The Hong Kong ferry system serves as a lifeline connecting both sides of Victoria Harbour to the outlying islands, operating over 40 fixed routes and charter boat services. As of 2026, the major routes are operated by three operators: New World First Ferry, Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry, and Park Island Ferry. Passengers can board using Octopus cards or QR codes, with adult fares ranging from HKD$14-56 and elderly fares from HKD$7-28. Ferries run every 15-30 minutes during peak hours and every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours.
New World First Ferry (New Ferry) operates the main routes from Central to Cheung Chau, Lantau Island (Mui Wo), and Peng Chau. Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry specializes in cross-harbour routes across Victoria Harbour, while Park Island Ferry manages the western route between Tsuen Wan and Park Island. Central Pier is divided into 6 terminals by route: Pier 5 for Cheung Chau, Pier 4 for Lantau Island (Yung Shue Wan), Pier 6 for Mui Wo and Peng Chau, Pier 2 for Park Island, and the Star Ferry Terminal serves Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.
New World First Ferry (New Ferry) operates the main routes from Central to Cheung Chau, Lantau Island (Yung Shue Wan), Mui Wo, and Peng Chau. Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry specializes in cross-harbour routes across Victoria Harbour, while Park Island Ferry manages the western route between Tsuen Wan and Park Island. Central Pier is divided into 6 terminals by route: Pier 5 for Cheung Chau, Pier 4 for Lantau Island (Yung Shue Wan), Pier 6 for Mui Wo and Peng Chau, Pier 2 for Park Island, and the Star Ferry Terminal serves Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.
To deeply explore the official timetables and real-time arrival information for each operator, visit the New Ferry website or use their mobile app.
The Central to Cheung Chau route is the busiest outlying island route, with weekday single journey adult fares ranging from HKD$22-28. Additional high-speed ferries cost HKD$42-56, with the entire journey taking approximately 35-55 minutes. Regular ferries run every 30 minutes (06:30-23:30), while high-speed ferries operate every 20 minutes (07:00-21:00), with 20 additional charter boats scheduled on holidays to handle the passenger flow.
Cheung Chau Pier is located on the eastern coast of the island's northern side, just a 5-minute walk from the city centre to the waterfront promenade, which is lined with dozens of seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Bicycle storage is available next to the Cheung Chau Pier, and cycling around the island is a popular activity, taking approximately 2 hours for a full circuit.
To book sea-view hotels in Cheung Chau or reserve water activities at Tung Wan Beach, search for real-time room rates on the Booking.com or Airbnb Cheung Chau pages.
The Central to Lantau Island (Yung Shue Wan) route divides into two branches: Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Yung Shue Wan is the main pier on Lantau Island's western coast, connecting to the city centre and Hung Shao Beach, with single journey adult fares ranging from HKD$18-24. Sok Kwu Wan is located on the eastern coast, near the Tin Hau Temple and viewing platform, with single journey adult fares ranging from HKD$20-26. Both routes operate every 30-60 minutes, with charter boats primarily running to Yung Shue Wan on holidays.
Adjacent to Yung Shue Wan Pier is the Lantau Island DFS duty-free shop and dozens of specialty cafes. The waterfront plaza hosts local handmade craft markets every weekend. From Sok Kwu Wan Pier, a 15-minute walk leads to the Tin Hau Temple, and continuing for another 20 minutes brings you to the power station viewing platform overlooking the entire Victoria Harbour panorama.
When planning a day trip to Lantau Island, it is recommended to take the Yung Shue Wan route in the morning to explore Hung Shao Beach, then take the Sok Kwu Wan route in the afternoon to enjoy seafood and watch the sunset.
The Central to Mui Wo route connects the eastern coast of Lantau Island, with single journey adult fares ranging from HKD$32-48 for regular ferries and HKD$56 for high-speed ferries, taking approximately 40-55 minutes. Regular ferries operate every 60 minutes from 08:00-19:00 daily, while high-speed ferries run every 30 minutes until 21:00. Mui Wo Pier is adjacent to Silver Mine Beach and the Lantau Island bus terminal, where you can transfer to buses heading to Ngong Ping Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha.
Mui Wo Pier offers luggage storage services (HKD$20-30 per item), which is convenient for travellers heading directly to southern Lantai Island from the Shenzhen Bay Port or airport before returning to the city.
If planning to explore other attractions on Lantau Island from Mui Wo, refer to the Lantau Island Transportation Guide for detailed information on Ngong Ping 360 bus connections.
