Star Ferry
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Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Neighbourhood: Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the major tourist and shopping areas of Hong Kong. With a high concentration of hotels, retail shops and commercial offices – it’s a busy and bustling neighbourhood that never sleeps. On the surface, Tsim Sha Tsui seems to only feature an abundant number of high-end retail stores selling designer brands and jewelry, owing to its popularity with high-budget shopping tours. However, it also contains a diverse range of attractions for the entire family. Whether taking a walk in Kowloon Park, exploring museums, going shopping or grabbing a bite to eat – Tsim Sha Tsui has something for everyone.
How to get there
  • Tsim Sha Tsui • 7 min walk
  • East Tsim Sha Tsui • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Untung T
    Manila, Philippines153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short and cheap way to cross the Victoria Harbour
    We were travelling with our 2 year old and crossed over from from central star ferry pier to tsim sha tsui star ferry pier on the kowloon side. It was a bit of a walk from the central mtr station, about 10 minutes. Arriving at the pier ther is the observation wheel as well some shops you can buy food and souvenirs. We didn't needed to buy tickets as the Octopus cards are being accepted for the ferry. You can choose between upper deck or lower deck to sit on the ferry. We opted for the lower deck as we brought along a stroller and I wanted to see the engine room, as it is being opened for observation nowadays. The crossing took about 5 minutes and it was a very scenic and wonderful view from the ferry, seeing both sides of the harbour. I used to travel to Hong Kong annually since childhood, and this particular experience, I wouldn't miss on any visit. On the kowloon side there is long promenade you can walk along the harbour and watch the evening light show, something not to be missed.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 April 2023
  • Mindkandy
    126 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Simply a Must!
    Peaceful, beautiful views, and cheap. A Star Ferry ride is a must on any visit to HK. It's also a savior during rush hour when you need to cross the harbor and want to avoid the mad crush of the MTR (subway) system.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 8 April 2023
  • andy p
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hong Kong’s best loved icon
    What a wonderful experience, definitely one of the city’s best experiences. So cheap too. The day Hong Kong loses the star ferry will be the day it loses its unique identity and becomes just another drab Chinese city.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 8 April 2023
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Star Ferry is a bargain
    The Star Ferry offers a service spanning Hong Kong Harbor. It is very inexpensive and you can traverse the harbor for a few cents. The old boats ply the route from Kowloon Point in Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong Island. In the old days Hongkongers used the Star Ferry as a matter of necessity; a price rise of a cent in the tickets could cause riots. These days, the Star Ferry still attracts travelers, most Honhkongers take the MTR, which can take the trip under the harbor in a few minutes. For those who are careful with their pennies, the Star Ferry offers a welcome service.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 25 April 2023
  • Coco L
    Hong Kong, China37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An affordable way to see HK’s skyline
    Its a commute means for locals and an attraction for tourists. For that reason, maybe it’s a good idea to avoid rush hours as the ferry can be packed with commuters. I think it’s best to take ferry at night as you can really see Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline then.
    Visited October 2022
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 May 2023
  • C H
    36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great view
    The Star Ferry is an icon in HK. It is an inexpensive way to enjoy the great shoreline and buildings on both shores. The ride was short but the view was extremely pleasant. You can choose the upper or lower decks.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 15 May 2023
  • Au J
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must try in HK
    I stayed in Renaissance and their staff recommend us to try the experience of star ferry. Just a few minutes walk from hotel, the design of star ferry pier is nice and the fare was really cheap. The view from the star ferry was really excellent and I took many photo. Highly recommended to friend and family who will travel in HK.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 28 May 2023
  • cyng7614
    Hong Kong, China6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Colorful Harbour.
    The better time to take the ferry around 7 to 8 pm as the both side building is full of different colour lights. Suggest start from Hong Kong side. Arrival Tsim Sha Tsui ferry then stay near the sea side and look back Hong Kong. The whole island's iconic building and the lights make a colorful picture fill up your eyes to make you an unforgettable memory. Don't forget your cell phone or camera to take a memorable pictures. At 8 pm, lazer lights shows on Hong Kong island.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 8 June 2023
  • Navara68
    Bangkok, Thailand83 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Star ferry, the legend you must try
    Star ferry is iconic, legendary, most efficient and valuable to commute between Hong Kong and Kawloon that you must try when visit Hong Kong. It has been operated for over 100 years and the cost for adult passenger one way today is only 5 HKD. Have fun and enjoy!
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 June 2023
  • biggies
    213 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smooth and dependable
    Smooth ride and very dependable. Those people taking care of the boat seem to enjoy their work. Nice view and great feeling crossing the harbour. Very inexpensive and a must try when visiting Hong Kong. Even I have been there hundred of times I still enjoy it
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 17 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles24,534 reviews
Excellent
15,520
Very good
7,321
Average
1,531
Poor
114
Terrible
49

