The Hong Kong Metro serves as an extensive underground transportation system throughout Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China. Known as the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) since its inauguration in 1979, the system has a total length of 218.2 kilometres (135.6 miles). It consists of 11 main lines and an additional 12 light rail lines. Of the 159 stations in the system, 93 are metro stations and the remaining 68 are light rail stations.
The MTR system provides services within the city and includes long-distance and airport express trains. Since 2000, the MTR has undergone continuous expansion and has served as a model for metro construction in other Chinese cities.
Fares on the MTR system depend on the distance travelled. A two-station journey costs HK$2 (US$0.25) and is the cheapest. The metro operates from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day, although schedules can vary.
The Hong Kong Metro, also known as the MTR, carries approximately 3,620,000 passengers per day and is an integral part of Hong Kong’s public transport system. The MTR operates daily, but does not run 24 hours a day, operating from 6:00 am to 1:30 am. The system is air-conditioned and allows passengers to walk between platforms. The Disneyland Resort Line of the MTR has been using driverless trains since 2005.
The fare for a ride on the MTR is HK$0.91, but it’s also possible to buy a travel pass for HK$65. All underground stations are equipped with screen doors for passenger safety and convenience.
Metro map of Hong Kong
Map of Hong Kong Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Hong Kong Metro map in PDF format.
Hong Kong: A Special Administrative Region of China
Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since 1997. It was ceded to the British in 1842 after the First Opium War. From its humble beginnings as a fishing port, it gradually developed into a bustling metropolis of millions, symbolising British imperial power in East Asia.
During the Second World War, British control of Hong Kong was lost to the Japanese invasion. From 1997, British authority was transferred to the Republic of China, demonstrating the “one country, two systems” policy. Apart from defence and diplomacy, Hong Kong has maintained a capitalist system under a hybrid regime with considerable autonomy.
Hong Kong is a major destination for financial investment and is famous for its towering skyscrapers. It has a high human development index and its people enjoy a long life expectancy. The official languages are Cantonese and English. Due to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, the city generally enjoys mild weather. During the colder months, temperatures range between 18 and 20°C (64.4 and 68°F), and during the warmer months between 26 and 29°C (78.8 and 84.2°F).
The Hong Kong Metro
The Hong Kong Metro, or Mass Transit Railway (MTR), covers 218.2 kilometres (135.6 miles) on 11 lines. It includes 93 metro stations out of a total of 159 in the system, with the remaining 68 making up the light rail.
This system serves the three main areas of the region: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
The MTR system has a wide range of rolling stock, with at least eight models. These include the M-series manufactured by Metro Cammell, the A-series manufactured by Adtranz and CAF, the K-series manufactured by a Hyundai-Mitsubishi consortium and the C-series manufactured by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles. The SP1900 EMU model, in service since 2001, is manufactured by both Kinki Sharyo and Kawasaki, while one of the most advanced models, the EWL C train, manufactured by CRCC Changchun Railway Vehicles, has been in service since 2017.
The system, operated by MTR Corporation Limited, carries approximately 5,200,000 passengers daily. MTR Corporation has expanded its transport related services to other Chinese cities and globally.
- Name: Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
- Total Length: 218.2 kilometers (135.6 miles)
- Rail Gauge: 1435 mm (56.50 in) including the East Rail lines, West Rail, Ma On Shan and the light rail; 1,432 mm (56.38 in) on the remaining lines.
- Number of Lines: 11 metro lines, 12 light rail lines
- Number of Stations: 159, including 93 metro stations and 68 light rail stations
- Website: www.mtr.com.hk
- Operator: MTR Corporation Limited
- Daily Ridership: Approximately 5,200,000 passengers
- Established: October 1, 1979
A Brief History of the Hong Kong Metro
In the space of a few decades, Hong Kong’s transformation from a small British fishing port to a sprawling metropolis prompted the government to develop solutions to its transport needs. A 1966 study projected a population of nearly 7 million by 1986, highlighting the need for a comprehensive transport system.
Construction of an initial 20-kilometre (12.4-mile) system began in 1970 after several changes to the original plan. Construction resumed in 1975 after a number of concession disputes had been resolved.
The first phase of the system began with the opening of the northern section on 1 October 1979. The system quickly expanded to what is now Central Station as passenger numbers and carriages increased.
Work on the Tsuen Wan line began in 1978 and it opened in 1982. Construction of the third line began in 1980 and opened in 1985. Several extensions followed, including the impressive Airport Express line and a metro link to the Disneyland Resort.
