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Mass Transit Railway MTR

Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR)

MTR subway train, Hong Kong, China.
MTR subway train, Hong Kong
  • Built in 1979
  • Now merged with Kowloon-Canton Railway
  • Over 200 km of track; 98 stations
  • MTR also operates 35 km Airport Express
  • Runs from 6 am-12.30 or 1 am

Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railroad (MTR) is one of the world's quickest, safest and most reliable subway systems in the world.

History

First built in 1979, the present 200 km (174.7 km of heavy rail: 36.2 km of light rail), 98 station network connects the New Territories with Hong Kong Island and Lantau and serves over 3.4 million passengers on an average weekday.

The integration of the Octopus Card in 1997 allows passengers to transfer easily between most forms of public transport in Hong Kong including buses, trams, public light buses, ferries and light rail. The fare for using an Octopus Card is less than the price of a single-journey ticket.

MTR train carriage, Hong Kong.
MTR train carriage, Hong Kong.

MTR carriages can be very crowded especially during the rush-hour and the seats are stainless steel and are not cushioned. Trains are fast, punctual and clean. Eating and drinking inside the MTR is forbidden.

Only the newer MTR stations on the Airport Express Line and the Disneyland Resort Line have public toilets. Many busy stations now have a number of station stores including convenience stores, pharmacies and ATMs. WiFi is available at "MTR Free Wi-Fi" for 5x15 minute time slots per device per day. Free charging services for mobile devices are available at several stations.

Fares

Other than using an Octopus Card or Tourist Day Pass, purchase a single ticket with a magnetic strip good for one journey. Fares range from HK$3.00 to HK$47.50 depending on the distance traveled. There are cheaper fares for students, children under 12 and seniors (over 65). Children under 3 travel free.

Lines

The main lines on the MTR network are: the Airport Express Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Island Line, Tung Chung Line, Disneyland Resort Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, East Rail Line, Ma On Shan Line, West Rail Line and Light Rail.

There are currently 11 lines in operation. These include the Airport Express Line from Airport Station to Hong Kong Station, the Island Line on Hong Kong Island, the East Rail Line, the Disneyland Resort Line, Tung Chung Line from Lantau to Hong Kong Island, the Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line connecting Central with Tsim Sha Tsui. The other lines are the South Island Line, West Rail Line, Tseung Kwan O Line and Tsuen Wan Line from Central to Tsuen Wan.

Stations

MTR stations and lines are color coded. For example, Central Station is crimson, Tsim Sha Tsui black and yellow and Admiralty is blue. Choi Hung is rainbow-colored reflecting its name in Chinese (彩虹). One reason is that back in the 1970s when construction first begun many people in Hong Kong were illiterate and the color system helped people recognize what station they were at.

The three original lines of the network are red (Tsuen Wan), blue (Island) and green (Kwun Tong).

MTR map, Hong Kong, China.
© MTR
MTR station sign at Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
MTR station sign at Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Hong Kong MTR Video

MTR

MTR (mtr.com.hk)
24-hour Enquiry Tel: 2881 8888
Lost Property / Student Travel Office Tel: 2861 0020

MTR train carriage, Hong Kong.
MTR train and platform, Hong Kong
MTR ticket, Hong Kong.
Octopus Card, Hong Kong.
MTR train carriage, Hong Kong.
MTR train carriage, Hong Kong

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