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Getting around: distance vs boarding stop
Hong Kong MTR is tap-in tap-out by distance. Franchised buses charge the boarding-stop stage. For a short bus hop, board a bus already near its terminus. Apps: 1933, Citybus, MTR Mobile.
Notes dated 2026-09
| Mode | How you pay | Fare logic |
|---|---|---|
| MTR | In and out | By station pair |
| Franchised bus | Tap on; usually no tap off | Boarding-stop stage, not how far you ride |
| Tram | Board rear, pay at front when you leave | Flat fare, adult $3.30 |
| Green minibus | Usually pay when boarding | Fixed route and fare, sometimes staged |
| Red minibus | Often pay when getting off; call the stop | Fares on a board; cash common, some take Octopus |
In this chapter
Hong Kong buses: you pay the boarding stop, so short hops need a bus near the end KMB, Citybus, and LWB charge the fare stage of the stop you board. Do not start a short ride at the origin terminus. Use App 1933 or Citybus, not Amap. MTR: tap in, tap out, distance-based Hong Kong MTR uses Octopus in and out. Airport Express is a separate fare table. East Rail First Class needs an extra tap. How to use exit letters. Minibuses: green is fixed, red needs you to call the stop Green minibuses have numbers and stops. Red minibuses need you to shout and often pay when you get off. Google Maps fails here first. Trams, ferries, taxis Hong Kong trams: pay when you get off, adult $3.30. Star Ferry is a few dollars. Taxis are red, green, or blue. Harbour tunnel extras depend on whether you boarded at a cross-harbour rank. Transit apps: 1933, Citybus, MTR Mobile Why Hong Kong bus times belong in App 1933 and Citybus, not Google Maps or Amap. Official links. Interchange discounts and saving money Most Hong Kong bus-bus and MTR feeder discounts need the same Octopus. Tapping a credit card often skips the discount.
Questions
Why is Google Maps wrong?
Bus ETAs come from the operators. Google and Amap are often late, miss trips, or treat red minibuses as franchised buses. Use App 1933 for KMB, Citybus app for Citybus.