How to Use Octopus Card Hong Kong: MTR and Transport

Hong Kong's public transport network is widely regarded as a benchmark for urban mobility. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Corporation operates the city's heavy rail backbone, complemented by buses, minibuses, trams, ferries and the iconic Peak Tram. A single stored-value Octopus card works across virtually every mode of transport in the city.

The MTR

The MTR has ten lines serving over 100 stations across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island. The Airport Express connects Hong Kong International Airport to Central station in under 25 minutes. The MTR consistently achieves on-time performance above 99.9 percent and runs from roughly 5.30am until 1am daily.

The Octopus Card

The Octopus card is a contactless stored-value card accepted on the MTR, franchised buses, ferries, trams and many retail outlets. Cards are available from MTR customer service centres and can be topped up at station add-value machines, convenience stores and ATMs. Contactless bank cards are also accepted on MTR gantries.

Trams and Ferries

Hong Kong's double-decker trams run along the northern shoreline of Hong Kong Island and offer one of the city's most atmospheric and affordable journeys. The Star Ferry has connected Hong Kong Island to Kowloon for over 130 years and remains a popular commuter and tourist route.

Buses and Minibuses

Franchised buses cover routes the MTR does not reach, including many areas of the New Territories. Green minibuses run on fixed routes and accept Octopus; red minibuses pick up passengers on request and typically require cash.

Sources: MTR Corporation, Octopus Cards Limited.