MopseyTravels
Montreal, Canada41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
I lived in HK 30 years ago and have been back at least 20 times since. I always make a point of riding the Star Ferry. You can't beat it. Best view in the world for a negligible amount of money. Take your iconic pictures from your seat as you move between HK and T.S.T
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Perrie Dzar
Hong Kong, China1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
I had a really good time in star ferry Ive been here 8 times since 2022, the view, the sky, the food is everything. Looking forward to comeback again
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lola186525
Edinburgh, UK235 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We had no Hong Kong dollars and we didn't have an octopus card so were slightly startled when we got to the ticket area and the machines didn't take credit cards - don't worry though, go right up to the barrier and there is a facility to pay there and on both sides there was a very helpful member of staff to guide us
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

L18SUM
Stirling, UK561 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Our family of two adults, a 9 year old and a 6 year old visited Hong Kong during the busy Chinese New Year holidays and enjoyed a few rides on the Star Ferry.

This is not to be missed for some of the best views of the HK skyscrapers as well as a cheap mode of transport between Kowloon and HK island.

After passing through the barriers, look up at the 'traffic lights' to determine which side the next ferry will depart from (red light means wait at barrier, green light means boarding, no lights on means the boat is not leaving/arriving on that side).

Once on board, make sure you pick the correct side of the boat for the views. The back rest of the seats swing both ways so move the back rest according to which direction you're travelling in.

On Kowloon side, don't miss the clock tower at the Star Ferry terminal which is one of the oldest and original structures in HK. On HK island side, from the Star Ferry pier at Central, follow the footpath bridge / walkway to get to the main shopping district or to get to the road level where you can pick up the trams to Causeway Bay. You can also get the ferry to/from the Wan Chai ferry terminal if you're headed that way. Enjoy!
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Iain Dougan
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
For those of you old enough to remember Bruce Lee films it is a throwback to them and the 70s as it crosses the bay.
Quick, cheap and frequent with guys at barriers very quick to help with any questions you have about getting somewhere when get off at other side
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Sundowner
Brighton, UK174 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
The Star ferry became a regular trip across to Hong Kong - cheap and quick for locals and tourists alike - a good flavour of Hong Kong life
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zitatravel
London, UK831 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Very efficient loading people off and on. Catch a ferry to cross the harbour and enjoy the skyline after dark. Equally good during the day. Use your Octopus card for all public transport in Hong Kong.
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sharon M
Honolulu, HI9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A must-do for any visit to HK. However, there is no free ride for seniors 65+. It cost 3.6 HKD in Kowloon and 3.7 HKD on the Hong Kong side on a Saturday.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

yumyum29
Manchester, UK137 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
A must if you’re visiting. For the 10 minutes that you’re on the star ferry (I’d recommend going twice, one during the day and the other by night) the photos you can get are truly stunning and capture the personality and beauty of this magnificent city!

Pay using tokens or even easier use your octopus card, it costs very little and you can choose upper or lower deck!
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

momma225
Geneseo, NY243 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
A great way to see Hong Kong and Kowloon for a small price. The boat gets awfully crowded but you still can see the skyline and the water and other boats.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Star Ferry - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Star Ferry

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