Hong Kong taxis guide — red, green, and blue cabs explained
How much does a taxi cost in Hong Kong?
The red urban taxi flag fall is HKD 27 for the first 2km, then HKD 1.9 per 200 metres. Typical fares are HKD 45–60 for TST to Central, HKD 35–50 for Central to Causeway Bay, and HKD 350–500 from the airport depending on destination. Tunnel tolls are charged extra and can add HKD 35–75 to a cross-harbour journey.
| Flag fall | HKD 27 (red urban), HKD 23 (blue Lantau) |
| Payment | Cash only (a few accept Alipay/WeChat Pay) |
| Tunnel tolls | HKD 35–75, charged on top of the meter |
| Airport to Kowloon | Around HKD 280–380 |
| Booking surcharge | HKD 5 for telephone bookings |
Getting around Hong Kong by taxi
Hong Kong’s taxi system is one of the most extensive in the world — around 18,000 licensed taxis serving a city of 7.5 million people. For visitors, taxis offer door-to-door convenience that the excellent MTR network cannot always match, particularly for late-night journeys, luggage-heavy airport runs, or reaching addresses that are technically on the MTR but not actually close to any station exit.
Understanding how the system works — the colour coding, the metered fare structure, the tunnel toll surcharges, and the cash-only reality — removes most of the friction. This guide covers everything you need to use Hong Kong taxis without surprises.
Three types of taxi, three zones
Hong Kong’s taxis are divided by colour into three distinct operating zones. Using the wrong type of taxi for your journey is not possible — the driver cannot legally take you — so it is worth understanding the system before you arrive.
Red taxis — urban, the ones you will use
Red taxis are the dominant type. There are approximately 15,000 of them and they operate across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and most of the New Territories. Every taxi rank you encounter in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, or at the harbour ferry terminals will be red taxis. These are the cabs for any journey between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and for virtually all tourist-relevant destinations.
Flag fall: HKD 27 for the first 2km. After that, HKD 1.9 per 200 metres (or per 36 seconds of waiting time in traffic). Large luggage items placed in the boot attract an additional surcharge of HKD 6 per item. A telephone booking surcharge of HKD 5 applies if you call a dispatcher rather than hailing from the street.
Green taxis — New Territories only
Green taxis operate exclusively within the New Territories region — the large area of the mainland hinterland north of Kowloon. They cannot cross into Kowloon urban areas or onto Hong Kong Island. If you are visiting Sai Kung, Tai Po, or Fanling independently and arrive at a green taxi rank, you can use one to travel within the New Territories but will need to switch to a red taxi (or the MTR) to return to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. For most first-time visitors, green taxis are irrelevant.
Blue taxis — Lantau Island only
Blue taxis serve Lantau Island, including the areas around Hong Kong International Airport, Tung Chung town, and the road up to Ngong Ping (though the cable car or bus is far more practical for Ngong Ping). If you arrive at the airport and need to travel to Tung Chung or Mui Wo, a blue taxi is the appropriate vehicle. For travel from the airport to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, use a red taxi — both are available from the official airport taxi ranks.
Flag fall for blue Lantau taxis: HKD 23 for the first 2km, HKD 1.7 per 200m thereafter — slightly cheaper than red urban taxis.
The metered fare in practice
The meter starts at HKD 27 and clicks up by HKD 1.9 every 200 metres. In Hong Kong’s dense urban traffic, this means a 3km journey in moving traffic takes roughly 10–15 minutes and costs around HKD 50–60. A 5km journey covering Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, for instance, should come to approximately HKD 60–80 depending on traffic. These are rough guides — traffic variation in Hong Kong is significant.
Waiting time: The meter also increments during heavy traffic at a rate equivalent to HKD 1.9 per 36 seconds of waiting. In severe congestion (cross-harbour during evening peak, Causeway Bay on a Saturday), this can add meaningfully to the fare. The MTR is almost always the better option in rush-hour conditions.
Peak hours and surcharges: There is no Hong Kong taxi “surge pricing” in the Uber sense — the meter rate is fixed by regulation. However, late on weekend nights when demand vastly outstrips supply, finding a taxi can be the real problem rather than the price.
Tunnel tolls: the surcharge that surprises visitors
The most common source of taxi bill confusion in Hong Kong is harbour tunnel tolls. There are three vehicular crossings under Victoria Harbour:
Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT): The oldest and most centrally located crossing, connecting Hung Hom (Kowloon) to Causeway Bay (Hong Kong Island). Toll: HKD 35. The most commonly used tunnel for taxis crossing between Tsim Sha Tsui–Mong Kok areas and Hong Kong Island east of Central.
