STAR FERRY HONG KONG – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW GUIDE

INSIDE: Ultimate Guide to the Star Ferry Hong Kong with kids. 

Looking for things to do in Hong Kong with kids?

One thing you must put on your list is a trip across Victoria Harbour on the world famous Star Ferry.  

At just HK $2.70 for adults and HK $1.60 for kids 3 -12, you can travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, all day long for next to nothing. 

This Hong Kong ferry trip must be the cheapest public transport in the world.

Plus, kids under 3 are FREE! 

Who wouldn’t want to go on this Hong Kong ferry boat?

Take a look below for details. 

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Image credit: Bernard Spragg NZ  via Flickr CC BY-1.0

Hong Kong Star Ferry with kids

My kids, with Roam the Gnome in tow, LOVE catching any kind of boat. (In fact, they love catching all different types of public transport, but boats are our fave.)

So do I.

I love boats and ferries so much, I dream of living on Dangar Island, in the Hawkesbury River of Sydney, just so the kids and I could catch the postal ferry boat to and from home everyday to get to school and work.

(Our friends lived this life for many years when their kids were young, and while it’s not always easy or as romantic as it sounds – travelling on the water in a storm is not much fun, nor is trying to get home when you miss the last ferry of the day – I feel very strongly drawn to do it sometime.)

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RELATED: Ultimate Guide to ALL the FUN Public Transport you can catch in Hong Kong with kids!

Star Ferry Hong Kong Boat across Victoria Harbour

We travelled on the Star Ferry Central to Tsim Sha Tsui with my wonderful old friend, Tania.

Tania’s an Australian expat who has been in Hong Kong for 13 years.  

There’s no better way to travel than with a local in tow.

Locals know so many secrets that ‘tourists’ and even really good ‘travellers’ have difficulty finding.

There’s just no substitute for local knowledge.

We were so grateful to have her accompanying us on that day. 

Best Tips for Hong Kong Star Ferry Boat Ride

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in HK dollars, unless otherwise stated

Here’s some helpful tips for catching the Star Ferry in Hong Kong. 

How long does the Star Ferry take to cross Victoria Harbour?

The boat ride from Central to TST lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Depending on the time of day, this ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon is used by office workers, business people shoppers, tourists, and local visitors. 

The Star ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong island (Wanchai) takes about 20 minutes. 

Image credit: Mark Pegrum via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Stuck in Traffic

“Stuck in traffic” takes on a completely different meaning at sea but it’s a real thing in Victoria Harbour.  

Sometimes the ferry may slow down or stop in the middle of the harbour to let other boats and ships pass by.

What is the weather like in Hong Kong?

There’s a vending machine selling umbrellas just by the entrance to the ferry.

We thought that a little strange, until we realised that Hong Kong weather can turn in a second.

Attendants on the Star Ferry will roll down plastic ‘cafe’ style curtains in the case of bad weather to keep you somewhat dry on your trip.

Star Ferry Hong Kong Map

Click here for a Star Ferry Route Map

Are there toilets on the Star Ferry?

Yes, bathrooms are available in ferry terminals, and on the boat. 

Image credit: Fabio Achilli  via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Fun Facts about the Star Ferry in Hong Kong

A crossing of Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry has been named by the National Geographic of Traveler as one of the “fifty places of a lifetime”.

The fleet of twelve ferries currently operates two routes (four prior to April 1, 2011) across the harbour, carrying over 70,000 passengers a day, or 26 million a year.

Even though the harbour is crossed by railway and road tunnels, the Star Ferry continues to provide an inexpensive mode of harbour crossing. The company’s main route runs between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

It has been rated 5th in the “Most Beautiful Ferry Rides in the World” poll by Conde Nast Traveler in 2015. 
 

 

Hong Kong Star Ferry Souvenirs

You can now buy Star Ferry Souvenirs!  

A Hong Kong Star Ferry t-shirt will set you back $90HK

Best Hong Kong souvenirs

My souvenir of choice would be the ceramic travel mug at $70 HK dollars.

That’s $9 USD (or $14 AUD) for a cup you’ll drink coffee out of 365 days a year.

Cheap!

Purchase at the Post Office, or the Star Ferry Online store. 

