Star Ferry

Star Ferry is one of Hong Kong's oldest and most iconic means of transport across the sea. It is also a classic way for tourists to experience Hong Kong's local culture and the beauty of Victoria Harbour. The Star Ferry is a famous and historic means of transport across Victoria Harbour. The Star Ferry is a means of transport with a history of over a century, on par with the Hong Kong Tramway and the Peak Tram.

Perhaps the most scenic and economical transportation across Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong is the world-famous Star Ferry. Taking the Star Ferry is also a nice sightseeing tour. There are two ferry piers, in Central and Wan Chai, where tourists can take a sightseeing tour on the Star Ferry. Besides, in Central area (Central Piers) tourists can take ferries to the outlying islands such as Cheung Chau, Lamma, Peng Chau or Lantau. So having a trip across Victoria Harbor by Star Ferry is a perfect choice and passengers can get fantastic views of the both side of the harbor, as well as Hong Kong Island, along with its skyscrapers, hotels and bank towers from one side and bustle Tsim Sha Tsui from another side. The scenery is especially incredible at night. Victoria Harbor is one of the most beautiful harbors throughout the world.

History of the Star Ferry

The Star Ferry's history dates back to 1880, when the Kowloon Ferry Company, founded by the Persian Mitwala, began its Victoria Harbour ferry service with the steamship Morning Star. In 1898, businessman Sir Gacy Paul Chater purchased four ferries, officially establishing the Star Ferry Company. Since then, the Star Ferry has experienced the construction and evolution of its piers, including the construction of a new pier at Kowloon Point in 1904 and the relocation of the Central pier to Edinburgh Place in 1958.Since the 1970s, despite facing competition from cross-harbour buses and the MTR, the Star Ferry has continued to attract a large number of passengers thanks to its advantages. In 2006, after 49 years of service, the old Central Star Ferry Pier was reclaimed, triggering a series of events that led to the relocation of Central ferry services to the new Central Star Ferry Pier. Today, the Star Ferry has become a classic symbol of Hong Kong, with nine ferries running daily between Central and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Pier Locations

Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier: Located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, near the Ocean Terminal and the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. From Exit L6 of East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, walk along Salisbury Road towards the Clock Tower for about 5 minutes. The pier offers ferry services between Central and Wan Chai.
Central Star Ferry Pier: Located in Central on Hong Kong Island, it is part of the Central Pier. The Star Ferry docks at Central Pier 7 (for Tsim Sha Tsui services) and Central Pier 8 (for Hung Hom services and the Tsim Sha Tsui East service operated by Hoi Yau Ferry). From Exit A2 of Hong Kong MTR Station or Exit A of Central MTR Station, walk along Man Yiu Street for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier: Located in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, the Wan Chai Ferry Pier is near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Golden Bauhinia Square. From Wan Chai MTR Station, take Exit A1 and walk along the pedestrian bridge towards the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Once you reach Harbour Road, turn onto Convention Avenue. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
Hung Hom Star Ferry Pier: also known as the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, providing two ferry routes between Central and Wan Chai, as well as a route operated by First Ferry to North Point.

How to Take the Star Ferry

Determine your pier and route
The Star Ferry has three piers: Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, Central Pier, and Wan Chai Pier. Tsim Sha Tsui Pier is near Exit L6 of East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station; Central Pier is accessible from Exit A of Central MTR Station or Exit A2 of Hong Kong MTR Station; and Wan Chai Pier is near Exit A2 of the Convention and Exhibition Center MTR Station. You can choose the pier and route based on your location and destination. Currently, the Star Ferry has two main routes: Tsim Sha Tsui - Central and Tsim Sha Tsui - Wan Chai.
Operating hours and fares
Tsim Sha Tsui to Central operates from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM; Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai operates from 7:20 AM to 10:50 PM on weekdays and from 7:30 AM to 10:50 PM on weekends and holidays. The Tsim Sha Tsui/Wan Chai to Central route costs HK$2.00 on weekdays for the lower deck and HK$2.50 for the upper deck. Children aged 3 to 12 are charged HK$1.40 and HK$1.50, respectively. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the lower deck costs HK$2.40 and the upper deck costs HK$3.00. Children aged 3 to 12 are charged HK$1.70 and HK$1.80, respectively. (The Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui route uses the upper deck fare, with no lower deck fare.) Those aged 65 and over can ride free upon presentation of a Senior Citizen Card or Hong Kong Identity Card.
Purchasing Tickets
The most convenient way is to use an Octopus card, which can be swiped directly at the gate. You can also purchase tickets with cash at the self-service ticket machines at the pier. These machines only accept 10- and 20-yuan notes or coins, dispensing a ferry token to be inserted into the gate. Some piers also accept electronic payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat, which can be made at the gate or ticket counter.
Choosing a Cabin
The Star Ferry has two decks, with separate entrances and closed passageways. The upper deck is air-conditioned, offers wide views and excellent photo opportunities, and has a relatively higher fare. The lower deck has a more authentic Hong Kong atmosphere, but can have a stronger smell of engine oil and has a lower fare. You can choose your preferred cabin.
Boarding and Ferry
Follow the signs at the pier to the corresponding boarding gate and queue up to board. Once on board, choose your preferred seat. The Star Ferry journey is short, typically about 5-10 minutes. During the ride, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Victoria Harbour. If you'd like to take photos, choose a seat on the upper deck.
Disembarkation
Upon arrival at the destination pier, follow the signs to disembark.

Tips for Taking the Ferry

The Star Ferry has upper and lower decks, and the entrances are different. The upper deck has air - conditioning and a wide view, which is good for taking pictures and has a relatively higher fare; the lower deck has a strong Hong Kong - style flavor but a strong oil smell and a lower fare.
If you want to take pictures of the beautiful scenery of Victoria Harbour, it is recommended to choose a position on the upper deck. The early - morning boats (before 7:00) usually have fewer people, and you may be able to take pictures of the "empty bow" effect.
During peak seasons (holidays and evenings), the queuing time may be long. It is recommended to travel during off - peak hours, such as 14:00 - 16:00.

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