Star Ferry
Star Ferry
4.5
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The area
Neighbourhood: Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the major tourist and shopping areas of Hong Kong. With a high concentration of hotels, retail shops and commercial offices – it’s a busy and bustling neighbourhood that never sleeps. On the surface, Tsim Sha Tsui seems to only feature an abundant number of high-end retail stores selling designer brands and jewelry, owing to its popularity with high-budget shopping tours. However, it also contains a diverse range of attractions for the entire family. Whether taking a walk in Kowloon Park, exploring museums, going shopping or grabbing a bite to eat – Tsim Sha Tsui has something for everyone.
How to get there
- Tsim Sha Tsui • 7 min walk
- East Tsim Sha Tsui • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
6,806 within 5 kms
Attractions
722 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TravelTrips12Sydney, Australia412 contributionsA convienient unique tour of Hong Kong habourA cheap and convienient experience to tour Hong Kong harbour. While the ferry doesn't travel very quickly, it does at least give passengers ample opportunities to enjoy the panaramic views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The Kowloon docking point was conviently located to several attractions, including the Harbourside shopping mall with plenty of shops and restaurants to dine at. Highly recommended for all visitors.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
- elaine3SouthportToronto, Canada633 contributionsShort beautiful, comfortable trip between Hong Kong and KowloonGreat short trip across harbor from Hong Kong to Kowloon. I took it in the evening where a cool breeze was very refreshing. Beautiful night lights of both Hong Kong and Kowloon makes trip truly enjoyable.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 October 2023
- Sue SKingston, Canada379 contributionsInexpensive Way to see Victoria HarborYou have to do this at least once when visiting Hong Kong. It's historic. It's quick. It's inexpensive. It's a great way to see the harbor, rather than taking the MTR underground. You won't regret it. Plus-you can use your Octopus card.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- 🌈🌈❤️happyopenmindedtraveler❤️🌈🌈The Netherlands4,21,742 contributionsStar FerryMy hotel being less than a 10-minute walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Star Ferry, i walked down here, after checking into my room. Nothing much seemed to have changed since my last visit here in February 2020 which to me is a good thing. This is really a stroll down memory lane✌✌✌Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 12 December 2023
- Lyon-ZeldaMelbourne, Australia10 contributionsFerry is must doSuch a great way to get across the harbour. Cheap ($5 or $6.50 HKD) and quick (approx 8 minutes). Be at pier 10 minutes at least before ferry leaves and line up as ferry leaves early if full. Great way to experience Hong Kong harbour.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 January 2024
- NigpatChristchurch, New Zealand733 contributionsSailing in Hong KongWe used the Star Ferry several times while vacationing in Hong Kong. We were staying in Tsim Sha Tsui so used the ferry to cross to Central. The service was easy and cheap to use. The token system is simple but once we had our Octopus cards it was even easier. The trip isn't long and it sails regularly so you don't feel pressured for time. The staff were efficient and helpful if you need assistance.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 January 2024
- ZitatravelLondon, United Kingdom841 contributionsEfficient and cheap way to cross the harbour to enjoy the viewVery efficient loading people off and on. Catch a ferry to cross the harbour and enjoy the skyline after dark. Equally good during the day. Use your Octopus card for all public transport in Hong Kong.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 February 2024
- L18SUMStirling, United Kingdom2,130 contributionsTreasure this ferryOur family of two adults, a 9 year old and a 6 year old visited Hong Kong during the busy Chinese New Year holidays and enjoyed a few rides on the Star Ferry. This is not to be missed for some of the best views of the HK skyscrapers as well as a cheap mode of transport between Kowloon and HK island. After passing through the barriers, look up at the 'traffic lights' to determine which side the next ferry will depart from (red light means wait at barrier, green light means boarding, no lights on means the boat is not leaving/arriving on that side). Once on board, make sure you pick the correct side of the boat for the views. The back rest of the seats swing both ways so move the back rest according to which direction you're travelling in. On Kowloon side, don't miss the clock tower at the Star Ferry terminal which is one of the oldest and original structures in HK. On HK island side, from the Star Ferry pier at Central, follow the footpath bridge / walkway to get to the main shopping district or to get to the road level where you can pick up the trams to Causeway Bay. You can also get the ferry to/from the Wan Chai ferry terminal if you're headed that way. Enjoy!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
