The cheapest way from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Central is the Citybus E11, which runs to Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay in central Hong Kong for HK$21.70 (about US$3) in roughly 55–65 minutes. Board it at the Ground Transportation Centre and tap an Octopus card or pay the exact fare in cash, as drivers give no change. Don't default to the Airport Express: it is faster (24 minutes) but about HK$120, over five times the bus for the same Central area — and for Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon take the A21 bus (HK$34.60) instead.
How to find it
- AIRPORTHong Kong International Airport
- 01In the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1, buy or top up an Octopus card at the counters, then exit and turn right toward the Ground Transportation Centre bus terminus, on the ground floor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (about a 5-minute walk).
- 02Find the E11 stand and board the E11 towards Tin Hau Station. Buses run roughly every 15–20 minutes from about 05:20 to midnight; tap your Octopus card or pay the exact HK$21.70 as you get on.
- 03Ride about 55–65 minutes. The E11 makes a few stops around Tung Chung, then crosses the Western Harbour Crossing to Hong Kong Island — a bit slower than the express buses because of those extra stops.
- 04Get off in the city centre: the E11 stops in Sheung Wan, Central (Connaught Road / Macau Ferry), Admiralty, Wan Chai (Hennessy Road), Causeway Bay and Tin Hau, all near MTR stations for onward trips. For Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, take the Citybus A21 (HK$34.60) instead.
- CITY CENTREHong Kong
Ticket
Citybus E11 single fare (Airport to Tin Hau, via Central)
Where to buy: No ticket office needed — you pay on the bus at the Ground Transportation Centre. Buy or top up an Octopus card at the counters in the Arrival Hall first.
How to pay: Tap an Octopus card on boarding, or drop the exact HK$21.70 in the farebox — drivers give no change. Contactless credit cards and QR codes also work on Citybus. No paper ticket to keep or validate.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| BusCheapest route | HK$21.70 | 1 h | Citybus E11 single fare (Airport to Tin Hau, via Central) |
| Train | HK$120.00 | 24 min | Airport Express single journey (Airport to Hong Kong Station) |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Hong Kong Airport to Central?
- The Citybus E11 bus, HK$21.70 (about US$3) to Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay in roughly 55–65 minutes. It is less than half the A11 bus (HK$40) and a fraction of the Airport Express.
- How much is the Airport Express versus the bus?
- The Airport Express is about HK$120 with Octopus to Hong Kong Station and takes 24 minutes; the E11 bus is HK$21.70 and about an hour. The train is faster but over five times the price for the same Central area.
- Where do I catch the airport bus at HKG?
- At the Ground Transportation Centre on the ground floor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. From the Arrival Hall, exit and turn right; the E11 runs about every 15–20 minutes from 05:20 to midnight.
- Do I need an Octopus card or exact change for the bus?
- Tap an Octopus card (buy or top up at the Arrival Hall counters), pay the exact HK$21.70 in cash as drivers give no change, or use a contactless card. Octopus also gives 50% off the return airport-bus trip the same day.
- Which bus goes to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon?
- The Citybus A21 (HK$34.60) runs to Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui. The E11 covered here serves Hong Kong Island — Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.
- What is the best way from HKG to downtown Hong Kong?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the Citybus E11 to the city centre — Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay — for HK$21.70 in roughly 55–65 minutes.
- How much is a taxi from Hong Kong International Airport to the city?
- Roughly HK$270–350 to the centre — more than ten times the HK$21.70 Citybus E11 for the same Hong Kong Island area.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.