November 19, 2025 | 11:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in Hong Kong stands out as one of the city’s most convenient and comfortable public transportation options for both residents and tourists.
Its network includes 10 lines, notably the Airport Express Line, which links AsiaWorld-Expo to Hong Kong International Airport.
The MTR’s origins date back to the 1960s, a period of rapid population growth in Hong Kong. The British colonial government commissioned a feasibility study, leading to the establishment of the MTR Corporation in 1975. The first line, the Kwun Tong Line, opened on October 1, 1979, connecting Kwun Tong to Shek Kip Mei.
Its popularity spurred rapid expansion throughout the 1980s and 1990s, eventually connecting the city and even reaching the border with mainland China.
During a visit to Hong Kong in mid-November 2025, Tempo explored two MTR lines: the Disneyland Resort Line, which links Disneyland Resort with Sunny Bay, and the Tsuen Wan Line, which connects Tsuen Wan Station to Central Station.
Operating Hours and Accessibility
The MTR runs daily from 05:50 AM to 12:59 AM local time, with minor variations in the first and last train schedules at different stations.
Finding stations is straightforward. Many are strategically located and integrated into office buildings or shopping centers, unlike stand-alone MRT stations in Jakarta. Clear directional signs and the MTR logo make navigation easy.
Most stations are underground, so passengers descend stairs to reach the automatic gates. Make sure to know which line you’ll be taking, as some gates are line-specific.
Ticket Options
Passengers can access platforms using several ticket types:
1. Octopus Card
The Octopus card is an electronic money card usable at over 180,000 points, from public transport to shopping and dining. It is available as a physical card or an app, costing HK$39 (Rp84,000) or HK$89 with HK$50 balance (Rp107,000). Cards can be reloaded at merchants, and remaining balances can be refunded upon departure.
2. Single Trip Ticket
Single trip tickets, for one-way or all-day travel, can be purchased at stations or online. Fares are slightly higher, for example, a trip from Central Station to Tsim Sha Tsui costs HK$10.6 with an Octopus card but HK$12.5 with a single trip ticket.
3. Contactless Bank Cards
Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay cards with contactless payment capabilities can also be used. Ensure the card supports international and contactless transactions; fares are automatically adjusted to the current exchange rate.
MTR passenger platform at Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Hong Kong, November 15, 2025. Tempo/Mila Novita
Navigating Destination Stations
Transferring between lines is sometimes necessary. For instance, traveling from Disneyland Resort to Tsim Sha Tsui requires two transfers: first at Sunny Bay to the Tung Chung Line, then at Lai King to the Tsuen Wan Line before arriving at the destination.
Once at your station, follow signs to the exit nearest your destination. Stations often have multiple exits labeled with letters. Travelers with luggage should look for elevator access for easier navigation.
The 10 MTR Lines
The MTR connects nearly every corner of Hong Kong. Its 10 lines are:
Kwun Tong Line – Whampoa ↔ Tiu Keng Leng
Tsuen Wan Line – Tsuen Wan ↔ Central
Island Line – Kennedy Town ↔ Chai Wan
South Island Line – Admiralty ↔ South Horizons
Tseung Kwan O Line – Po Lam/LOHAS Park ↔ North Point
Tung Chung Line – Tung Chung ↔ Hong Kong
Disneyland Resort Line – Sunny Bay ↔ Disneyland Resort
East Rail Line – Admiralty ↔ Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau
Tuen Ma Line – Tuen Mun ↔ Wu Kai Sha
Airport Express – AsiaWorld-Expo ↔ Hong Kong
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