How to get to Tsim Sha Tsui
As the most southerly part of the Kowloon peninsular the Tsim Sha Tsui district, most often known simply as TST ("pronounced tee-ess-tee"), is easily reached from either side of the Victoria Harbour. Having been a major transportation cross roads for more than a hundred years there is no shortage of ways to enter or leave the district.
Tsim Sha Tsui from Victoria Peak
Green Minibus
Travel like a local Hong Konger and take Green Minibus #1 from the terminus outside The Peak Tower and ride it down the side of the mountain and into Central, alighting at Pedder Street, near MTR exit. This is a long and winding ride but quite interesting. Enter the MTR system and go down until you find the platform for the Kwung Tung Line towards Kowloon. The trip is just two stops to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, with no changing of trains.
Bus
Use the CityBus or NWFB number 15 as far as Pacific Place, Queensway and stop there. Get into the MTR system at the Admiralty MTR Station which is beneath Pacific Place, it is a long walk through the shopping mall but quite comfortable.
Inside the MTR look for trains towards Kwung Tong, and it is just one stop taking less than 5 minutes to arrive in TST MTR Station.
Peak Tram
If you haven't yet been on the Peak Tram, or if you have and purchased a return ticket, then of course going down the mountainside on the Peak Tram is the right thing to do. When you alight at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus it seems rather to be in the middle of nowhere, beside a main road with nothing commercial or shops about.
Either walk downhill along Garden Road until you see signs for the MTR and follow the instructions above for Bus, or go under the flyover and follow signs for Hong Kong Park, then walk through the Park. While a nicer walk this one has uphill sections and is not all downhill.
Tsim Sha Tsui from Hong Kong International Airport (2025 Guide)
Airport Express - The Premium Option
There is one easy way to reach TST from the airport, and that is using the fast Airport Express train. The train platforms are inside the arrivals hall at the Airport and you can walk directly onto the train. While ticket machines are available you don't need till buy a ticket until you get off the train and your destination, so if a train is just about to leave feel free to get onto the train without a ticket and buy one later.
The Airport Express runs ever 12 minutes and takes just 20 minutes to reach Tsim Sha Tsui. Get off the train at the Kowloon station which is a modern housing the W Hotel and the ICC, currently the tallest building in Hong Kong, and a large shopping mall called Elements Mall.
Follow signs for the bus terminus and from there take any one of the many busses that go past into the center of the Tsim Sha Tsui district, 110 or 973 run by CityBus/NWFB, or of the KMB busses numbers 8, 215X or 281A will all work fine.
It is also possible to go directly from the airport to the Peninsular hotel via helicopter, the trip takes only 10 minutes but costs HK$17,000 for a one way trip so not for those travelling on a budget.
Detailed Airport Transportation Analysis (2025)
The Airport Express journey actually consists of two segments: a 22-minute ride from the airport to Kowloon Station, followed by local connections to reach TST proper. At HK$105 with Octopus (HK$115 regular), this premium service includes free MTR connections, making the total journey approximately 55 minutes door-to-door.
Bus A21 provides exceptional budget value at HK$34.60 cash, taking 70 minutes but offering scenic views of Hong Kong's urban landscape. The night service N21 drops to HK$23.80, making late arrivals surprisingly affordable.
Taxi services from Terminal 2 complete the journey in 35-40 minutes for HK$270-300, becoming cost-effective for groups while providing door-to-door convenience with luggage.
Alternative bus routes offer varying price points from HK$21.80 (longer routes) to HK$51.90 (more direct), allowing travelers to balance time against savings based on their priorities.
Tsim Sha Tsui from Disneyland
There are a few alternative routes from the Hong Kong Disneyland to TST but they all start with leaving Disneyland via the Disneyland Resort Line railway, which is how most people also arrive. The resort railway takes you as far as the Sunny Bay MTR Station on the Tung Chung Line where you should have to that line and go towards the city as far as Nam Cheong Station.
This small station, which has a surprisingly nice open green park nearby outside if you want an open-air break, is the interchange with the West Rail Line. Running every 8 minutes the trains on this line are often at ground level, but being in completely enclosed tunnels give the impression of being underground.
