Many visitors to Hong Kong rely heavily on the MTR, and for good reason: it is efficient, fast, and extensive. But the city’s transport network has far more layers than the rail map suggests. If you want to experience Hong Kong at street level, enjoy scenic harbour crossings, or reach places beyond the train lines, it is worth looking beyond the MTR. Options like the Ding Ding tram, Star Ferry, minibuses, regular double-decker buses, and even the Citybus HK City Sightseeing Bus can all add something different to your trip.
Ding Ding Trams: Classic and Convenient
The Ding Ding tram is one of the most distinctive features of Hong Kong Island’s streetscape. It runs from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, with a flat fare that makes it one of the cheapest ways to get around the island.
That low price makes the tram a fun and affordable way to see neighbourhoods like Causeway Bay, Central, Wan Chai, and the western end of the island. Trams run frequently from early morning until late evening, although they can get crowded during peak hours. Because they move at a gentler pace than the MTR, they also give you more time to watch everyday city life unfold outside the window.
Star Ferry: More Than Just a Ride
Crossing Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry is one of the simplest but most memorable ways to move between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The ferry connects Central and Wan Chai with Tsim Sha Tsui and gives you skyline views that tunnels and rail lines simply cannot offer.
Services run regularly throughout the day, although the exact interval varies slightly by route and time. More than just a practical connection, the Star Ferry is a scenic pause in the middle of a busy sightseeing day. It is also one of the best reminders of Hong Kong’s maritime history and harbour identity. Check out our comprehensive Hong Kong Star Ferry guide for more information on the history of the Star Ferry, where to board, and how to weave it into your itinerary.
Minibuses: Green and Red Routes Demystified
Minibuses come in two main types: green and red. Green minibuses follow fixed routes and fixed fares, and many accept Octopus cards. Red minibuses are more flexible, with variable routes and fares, and they often require cash payment.
They can feel intimidating at first because the experience is faster and less formal than taking a regular bus or the MTR. Still, minibuses are extremely useful because they reach residential neighbourhoods and smaller routes that larger transport modes do not always cover. If you plan to use one, it helps to have small change ready and to watch how locals signal, board, and get off.
Double-Decker Buses: Scenic and Practical
Double-decker buses cover extensive routes across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. In many cases, they are not just practical but genuinely scenic. Some routes, such as the number 15 from Central to Stanley, offer wonderful views of the harbour, hills, and dense urban landscape along the way.
These buses generally accept Octopus cards, and the front seats on the upper deck are easily the best spots if you want a view. They are often a pleasant alternative to taxis or the MTR, especially when you are not in a rush and want to see more of the city as you move through it.
For visitors who want a more sightseeing-focused version of this experience, the Citybus HK City Sightseeing Bus is also worth knowing about. Unlike regular public buses, this service is designed specifically for travellers and follows a hop-on, hop-off format. It can be a convenient option if you want an easy overview of key areas without planning individual bus routes yourself. It is especially useful for first-time visitors who want a simple, above-ground way to connect major attractions while enjoying open-top city views.
That said, the Citybus HK City Sightseeing Bus works best as a sightseeing tool rather than a replacement for Hong Kong’s everyday public transport network. If your priority is flexibility and the lowest cost, regular buses will usually be better. If your priority is convenience, orientation, and a relaxed way to see major areas, the sightseeing bus can be a worthwhile addition to your trip.
Which Option Should You Use?
Each of these transport modes offers a different experience. Trams are best for slow, affordable rides across Hong Kong Island. The Star Ferry is ideal for short harbour crossings with memorable views. Minibuses are useful when you need to reach places that are less convenient by rail or standard bus. Regular double-decker buses are practical for longer overland journeys and often come with excellent scenery. Meanwhile, the Citybus HK City Sightseeing Bus is most useful if you want a simpler, more visitor-oriented way to explore without navigating the public system in detail.
Final Tips for Getting Around Beyond the MTR
For visitors interested in exploring beyond the MTR, combining these transport modes can make your Hong Kong experience much richer. You will see more neighbourhoods, enjoy better views, and get a stronger feel for how the city works beyond its underground stations.[page:36] A practical tip is to carry an Octopus card and keep some small change on hand, since payment methods still vary across certain transport types. If you prefer an easy sightseeing day with minimal planning, booking transport products in advance through platforms like Klook can also simplify things, especially for ferries, tours, or visitor-focused bus experiences.
