Guide to Hong Kong Minibuses

Hong Kong’s minibuses, also known as public light buses (PLBs), are an essential part of the city's transport system. They are fast, convenient, and can reach places that larger buses and trains don’t serve. However, for newcomers, they can be confusing due to their unique rules and lack of fixed stops in some cases. This guide will help you understand how to navigate Hong Kong’s minibuses like a pro.

1. Types of Minibuses

There are two types of minibuses in Hong Kong:

Red Minibuses (非專線小巴)

• Operate without fixed routes or schedules.

• Cash-only (no Octopus card payment).

• Can pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along the route (except restricted zones).

• Fares are not fixed—they can change depending on the time of day and demand.

• Drivers often wait until the bus is full before departing.

Green Minibuses (專線小巴)

• Fixed routes, schedules, and fares.

• Octopus card accepted (cash also possible, but no change is given).

• Have designated stops, like regular buses.

• Display route numbers, destinations, and fares on the front of the minibus.

2. How to Use a Minibus in Hong Kong

Finding a Minibus

• Red minibuses: Can be flagged down on the street (outside restricted zones).

• Green minibuses: Only pick up passengers at designated stops.

Boarding & Paying

• Red minibuses: Pay when you get off.

• Green minibuses: Pay when you board (Octopus card or exact cash).

Stopping the Minibus

• Red minibuses: Tell the driver where you want to get off (in Cantonese if possible).

• Green minibuses: Some have buttons to request a stop, while others require you to speak up.

Common Cantonese Phrases for Minibuses

• "Yau lok, m goi!" (有落, 唔該) – "I want to get off, please!"

• "Hai ni dou yau lok" (喺呢度有落) – "Getting off here!"

If you're unsure, watch other passengers to see how they signal the driver.

3. Key Minibus Routes for Expats

• Red Minibuses:

  • Central → Mong Kok (Late-night option when MTR is closed).

  • Causeway Bay → Tsim Sha Tsui (Fast alternative to cross-harbour buses).

  • Mong Kok → Yuen Long (For visiting the New Territories).

• Green Minibuses:

  • 1A (HK Island): Kennedy Town ↔ Happy Valley.

  • 8 (HK Island): Wan Chai MTR ↔ Jardine’s Lookout.

  • 22S (Kowloon): Kowloon Station ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui East.

  • 104 (Kowloon & HK Island): Mong Kok ↔ Aberdeen.

  • 65 (New Territories): Tsuen Wan ↔ Sham Tseng (great for roast goose lovers).

4. Minibus Etiquette & Safety Tips

• Hold on tight! Minibuses are fast and can be jerky.

• Wear a seatbelt if available—it's the law.

• Don’t talk loudly on your phone. Minibuses are small, and conversations can be disruptive.

• Know your stop in advance. Drivers won’t announce stops, so use Google Maps or Citymapper.

• Avoid peak-hour minibuses if possible—they get very crowded.

5. Pros & Cons of Taking a Minibus

✔ Pros

• Faster than regular buses.

• More routes, including late-night options.

• Convenient for hard-to-reach places.

✘ Cons

• Red minibuses have no fixed stops—confusing for newcomers.

• Drivers can be aggressive and drive fast.

• Some routes have unpredictable schedules.

Final Tips

✔ If you’re new to minibuses, start with green minibuses, as they are easier to navigate.
✔ Have your Octopus card ready for green minibuses.
✔ If you’re unsure where to get off, ask the driver or other passengers—Hongkongers are usually helpful.
✔ If a red minibus is driving too fast and you feel unsafe, you can say "Maan dī" (慢啲)", which means "Please slow down."

Once you get the hang of them, minibuses can be one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get around Hong Kong!