Star Ferry
Star Ferry
4.5
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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
Best nearby
Restaurants
6,798 within 5 kms
Attractions
724 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- eve3Tsukuba, Japan613 contributionsCheap sightseeing in expensive Hong KongHong Kong is expensive, but the Star Ferry is only HK$5 one way on weekdays. Cash and Octopus cards are accepted. QR payment was rejected because it was Alipay, which is for foreigners. It's great that you can see the spectacular views for less than other forms of transportation.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 February 2024
- ZitatravelLondon, United Kingdom839 contributionsEfficient and cheap way to cross the harbour to enjoy the viewVery 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.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 February 2024
- L18SUMStirling, United Kingdom2,140 contributionsTreasure this ferryOur 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!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
- luoyulin2000Changsha, China2 contributionsA very satisfying experienceDuring my trip to Hong Kong, I took the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island and experienced the three piers of Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan Chai. Ticket purchase was convenient and the ticket price was friendly. I recommend buying a second-floor ticket, which also allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way. The scenery is different during the day and at night. Both the elderly and children like it very much. It is a must-do item for Hong Kong tourism and is recommended.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
- MopseyTravelsMontreal, Canada40 contributionsI take it EVERY time I visit HKI 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.TVisited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 15 March 2024
- willjc95West Midlands, United Kingdom525 contributionsWell worth taking the ferry for the viewsWe took the ferry one way for the views rather than going via MTR. It's very good value, I can't remember how much but much less than ÂŁ1.00. ÂŁ0.40 or something like that. The view of the skyline is super. HK is one of the most interesting places I have visited. Absolutely super.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 March 2024
- robbo1000Manchester, United Kingdom543 contributionsGood and cheapWe took the Star Ferry a few times from Kowloon to the island. The lower deck costs 4 dollars, and the upper deck costs 5 dollars. These are currently around 40 and 50 pence respectively. The ferries are obviously quite old, however safety standards are high and they are spotlessly clean. The best way to cross the water, the MTR being the second best way.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 April 2024
- mfilcol2014Lisbon, Portugal1,842 contributionsCool small tripThe Star Ferry is a Hong Kong institution. The short trip between central Hong Kong and Kowloon takes us back to the past. It's worth it. The view of Victoria Harbor is fabulous. Don't miss itVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 April 2024
- junior1907Istanbul, TĂĽrkiye195,903 contributionsTransportationđź‘ŤIt is a business that provides service from many piers between two sides of Hong Kong. It carries passengers all day long with its small ferries. Free and unencrypted wifi is also available on the piers. There are also small supermarket kiosks on some piers. It is a good alternative form of transportation to have a pleasant time. Octopus card is also accepted.Visited April 2024Travelled on businessWritten 20 April 2024
- gcrefsBrisbane, Australia499 contributionsStar Ferry - explore HK and enjoy the harborAn effective way to get from HK island to TST or just cruise the harbor and enjoy the wonderful HK city beauty as you relax on the ferry. They are always on time and it is a quick and reliable and cheap form of transport. HK$10 Wanchai to TST.Visited May 2024Travelled on businessWritten 11 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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.
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4.5
24,570 reviews
Excellent
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115
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50
Brad
Hong Kong, China180,415 contributions
Feb 2020
The Star Ferry is a historic and iconic form of ferry transportation linking the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour. Started in 1888, ferries have been transporting passengers across the harbour for over 130 years. These days, the Star Ferry is a source of pride for residents of Hong Kong, a quintessential part of our city and link to her rich past.
Historically, the Star Ferry was the main form of public transportation between Kowloon and HK Island until 1972 when the Cross Harbour Tunnel was opened. Now with the MTR system also connecting the the two, the Star Ferry is no longer an essential method of transportation for commuters. Yet many Hong Kongers continue to use it when we can simply because we love it... and so do millions of visitors to Hong Kong.
To ride the Star Ferry, you can purchase an entry token or simply use your Octopus Card. Fees are very cheap (HK$2.2 for adults, HK$1.5 for children lower deck entrance, a bit more for upper deck passage). Ferries arrive and depart regularly, the ride takes 7-8 minutes to cross the harbour. Views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon skylines are great when sky conditions are favourable and during the evenings when the skylines are lit up with lights.
You can also consider taking a longer harbour cruise option which lasts 60 minutes, with daytime departures (HK$120 per adult), nighttime departures (HK$200 per adult) and a special Symphony of Lights departure that takes place during the nightly laser show over the harbour (HK$230 per adult). This can be an enjoyable way to spend more time for those who want to spend more time on the waters of Victoria Harbour.
Note: You'll find more information related to ferry sailing times, prices and other general facts on the Star Ferry website.
