Explainer | Willing to pay extra for Hong Kong’s Airport Express? Are there cheaper options?
With the MTR Corporation aiming to increase fares, the Post considers alternatives in getting to and from the airport
Hong Kong’s rail operator wants to increase Airport Express fares, sparking concerns over whether the proposed price of HK$120 (US$15) to the city centre is too expensive.
The Post looks into the proposed fare changes and alternative options for residents and tourists travelling to and from the airport.
1. What are the latest changes to the Airport Express fee?
The Airport Express, which began service in 1998, offers a 24-minute journey spanning 35.3km (29.1 miles) from Hong Kong International Airport to Hong Kong station in Central.
A single journey ticket for adults using an Octopus card currently costs HK$110 to Hong Kong station, HK$100 to Kowloon station and HK$65 to Tsing Yi. The MTR Corporation submitted a fare adjustment proposal to the Legislative Council on Tuesday, hoping to raise the price to HK$120, HK$105 and HK$73, respectively, from June.
Adult single tickets to the airport without an Octopus card will cost HK$130 from Hong Kong station, HK$115 from Kowloon station, and HK$80 from Tsing Yi, representing increases of HK$15, HK$10 and HK$10, respectively.
“To ensure a sustainable income to meet rising operational costs and investment needed for renewing railway assets, there is a need to adjust the Airport Express fares to achieve break-even and maintain a high-quality service,” the company said.