- MopseyTravelsMontreal, Canada40 contributionsI take it EVERY time I visit HKI lived in HK 30 years ago and have been back at least 20 times since. I always make a point of riding the Star Ferry. You can't beat it. Best view in the world for a negligible amount of money. Take your iconic pictures from your seat as you move between HK and T.S.TVisited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 15 March 2024
- willjc95West Midlands, United Kingdom521 contributionsWell worth taking the ferry for the viewsWe took the ferry one way for the views rather than going via MTR. It's very good value, I can't remember how much but much less than £1.00. £0.40 or something like that. The view of the skyline is super. HK is one of the most interesting places I have visited. Absolutely super.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
24,563 reviews
Excellent
15,541
Very good
7,326
Average
1,532
Poor
115
Terrible
50
lois d
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
Star ferry is a Star of The Hong Kong show not to be missed during a Hong Kong visit. Just get your Octopus card from an MTR station and you are away. Journey time across the bay just under 10 minutes at a cost of 22 p. Simple and a pleasure to use
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Lettuce
London, UK99 contributions
Dec 2019
Very cheap to travel on $2 HKD!
We were on a 7 hour stop-over at the airport, so decided to go and see the harbour. Caught bus A21 that goes down Nathan Road to Tsim Sha Tsui, then walked to the harbour promenade. Catch the very nice lightshow at 8pm beforehand and then walk 10mins to the ferry terminal. It's not a glamourous entrance to the ferry at all, but for $2 HKD you can't expect much and the ferry itself is great.
The ferry takes about 10mins to cross to Central pier on the other side. Then walk another 10mins to the metro station which takes you back to the airport.
Note: They only take cash on the ferry, but there is a VISA ATM downstairs, if you need it.
We were on a 7 hour stop-over at the airport, so decided to go and see the harbour. Caught bus A21 that goes down Nathan Road to Tsim Sha Tsui, then walked to the harbour promenade. Catch the very nice lightshow at 8pm beforehand and then walk 10mins to the ferry terminal. It's not a glamourous entrance to the ferry at all, but for $2 HKD you can't expect much and the ferry itself is great.
The ferry takes about 10mins to cross to Central pier on the other side. Then walk another 10mins to the metro station which takes you back to the airport.
Note: They only take cash on the ferry, but there is a VISA ATM downstairs, if you need it.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juniper y
Toronto, Canada33 contributions
Jan 2020
Not many people rely on this important vessel of transportation now. It is cheap, and comfortable to ride of the ferry, offers great view of the HK harbour, esp at night. It is a relaxing and enjoyable ride crossing the harbor, brings back many memories. It is a valuable experience if you haven't tried before, not sure how long it will be kept in service. .
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fowler2018
Minneapolis, MN11 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the only way to cross over to the island. When you take the train, you do not get to see what you see on the Star Ferry. While I can't recall the exact price of the fair, i do know it didn't even register on in the pcoketbook. These ferries run often and have the on/off borading down to a science.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce180852
Cornwall, UK1,155 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What can you say about the Star ferry, it provides an immensely valuable service between Kowloon and Hong Kong island, every few minutes, of every day, they trundle back and forth across Victoria harbour, for $27HKD...
And they’ve been doing it for over a hundred years, why pay for an expensive tour of the skyline from the water, a round trip on this old classic boat with give you all the views you need, for less than a cup of tea.
I lived in Hong Kong back in late 70s with the military, 45 years later, it’s the same little boats going back and forth, it was quite nostalgic going on them after all these years.
It’s a must do trip, like the Staten Island ferry in NYC.
And they’ve been doing it for over a hundred years, why pay for an expensive tour of the skyline from the water, a round trip on this old classic boat with give you all the views you need, for less than a cup of tea.
I lived in Hong Kong back in late 70s with the military, 45 years later, it’s the same little boats going back and forth, it was quite nostalgic going on them after all these years.
