng Leng

• Length: 4kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Whampoa: 06:10 – 00:40 the next day / Tiu Keng Leng: 06:07 – 00:22 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5 – HKD 13
• Main Stations：Whampoa, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Prince Edward, Kowloon Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Diamond Hill (near Nan Lian Garden), Kwun Tong, Tiu Keng Leng

South Island Line: Admiralty ↔South Horizons

• Length: 7kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Admiralty: 06:11 – 01:05 the next day / South Horizons: 06:00 – 01:05 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 6- HKD 5
• Main Stations：Admiralty, Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung, South Horizons

Tseung Kwan O Line: North Point ↔LOHAS Park

• Length: 3kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:North Point: 06:13 – 01:12 the next day / LOHAS Park: 05:57 – 00:48 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5 – HKD 15
• Main Stations：North Point, Quarry Bay, Yau Tong, Tiu Keng Leng, Tseung Kwan O, Hang Hau, Po Lam, LOHAS Park

Disneyland Resort Line: Sunny Bay ↔Disneyland Resort

• Length: 3.5kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Sunny Bay: 06:15 – 00:45 the next day / Disneyland Resort: 06:20 – 00:40 the next day
• Ticket Price: HKD 5
• Main Stations：Sunny Bay, Disneyland Resort

Tuen Ma Line: Tuen Mun ↔Wu Kai Sha

• Length: 56kilometers
• Time for the First Train and Last Train:Tuen Mun: 05:45 – 00:09 the next day / Wu Kai Sha: 05:38 – 23:54
• Ticket Price: HKD 5- HKD 27
• Main Stations：Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Wai, Diamond Hill (near Nan Lian Garden), Hung Hom, East Tsim Sha Tsui, Nam Cheong, Mei Foo, Wu Kai Sha

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Step-by-Step: How to Use the MTR in Hong Kong

Confusing about how to use the MTR in Hong Kong, this step-by-step guide will be a great help. You can find how to buy ticket (Octopus card or ride code), enter station, when to exit the station and signs in the station.

How to find stations near you

You can search for your destination in the mobile map app, and it will automatically recommend suitable routes and the nearest subway station to you. You just need to follow the navigation instructions to find the subway station.

How to proceed after entering the station

You can follow the red plum blossom to find the entrance, and take the elevator to the concourse, and follow the signs inside the concourse to pass through the turnstiles.

The station has comprehensive guidance signs that help visitors quickly find the corresponding lines. And the Hong Kong MTR does not require security checks, which brings convenience to visitors and saves time.

How to Get on the Correct MTR Train for your Destination

In the concourse and on the platform, complete subway network and transfer information are displayed overhead. There are also different directional arrows guiding visitors to various routes or exits. On the platform, electronic displays show train arrival times, line operation status, and some special notifications.

Passengers can use these clear guidelines to find the line and direction they need to take, and if anything is unclear, they can also ask the station staff for assistance in a timely manner, so that your train is properly aligned .

Take the Train & Get off at Correct Stop

First, there is a screen above the train doors to show the route, the current and next station. You can keep track of your current location and the upcoming stops in real time.

Second, when the train approaches a station, the voice announcements will be broadcast (in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English) to inform passengers of the coming station and the direction where the doors will open. At transfer stations, the announcement will be louder, with an additional reminder that this station can transfer.

Finally, before the doors open at a station, yellow lights on both sides of the doors will flash, accompanied by a ‘beep-beep’ sound to indicate that the doors are about to open.

Leave the Station

After getting off the train, you need to swipe your card or scan a QR code again when passing through the turnstiles. Inside the station, there are maps showing the locations of various exits and some important landmarks nearby. If you find this confusing, you can also check your destination on a mobile map, which will recommend a proper exit for you.

How to Pay for MTR in Hong Kong? – Popular Payment Methods

Pay Hong Kong MTR with Tourist Octopus Card – Top Recommended

• Where to buy: MTR Customer Service Centers, Transportation hubs, 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores, ParknShop, Wellcome supermarkets, and Watsons.
• Cost: HKD 200 (HKD 50 for deposit and HKD 150 for initial top-up)
• Where can be used: Rail transportation (including the MTR, Light Rail, and Airport Express), buses, ferries, trams, cable cars, some taxis, some dining, retail, and entertainment venues.
• Advantages: Versatile usage, more discounts, flexible top-ups, easy rental and returns, and protection of personal privacy.

Pay Hong Kong MTR with Passes

Currently, MTR travel passes mainly have three types: Octopus Card (the most mainstream option), Tourist Day Pass (exclusively for tourists), and Monthly Pass (designed for commuters). All three types can be purchased at MTR Customer Service Centres, or booked online in advance for collection at designated offline stations.

