Noted as one of the most iconic journeys that you can take in the world, the Star Ferry principally connects Victoria Harbour and Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon with Hong Kong Island and Central.
This is one of the most heavily used commuter routes within the country and acts as a ferry service that goes back and forth all day long. It is the principal route to the main ferry terminal connecting to other and outer islands, such as Lamma.
History of the Star Ferry
The initial Kowloon Ferry Company that ran this route was initially founded in 1888, with the original boats and indeed how they rope and moor still being almost unchanged to this day.
The popularity of the route led the company to grow exponentially and increase its fleet, as well as push start the ferry industry in Hong Kong, which is now an integral part of transport within the islands.
It has been named as part of the “Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides”, as well being featured in a number of travel “musts”.
How do you take the Star Ferry in Hong Kong?
As a regular ferry the simple answer top this is that you go there, pay and take the ferry, but for me at least there is a whole procedure and routine that I like to follow. Personally all my banking as well the best curries can be found in Kowloon at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Therefore I start my Hong Kong journeys here, usually also stopping at Chunking Mansions – where I no longer ever stay. From here it is about a 15 minute walk to the ferry terminal.
If you are lucky you might see some Falun Gong protestors outside, as well as a cruise ship moored.
How to take the Star Ferry in Hong Kong – Price and time
The ferries actually run from around 6 am to almost midnight, with the ferries going back and forth with immensely quick turnaround times.
The journey is over far too quickly taking less than 5 minutes, but while offering great views.
The fare is $4 HKD, or $5.6 at weekends. Back in the 1960’s the fare was raised by 25 percent, or 5 cents, which led to mass public protests in what was then a pretty poor colony of the United Kingdom. This led to the 1966 Hong Kong riots in which many people showed communist sympathies.
This is something worth remembering when there are modern day riot, in that Hong Kong has not always been that rich. British flags might be flown now, but that has from always been the case.
What is it like taking the Star Ferry in Hong Kong?
This will depend greatly on when you actually travel, with day and night being, well day and night. If one travels at night the bright lights of Hong Kong and her towers are truly a site to see.
The journey itself happens on an old boat which looks like being from times of yore. You then sit on old wooden seats for the incredibly quick journey.
The best course of action here is to get yourself straight to the front. You can this buying literally lining up at the traffic light at the station that turns green and opens when the boat is ready to go.
And need a beer? No problem at all you can buy beers with your Octopus Card and bring it on to drink, with Hong Kong being one of the most chilled countries within the region with regards ti alcohol laws. This of course makes for e great selfie.
Then on arrival at Hong Kong Station, the world, or at least Hong Kong is your Oyster. I personally usually take this opportunity to head to Lamma Island….