Public transport in Hong Kong is popular with visitors and residents alike because it is reliable and affordable, clean and safe. For the convenience of visitors, a three-day Hong Kong Transport Pass is available costing HK$220. It can be used for one Airport Express single journey between airport and downtown, three days unlimited rides and, for an additional HK$20, it can be used on other transport modes. There is also a MTR one-day pass for HK$50 offering unlimited rides. These passes are available at Airport Express and MTR stations. Vistors who are staying for a week or more should ask about the Octopus card available at MTR stations.

Buses run regularly and frequently, particularly during rush hour. Bus stops display the bus numbers and routes they serve as well as the fares. Make sure you have the exact fare ready.

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR, +85228818888) is clean, fast and efficient. It runs along the north coast of Hong Kong Island and travels beneath the harbour to Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau.

Ferries sail between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and to the outlying islands, Macau and Mainland China. The New World First Ferry Service (+85223677065), better known as the Star Ferry, provides services to Central, Wan Chai and North Point on Hong Kong Island as well as to Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom, in Kowloon and Discovery Bay on Lantau. A five-minute walk from Central Star Ferry Pier will get you to the Outlying Islands Ferry Piers with fast and ordinary services to Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Lantau.

Aside from the Airport Express, Hong Kong has two rail systems. The Kowloon–Canton Railway (KCR, +85226027799, www.kcrc.com) east rail runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon to the boundary with Mainland China at Lo Wu, stopping on the way at various town stations in the rapidly urbanising New Territories.

Double-decker trams run along the north side of Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town to Chai Wan, with a flat fare of HK$2. Enter the tram at the rear and exit at the front, paying the fare before alighting. Tram stops are in the middle of the main road, splitting the two-way traffic (Hong Kong Tramways +85225487102), often next to a pedestrian crossing.

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