Ride the train until the East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and leave the station at one of the conveniently placed exits including K if heading for Nathan Road or J if the waterfront promenade is your destination.
For more information about HK Disneyland read this guide.
Tsim Sha Tsui from Ocean Park
Take the 629 CityBus from directly outside the park entrance to it's terminus at Admiralty. When alighting from the bus you are directly next to the MTR entrance for Admiralty MTR station.
Enter the station and take the Kwung Tong line just one stop to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station.
Tsim Sha Tsui from Stanley Market
For the most direct route take Green minibus #40 from the bus stop over the road just outside the market as far as Causeway Bay, and ask to alight as soon as you see the MTR which will be around SOGO department store.
Enter the MTR via the department store basement and take the Island Line towards Central but change trains before you get there to the Kwung Tong line at Admiralty. It is then just one stop on that line to TST.
MTR System Guide to TST (2025 Routes and Costs)
The MTR provides the most efficient and predictable route to TST from virtually anywhere in Hong Kong. Understanding the fare structure and route options helps visitors optimize both time and cost.
Major Routes and Current Fares
Central to TST via Tsuen Wan Line represents one of Hong Kong's busiest routes. The HK$10.60 Octopus fare (versus HK$12.50 cash) covers the brief journey across Victoria Harbor, typically taking 8-10 minutes including platform time. During peak hours, trains arrive every 2-3 minutes, though boarding may require patience due to crowding.
Causeway Bay to TST requires a transfer at Admiralty Station, connecting the Island Line to the Tsuen Wan Line. While this adds complexity, the total journey rarely exceeds 20 minutes, and the interchange at Admiralty is well-designed with clear signage for TST-bound passengers.
Mongkok to TST along the Tsuen Wan Line costs just HK$4.90 with Octopus, making it one of Hong Kong's most economical routes. The 15-20 minute journey passes through Jordan Station, providing an alternative alighting point for visitors staying in southern TST.
Strategic Transfer Points
Admiralty Station serves as the crucial interchange between Hong Kong Island and TST-bound trains. The station design facilitates easy transfers with escalators and moving walkways connecting the Island Line to the Tsuen Wan Line platforms. First-time visitors should follow signs for "Tsuen Wan Line - Tsuen Wan Direction" to reach TST.
Jordan Station provides an alternative to TST Station for visitors staying in hotels along Austin Road or exploring the Jade Market area. This station often experiences less crowding than TST Station while maintaining excellent access to TST's main attractions via Nathan Road.
Star Ferry - The Most Scenic Route (2025 Guide)
Star Ferry offers the most authentic and scenic way to reach Tsim Sha Tsui from Hong Kong Island. This historic ferry service has been operating since 1888 and provides stunning harbor views during the 10-minute crossing, making it both transportation and entertainment in a single experience.
From Central Pier 7, the Star Ferry runs regularly throughout the day with departures every 6-12 minutes. The 2025 fares demonstrate remarkable value: HK$3.70 for concessions and HK$5.60 for adults on the lower deck. The upper deck experience costs slightly more but provides unobstructed photography opportunities and superior harbor views—particularly valuable during the golden hour before sunset.
The Wan Chai to TST route is equally accessible, departing from Wan Chai Pier near the Convention Centre. This route particularly appeals to visitors staying in Wan Chai hotels or those exploring the Exhibition Centre area. While crossing times and fares remain consistent with the Central route, the Wan Chai departure offers different perspectives of the harbor and Kowloon skyline.
What makes the Star Ferry exceptional isn't just the HK$3.70 fare—arguably Hong Kong's greatest transportation bargain—but the authentic experience it provides. Unlike the utilitarian efficiency of the MTR, the Star Ferry preserves the unhurried pace of historic Hong Kong, allowing visitors to appreciate the harbor that made Hong Kong a global trading center.
Upon arrival at the TST Star Ferry Pier, you'll be directly at the waterfront promenade with easy access to the Avenue of Stars, Space Museum, and Cultural Centre. This makes the Star Ferry ideal for visitors planning to explore TST's waterfront attractions immediately upon arrival.
