Your Express Guide to Hong Kong's Airport Express

If you’re visiting Hong Kong and no one is there to meet and greet you upon arrival, no need to fret. You can still find your way from the airport to the city without hassle via Hong Kong’s Airport Express Services.

Its train service is cheaper than taking the taxi. Although it may be more costly than taking the bus, it is faster and more convenient. You get to experience something that is not available in the Philippines---and may not be available for the next five generations. You arrive at the city in under thirty minutes, feeling refreshed and ready to explore the city that never sleeps.

After immigration and custom clearance, you will find the ticketing counter where they sell train tickets going to Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong stations.

If you are not sure where your stop is, just tell the booth operator where you are planning to go or are staying, and s/he will advise you where your stop is.

You will also be asked the following:

· whether you want a single journey or round-trip

· how many you are in your group

They need to know these to help give you the most cost-effective rates.

For the breakdown of options and rates, click here.

For the breakdown of promo group rates, click here.

You may also buy tickets online once you have reviewed your options.

Trains depart every ten minutes.

There are no reserved seats so you can sit wherever you want.

Notice that they are cushion seats.

This is where you store your big luggage. You may keep your hand-carry with you for as long as they are stowed under the seat, much like airplanes.

If you are worried about people stealing or tampering with your property, each car has its own storage and is within passenger’s view.

There is a tracking system inside the train to let you know of your stop or if you are near it. There’s also a TV screen that will flash upon reaching a specific stop.

You can also take the Airport Express on your way back home to the Philippines. You can take the cab or train going to the nearest Airport Express Station in your area.

You may also look for designated bus stops (usually near hotels) where you can get free Airport Express shuttle service. If you suffer from motion sickness, I suggest you skip this. It was not a very comfortable ride for me when I tried it once—and never again.

At the Airport Express Station, you once again buy a ticket going to the airport or you can use your prepaid, Octopus card which can be more expensive. You can buy at the customer service centre (remember to avail of the group promo rates) or…

…do it yourself. But that’s not all there is to it to the convenience of the Airport Express.

You can check in right then and there! This way, you don’t have to lug around your stuff all the way to the airport. And if you have an evening flight, you can check in your stuff around lunch time, be issued a boarding pass and spend more time enjoying Hong Kong before heading to the actual airport for immigration clearance.

However, not all airlines have a counter at the Station. For Philippine carriers, it’s only Philippine Airlines (PAL). Other major carriers such as Cathay Pacific also provide this service to create a seamless experience for travellers. If your airline is not included, you can still use the train service going to the airport and check in at the actual airport.

After buying your ticket, you enter the check-in area.

And look for your designated counter, just like at the airport.

Once you are checked in, take the train straight to the airport with only your hand-carry.

But if you have time to kill, you may go shopping at the posh mall above the Hong Kong station, IFC.

Or enjoy the harbor view above and outside the station (still within walking distance). But don’t enjoy yourself too much that you forget your flight. Remember, you have only checked in. You still need to go through immigration so allot some time for that.

Upon entering the train station…

…you tap the card and you’re cleared for entry.

You wait for the next available train.

You won’t get lost inside the train station even if you’re the world’s worst in directions as there is only one train going one direction.

There’s the station map to show how many stops you have to go through before reaching your destination…

…as well as the journey tracking inside the train.

Upon arrival at the airport, get off at the right terminal. It is stated in your ticket as well as on the screens onboard. For Terminal 1, the exit is to your left.

For Terminal 2, you exit at the right. However, if in case you get off at the wrong terminal exit, don’t fret. You don’t have to ride a cab or another train service to get to the right terminal. Unlike in the Philippines where terminals are terminally far from each other that a commute is needed, both terminals are inside the same airport.

Just follow the sign leading to the right terminal.

Upon arrival at the airport, there is a flight board announcement to show you your terminal and check-in counter if in case your airline does not have an in-town check-in service.

You won’t have any need for the Airport Express ticket so you can either surrender it for recycling or keep it as a souvenir.

-THE PARANOID TRAVELER

For more information on the Airport Express, click here and download the PDF Guide.

Your Express Guide to Hong Kong's Airport Express

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