The Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour between Central on Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, a beloved Hong Kong icon whose origins trace back to the 1880s. Its green-and-white double-deck boats offer one of the cheapest and most scenic ways to take in the skyscraper skyline from the water, ridden by tourists and local commuters alike. The crossing lasts only about nine minutes but pairs beautifully with the nightly 8pm 'Symphony of Lights' show.
Panoramic on-the-water views of the skyscraper skylines on both the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon sides as you cross Victoria Harbour
A classic ride on nostalgic green-and-white double-deck vessels, part of a service dating back to the 1880s
Choose the air-conditioned, glass-enclosed upper deck or the open lower deck — the lower deck is better for reflection-free photography
Watch the free 'Symphony of Lights' show, staged nightly at 8pm for about 13 minutes, from the ferry or the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Just tap your Octopus card at the gate to board — one of the best-value experiences in Hong Kong
Good to know
RulesFares and operating hours vary by route (Central–Tsim Sha Tsui vs Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui), by upper or lower deck, and between weekdays and weekends/public holidays. Check the official Star Ferry website for the latest details before boarding.
SeasonMay–November (especially July–September) is typhoon season, and ferry services are suspended around the time Typhoon Signal No. 8 (T8) is hoisted. Monitor Hong Kong Observatory warnings and have the MTR as a backup on bad-weather days.
CautionNear the piers and Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, decline 'fake monks' in robes soliciting donations and hawkers who flash a deaf-mute card while pushing overpriced pens or keychains. A polite refusal and walking on is enough.
CautionIf you take a taxi after the ferry, make sure the meter is running. Some drivers claim the meter is 'broken' and quote a flat rate or pad tunnel tolls; use red urban taxis in the city and note the driver's license number on the dashboard.
SafetyThe Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and piers get very crowded around show time (about 8pm). Watch for pickpockets, wear bags to the front, and take care not to be jostled at railings and boarding ramps.
MannersThis is a genuine commuter service used by many locals, so queue and avoid pushing when boarding and alighting. Refrain from using tripods or selfie sticks and blocking walkways on the narrow deck.
Practical info
Board at Central Pier 7 and the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier. Pay with an Octopus card or coins; the crossing takes about nine minutes. For night views, ride around dusk to the 8pm light show. Confirm current fares and hours on the official website.
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