MTR began a privatisation process in 2000, which accelerated the opening of the latest line in December 2016, completing coverage of all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
Lines and Stations
The Hong Kong Metro (MTR) system is extensive and includes light rail systems, all operated by the MTR Corporation. The various lines include
East Rail
The oldest railway line in Hong Kong, the East Rail was established in 1910 as part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Between 1982 and 1983, it was extended, electrified and integrated into the city’s transport system. Today, the line stretches over 42 kilometres (26 miles) with 14 stations, making it the longest line in the system. It terminates at Hung Hom, also known as Kowloon. East Rail extends north to Sheng Shui Station, from where it branches west to Lok Ma Chau, which connects to Futian Checkpoint Station on the Shenzhen Metro, and east to Lo Wu, which connects to Lohou on the Shenzhen Metro. The East Rail is indicated by the colour cyan.
Kwun Tong
Located entirely in the Kowloon area, the Kwun Tong Line was the first line of the Hong Kong Metro, opened on 1 October 1979. It is 13.8 kilometres (8.6 miles) long, with 17 stations, and runs in an inverted U-shape across Victoria Harbour. Its termini are Tiu Keng Leng and Whampoa, and it is identified by the colour green.
Tsuen Wan
As the second line of the MTR, the Tsuen Wan line was inaugurated on 17 May 1982. Marked by the colour red, the line is 16 kilometres (9.9 miles) long with 16 stations. It runs the north-south corridor from Hong Kong Island to the New Territories, with termini at Tsuen Wan in the north and Central Station in the south, the latter being the most important station in the system.
Island
The Island Line crosses Hong Kong Island, the first colonised area, from east to west. This line, an important part of the traffic relief system, consists of 17 stations along 16.3 kilometres (10.1 miles). Its termini are Kennedy Town in the west and Chai Wan in the east, with the famous Central Station located along the line. Its distinctive colour is medium blue.
Tung Chung
The Tung Chung line, which opened on 21 June 1998, is one of the most important lines in the system, serving several islands. Despite having only eight stations, it is 31.1 kilometres (19.3 miles) long, making it the fourth longest line in the system. The line starts at Tung Chung station on the western tip of Lantau Island and passes through the residential island of Tsing Yi. From there it runs along the coast of Kowloon before crossing the sea to arrive at the Hong Kong terminus on Hong Kong Island. This line is indicated by the colour orange.
Airport Express
Running almost parallel to the Tung Chung line, the Airport Express route is 35.3 kilometres (21.9 miles) long and has only five stations. It starts at AsiaWorld-Expo station on Chek Lap Kok Island, travels to Airport station and continues to Lantau Island, running parallel to the Tung Chung line. It terminates at Hong Kong Station on Hong Kong Island and its distinctive colour is bluish-green.
Tseung Kwan O
Identified by the colour purple, the Tseung Kwan O line was inaugurated on 4 August 2002. It starts at North Point Station on Hong Kong Island and runs to Quarry Bay. At Tseung Kwan O Station, it branches off to Po Lam Terminal Station in the north and LOHAS Park Station in the south. The line is 12.3 kilometres (7.6 miles) long and has eight stations.
West Rail
The second longest line on the MTR, West Rail is 35.4 kilometres (22 miles) long and has 12 stations. Inaugurated in 2003, it runs along the south-east-north-west corridor from Kowloon Station through the New Territories. Its termini are Hung Hom in the south and Tuen Mun in the north, and it is identified by the colour light purple.
Ma On Shan
Inaugurated on 21 December 2004, the Ma On Shan line is entirely within the Shin Tin district, one of the most isolated eastern stations in the system. It starts at the northern terminus of Wu Kai Sha and ends at Tai Wai in the south. Tai Wai connects to the East Rail and is the only transfer point to the rest of the system. The Ma On Shan line is 11.4 kilometres (7.1 miles) long, with nine stations, and is identified by the colour brown.
Disneyland Resort
Influenced by Disney, China opened the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in 2005, the second of its kind in Asia. Opened in the same year, the Disneyland Resort Line of the metro is the shortest in the system at just 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometres) with two stations. The line starts at Sunny Bay Station on the Tung Chung Line on Lantau Island and ends at Disneyland Terminal Station. This line is identified by the colour pink.
