OWL Magazine Korea

Star Ferry – Connecting Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong’s two major bustling areas are the Hong Kong Island and the Tsim Sha Tsui area in the Kowloon Peninsula. There are various modes of transportation connecting these two places, including the subway known as “MRT,” buses, and taxis, as well as transportation through underwater tunnels.

However, in Hong Kong, you can find a unique mode of transportation – the “Ferry.”

“Star Ferry – Connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula”

There is a ferry service that connects Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, operated under the name “Star Ferry.” This service has been in operation since as far back as 1888, allowing you to experience the traces of many years.

The price is also quite reasonable. The fare for one ride is approximately HKD 2.7 on weekdays, equivalent to about 400 Korean Won.

“Enjoying the View of Hong Kong Island on Star Ferry”

Star Ferry not only serves as a great means of transportation connecting Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, but it also provides an excellent tourist resource where you can enjoy the view of Hong Kong Island from the sea at an affordable price. Thanks to this, it offers a special experience of enjoying the scenery of Hong Kong from the water.

The daytime view is splendid, and Hong Kong’s skyline is often referred to as a million-dollar view, making it an excellent place to admire the cityscape from the deck.

“Three Terminals to Board Star Ferry in Central, Hong Kong”

There are two routes for the Star Ferry, and they are as follows:

  1. Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon – Central, Hong Kong Island
  2. Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon – Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island

The representative route is from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon to Central in Hong Kong Island. The Central area of Hong Kong Island is the central district of the island, close to attractions like the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, SOHO, IFC Mall, and Hollywood Road. Near the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal, you can also find the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

The Wan Chai area, on the other hand, is relatively located to the east of Hong Kong Island. It’s an area where Hong Kong shopping malls are concentrated, and it’s also where the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the hub of the MICE industry, is located.

“Various Terminals in Hong Kong Central Terminal”

When boarding the ferry at the Central Terminal in Hong Kong, there are many decks. Among them, you can go to Star Ferry Terminal on Deck 7.

“Fare for Star Ferry”

The fare for Star Ferry is quite affordable. While there is a slight difference in fares between weekdays and weekends/public holidays, the prices are still quite reasonable.

For adults, on weekdays, it’s HKD 2.7 for upper deck and HKD 2.2 for lower deck. On weekends or holidays, it’s HKD 3.7 for upper deck and HKD 3.1 for lower deck. 

For children between 3 and 12 years old, they can apply for a children’s fare, which is HKD 1.6 for upper deck on weekdays, HKD 2.2 for upper deck on weekends, and so on.

“Ferry Operation Times”

Star Ferry operates at slightly different times for the routes between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. The operating times are as follows:

  • Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui – Central, Hong Kong: Takes about 6 minutes
  • Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui – Wan Chai, Hong Kong: Takes about 8 minutes

The ferry service connecting Central and Tsim Sha Tsui starts at around 6:30 AM on weekdays and runs until 11:30 PM for the last trip.

For the route connecting Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, the first trip from Tsim Sha Tsui is at 7:30 AM and the last trip is at 11:00 PM on weekdays. As for the Wan Chai route, the first trip starts at 7:20 AM and the last trip is at 10:50 PM on weekdays. For weekends, the timings may vary slightly, so it’s advisable to refer to the official website for the detailed schedule.

“Payment Methods”

You can pay for the Star Ferry fare in cash, or you can use an Octopus Card for payment. Using an Octopus Card is the most convenient option. If you don’t have an Octopus Card, you can purchase a token with cash from the vending machine available at the ferry pier.

Whether using an Octopus Card or a token, you only need to tap the card or insert the token when boarding, and you don’t need to do so when disembarking.

The Star Ferry, which connects the areas of Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui, is a unique mode of transportation that has been in operation for a long time, boasting significant historical value. Not only a simple means of transportation, but also a great way to enjoy fantastic views from the deck, it’s a recommended transportation method to experience during your trip to Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong, Star Ferry”

  • Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Terminal Address: Star Ferry pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
  • Central Ferry Terminal Address: Star Ferry pier, Central, Hong Kong Island
  • Wan Chai Ferry Terminal Address: Star Ferry pier, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
  • Phone Number: +852 2367 7065
  • Website: http://www.starferry.com.hk/en/service