The Central to Peng Chau route is a small ferry service, with single journey adult fares ranging from HKD$14-18. There are only 6-8 departures daily (07:00-18:30), with a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. Peng Chau offers ferry connections to Hei Ling Chau and Cheung Chau's South Bay, requiring a transfer at Peng Chau Pier.
Peng Chau Island covers only 0.99 square kilometres and is home to the famous souvenir shop "Peng Chau Paper Art Workshop" selling local handmade paper products, as well as seafood restaurants concentrated along the waterfront near the pier.
Cross-harbour routes across Victoria Harbour are operated by Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry. The Hung Hom to North Point route has a single journey adult fare of HKD$10, with ferries running every 15 minutes from 07:15-09:15 on weekdays to serve commuters crossing the harbour. The Hung Hom to Kowloon City route has a single journey fare of HKD$9 with less frequent departures.
The two Star Ferry cross-harbour routes charge only HKD$4.2-5.8 (using Octopus), making it the most affordable cross-harbour transport in Hong Kong. The Central to Tsim Sha Tsui route runs every 10 minutes (06:30-23:30), while the Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui route runs every 15 minutes.
To compare the cost-effectiveness of various cross-harbour options in Victoria Harbour, including Star Ferry, MTR, and cross-harbour buses, refer to the special comparison page in the Complete Victoria Harbour Transport Guide.
Tickets can be purchased either on-site or electronically. On-site tickets can be purchased at pier counters using cash, Visa, Master, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Octopus card readers are available at all entry gates. Electronic tickets can be purchased through the New Ferry App, Klook, or Ctrip. Electronic tickets must be verified at least 15 minutes before boarding.
For holiday travel tips, the Lunar New Year holiday (the first to third day of the Chinese New Year) and weekends after Ching Ming Festival mark the peak periods for outlying island passenger traffic. It is recommended to purchase electronic tickets through Klook 3 days in advance to avoid the queues. During Easter and Buddha's Birthday holidays, crowd control measures are implemented at Cheung Chau and Yung Shue Wan piers, with queue times potentially exceeding 45 minutes.
When travelling to Cheung Chau on holidays, consider a reverse itinerary: take the early morning ferry at 07:30 to reach Cheung Chau, swim at Tung Wan Beach, and return to the pier before 10am to enjoy seafood congee when there are fewer people; or choose a flight after 3pm to avoid the crowded period between noon and 2pm.
To check real-time waiting times for each route or ferry service arrangements during inclement weather, follow the New Ferry official Facebook page or call the Marine Transport Hotline at +852 2815 5818.
To compare the flavors and store locations of various brands in depth, refer to the complete Hong Kong Ferry Transport Guide and each operator's merchant page.
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**FAQ**
1. How much does a Hong Kong ferry journey cost?
Adult fares range from HKD$10-56, depending on the route and vessel type. Regular ferries are cheaper (HKD$10-28), while high-speed ferries are more expensive (HKD$42-56).
2. How long does it take from Central to Cheung Chau?
The regular ferry journey takes approximately 55 minutes, while the high-speed ferry takes about 35 minutes. Both depart alternately every 30 minutes.
3. Can I use Octopus on ferries?
Yes, all New Ferry, Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry, and Star Ferry routes accept Octopus card tap-in, as well as Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes.
4. Do I need to buy Cheung Chau ferry tickets in advance on holidays?
During peak seasons such as Lunar New Year, Easter, and Buddha's Birthday, it is recommended to purchase electronic tickets 3 days in advance through Klook or the New Ferry App. Otherwise, queue times for counter ticket purchases can reach 45 minutes.
5. Lantau Island has two piers, where can each one take me?
The Yung Shue Wan route connects to Hung Shao Beach and the Lantau Island city centre. The Sok Kwu Wan route is near the Tin Hau Temple and power station viewing platform. Walking time between the two routes is approximately 40 minutes.
6. How much does the Star Ferry cost?
Adult Octopus charges range from HKD$4.2-5.8 (the Tsim Sha Tsui route is more expensive than the Wan Chai route), making it the most affordable Victoria Harbour cross-harbour transport in Hong Kong.
7. What time does the Hung Hom to North Point ferry run?
The Hung Hom to North Point route operates every 15 minutes from 07:15-09:15 on weekdays, with no service on weekends and public holidays.
8. Can I transfer from Mui Wo to the Ngong Ping Tian Tan Buddha?
Yes, the Lantau Island bus terminal next to Mui Wo Pier provides routes 1R, 3M, 11R and others that go directly to Ngong Ping Po Lin Monastery, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes and fares ranging from HKD$13-22.