South Island
The latest addition to the Hong Kong Metro, the South Island Line is located entirely on Hong Kong Island. Marked by the colour lime or apple green, it covers 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles) with five stations. It starts at Admiralty station in the north, where it connects with the Tsuen Wan and Island lines, and ends at South Horizons station in the south.
Light Rail
Light rail is an important part of the system. There are twelve trolleybus-style lines, all concentrated in the New Territories in the districts of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. All twelve lines connect to a station on the West Rail subway line.
- 505: Line 505 runs from Sam Shing to Siu Hong, connecting to the metro at Siu Hong. It is identified by the color red.
- 507: Identified by the color green, line 507 runs from Tuen Mun Ferry Pier to Tin King, with a metro connection at Tuen Mun stop.
- 610: Line 610, marked by the color brown, also runs from Tuen Mun Ferry Pier to Yuen Long, providing a metro connection at Yuen Long stop.
- 614: Like line 610, line 614 runs from Tuen Mun Ferry Pier to Yuen Long, but on a unique route. It is marked by the color cyan.
- 614P: Line 614P runs from Tuen Mun Ferry Pier to Siu Hong and is distinguished by the color pink.
- 615: Another line that departs from Tuen Mun Ferry Pier, line 615 runs to Yuen Long but covers more stations. It is identified by the color yellow.
- 615P: Line 615P, marked by the color dark blue, runs from Tuen Mun Ferry Pier to Siu Hong.
- 705: Line 705 is a circular line, marked by the color light green. It starts and ends at Tin Shui Wai stop, which connects to the metro.
- 706: Line 706 follows the same route as 705 but in a counter-clockwise direction. It is identified by the color lilac.
- 751: Line 751, marked by the color orange, runs from Yau Oi to Tin Yat, connecting to the metro at Tuen Mun, Siu Hong, and Tin Shui stops.
- 751P: Line 751P runs from Tin Shui Wai to Tin Yat. It does not operate during peak hours, school holidays, or public holidays. It is marked by the color black.
- 761P: Line 761P connects Tin Yat to Yuen Long stop. It is identified by the color purple.
Connections to Other Systems
Despite its history as a British colony, Hong Kong has been integrated into China’s various transport systems since it became a Special Administrative Region. This integration has been facilitated by the MTR’s adaptation of several railway lines to the system, creating connections across the region.
Long-distance trains are only available at Hung Hom station, with connections to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. As travel between Hong Kong and mainland China is considered international, passengers must have the necessary documents to access these trains. The East Rail Line also provides important connections to the rest of China, with its terminus stations connecting to the Shenzhen Metro.
Hong Kong’s geographical irregularities have led to unique transport solutions. In particular, the Central-Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It operates free of charge and is located close to the main railway station.
The city’s trams also play an important role. The traditional Hong Kong Tramways, in operation since 1904, has six lines and 120 stations, all on Hong Kong Island. It is the only system in the world to operate exclusively double-decker trams. Connections to the underground are available at Admiralty and other stations in the area.
Hong Kong also has funicular railways that traverse its mountainous terrain. The most famous, the Peak Tram, takes tourists to the higher elevations of Hong Kong Island. Other funiculars include the Po Fook Hill Elevator and the Discovery Bay Elevator.
The Ocean Express is another important funicular railway of Ocean Park Hong Kong. It connects to the new South Island line.
A small cable car system, Ngong Ping 360, operates on Lantau Island and connects Tung Chung with the tourist town of Ngong Ping, which is home to a Buddhist monastery. This system, the only one also operated by the MTR, is integrated with the subway.
In 2016, there were five companies operating city buses. Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) was the largest, accounting for 67% of the fleet, followed by Citybus Limited with 16% and New World First Bus with 13%. Other operators included Long Win Bus Company Limited and New Lantao Bus Company. Public light buses or microbuses, with a capacity of 16-19 passengers, provide additional urban transport services on urban routes.
Ferries also play an important role in the city’s transport system. Given Hong Kong’s maritime nature, connections between islands and beyond the city limits are often made by boat. Nine companies operate on the internal routes: Star Ferry, New World First Ferry, Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry, Chuen Kee Ferry, HKR International Limited, Park Island Transport Company Ltd, Fortune Ferry, Coral Sea Ferry and Tsui Wah Ferry. Other routes extend outside the city, such as to Macau from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, which is located next to Sheung Wan Station on the Island Line. Other south-east Chinese cities are served by the Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal and Skypier, the terminal integrated with the airport.