Western Harbour Crossing (WHC): A newer toll tunnel connecting West Kowloon to the Western district of Hong Kong Island, near Sai Ying Pun. Toll: HKD 75. Some drivers prefer this tunnel to avoid CHT congestion — but it costs twice as much. If your driver takes Western Harbour Crossing without discussing it, you are paying HKD 75 extra. It is not unreasonable to ask which tunnel a driver plans to use before the journey begins, especially for a cross-harbour trip from TST to Central or Western.
Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC): Connects the eastern Kowloon districts (Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong) to Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island. Toll: HKD 35. Mainly used for journeys between eastern Kowloon and eastern Hong Kong Island.
In all cases, the driver pays the toll at the booth and charges it to the passenger on top of the metered fare. You will see the driver pay and then tell you the amount — or it may be displayed on a separate display. This is standard and legal. Budget for it on any cross-harbour journey.
Typical total fares including one tunnel crossing:
- TST to Central (via CHT): HKD 80–110 (meter HKD 45–60 + HKD 35 toll + HKD 6 if luggage)
- TST to Causeway Bay (via CHT): HKD 90–120
- Central to TST (via CHT): HKD 80–110
Airport taxi fares
The airport is on Lantau Island, making it a longer journey than most in-city trips. Expected fares by destination:
- To Kowloon (TST, Mong Kok, Hung Hom): approximately HKD 280–380 by red taxi. No tunnel toll applies — the journey goes through Kowloon without crossing the harbour.
- To Hong Kong Island (Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay): approximately HKD 380–500. This includes a harbour tunnel toll of HKD 35–75 depending on which crossing the driver uses.
- To Tung Chung: HKD 40–60 by blue Lantau taxi — the closest destination, only a few kilometres from the airport.
Journey time from the airport to TST or Central is typically 30–50 minutes outside rush hours, up to 75 minutes during morning and evening peak times (08:00–09:30 and 18:00–20:00 on weekdays).
The Airport Express train is significantly faster (24 minutes to Kowloon, 23 minutes to Hong Kong station), much cheaper, and immune to traffic. For most travellers without excessive luggage, it is the better airport transport choice. See the airport to city guide for a full comparison.
If you prefer a private pickup with a fixed price and a driver waiting in arrivals, a pre-arranged private transfer is worth considering — particularly useful when arriving late at night with luggage.
Private airport transfer to your Hong Kong hotelUber and DiDi in Hong Kong
Uber operates in Hong Kong and the app functions normally. Drivers are licensed private hire operators; pricing is comparable to metered taxis, with dynamic pricing during peak periods. The in-app payment removes the cash-only friction of traditional taxis.
Uber is most useful for airport arrivals (fixed-price clarity, driver waiting in arrivals), late-night weekend journeys when street taxis are impossible to find, and situations where communicating a destination to a driver is difficult.
DiDi also operates in Hong Kong and is worth installing as a backup. Having both apps ready before arrival is the practical approach.
Accessible taxis and larger vehicles
For travellers who need wheelchair access, Hong Kong operates a small fleet of accessible taxis equipped with ramps, bookable through the Diamond Cab service or via telephone request at standard taxi ranks with advance notice — availability is more limited than standard taxis, so book ahead where possible rather than relying on hailing one from the street.
For groups larger than 4, or families travelling with substantial luggage, a Toyota Alphard or similar larger vehicle can be requested through Uber or a private transfer booking, typically at a premium of HKD 50–100 over a standard taxi fare. This is particularly useful for airport transfers with multiple suitcases and car seats, where fitting everything into a standard sedan taxi’s boot is genuinely difficult.
Child car seats are not standard equipment in Hong Kong taxis and drivers are not required to provide them — if travelling with a young child, either bring a portable/travel car seat or book a private transfer service that supplies one on request. Regular Uber and standard street-hailed taxis in Hong Kong should not be assumed to have a child seat available.
Weather and taxi availability
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and typhoon warnings noticeably reduce taxi availability across Hong Kong, as demand spikes exactly when fewer people want to walk or wait at bus stops. During a Black Rainstorm Signal or Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, taxis may stop operating altogether on safety grounds, and public transport including the MTR is prioritised for essential travel. If a serious weather warning is forecast during your trip, check the typhoon season guide and build in flexibility around any taxi-dependent plans, particularly airport transfers timed close to a warning signal being raised or lowered.
Private MPV airport transfer for groups and extra luggageHow to hail a taxi
Red taxis can be hailed from the street when the red “FOR HIRE” light on the roof is illuminated. In Central, TST, and Causeway Bay, there are designated taxi stands at hotels and major intersections where queues form. In residential areas and quieter streets, simply raise your hand from the pavement.
