At a glance

  • The Star Ferry connects Tsim Sha Tsui with Central and Wan Chai. The ferry from Central to Cheung Chau leaves from Sun Ferry’s Central Pier 5, so don’t wait in front of the Star Ferry pier.
  • Treat a harbor crossing as one leg of your city itinerary. For example, visit the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, cross to Central, and have dinner there. That way, you can reduce backtracking along the same waterfront just to board a ferry.
  • For an island route, decide on the destination and ferry type first. Ordinary and fast ferries have different departure times and fares, and fares may be higher on Sundays and public holidays. Consider whether you can wait for the next ferry if you miss yours, then compare that with your evening plans in the city.

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.

Choose a pier

Decide between a harbor crossing and an island → save the operator and boarding point

Before departure

Check the destination sign → ferry type and fare → queue

Return

Reach the pier before your target ferry → allow time for the next one → continue into the city

How to fit it in

First, decide whether your next stop today is on the opposite side of the harbor or on an island. Save the operator, pier number, and one-way travel time. If you’re going to an island, choose your target return ferry and the one after it before you leave.

Reality check

Transport

The piers around Central serve different destinations. Check the Star Ferry signs for Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Wan Chai, and the pier number for island routes. The walk above ground and over footbridges from Central Station to the piers isn’t included in the sailing time.

Time

Allow 20–30 minutes for one Star Ferry crossing, including getting to the pier, waiting, and the short ride. The one-way trip to Cheung Chau takes 55–60 minutes on an ordinary ferry or 35–40 minutes on a fast ferry. With time on the island, plan on a separate outing of about 6 hours.

Cost

For the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, an adult upper-deck ticket costs HK$5 on weekdays and HK$6.50 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The lower-deck fares differ: HK$4 and HK$5.60, respectively. Island round trips and sightseeing cruises are charged separately, so check the name of the product you’re buying.

Safety

Hold the handrail and keep hold of children’s hands on wet piers and gangways. If you get seasick, choose a short harbor crossing over a longer island ride. Cut back on travel across the water during high winds or weather warnings. Watch your step so your feet don’t get caught in the gap between the gangway and pier.

If plans change

When you have only 3 hours for an island trip

Don’t rush a round trip to Cheung Chau. Take one Star Ferry crossing and walk along the waterfront on both sides instead.

When it’s windy or the queue is long

Take the MTR instead of crossing the harbor by ferry. For island routes, check both the next departure and your return options, and postpone your visit. Don’t assume a taxi can replace the ferry.

Small tip

If you’re taking a ferry to an island, check the return ferries as well as the next departure. Distinguish regular scheduled ferries from sightseeing packages that require a seat reservation. For first-come, first-served routes like Cheung Chau, leave a buffer before your target ferry. On days when service may be disrupted, check official notices before heading to the pier and switch to an indoor plan if needed.

Final check before departure

  • Save the operator, pier number, and destination together.
  • Choose an ordinary or fast island ferry, and check the times for two return ferries.
  • Check fares by day, service notices, and weather warnings.

The Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui is usually listed as running from 06:30 to 23:30, but the last ferry on other routes may run at a different time. Regular scheduled ferries aren’t sightseeing cruises with reserved departure times. If an island ferry reaches capacity, you may have to wait for the next one. Island routes have different operating hours, so check separate timetables for the outbound and return ferries.

Information checked: 2026-10-03

Google Maps

Check the location on the map

Use Google Maps to review the location and nearby route. Recheck opening hours and prices with the official source before visiting.

  • On Your First Day on Cheung Chau, Plan Your Return Ferry First

    This article links to these materials for further reading.

    On your first visit to Cheung Chau, the harbor, village, and Tung Wan Beach are enough to fill a day. Take the ferry from Central Pier No. 5; ordinary and fast ferries differ in travel time and fare. Save your target return ferry and the next one in case you miss it, so you don’t have to stretch your island visit into the evening.

  • Lamma Island Village Walk: From Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan

    This article links to these materials for further reading.

    Take the ferry from Central to Yung Shue Wan, walk to Sok Kwu Wan, then return from a different pier. The two villages have different ferry schedules, so before you set out, choose a return sailing that leaves before sunset.

  • Plan indoor breaks first for a summer trip to Hong Kong

    More articles to explore in the same category.

    The temperature may look comfortable enough for a walk, but high humidity and light winds can quickly wear you out. Schedule indoor breaks between outdoor attractions in advance so your afternoon doesn’t fall apart.

  • Set up your Hong Kong mobile data before you arrive

    More articles to explore in the same category.

    Choose your Hong Kong data plan based on how quickly you can get online after landing, not just the plan name. Roaming is convenient if you want to keep using your Korean number for calls and verification texts. A compatible eSIM works well if you only need data, while a local SIM may suit you if you want a local number or in-person help. SIMs issued by Hong Kong carriers must be registered under