Transit in HKG for 12+ hours - can I leave the airport?

[smckay]

We have about 14 hours spare between flights (CX in, BA out) in Hong Kong.

Can any one confirm that AUS and NZ passport holders can leave the airport and roam the streets? Rather than enjoy the lounge we could/should(?) get out and see what's out there.

The airport help line was a bit vague so can anyone give actual advice?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

We have about 14 hours spare between flights (CX in, BA out) in Hong Kong.

Can any one confirm that AUS and NZ passport holders can leave the airport and roam the streets? Rather than enjoy the lounge we could/should(?) get out and see what's out there.

The airport help line was a bit vague so can anyone give actual advice?

Yes! Of course you can leave the airport!

Your bags should be through checked, no need to collect. If you want to store cabin bags there is a left luggage service in the arrivals hall.

Just mark on your arrival form that you will be in transit (I think it asks for an address in Hong Kong). The return train to the city has a special 'day return' rate (half the normal price).

Hong Kong proper doesn't really start functioning till after 10am. But if you are arriving earlier than that you can always start with a trip on the Star Ferry, and then head off for the tram to the Peak. Or get the star ferry and ride on the tram out of the way (you want to go in the direction of Happy Valley, and probably travel as far as Causeway Bay).

I would be heading to Central Station, not Kowloon.

 

[italianlover]

Can confirm we did this when we had an 8 hour transit. Definitely take train and go on the Star Ferry. We also wanted to shop so we spent most of our time around the TST Harbour City area. Enjoy!

 

[kamchatsky]

We have about 14 hours spare between flights (CX in, BA out) in Hong Kong.

Can any one confirm that AUS and NZ passport holders can leave the airport and roam the streets? Rather than enjoy the lounge we could/should(?) get out and see what's out there.

The airport help line was a bit vague so can anyone give actual advice?

Yes please roam the street at HK! As MEL_Traveller said your bags should be checked through (if not, ask at checkin at CX), and HKG Airport Express to Kowloon/Hong Kong is half price when you buy same day return ticket.

Where you go at HKG depends on what time you arrive and what time you leave. There is plenty to do at HK for 12 hours. Please let us know the time that you are arriving and leaving, then we all can provide suggestions.

 

[clazman]

You say "we", if it includes kids, worth a look

Hong Kong Disneyland Pass Deal - Cathay Pacific

 

[harvyk]

I've done it for a 6 hour transit. More than enough time to get into Kowloon.

 

[Jonova]

Definitely can do this. We had a 8 hour transit and took the train to Central, had a nice lunch and walked around Sheung Wan.

 

[11sjw]

If you have Octopus Cards (or correct money HK$3.50pp) you can catch the S1 Bus into Tung Chung and hop on the regular train (MTR) into wherever you'd like to go. A little bit of fluffing around but much cheaper than the Airport Express.

With that amount of time you could even get down to Stanley should you wish.

 

[Dr Ralph]

You can leave, no problems.

 

[smckay]

Thanks Folks.

We lob at 0730 and chuff off at 2305. I'm advised The Brains Of The Operation wants to go shopping for clothes and shoes as she is Asian sized. I am happy to browse electronic stores.

The only experience I've had of HKG has been lounges so this will all be new.

Only bags will be the little roller thingys Antler make so will probably stash them.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks Folks.

We lob at 0730 and chuff off at 2305. I'm advised The Brains Of The Operation wants to go shopping for clothes and shoes as she is Asian sized. I am happy to browse electronic stores.

The only experience I've had of HKG has been lounges so this will all be new.

Only bags will be the little roller thingys Antler make so will probably stash them.

If you are arriving Cathay business class (or higher), you have access to The Arrival lounge (after customs, underneath the train station). You can have a shower there and importantly, leave your hand luggage for collection later. Otherwise, there is also a pay-in (plaze premium) right beside the CX lounge, although I'm not sure it's worth paying to get in to.

