On this page we attempt to make available the experience of individual bicycle tourists who travel to Hong Kong (you can share your experiences here).
Table of Contents
Hong Kong, China
There is an Airport Express train from the airport to Central on Hong Kong Island (with stops along the way). We checked our bike in at Central MTR station the evening before our flight saving having to carry it all the way out to the airport the next morning.
Alistair Morris, September 18, 2004Dragonair Airline
Dragonair will take bikes unboxed at no extra cost except for going overweight (we were recommended to keep below 50-55kg for 2 to not be charged).
It is possible to check the bike in at Central MTR in Hong Kong
Walking/Riding in and out of Hong Kong Airport
I managed to walk from Mui Wo on Lantau Island over the mountains and into the new Hong Kong airport. The paths were concrete with occasional steps but suitable for mountain bikes. The town of Tung Chung next to the airport has newly built bike paths and you can also ride along the long harbour-side dyke. The most difficult section was the last kilometer to the passenger terminal which was a freeway with no footpath, but there was a wide grass strip running along the side suitable for mountain bikes. Also, take the second smaller Tung Chung bridge which is for all traffic, not the main railway/freeway one.
Xavier Brouwer, July 26, 2002Hong Kong, China
The best way to get into or out of the airport is the Airport Express, a high-speed train linking the new airport with Tsing Yi, Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) and Hong Kong (Central). Cost is HK$90 one-way, HK$160 round-trip to Central, and the ride takes about 25 minutes.
When checking in at the Airport Express station when leaving HK, your bike (and bags) will be checked on your flight and you won't have to handle it from there. (The bike and baggage travel in a separate car on the train, loaded behind a wall by station personnel).
When getting off the plane upon arrival to HK, you'll collect your bike and wheel it onto the train at the airport. Go to the last car on the right, since it has more room for the bikes.
Storage is available at the airport, but it's expensive, about HK$240 for a big bike box for 2 days.
Cathay Pacific would take the bike bare (removed pedals, turned handlebars), and handled it well.
Everyone seems very concerned about letting all the air out of the tires, a personal peeve (I guess you don't need to pass physics to work for an airline these days). Be prepared to tell them that you've done your part to avoid having a catastrophic explosion in the cargo area of a jumbo jet due to the 5 psi overpressure on your dangerously overinflated tires.
Hong Kong, China
Dear George,
Looks fine, but I believe Hong Kong got a new flag, when it was taken over by China. The flag you have used includes a Union Jack in one corner, and I believe the Chinese insisted on a new flag for this reason. As far as I remember the new flag is mostly red, with a white flower-like symbol in the middle. (Sorry, but I can't draw it).
I know your site is mainly about access to planes and trains, but this info may be important to people who travel in the area. (Hong Kong is a major access-port to mainland China):
Access to Hong Kong from mainland China is also difficult. The possible entry methods I know of are:
Border city Shenzhen: (right north of Hong Kong) All roads through a security area are closed to cyclists. Therefore, the only way to cross the border at Shenzhen is to walk and then take the train to Hong Kong. However, the train itself does not allow bicycles, and you must therefore send it as seperate luggage. The price (nov 99) was 56 $HKG, and it only took a few hours. The only place you may receive the bicycle is at the end of the train line, which is downtown Kowloon. (For most purposes this is fine).
Wuzhou: (River town 2-300 km north/west of Hong Kong) Every other day a ferry connects this mid-size town with Hong Kong. I brought my bike without problems. The ferry-ride is non-stop and takes about 7 hours. They handle your bike all the way, but the service level is high. In my case they tied the bike down at the front of the boat. If it's a windy day, you may want to check that they do it properly as the first hour across the bay is through open waters.
Guangzhou: (a few hours north of Hong Kong) Supposedly you can take a long distance luxury bus from Guangzhou (buses leave about ½-1 km south of the train station). This is a non-stop bus directly to Hong Kong. (I have not tested this option, but was told at the station it would work). You may also (which I did) take a non-stop bus to Shenzhen, walk across the border and send your bike with the train. The ferry which used to connect Guangzhou and Hong Kong/Macau does not operate anymore.
Macao (Island west of Hong Kong) Supposedly you can take one of the frequent ferries from Macao to Hong Kong and bring your bike without any problems.
Ernst
Hong Kong, China
You're on a island that only has two ways into HK proper. One is to take public transportation, the train, bus, and even boats will tolerate a bike if not too large a project to get it in.
If you really want to ride out, the only way is through the local village of Tung Chung, at the airport itself. One dangerous road up a 700 meter hill is all there is. Buses and trucks come dangerously close to killing everyone on board as they weave past each other on a narrow road. Then there are more hills on the other side. I think it is too much to even consider after a long flight.
Take the train, no fee or hassle and don't even consider riding away from the new airport
Duane Brosky, May 28, 1999