The cheap way to Hong Kong
Posted by SWG on 05/6/09 • Categorized as Info,Random
Hong Kong Airport (HKG) is an expensive airport to fly into – the landing fees and cost of slots are simply humongous, and of course the airlines pass that on to you. I would like to complain about that, but what sort of good capitalist would I be then? As said good capitalist, I go with the less convenient but cheaper service.
There are about 10 flights a day from Hangzhou to Shenzhen (SZX). Different times, different prices. Take the cheapest bearing in mind it will take 2-3 hours from the time you land to arriving at your hotel in HK.
Once you land, stop for an espresso at Starbucks.
Near the arrivals hall exit is a kiosk selling tickets on the ChinaLink bus service to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. They leave every 20 mins or half hour. The girl will give you a nice cute sticker so you can show-off your money saving prowess. You had better keep it as the want it back later.
The ride takes you through the border, where you have to get off with all your stuff and cart it through – so be prepared. Obviously pretty strict – the buses drive through with the luggage bay doors open so customs etc can see straight through. You might not get back on the same bus so dont leave anything on it when you get off. Somebody from the bus company will see your cute little pink sticker, grab you and take you to the first departing bus waiting on the HK side. Grab a fag before leaving. Then sit back and wait for Kowloon to appear. You’ll know you came to right place because the bus station is in the middle of one of the biggest shopping arcades in Asia – Elements. Dont go into the 360 supermarket food section, you’ll be salivating like a man just out of prison China
I always go by ferry. Really pleasant, and fewer queues when you arrive at immigration
thanks for the tip.
I just got back from a visa run and the process was easy and cheap.
It was exactly 4 hours from take off to disembarking at Kowloon which is not bad.
Total air and bus travel cost was 1460RMB return.
I think the maximum wait for a bus to depart was perhaps 15 mins
I left Kowloon on foot for Jordan road so was not taking much notice of my surroundings.
On my return I had a little difficulty finding my way until I realised that you need to refer to the
road style sign posts rather than the lit ceiling signs for directions.
Ken
I'm a SHZ jetcat to HK Island kinda guy, but the whole journey does take a few hours more than a direct flight. The last few times I've gone to HK I've flown direct… factored that it was worth the money expense to save the time expense..
Ingley – sadly the majority of Jetcat services (from Shenzhen airport) now go to HK airport and not to Kowloon or Central, although I believe there is a service a day to both. Good if you are transiting SZX-HKG airports, but not convenient if going into town. A pity.
Ingley – sadly the majority of Jetcat services (from Shenzhen airport) now go to HK airport and not to Kowloon or Central, although I believe there is a service a day to both. Good if you are transiting SZX-HKG airports, but not convenient if going into town. A pity.
I am not sure the ferries are running so frequently these days, and when they do, they go to HK Airport, so great for a connecting flight, but maybe not so great if going to Kowloon