The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway, or MTR, is considered one of the most profitable metro systems in the world and is an important means of public transport in Hong Kong. The rapid transit system has 12 light rail lines and 10 heavy rail lines. It serves a total of 155 stations, including both heavy rail and light rail. Under the management of the MTR Corporation, this metro system has been truly successful. In fact, several other metro systems around the world look up to it as a model. Expansion plans for this already 218km long network are uncertain to say the least. There is an ongoing debate about how and to which regions the transit system should be expanded. However, it currently has a daily ridership of almost 4.6 million (2015).
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Map
Map of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Hong Kong MTR map in PDF format.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Hours
The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) operates from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day. Exact times may vary slightly depending on the line and station. The MTR provides a comprehensive and efficient transport network covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories with nine urban lines, one Airport Express line and several light rail lines.
On special occasions such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the MTR extends its operating hours to accommodate increased passenger traffic. The system is known for its high frequency, ensuring minimal waiting time for passengers, with trains running approximately every 2 to 6 minutes during peak hours and slightly less frequently during off-peak hours (MTR) (Travel China Guide).
For detailed timetables and to plan your journey, visit the official MTR website.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Fares, Tickets and Cards
An Octopus card is widely used by drivers. It is a smart card with a built-in microchip containing detailed information for various modes of transport and can be used on the MTR, ferries, buses, Airport Express and light rail. It is loaded with cash and when swiped, the fare is deducted. These cards are available for adults, children, senior citizens and personalised.
Single Journey Tickets can be used to travel on the MTR to a pre-selected destination. There are two types of tickets, Adult and Concessionary. Senior citizens aged 65 years and above and children aged 3-11 years are eligible for concessionary tickets.
Passengers can also purchase different types of passes according to their needs. A Tuen Mun – Nam Cheong Day Pass provides unlimited travel on the LRT, MTR Buses and West Rail Line between Tuen Mun and Nam Cheong stations. There is an option for a Monthly Pass, which provides unlimited travel for one month at the designated stations and also offers a 25% discount on fares to and from non-designated stations.
Tourists can purchase the Airport Express Travel Pass for 1 or 2 Airport Express journeys. The card provides one or two designated journeys on the Airport Express and unlimited travel on the MTR, Light Rail and MTR Bus for three consecutive days.
Tourist Passes:
Tourist Day Pass: Costs HKD 65 and offers unlimited travel on the MTR, Light Rail, and MTR Bus for one day. It excludes travel on the Airport Express, East Rail Line First Class, and journeys to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Station.
Child Tourist Day Pass: Priced at HKD 30, this pass is valid for children aged 3 to 11 and offers the same benefits as the adult version.
Cross-boundary Travel Pass: Ideal for those frequently traveling between Hong Kong and Mainland China, offering unlimited rides for 30 days on designated MTR lines.
Airport Express Travel Pass: This provides tourists with round-trip journeys on the Airport Express plus three days of unlimited travel on the MTR.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Parking
The MTR system offers park and ride facilities for metro passengers at each station. Octopus Card holders can pay for parking directly. Parking fees vary from station to station. Special rates are only available from 5.30am to 1.00am.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Safety and Services
To ensure safety, some stations have police stations and police officers patrol the trains and all stations. Announcements are made on the trains about arriving stations. The Metro does not allow smoking, eating or drinking in stations or on the Metro itself.
All stations have full GSM, CDMA and TDMA mobile phone networks. All stations also have 3G network provided by some operators. Passengers can also use Wi-Fi free of charge for 5 sessions per day at 15 minutes per session. ATMs and post boxes are available in most stations. If you need any assistance, there are customer services in some stations. For lost property, there is a Lost Property and Concessionary Travel Office where your questions can be answered.
Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Lines
Currently, MTR has 10 heavy rail lines serving 82 stations and 12 light rail lines serving 68 stations. In total, the MTR serves 155 stations on 22 lines. All lines are identified by name and colour.
Heavy Rail Lines:
- East rail line – East rail line was opened in 1910 and the metro offer service between Hung Hom and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau. The length of the route is 41km serving 14 stations.
- Kwun Tong line – The line was opened in 1979 and the metro offer service between Yau Ma Tei and Tiu Keng Leng. The length of the route is 11.2km serving 15 stations.
- Tsuen Wan line – The line was opened in 1982 and the metro offer service between Central and Tsuen Wan. The length of the route is 16km serving 16 stations.
- Island line – The line was opened in 1985 and the metro offer service between Sheung Wan and Chai Wan. The length of the route is 13.3km serving 14 stations.
- Tung Chung Line – The line was opened in 1998 and the metro offer service between Hong Kong and Tung Chung. The length of the route is 31.1km serving 8 stations.
- Tseung Kwan O line – The line was opened in 2002 and the metro offer service between North point and PO Lam/ LOHAS Park. The length of the route is 11.9km serving 8 stations.
- West rail line – The line was opened in 2003 and the metro offer service between Hung Hom and Tuen Mun. The length of the route is 35.4km serving 12 stations.
- Ma On Shan line – The line was opened in 2004 and the metro offer service between Wu Kai Sha and Tai Wai. The length of the route is 11.4km serving 9 stations.
- Disneyland Resort line – The line was opened in 2005 and the metro offer service between Sunny Bay and Disneyland Resort. The length of the route is 3.3km serving 2 stations.
Light Rail Lines:
There are 12 light rail lines operated by the MTR. It started in 1988, is over 36 km long and serves several different areas. Serving a total of 68 stations, the line is represented by a mustard yellow colour and has its depot located in Tuen Mun.