Hong Kong Airport bus A21

[pn1]

I am travelling to Hong Kong later this month any my partner is arriving off QF29 two days later.

We are boarding a cruise the day after my partner arrives so she won't have much time for sightseeing in Hong Kong.

The plan is to take the A21 bus that stops conveniently close to our (Park) hotel where we will rendezvous.

The question is what ticket would be best to use on the A21? Can a credit card be used? Seems an Octopus card maybe be excessive considering our brief visit.

 

[scwappy]

There is a ticket counter that sells tickets close to where the buses depart from. I can't remember exactly if they take credit cards , but it is likely they would. Otherwise just use cash. The bus is certainly a good idea.

 

[get me outta here]

There is a big counter at the top of the wide ramp in the airport which goes down to the buses. I always catch the bus in. I don't know about single bus tickets. Re the few dollars needed to get a single ticket, perhaps I t's best to email them on the Octopus site with specific qs.

 

[scwappy]

Just found that the service centres accept credit cards.

 

[yohy?!]

didn't realise tickets could be bought for the bus, there are plenty of atms and 7/11s etc at arrivals to get the right change organized though (just pay on boarding).

that being said the bus takes ages compared to the airport express, you wouldn't consider taking a cab or the hotel shuttle instead from an AE station? a lot less hassle and stress...

 

[scwappy]

didn't realise tickets could be bought for the bus, there are plenty of atms and 7/11s etc at arrivals to get the right change organized though (just pay on boarding).

that being said the bus takes ages compared to the airport express, you wouldn't consider taking a cab or the hotel shuttle instead from an AE station? a lot less hassle and stress...

I quite like the bus, it didn't take too long (certainly longer than Airport Express) and you get to see things along the way. Each to their own I guess

 

[Simo]

I have used PT in Hong Kong and probably used cash....

I hate using CC for small transactions when OS due to add on costs.

 

[scwappy]

I have used PT in Hong Kong and probably used cash....

I hate using CC for small transactions when OS due to add on costs.

What add on costs are those? I don't get charged any.

 

[get me outta here]

I get an Octopus card, can you pay on board? The length of the journey depends on the destination. I go to Pok Fu Lam and getting on a bus that drops me 'at the door' is great - no stress or hassle at all. Very few stops and not much longer than a taxi, but more relaxing and sooo much cheaper. You get to see the real and friendly people, and a different perspective.

(just pay on boarding).

that being said the bus takes ages compared to the airport express, you wouldn't consider taking a cab or the hotel shuttle instead from an AE station? a lot less hassle and stress...

 

[yohy?!]

yeah I would get an octopus card - you either tap-on or deposit coins on the bus (or buy the ticket beforehand).

to me the AE is quite an experience in itself vs the highways going into HK where traffic is highly variable with construction going on particularly if you are crossing Kowloon from west to east. I almost always take AE then an MTR connection and find that it quickest (wouldn't work for those with checked luggage though).

 

[moa999]

I get an Octopus card, can you pay on board? The length of the journey depends on the destination. .

I assume you mean the cost of the journey depends on the destination.
It's a bit of a weird system - you are effective tivemy charged the distance to the last stop, so the fare drops as the bus goes on its route.
Means you only need to tap on when you enter the bus.

(Although there are some routes where sectional fare are available and you can save money by tapping off)

 

[JohnK]

The buses can a bit slow but to me they are acceptable especially early in the morning when there is no airport express running. I will certainly use them again.

 

[Pleb Status]

Go with the Octopus. It makes getting around HKG so much simpler.

I am normally travelling HLO so the bus is easy. The A10 or A11 stops close to the area I normally stay in.

If in a hurry, better to take the AEX however.