At 730 HKG will be asleep. But plenty of time to do shopping after lunch. You can check an extra bag (if within your allowance) when you arrive back at the airport.

 

[smckay]

We are in J and as luck would have it both CX and BA share lounges. So that's done.

Will do some looking into whats about based on replies now

 

[MEL_Traveller]

We are in J and as luck would have it both CX and BA share lounges. So that's done.

Will do some looking into whats about based on replies now

The Cathay Arrivals lounge is not a oneworld lounge (no association with BA/oneworld). It is available only to arriving CX passengers (F, J, MP elites and OWE). Lounge details and location here: The Arrival | Airport Lounge - Cathay Pacific

It is after customs, so on coming back to the airport you'll collect your hand luggage there, then proceed through immigration and security to get airside. Once airside, BA pax can use any of the CX or QF lounges. But not all the CX lounges have showers (the Cabin is a notable exception).

 

[smckay]

Thanks. Never knew about this one, although we have only transited for a cuppla hours previously and used the airside lounge.

Which leads to another topic; what lounge is best to use? The QF lounges in Australia are pretty good but I've found the partner ones not so speccy.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks. Never knew about this one, although we have only transited for a cuppla hours previously and used the airside lounge.

Which leads to another topic; what lounge is best to use? The QF lounges in Australia are pretty good but I've found the partner ones not so speccy.

The QF lounge in HKG is pretty good for a business class lounge. But at its home port, the CX lounges are also good.

Each (the QF and CX) lounges have their pros and cons, for example CX lounges serve champagne, the QF lounge doesn't. The QF lounge tries to cater for top tier (emerald) as well as business class customers and so operates on a class system... with some benefits withheld from business class passengers. In the CX lounge you will never feel second class because the lounge is dedicated to your class of travel/OW status.

 

[11sjw]

Thanks Folks.

We lob at 0730 and chuff off at 2305. I'm advised The Brains Of The Operation wants to go shopping for clothes and shoes as she is Asian sized. I am happy to browse electronic stores.

The only experience I've had of HKG has been lounges so this will all be new.

Only bags will be the little roller thingys Antler make so will probably stash them.

Sham Shui Po is great for gadgets!

 

[legroom]

We are in J and as luck would have it both CX and BA share lounges. So that's done.

Will do some looking into whats about based on replies now

If you are OWE, should consider the cabana on returning to the airport.

An excellent way to de-stress after a long day of shopping, sightseeing and dining !

J tickets alone won't make it.

 

[kamchatsky]

Have a look at Discover Hong Kong for 1-2 day suggestions:

My Hong Kong Guide | Hong Kong Tourism Board

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/see-do/tours-walks/guided-tours/explore-hong-kong/index.jsp

 

[wandering_fred]

The S1 bus (mentioned above) goes to the discount mall that is above the Tung Chung station. Though most stores would not open until 10:00. There is plenty of clothing stores and one large electronics store. The Food hall is somewhat different than "western" implementations of the concept. I prefer it to the Novotel hotel restaurant..,

For "fancy" clothing take the express train to either Kowloon or Hong Kong stations. 10:00 a.m. start still applies.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[SeatBackForward]

Thanks Folks.

We lob at 0730 and chuff off at 2305. I'm advised The Brains Of The Operation wants to go shopping for clothes and shoes as she is Asian sized. I am happy to browse electronic stores.

The only experience I've had of HKG has been lounges so this will all be new.

Only bags will be the little roller thingys Antler make so will probably stash them.

Head down to Mongkok for an experience. Be warned it's one of the highest density populated places on the planet. East of Nathan Rd there are plenty of the HK electronics chains, west of Nathan Rd is Langham Place shopping center for the clothes.

There are other places with better electronics, like the Golden computer market at Sham Shui Po, but you'll be away from other shops there.

If you want to head onto HK island, go to Causeway Bay for the shopping, and then jump on a tram and go visit the Wan Chai computer market.