In the densest parts of the city — particularly along Nathan Road in Mong Kok, Des Voeux Road in Central, and Hennessy Road in Causeway Bay — no-stopping zones make it difficult to hail taxis from some positions. Move to a side street or designated rank if hailing proves difficult.
Hotel taxi ranks are always the simplest option when your hotel has one. The concierge can also order a taxi by telephone for a HKD 5 booking surcharge — useful for airport early-morning departures or complex addresses.
Communication and language
English proficiency among Hong Kong taxi drivers varies considerably. Most drivers in the tourist-heavy areas of TST and Central can handle common destination names in English. Beyond that, showing your destination address in Chinese characters is by far the most reliable approach.
Practical methods:
Hotel address card: Ask your hotel’s front desk for a card with the hotel address in Chinese. Almost every hotel in Hong Kong provides these, and you can use the same card to get back to the hotel from anywhere.
Google Maps Chinese: In Google Maps, tap your destination and screenshot the address as shown in Chinese. Alternatively, switch your phone’s Google Maps language to Chinese (Traditional) — the map will show Chinese text for all place names and addresses.
Helpful Cantonese phrases: Taxi drivers in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, not Mandarin. “M goi” means “excuse me/please/thank you” — universally understood and well-received. Beyond basic pleasantries, relying on written Chinese is more effective than attempting Cantonese pronunciations.
For the busiest tourist destinations — The Peak, the Star Ferry pier, Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower, Ocean Park, Disneyland — almost any driver will understand the English name.
Avoiding common problems
Tunnel selection: As covered above, ask about the tunnel if you are crossing the harbour and cost is a concern. The Cross-Harbour Tunnel (HKD 35) is the default for most Central–TST journeys. Western Harbour Crossing (HKD 75) is harder to justify unless traffic on CHT is severely congested.
Short trip refusals: Legally, drivers must accept any fare within their operating zone. In practice, drivers queuing at major ranks sometimes wave off short trips in hope of a longer fare. This is illegal but enforcement is impractical in the moment. Your options are to insist politely (noting the licence plate number visibly), try the next taxi in the queue, or use Uber which has no equivalent issue.
Route manipulation: Blatant overcharging via circuitous routes is rare in Hong Kong — the city is small enough that obvious detours are hard to disguise. Having a rough sense of journey time from Google Maps is useful. If you believe you have been overcharged, note the licence plate and contact the Transport Complaints Unit at 2804-2600.
Unofficial touts at the airport: Individuals inside the arrivals hall offering “taxi service” are unlicensed operators charging three to five times the metered rate. Use only the official taxi ranks on the ground floor, which are signposted and marshalled.
Late-night weekend scarcity: Between roughly 23:00 and 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights, available taxis in the main entertainment districts (Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai bar strip, TST) are extremely scarce. Demand from the bar and club crowd far exceeds supply. Options: walk to a less congested area further from the bar districts, use Uber (which will have surge pricing but will at least function), or check whether the MTR is still running (last trains around 00:30–01:00 depending on line).
Taxi etiquette and small practicalities
A handful of small habits make Hong Kong taxi journeys smoother. Sit in the back unless the front passenger seat is genuinely the only space available — this is standard practice and drivers expect it. Doors are not automatic (unlike Japanese taxis) — open and close them yourself. Seatbelts are legally required in the back seat as well as the front; most taxis have them, though older vehicles occasionally have them tucked into the seat crevice.
Drivers generally do not engage in extended conversation unless you initiate it, which is normal rather than unfriendly. If you want the air conditioning adjusted, ask directly — most drivers are happy to oblige but won’t necessarily offer. Smoking is prohibited in all Hong Kong taxis by law.
Group travel: Standard red taxis legally carry up to 5 passengers. For groups of 5, confirm before boarding, as some drivers are stricter about this than others depending on luggage volume. For larger groups, two taxis or a private minivan transfer is more practical than trying to squeeze everyone plus luggage into one cab.
Comparing taxi cost against alternatives
| Journey | Taxi (approx.) | MTR/Octopus | Best choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TST to Central | HKD 80–110 | HKD 12–16 | MTR (unless late night/heavy luggage) |
| Airport to Kowloon | HKD 280–380 | HKD 100–115 (Airport Express) | Airport Express |
| Stanley from Central | HKD 100–130 | Bus only, ~40–50 min | Taxi (time saved) |
| Group of 4, TST–Central | HKD 90–110 total | HKD 48–64 total | Comparable — taxi more convenient |
The pattern is consistent: for MTR-served point-to-point journeys, the train is nearly always cheaper and often faster once you factor in surface-street traffic. Taxis earn their cost on routes the MTR doesn’t reach well, with heavy luggage, or late at night. The Hong Kong MTR guide and the Octopus card guide both cover the public-transport side of this comparison in full.
