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Star Ferry
The historic green-and-white ferries that have crossed Victoria Harbour since 1888, linking Tsim Sha Tsui with Central and Wan Chai for a few Hong Kong dollars.
At a glance
- Type
- Harbour ferry crossing
- Area
- Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
- Official site
- starferry.com.hk
Good to know
- Octopus card accepted
- Upper and lower decks
- Wheelchair boarding on lower deck
- Four-day tourist pass
Why we recommend it
The Star Ferry has carried passengers across Victoria Harbour since 1888, when it began as the Kowloon Ferry Company, and it took the Star Ferry name in 1898. It remains one of the cheapest and most memorable things to do in Hong Kong. The short crossing gives a sea-level view of the skyline on both sides of the harbour, and the ferries still carry tens of thousands of commuters every day.
There are two routes. The main one links Tsim Sha Tsui with Central, and ferries run from 6.30am to 11.30pm from both ends, every 6 to 12 minutes. The second route links Tsim Sha Tsui with Wan Chai, running from about 7.20am to 11pm with less frequent sailings. The Tsim Sha Tsui pier dates from 1957 and, like the old Central pier, was built in the Streamline Moderne style. The Central ferries now use a newer pier outside the International Finance Centre.
On the Central route you can choose the upper or lower deck. The upper deck costs a little more and gives the better view, while the lower deck sits closer to the water. Fares are slightly higher at weekends and on public holidays. Tap an Octopus card at the gates, pay cash with notes or coins, with change given, or use the ticket machines, which accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay QuickPass and credit cards. A four-day tourist pass gives unlimited rides on both routes.
The best time to cross is at dusk or after dark, when the towers light up, though a daytime crossing gives clearer views of the hills behind the city. Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed on board, and luggage must be small, with a limit of 40 by 40 by 17.5 centimetres, so large suitcases are not suitable. Wheelchair users board from the lower deck. Sailing times can change because of weather and marine traffic.
The ferry suits everyone, from families to solo travellers, and is a good way to move between sights rather than a separate outing. In Tsim Sha Tsui, the pier is close to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Ocean Terminal. Star Ferry also runs a separate Harbour Tour on a longer circular route, which can be booked through its water tour shop.
Star Ferry FAQs
What are the Star Ferry's operating hours?
Ferries between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central run from 6.30am to 11.30pm from both ends.
How often do the ferries run?
Every 6 to 12 minutes on the Central route, depending on the time of day.
How do you pay?
Tap an Octopus card, pay cash with change given, or use the ticket machines, which accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay QuickPass and credit cards.
Which deck should you choose?
The upper deck costs slightly more and has the better view, while the lower deck is closer to the water.
Is there a pass for visitors?
Yes. A four-day tourist pass gives unlimited rides on the Central and Wan Chai routes.
Can you take luggage?
Only small items up to 40 by 40 by 17.5 centimetres.
Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Wheelchair users board from the lower deck, with up to four per ferry.
How old is the Star Ferry?
It began in 1888 as the Kowloon Ferry Company and took the Star Ferry name in 1898.