MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Hours
The MTR opens around 05:30 and closes just after 01:00 the next day. Exact first and last train times vary by line and station.
- First trains: 05:30-06:15 (earliest on Airport Express and Tung Chung Line)
- Last trains: 00:30-01:15 (latest from Central on the Island Line)
- Airport Express: 05:41 (from Central) to 23:30 (last departure from Airport)
Check the MTR mobile app or station boards for the specific last train from your platform. Missing it by one minute means a 30‑minute wait for a night bus.
What time do buses run in Hong Kong?
| Service type | Operating hours |
|---|---|
| Day routes | Approximately 06:00-00:00 |
| Overnight N routes | Approximately 00:00-05:30 |
| Cross‑border routes (to Shenzhen) | 06:00-22:30 (last departure from HK) |
Day buses run every 10-20 minutes during peak hours, every 15-30 minutes off‑peak. Overnight N routes cover the main corridors (Central to Tsuen Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui to Sheung Shui, etc.) every 20-30 minutes.
Most bus stops display the route number and first/last bus times. The KMB and Citybus apps show real‑time arrivals 24 hours a day.
Minibus Operating Times
Minibuses split into two types:
- Green minibuses (scheduled): typically 06:00-00:00, with some routes running 24 hours
- Red minibuses (unscheduled): vary widely; many run until 01:00-02:00, and some 24‑hour routes exist (e.g. Central to Tsuen Wan)
No official central timetable exists for red minibuses. The driver decides when to depart (when the van is full). Late‑night red minibuses often charge a surcharge (HK$2-5 extra).
Hong Kong Tramways Schedule
The iconic double‑decker tram on Hong Kong Island runs:
- First tram: around 05:30 (from Kennedy Town or Shau Kei Wan)
- Last tram: around 00:00 (from Central)
Trams run every 8-10 minutes during the day, every 12-15 minutes after 21:00. The tram does not run overnight.
When does the Star Ferry stop running?
The Star Ferry connects Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) with Central and Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island).
| Route | First departure | Last departure |
|---|---|---|
| Tsim Sha Tsui ↔ Central | 06:30 | 23:30 |
| Tsim Sha Tsui ↔ Wan Chai | 06:30 | 23:30 |
Ferries depart every 6-12 minutes during the day, every 12-20 minutes after 20:00. The crossing takes about 10 minutes.
Taxis: 24/7 Availability and Shift Change
Taxis run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No taxi in Hong Kong stops operating at any time.
The one period when finding a taxi becomes harder is shift change, typically 15:00-16:00. Drivers switch between day and night shifts, and many head to depots or designated changeover points. Wait times can double during this hour.
- Urban taxis (red): serve Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Towns
- New Territories taxis (green): restricted to the New Territories (cannot pick up in urban areas)
- Cross‑border taxis (blue/red): licensed for trips to Macau and Shenzhen
Peak Tram Hours
The Peak Tram (funicular railway to Victoria Peak) operates:
- First tram: 07:00 (from Central)
- Last tram: 22:00 (from the Peak)
Trams run every 5-10 minutes during the day, every 10-15 minutes after 19:00. The last tram from the Peak departs at 22:00 sharp.
What time do ferries to Macau and Mainland China leave?
Ferries from Hong Kong to Macau and mainland Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai) run on published schedules.
| Destination | Typical first departure | Typical last departure |
|---|---|---|
| Macau (from Taipa or Macau Ferry Terminal) | 07:00 | 22:00-00:00 (varies by operator) |
| Shenzhen (from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui) | 07:00 | 21:00-22:00 |
| Guangzhou (from Central) | 07:00 | 20:00 |
Last ferry times vary by operator (TurboJET, Cotai Water Jet, Chu Kong). Always confirm on the operator’s website before travelling. Ferries do not run overnight.
Typhoon Signal Impact on Transport
When the Hong Kong Observatory hoists Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, public transport reduces or suspends service.
| Signal | Effect on transport |
|---|---|
| No. 8 (storm) | MTR: above‑ground sections close; underground sections run reduced service. Buses: all stop. Ferries: all stop. Taxis: limited availability. |
| No. 9 (severe storm) | MTR: all lines suspend. Buses: all stop. Ferries: all stop. Taxis: very limited. |
| No. 10 (super typhoon) | All public transport suspended. Stay indoors. |
When Signal No. 8 is lowered, transport resumes within 1-2 hours, starting with MTR underground sections, then bus routes, then ferries.
Check the Typhoon Signals and Schedules page for the full breakdown of how each signal affects your plans.
What to do next: If you are arriving late or leaving early, memorise the last MTR train time from your station, then note the nearest overnight N bus route. For daytime travel, the MTR is fastest; for late‑night journeys, a taxi (after 16:00) or red minibus is your best bet. See Hong Kong Business Hours for what is open when you arrive.