Receipts and lost property
You can request a receipt from any driver — show the characters or say “faat piu” in Cantonese (roughly “faat pyoo”). Receipts are useful for expense reporting and are essential for lost property recovery.
If you leave something in a taxi:
- Note the taxi licence plate number immediately — this is your primary recovery tool. It is on the doors and on a plate visible from the rear seat.
- Call the Hong Kong Police lost and found hotline: 1872920. This line specifically handles taxi lost property and is effective.
- If you have a receipt, it will show the taxi company’s details, allowing a direct call.
The recovery rate for items left in Hong Kong taxis is reasonably good compared to other cities — the licensing system creates accountability.
When taxis make sense vs MTR or Star Ferry
Hong Kong’s MTR is fast, air-conditioned, reliable, and covers most tourist destinations at a fraction of taxi prices. Before hailing a taxi, it is worth asking whether the MTR serves your route adequately. Our Hong Kong MTR guide maps the full network.
Situations where taxis genuinely make sense:
Heavy luggage or early-morning airport departures: When you are dragging suitcases, the taxi’s door-to-door service removes the hassle of navigating station escalators and turnstiles at 05:30. For departure transfers with a lot of luggage, a pre-booked private vehicle can be worth it for the certainty of pickup time alone.
Private transfer for airport arrivals and departuresDestinations not near an MTR station: Despite the MTR’s density, some areas — particularly in residential Mid-Levels, the southern side of Hong Kong Island (Stanley, Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay), and parts of the New Territories — have poor MTR access. Taxis are the practical solution.
Late at night after the MTR closes: Last MTR trains run around midnight to 00:30 depending on the line. After that, taxis are the default public option for those who have not pre-arranged transport. The Central vs Tsim Sha Tsui guide covers which side of the harbour is easier to taxi home from depending on where you are spending the evening.
Groups of 3–4 people: A taxi shared among four people between TST and Central (HKD 90–110 total) works out at HKD 22–27 per person — roughly what the MTR costs, with door-to-door service. For a group exploring Causeway Bay and heading back to Kowloon, a shared taxi across the harbour is often easier than navigating the MTR with shopping bags.
The southern side of Hong Kong Island: The Star Ferry and trams serve the north coast. For Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, or the south side beaches, the MTR does not reach. Bus routes do, but taxis are faster and reasonably priced for these longer island routes (Stanley from Central: approximately HKD 100–130, 30–40 minutes).
For getting around the Kowloon side — the area covered in the Mong Kok guide and Sham Shui Po guide — the MTR is generally superior to taxis because Nathan Road and nearby streets are heavily congested throughout the day.
Choosing where to stay and taxi practicality
Where you base yourself in Hong Kong has a meaningful effect on how useful taxis are day-to-day. The where to stay in Hong Kong guide compares the main areas for transport access. In brief: Central, TST, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay are the most taxi-rich areas — ranks are plentiful and the driver network is concentrated there. Outlying areas require more planning, and for late-night returns, can mean longer waits or higher surge prices on Uber.
If you are staying in TST and planning a day trip to Macau, note that there is no taxi service between Hong Kong and Macau — the journey goes by ferry. See getting to Macau for how the transport actually works.
Summary: what to carry
To use Hong Kong taxis without friction:
- Cash in HKD — at minimum HKD 400–500 if arriving at the airport, less for in-city use. Most ATMs in Hong Kong dispense HKD in HKD 100 notes.
- Your hotel address in Chinese characters — either on a card from reception or a screenshot on your phone.
- The police lost property number saved in your phone: 1872920 — the one piece of preparation that is completely free and worth doing.
- Uber installed and an account set up before arrival — the backup for late nights and airport arrivals when the metered taxi queue is long.
- Awareness of tunnel costs — roughly HKD 35–75 per harbour crossing, on top of the meter.
That covers the practical reality of taxis in Hong Kong. They are not the cheapest way to get around — the Octopus card covering the MTR, Star Ferry, and trams will handle the vast majority of tourist-relevant journeys at a fraction of the cost — but when you need them, Hong Kong’s taxis are plentiful, metered, and generally reliable.
Frequently asked questions about Hong Kong taxis guide — red, green, and blue cabs explained
What are the three types of Hong Kong taxis?
Do Hong Kong taxis take Octopus cards or credit cards?
How do I handle tunnel tolls in Hong Kong taxis?
How do I get a taxi at Hong Kong airport?
Is Uber available and reliable in Hong Kong?
What should I do if I leave something in a Hong Kong taxi?
Why do taxis sometimes refuse short trips?
How do I communicate my destination to a driver who does not speak English?
Do Hong Kong taxi drivers expect a tip?
Can I pre-book a Hong Kong taxi in advance?
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