It’s a must do trip, like the Staten Island ferry in NYC.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DianneKamerling
Cooroy, Australia138 contributions
Jan 2020
They are old but very efficient & reliable. They run very frequently between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, that you have only a very short time to wait for a ferry to arrive. The Octopus Card is the best way to pay and it's an incredibly reasonable fare
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine170
Airlie Beach, Australia20 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Take a cheap ride across the harbour for great water views and a good perspective of this fascinating city. The ferries are history themselves and beautifully kept. As boating enthusiasts, we travelled both the upper and lower deck and loved it.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MountaineerLu
Falling Waters, WV2,129 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Riding the Star Ferry to and from Hong Kong Island is a must if you are visiting or even a resident. Much less stressful than taking the MTR for the underwater crossing. Less expensive and probably faster point to point. The crossing costs about US 35 cents and free to Octopus Elder holders. That's right, absolutely free to those 65 or older. There is a bit of a chop in the crossing no chance to get seasick in ten minutes. Don't know if the ferry operates in very windy or stormy conditions. No snack bar or toilets on board but those are available in or near both terminus.
Written 3 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ch4muy0
Cronulla, Australia136 contributions
Jan 2020
But, in the end, just a short ferry ride. What makes it attractive is that the double-deck ferries are very old (although quite polluting, given the smell of fuel oil), the trip between the island and Kowloon is very cheap and you catch different views of the city. Nevertheless, I have to say most ferry rides in Sydney are far more attractive than this.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarLoes M
Hong Kong, China51 contributions
Jan 2020
It's quick, easy, cheap and provides some of the best views in the world. What's not to love about this trip across Victory Harbour in Hong Kong. In the 10 minutes it takes to go from one side of the Harbour to the other, you get to witness the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong with some solid photo opportunities. It is still a daily commute to many of the 70,000 people that travel on the star ferry every day, as it has been for the past 122 (!) years. Use your octopus card to pay the HK$2 (HK$3.40 on weekends).
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our Hotel is at Wanchai. we will be going to TST for boarding star ferry & watch the symphony of lights show. Can the light show be watched from Wanchai pier ? Or do we need to travel to TST to enjoy the show ?
Do we need to board the star ferry to watch the symphony show or it can be enjoyed by at any of the harbour piers ?
Written 7 January 2024
Hi,
I would like to see the symphony of lights on STAR FERRY. Im not doing the tour but just would like to take the ferry ride to see the light show . Pls help to advice on which side should I take the ferry from to see the best view of light show (Kowloon to Central or vice-versa)?
IS there much difference between taking the star ferry option vs standing & watching at TST promenade?
Pls take note that my hotel is at Kowloon so I have to make my way there after the show ends.
Also what time should I start taking the ferry since the ferry is 10 mins long & light show is slightly longer?
Written 4 January 2024
Honestly, in my humble opinion, it doesn't really matter where you are for the show..Its a beautiful display and is easily visible from either side. I hope that you find that helpful. Best wishes
Written 28 April 2024
Hi! I plan to take a round at a go on the star ferry from TST to central and vice versa.
1) Do I stay on the ferry to return or I need to alight then board again?
2) Will it be very crowded during 4pm to 630pm?
Written 14 November 2018
You will have to disembark and re-join.
I did not travel at the time you ask about but it is a smooth operation and so I think you will be able to flow with the commuters.
Written 16 November 2018
Is there a bus stop or taxi rank at the Central pier to get to the Peak Tram?
Thanks
Written 8 November 2018
There sure is a taxistop. Taxis are cheap compared to european prices. You’ll probably pay 5 to 8 dollar/euro for your taxi.
Written 8 November 2018
We are in HK for 3 days and plan on getting the most of our time here, what would be a reasonable amount to put on an octopus card !
Written 2 October 2018
Buy a tourist octopus card. Great value.
Written 24 December 2018
Hello, is it easy for handicapped person with wheel chair to get on and off the ferry and tour bus?
Written 15 April 2018
Yes, it seemed easily accessible to the ferry by wheelchair. But on the other hand, I did not see anyone in a wheelcahiar using buses and subway in Hong Kong.
Written 12 July 2018
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