If you only plan to stay in Hong Kong for 1-3 days, you can choose the Tourist Day Pass, which costs HK$75 per person a day and allows unlimited rides. If your tour will last 3 – 14days, the Octopus Card is recommended, which enables convenient use of all means of transportation and shopping. While, if you plan to stay or work in Hong Kong long-term and commute between fixed routes, you can directly opt for the Monthly Pass.

In summary, the Octopus Card remains the most flexible and cost-effective choice for your Hong Kong trip, meeting all your transfer needs.

Pay Hong Kong MTR with Mobile Payment

Mobile payments, mainly including Alipay and WeChat Pay, are also one of the most convenient payment methods.

Currently, foreign phone numbers can directly register for the International Version of WeChat and the International Version of Alipay, both of which support the transit QR code function of Hong Kong MTR. The available international cards mainly include four types: Visa, MasterCard, JDCI, and Discover.

After completing registration and real-name authentication on the app, you can add valid bank card information to finish binding, and finally set a payment password to start using the service. Open the Hong Kong Transit QR Code in the app, adjust your location to Hong Kong, and then scan the QR code at the QR code scanning area above the turnstiles, then you can go to take the MTR.

This method not only reduces the need to carry physical cards but also allows on-the-go use, making it extremely convenient.

Pay Hong Kong MTR with Single Journey Tickets

You can find a ticket machine before entering the station.

First, choose the language you need on the machine (Chinese or English). Then, follow the machine’s instructions to choose your departure point and destination. The machine will provide the corresponding route and price, and you can purchase the ticket directly.

Pay Hong Kong MTR with Credit Card

From 2024, tourists can pay for fares in the Hong Kong MTR by credit cards with NFC or contactless payment function, such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay. The light blue turnstiles are open specifically for contactless payments.

How to Get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen by MTR?

You can reach Lo Wu Station via the East Rail Line. This station is directly connected to Shenzhen Metro Line 1, making the transfer very convenient. It takes about one hour, but please note that you need to bring all the necessary identity information and documents for entry and exit.

How to Get from Hong Kong Airport to City by MTR?

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How to get from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island by MTR

You can take the Tsuen Wan Line in Kowloon to Admiralty Station, then transfer to Citybus Route 15 and alight at the stop “Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Stubbs Road”. After getting off, walk for 8 minutes and you will reach Hong Kong Island.

How to Get to Popular Attractions in Hong Kong by MTR?

Tips on Taking Hong Kong MTR

• Local Manners to Know: Eating and drinking are not allowed in the carriage, putting your feet on the seats is not allowed, playing sound from electronic devices is not allowed, and using foul language is not allowed.
• Safety Tips: Take care of your things and don’t rush or push when using escalators.
• Money-Saving Tips: The Octopus card will offer discounts.
• Octopus card related: If the Octopus card balance is below HKD 10, you cannot pass through the gate. Please check and top up in advance.
• Special Carriages: Some trains on the East Rail Line have first-class carriages, which require an additional ticket to enter. If you enter them without the ticket, you will be fined HKD 500.

FAQs about Hong Kong MTR

When was Hong Kong MTR built?

Construction of the Hong Kong MTR began in November 1975 and was completed in 1979, with the first section officially opening on October 1.

Can I eat or drink inside the Hong Kong MTR?

In the Hong Kong MTR, drinking and eating are prohibited. Those who violate this rule may face a fine of up to HK$2,000.

Is the Octopus refundable?

Yes, if you are using a card, you can go to any MTR Customer Service Centre offline to get a refund. If using the app, you can directly click ‘Delete and Refund’.

How to go to Disneyland Hong Kong by MTR?

Hong Kong has opened a special line for Disneyland. You can take the MTR from your location to Sunny Bay Station, and then transfer to the Disneyland Resort Line.

How to go to Ocean Park Hong Kong by MTR?

Firstly, Take the train from your place to Admiralty Station, and then transfer to the South Island Line.

How much is the MTR fare in Hong Kong?

The prices of the MTR tickets range from about HKD 4 to HKD 51, and if you use the Octopus, you can get a discount. But some special lines will be more expensive.

Is overnight train services avialable?

Regularlly, all MTR lines conclude service between about 00:30-01:00. Only on certain special occasions, such as New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year, when passenger largely increased, overnight services are provided.

Travel with China Xian Tour for a Smooth Hong Kong Tour

Hong Kong has a very tourist-friendly MTR system, providing convenient transportation for visitors from afar. If you want to learn more about other specific details of Hong Kong or plan to travel there, please feel free to contact China Xian Tour at any time. Our professional consultants will help you plan your perfect trip. We are always ready to answer any travel-related questions you may have!