Image credit: Chee Hong  via Flickr CC BY-2.0

What to Eat and Drink before or after a Star Ferry Ride Hong Kong

There’s cheap and cheerful food stalls and convenience stalls at both Central ferry terminal, and Tsim Tsa Shui ferry terminal.

Please eat before you embark.

The Star Ferry rule of thumb is no eating or drinking on board. 

At Star ferry central ferry terminal you’ll find:

• Starbucks
• Kee Wah Bakery
• Pier 7 Cafe and Bar
• 7-Eleven, and Kaiser’s Deli

At Star Ferry Tsim Tsa Shui ferry terminal, you’ll find:

• Arome Bakery
• One Tea House
• Wing Wah Cake Shop
• Tai Cheong Bakery

 While not the cheapest of places to eat in Hong Kong with kids, these Hong Kong food outlets are perfect for a quick snack of Chinese pastries and breads, or a drink stop.

Hot tip: Visit the Tai Cheong bakery to buy famous egg tarts.

Plus, read our guide to must try foods to try in Hong Kong! 

THE INSIDE SCOOP: Star Ferry Cruise Hong Kong

Address: Hong Kong Ferry Terminal
Telephone: (852) 2367 7065 
Website: Click here
Email: [email protected]

Hot Tip: Enjoy a special cruise on a classic Star Ferry to watch “A Symphony of Lights”

(This is an outdoor laser music show from on the water, the biggest in the world!) 

Image credit: Philipp via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Star Ferry Hong Kong Schedule from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui

The Star Ferry from Central starts at 6.30am and runs until 11.30pm, Monday to Friday, plus weekends and public holidays. 

During peak hours, the ferry departs every 6 to 8 minutes, and every 10 to 12 minutes in less busy times. 

Download the current Star Ferry timetable from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, and back here

Star Ferry Hong Kong Timetable from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui

The Star Ferry Wan chai to Tsim Sha Tsui runs from 7.30am to 11pm, Monday to Friday, and from 7.40am to 11pm on weekends and public holidays.

This ferry is less frequent, with departures every 8 minutes during busy hours, and between 10-20 minutes at all other times. 

Download the current Star Ferry timetable from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui, and back here

The Star Ferry Prices Hong Kong

How much does the Star Ferry cost?

The Hong Kong Star Ferry fare to catch the boat is as follows:

• HK $2.70 adults, Monday to Friday on the upper deck (HK $2.20 lower deck)
• HK $3.70 adults on weekends and public holidays  on the upper deck (HK $3.10 lower deck)
• HK $1.6o for kids 3-11 Monday to Friday
• HK $2.20 for kids on weekends and public holidays

NB: There is no lower deck fare on the Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui route across Hong Kong Victoria Harbour. 

Book Now: Star Ferry Harbour Tour Cruise aboard an iconic 1920’s Star Ferries Recreation

Image credit: Ron Reiling  via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Star Ferry Price for 4 Day Tourist Ticket 

A 4 day tourist ticket for the Star Ferry costs HK $27.50  

4-Day Tourist Tickets are available for sale at Harbour Tour Ticket Counter at Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier. Ticketholders can enjoy unlimited rides on all regular ferry services between Central / Tsim Sha Tsui, and between Wanchai / Tsim Sha Tsui, for four consecutive days.

Click here for current updates to ferry prices AND timetables. 

Image credit: Shankar S via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Star Ferry Hong Kong How to get there (Star Ferry Piers)

Star Ferry Central Terminal

The Star Ferry Hong Kong pier at Central is located at Man Kwong street. 

Star Ferry Wan Chai Terminal

The Star Ferry pier at Wan Chai is located at Hung Hing street. 

Star Ferry Terminal Kowloon/ Star Ferry Terminal Tsim Sha Tsui

The Star Ferry Pier Tsim Sha Tsui is located off Canton road, near the Avenue of Stars.

Toadstool Rating: Star Ferry in Hong Kong

A trip on the Star Ferry in Hong Kong is a must do adventure. 

Looking for More Things to Do in Hong Kong with Kids?

Click the blue links below for more Hong Kong attractions on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, The New Territories and Lantau Island

• The Complete Guide to Travel in Hong Kong with Kids

• Book a Eco Cruise to see the Hong Kong Pink Dolphins in the wild

• Visit the famous Goldfish Market in Hong Kong (there’s LOTS to see!)