Historically, the Star Ferry was the main form of public transportation between Kowloon and HK Island until 1972 when the Cross Harbour Tunnel was opened. Now with the MTR system also connecting the the two, the Star Ferry is no longer an essential method of transportation for commuters. Yet many Hong Kongers continue to use it when we can simply because we love it... and so do millions of visitors to Hong Kong.
To ride the Star Ferry, you can purchase an entry token or simply use your Octopus Card. Fees are very cheap (HK$2.2 for adults, HK$1.5 for children lower deck entrance, a bit more for upper deck passage). Ferries arrive and depart regularly, the ride takes 7-8 minutes to cross the harbour. Views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon skylines are great when sky conditions are favourable and during the evenings when the skylines are lit up with lights.
You can also consider taking a longer harbour cruise option which lasts 60 minutes, with daytime departures (HK$120 per adult), nighttime departures (HK$200 per adult) and a special Symphony of Lights departure that takes place during the nightly laser show over the harbour (HK$230 per adult). This can be an enjoyable way to spend more time for those who want to spend more time on the waters of Victoria Harbour.
Note: You'll find more information related to ferry sailing times, prices and other general facts on the Star Ferry website.
Written 10 February 2020
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.
Jish
Shanghai, China7 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a really nice ferry. I utilised the TST to Wan Chai route iirc, as well as the North Point terminal. Very spacious, and well ventilated. I particularly enjoyed the unparalleled view of the quarantined cruise-ship that Star Ferry kindly provided. I love this shortcut across the bay. Wan Chai metro is a bit of a trek from the ferry terminal though, but I managed to stumble upon a machine which gave my Octopus Card a 2HKD discount from my next journey, so that was a really nice surprise.
Written 16 February 2020
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.
toekneechung
Hong Kong, China15 contributions
Sept 2020
I've been living in HK for over 20 years and I used to take the Star Ferry from TST to Wanchai for work when I first relocated to this dynamic city. I never got tired of waiting for the gate to open and the onrush of commuters jockeying for their favorite bench on the iconic ferry. It wasn't the most pleasant ride when it was rainy and windy but it was still very memorable, nonetheless.
I haven't had the need to take the Star Ferry to HKI in recent years but when the weather is nice, I always enjoy going out of my way to take the Star Ferry across the Harbour and back, just for the fun of it. The view of HK's fabulous skyline on both the Island side and Kowloon side are almost always picture perfect even when the weather is not.
If you have 40 minutes to spare, I urge you to slow down and think back to the very first time you took the Star Ferry across the Harbour. I promise you, it will put a smile on your face as you appreciate Hong Kong's past and look for what is good in Hong Kong's future.
I haven't had the need to take the Star Ferry to HKI in recent years but when the weather is nice, I always enjoy going out of my way to take the Star Ferry across the Harbour and back, just for the fun of it. The view of HK's fabulous skyline on both the Island side and Kowloon side are almost always picture perfect even when the weather is not.
If you have 40 minutes to spare, I urge you to slow down and think back to the very first time you took the Star Ferry across the Harbour. I promise you, it will put a smile on your face as you appreciate Hong Kong's past and look for what is good in Hong Kong's future.
Written 5 September 2020
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.
lois d
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
Star ferry is a Star of The Hong Kong show not to be missed during a Hong Kong visit. Just get your Octopus card from an MTR station and you are away. Journey time across the bay just under 10 minutes at a cost of 22 p. Simple and a pleasure to use
Written 21 January 2020
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 Lettuce
London, UK99 contributions
Dec 2019
Very cheap to travel on $2 HKD!
We were on a 7 hour stop-over at the airport, so decided to go and see the harbour. Caught bus A21 that goes down Nathan Road to Tsim Sha Tsui, then walked to the harbour promenade. Catch the very nice lightshow at 8pm beforehand and then walk 10mins to the ferry terminal. It's not a glamourous entrance to the ferry at all, but for $2 HKD you can't expect much and the ferry itself is great.
The ferry takes about 10mins to cross to Central pier on the other side. Then walk another 10mins to the metro station which takes you back to the airport.
Note: They only take cash on the ferry, but there is a VISA ATM downstairs, if you need it.
We were on a 7 hour stop-over at the airport, so decided to go and see the harbour. Caught bus A21 that goes down Nathan Road to Tsim Sha Tsui, then walked to the harbour promenade. Catch the very nice lightshow at 8pm beforehand and then walk 10mins to the ferry terminal. It's not a glamourous entrance to the ferry at all, but for $2 HKD you can't expect much and the ferry itself is great.
The ferry takes about 10mins to cross to Central pier on the other side. Then walk another 10mins to the metro station which takes you back to the airport.
