Star Ferry Hong Kong Photos & Travel FAQ
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry is a classic highlight that continues to make it into guidebooks and itineraries to this day. The Star Ferry was opened in 1888 to connect Kowloon with Hong Kong Island. It still serves commuters and tourists alike but is no longer the main way of getting across the water as there is both an MTR and car tunnel that is faster–but not cheaper. The star ferry is a real bargain at HK $4 to $6.50 per person (depending on the day and deck).
Star Ferry Hong Kong history
The ferry started operating in 1888 with one steam-powered boat; today, there are twelve ferries operating across the two routes, and night cruises are availiable around the harbour.
A lot of people do not realise just how much land reclamation has taken place along Victoria Harbour–and Hong Kong as a whole. The area where the central pier now stands, along with the entire area around the central station, was all reclaimed in stages between 1877 and the 2000s, with more proposed reclamation on the horizon. This means the current pier is actually a lot closer to Kowloon than it once was, and the journey time has gone from one hour to ten minutes.
Finding the Hong Kong Star Ferry Pier
From the Hong Kong island side, there are two different piers with ferries departing to Kowloon. The main ferry goes from the Central Star Ferry pier number 7, which is a short walk from Central MRT station through undercover passages or the Hong Kong MRT station (both stations are connected underground.
The second route operates from Wan Chai, which is slightly further along Hong Kong Island. This pier is also well connected to the MRT at Wan Chai.
On the Kowloon side, the station is a short walk from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. The Pier is right next to the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars (keep an eye out for Bruce Lee) and a great place to get some photos.
Time, Route and Cost
The Star Ferry Hong Kong route is pretty direct; it takes about 10 minutes to get across Victoria Harbour and a few minutes to get on or off. The ferries have two decks; I would recommend sitting on the upper deck for better views, but you can still see plenty from the lower deck.
The cost fluctuates depending on the day and the deck you want to travel on: From Monday to Friday, it is $4 for the lower deck and $5 for the upper deck. The cost goes up a bit at the weekends, but the trip is not far off $1 in Australian dollars. You couldn’t even get the bus to the shops for that in Sydney!
Attractions near Star Ferry in Hong Kong
On the Kowloon side, there is no shortage of things to see, do, and eat. The Hong Kong Space Museum is just behind the waterfront and is a great place to spend an hour or two. You can see Chinese astronauts’ spacesuits and strange freeze-dried ice cream. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. I’m a sucker for old colonial buildings like the Peninsula Hotel and signal hill garden with its old tower.
On the Hong Kong island side, there is plenty to do. Just a short walk away is the IFC tower and mall, which have enough shops to get lost in for a very, very long time. You could catch one of the iconic trams that go right through Central all the way to Kennedy Town in the west or Shau Kei Wan in the east.
Star Ferry in Hong Kong: FAQs
What are the operating hours of the Star Ferry?
- The Star Ferry operates from early morning until late at night, with the first ferry typically departing around 6:30 AM and the last ferry around 11:30 PM. Exact times can vary, but ferries generally leave every 10 minutes.
Are there any special services or tours offered by the Star Ferry?
- Yes, the Star Ferry offers special services such as the Harbour Tour, which provides a scenic cruise around Victoria Harbour as well as night cruises.
Is the Star Ferry accessible for people with disabilities?
- The Star Ferry is equipped with facilities to assist passengers with disabilities, including ramps and designated seating areas. However, it’s advisable to check specific accessibility options in advance.
Are there any discounts available for children, seniors, or students?
- Yes, the Star Ferry offers discounted fares for children, seniors, and students. Children under the age of 3 can travel for free.
What is the best time of day to take the Star Ferry for photography?
- Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for photography, as the lighting is softer, and the views of the skyline are stunning. Humidity and pollution can make the visibility a bit poor in the mornings, and quite often, this has ‘burnt off’ by the afternoon.
How do I purchase tickets for the Star Ferry?
- You can buy tickets at the ferry terminals from ticket machines or counters. Alternatively, you can use an Octopus card (Hong Kong’s transport card for buses, trains and everything in between), which you will likely need for the MTR anyway.
