There are four of us. For longer trips from Kowloon, would a taxi be as economical as public transport?
Any advantages/disadvantages either way? We're having a fairly short stay, so I don't particularly want to waste time on journeys involving changes of transport, if there's not going to be any saving, budget wise.
sarah55
1
drumbrake
Taxis are cheap (urban taxis flagfall HK$15) in Hong Kong, so if there are 4 of you it might be cheaper than using pubic transport on some journeys.
However, public transport is very cheap (buses starting at HK$3, MTR starting around HK$4). Another advantage of public tramsport is that is is often quicker than a taxi (TST to central for example).
Also some of the best ways of seeing HK is on public transport - star ferry, tram on HK island, double decker bus from peak.
2
brucemclaughlin
At rush hour (about 8am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm), it's a lot faster to get between places like Tsim Sha Tsui and Central by MTR or ferry than by taxi: the tunnels get very blocked up.
3
joesetsfire
If any taxi driver offers to take you through the New Tunnel decline. Your cab will be pretty much double the price. Otherwise providing traffic isn't too bad Taxis are really cheap here (especially if split between 4) they are also fairly honest here so don't worry too much about being mugged off.
Par example, my cab from Mongkok to The outlying Islands Pier (Central, just outside IFC mall) was HKD75last night
Mind you we only took that because we had a bunch of shopping, I got there by MTR, which is really your best option when not ladened with shopping bags.
4
astroboy
sarah - it really depends on your journey and where you want to go. spread out over 4 people though, taxis are generally pretty economical.
5
drumbrake
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>{taxis] are also fairly honest here so don't worry too much about being mugged<hr></blockquote>
unless you are a US sailor...
6
sarah55
I suppose I'm thinking of places like Stanley/Aberdeen/ general 'uncityish' coastal places, astroboy.
I must look at the guidebooks again - I've forgotten - but there were a few places that seemed to require at least one change of transport - presumably involving some waiting time.
Thanks for the help people. I hadn't factored in rush hour, so that's a useful point.
7
astroboy
sarah - hk is -bar none - the best city in the world in terms of public transportation. my answer would be - don't worry about planning it out. Sometimes bus will be better. Sometimes taxis will be better. I'd try out all the methods available (especially the trams and ferries) - because that's another aspect of Hong Kong - all the different transport options
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