One of the 50 must-do experiences in life — take a Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour

Text & photos byUnrestrained

Taking local public transportation is a great way to explore a new place. In Hong Kong, you can hop on a classic double-decker bus, a vintage tram, or the metro to navigate through busy districts. But the above all refer to land transport. When it comes to sea transport, taking the “Star Ferry” between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island is a special experience not to be missed by travelers. The American travel magazine National Geographic Traveler even once listed “riding the Star Ferry to tour Victoria Harbour” as one of the “50 must-do experiences in life,” which speaks volumes about the immense charm of this small ferry.

The Star Ferry boasts a history of over 100 years and is an iconic transport that has accompanied Hong Kong through many pivotal moments. Each Star Ferry, though appearing a bit aged on the outside, holds many stories. And as you travel between Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui, you can take in the splendid sights of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula in one trip — isn’t that quite enticing!!

▲ The Star Ferry.

Even though there are cross-harbour tunnels and the metro connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Hong Kong locals still love taking the Star Ferry. Not only can you enjoy the scenery of Victoria Harbour, but the fare is also very affordable, the journey is quick, and the service is frequent.

▲ The view from the sea is so close yet feels so expansive, offering a refreshing perspective.

▲ The view of Kowloon from Hong Kong Island.

Star Ferries departing from Tsim Sha Tsui Pier can travel to either Central Pier or Wan Chai Pier on Hong Kong Island, with each trip taking just around ten minutes.

▲ Star Ferry route map between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central or Wan Chai Piers (Image / Screenshot from the official Star Ferry website).

▲ To take the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, board at Pier 7 of Central Pier.

▲ Star Ferries at Tsim Sha Tsui Pier can travel to both Wan Chai Pier and Central Pier.

Although the frequency of departures varies depending on the time of day, there’s generally a ferry every 6 to 10 minutes, and at most, you’ll only need to wait about 20 minutes.

▲ The Star Ferry, divided into upper and lower decks.

Additionally, the fares are very affordable. Adults only need to pay between HK$2 and HK$3.4, with the price varying based on whether it's a weekday or weekend, and whether you choose the upper or lower deck. For example, an adult round-trip between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai on a weekday costs HK$2.5, but on weekends, Fridays, and public holidays, the fare is HK$3.4. Tickets can be purchased on-site using vending machines or paid via Octopus Card (similar to Taiwan’s EasyCard).

▲ Entrance to board the Star Ferry, where you can pay with Octopus Card or buy tokens from a machine.

▲ Interior view of the Star Ferry cabin, with seats and design featuring a rather retro style.

※ Related Information
Star Ferry Official Website:http://www.starferry.com.hk/tc/service.
Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier: Exit at L6 of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, walk along Salisbury Road towards the Clock Tower, approximately 5 minutes.
Central Star Ferry Pier: Exit at A2 of Hong Kong Station or A of Central Station, walk along Man Yiu Street, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, Pier 7.
Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier: Exit at A1 of Wan Chai Station, walk along the pedestrian bridge towards the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, then turn onto Harbour Road and then Convention Avenue, approximately 15 minutes.

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