Transportation Costs and Payment Methods (2025)
Octopus Card represents Hong Kong's integrated payment ecosystem at its finest. The card offers discounted fares across all public transport while eliminating the need for exact change or ticket queues. For tourists, the Tourist Octopus card available from HK$39 with no deposit requirement makes it the optimal choice for short visits—the savings on transportation alone often justify the card cost within a single day.
The fare advantages become immediately apparent: Central to TST costs HK$10.60 with Octopus versus HK$12.50 in cash—a HK$1.90 saving per journey. Yau Ma Tei to TST demonstrates even better value at HK$4.90 with Octopus versus the standard HK$5.00 cash fare. For Airport Express travelers, the HK$105 Octopus rate compared to HK$115 for regular tickets provides immediate HK$10 savings, with the added benefit of free MTR connections.
What many visitors don't realize is that Octopus savings extend beyond transportation. The card functions as electronic payment at convenience stores, restaurants, and shopping centers throughout Hong Kong, often providing small discounts and eliminating the need to carry cash. For a three-day Hong Kong visit involving multiple TST trips, Octopus cards typically save HK$50-100 in transportation costs alone.
Alternative payment methods include QR code mobile payments and paper tickets, but these offer standard pricing without Octopus discounts. While convenient for single journeys, they become increasingly expensive for visitors planning multiple trips to TST during their stay.
Peak Hours and Service Frequency
Hong Kong's public transport operates with remarkable frequency that consistently exceeds global standards. MTR trains run every 2-4 minutes during peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM) and every 4-6 minutes during off-peak times. This frequency means missing a train rarely delays travel by more than a few minutes, though platform crowding during rush hours can make boarding challenging for first-time visitors.
The Airport Express maintains unwavering 10-minute intervals throughout the day, with the final departure at 00:48 from the airport. This reliability proves invaluable for late-night arrivals, allowing travelers to plan connections without worrying about service gaps. Unlike many airport rail services globally, Hong Kong's system maintains consistent frequency regardless of time of day.
Strategic timing considerations: Morning rush (7:30-9:30 AM) sees packed platforms as Hong Kong's workforce heads to Central and Admiralty. Evening rush (5:30-7:30 PM) can be even more intense as workers return home. During these periods, the Star Ferry becomes particularly attractive—not only offering seats and fresh air but also shorter queues and relaxed boarding compared to cramped MTR platforms.
Weekend services operate with slightly reduced frequency but dramatically improved comfort. Saturday and Sunday MTR journeys to TST often provide seats and breathing room that weekday travelers rarely experience. For tourists on flexible schedules, weekend travel offers the best balance of convenience and comfort.
Budget-Friendly Transportation Options
For budget-conscious travelers, Bus A21 provides the most economical airport connection at HK$34.60 for cash payments, representing exceptional value compared to the HK$105 Airport Express. The night service N21 operates at an even lower HK$23.80, making late arrivals surprisingly affordable. The 70-minute journey trades speed for savings while providing scenic views of Hong Kong's highways, residential areas, and harbor approaches.
Alternative airport bus routes offer varying value propositions: some routes start as low as HK$21.80 for longer journeys through multiple districts, HK$30.50 for intermediate routes, and HK$51.90 for more direct services. These options allow budget travelers to choose between maximum savings and reasonable journey times based on their priorities.
Within Hong Kong, buses and green minibuses consistently undercut MTR fares for longer journeys. The Cross-Harbour Tunnel buses (routes 104, 111, 116) connect various Hong Kong Island locations to TST for HK$9.80-12.80, depending on the starting point. These buses provide comfortable seating and air conditioning while maintaining significantly lower costs than equivalent MTR journeys requiring multiple transfers.
The ultimate budget champion remains the Star Ferry at HK$3.70, delivering both transportation and world-class sightseeing in a single fare. This represents not just Hong Kong's greatest transportation bargain, but one of the world's most affordable scenic journeys, offering harbor views that typically cost hundreds of dollars from observation decks or helicopter tours.