Note: They only take cash on the ferry, but there is a VISA ATM downstairs, if you need it.
Written 6 March 2020
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.
juniper y
Toronto, Canada33 contributions
Jan 2020
Not many people rely on this important vessel of transportation now. It is cheap, and comfortable to ride of the ferry, offers great view of the HK harbour, esp at night. It is a relaxing and enjoyable ride crossing the harbor, brings back many memories. It is a valuable experience if you haven't tried before, not sure how long it will be kept in service. .
Written 24 January 2020
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.
fowler2018
Minneapolis, MN11 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the only way to cross over to the island. When you take the train, you do not get to see what you see on the Star Ferry. While I can't recall the exact price of the fair, i do know it didn't even register on in the pcoketbook. These ferries run often and have the on/off borading down to a science.
Written 7 February 2020
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.
Bruce180852
Cornwall, UK1,155 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What can you say about the Star ferry, it provides an immensely valuable service between Kowloon and Hong Kong island, every few minutes, of every day, they trundle back and forth across Victoria harbour, for $27HKD...
And they’ve been doing it for over a hundred years, why pay for an expensive tour of the skyline from the water, a round trip on this old classic boat with give you all the views you need, for less than a cup of tea.
I lived in Hong Kong back in late 70s with the military, 45 years later, it’s the same little boats going back and forth, it was quite nostalgic going on them after all these years.
It’s a must do trip, like the Staten Island ferry in NYC.
And they’ve been doing it for over a hundred years, why pay for an expensive tour of the skyline from the water, a round trip on this old classic boat with give you all the views you need, for less than a cup of tea.
I lived in Hong Kong back in late 70s with the military, 45 years later, it’s the same little boats going back and forth, it was quite nostalgic going on them after all these years.
It’s a must do trip, like the Staten Island ferry in NYC.
Written 7 February 2020
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.
DianneKamerling
Cooroy, Australia138 contributions
Jan 2020
They are old but very efficient & reliable. They run very frequently between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, that you have only a very short time to wait for a ferry to arrive. The Octopus Card is the best way to pay and it's an incredibly reasonable fare
Written 16 February 2020
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.
Katherine170
Airlie Beach, Australia20 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Take a cheap ride across the harbour for great water views and a good perspective of this fascinating city. The ferries are history themselves and beautifully kept. As boating enthusiasts, we travelled both the upper and lower deck and loved it.
Written 26 January 2020
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.
Our Hotel is at Wanchai. we will be going to TST for boarding star ferry & watch the symphony of lights show. Can the light show be watched from Wanchai pier ? Or do we need to travel to TST to enjoy the show ?
Do we need to board the star ferry to watch the symphony show or it can be enjoyed by at any of the harbour piers ?
Written 7 January 2024
Hi,
I would like to see the symphony of lights on STAR FERRY. Im not doing the tour but just would like to take the ferry ride to see the light show . Pls help to advice on which side should I take the ferry from to see the best view of light show (Kowloon to Central or vice-versa)?
IS there much difference between taking the star ferry option vs standing & watching at TST promenade?
Pls take note that my hotel is at Kowloon so I have to make my way there after the show ends.
Also what time should I start taking the ferry since the ferry is 10 mins long & light show is slightly longer?
Written 4 January 2024
Honestly, in my humble opinion, it doesn't really matter where you are for the show..Its a beautiful display and is easily visible from either side. I hope that you find that helpful. Best wishes
Written 28 April 2024
Hi! I plan to take a round at a go on the star ferry from TST to central and vice versa.
1) Do I stay on the ferry to return or I need to alight then board again?
2) Will it be very crowded during 4pm to 630pm?
Written 14 November 2018
You will have to disembark and re-join.
I did not travel at the time you ask about but it is a smooth operation and so I think you will be able to flow with the commuters.
Written 16 November 2018
Is there a bus stop or taxi rank at the Central pier to get to the Peak Tram?
Thanks
Written 8 November 2018
There sure is a taxistop. Taxis are cheap compared to european prices. You’ll probably pay 5 to 8 dollar/euro for your taxi.
Written 8 November 2018
We are in HK for 3 days and plan on getting the most of our time here, what would be a reasonable amount to put on an octopus card !
Written 2 October 2018
Buy a tourist octopus card. Great value.
Written 24 December 2018
Hello, is it easy for handicapped person with wheel chair to get on and off the ferry and tour bus?
Written 15 April 2018
Yes, it seemed easily accessible to the ferry by wheelchair. But on the other hand, I did not see anyone in a wheelcahiar using buses and subway in Hong Kong.
Written 12 July 2018
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