Trains • Hong Kong SAR China

MTR Airport Express

Airport Express is the high-speed rail link connecting Hong Kong International Airport to the city centre, operated by MTR Corporation since 1998. It covers roughly 35 km at a top speed of about 135 km/h and reaches the airport from Hong Kong station in just 24 minutes, with departures every 10 to 12 minutes.

Hong Kong SAR China

What is MTR Airport Express?

Airport Express is Hong Kong's dedicated high-speed airport rail link, which opened on 6 July 1998 alongside Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. It is operated by MTR Corporation, the company that runs the city's metro and rail network. Stretching about 35 km, it is one of the fastest city-to-airport connections in the world and the preferred choice for travellers who want to reach central Hong Kong without dealing with road traffic.

Stations and route

The line serves five stations in this order: Hong Kong (on Hong Kong Island, in the Central business district), Kowloon (in West Kowloon), Tsing Yi (on Tsing Yi Island), Airport (on Chek Lap Kok) and AsiaWorld-Expo, the large exhibition centre next to the terminal. Both Hong Kong station and Kowloon station offer direct interchanges with other MTR lines, making it easy to continue across the whole city.

Speed, frequency and journey time

The trains run at a top speed of about 135 km/h. From Hong Kong station the airport is reached in just 24 minutes, while the AsiaWorld-Expo terminus takes around 28 minutes. Service is frequent, with a train every 10 to 12 minutes from the start to the end of operation, running from early morning until around midnight. Each carriage offers generous luggage space, free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating designed for air travellers.

Fares, in-town check-in and free shuttles

Fares are priced in Hong Kong dollars (HKD). With an Octopus card, a single trip to the airport costs about 120 HKD from Hong Kong station, 105 HKD from Kowloon and 73 HKD from Tsing Yi; same-month return tickets valid for 30 days are also available at attractive rates. A standout feature is In-Town Check-In, available at Hong Kong station and Kowloon station, letting travellers drop their bags and collect boarding passes up to 24 hours before departure with participating airlines.

Octopus single fare: about 120 HKD from Hong Kong, 105 HKD from Kowloon, 73 HKD from Tsing Yi
In-town check-in and baggage drop at Hong Kong station and Kowloon station
Free hotel shuttle buses from Hong Kong, Kowloon and Tsing Yi to major hotels
Contactless payment by Octopus card, bank card or QR code
Free Wi-Fi, power outlets and wide luggage racks on board

Airport Express ticket holders also benefit from free hotel shuttle buses linking Hong Kong station, Kowloon station and Tsing Yi station to major hotels across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, on presentation of a valid ticket or boarding pass.

How to book

Tickets can be bought at station machines and counters, in the MTR Mobile app or via a rechargeable Octopus card. To plan your arrival in Hong Kong and compare transport options, Gopaxo helps you organise every leg of the journey to Hong Kong International Airport.

Travel guides

MTR Airport Express

Hong Kong
Kowloon
Tsing Yi
Airport
AsiaWorld-Expo

Most frequent questions about Gopaxo

How long does the Airport Express take to Hong Kong airport?

From Hong Kong station the airport is reached in 24 minutes. From Kowloon it takes about 22 minutes, and around 13 minutes from Tsing Yi. The AsiaWorld-Expo terminus takes around 28 minutes.

How often do Airport Express trains run?

A train departs every 10 to 12 minutes, from the first to the last service, typically from early morning until around midnight.

How much does an Airport Express ticket cost?

With an Octopus card, a single trip to the airport costs about 120 HKD from Hong Kong station, 105 HKD from Kowloon and 73 HKD from Tsing Yi. Return tickets valid for 30 days are offered at a reduced rate.

What is In-Town Check-In?

At Hong Kong station and Kowloon station, passengers of participating airlines can check in their luggage and collect boarding passes up to 24 hours before departure, then travel hands-free to the airport.

Are the Airport Express shuttle buses free?

Yes. Travellers with a valid Airport Express ticket can use the free hotel shuttle buses serving major hotels from Hong Kong, Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations.

Can I pay with an Octopus card?

Yes, the Octopus card is the most convenient payment method and unlocks the Octopus fares. Contactless payment by bank card and QR code is also accepted.

Carriers

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