Guide to Taxi Fares in Hong Kong

As of March 2025, Hong Kong's taxi services are categorized into three types, each distinguished by color and operating regions:

  1. Urban Taxis (Red): These taxis operate throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and parts of the New Territories.

  2. New Territories (NT) Taxis (Green): Serving specific areas in the New Territories, including Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Po, and Sai Kung.

  3. Lantau Taxis (Blue): Operating exclusively on Lantau Island, including areas like Tung Chung, the airport, and Disneyland.

Fare Structure:

Taxi fares were last adjusted on July 14, 2024. The current fare structures are as follows:

  • Urban Taxis (Red):

    • Flag fall for the first 2 kilometers: HK$29

    • Each subsequent 200 meters or 1 minute of waiting: HK$2.1

    • After the fare reaches HK$93.5: HK$1.4 per 200 meters or per minute waiting

  • New Territories Taxis (Green):

    • Flag fall for the first 2 kilometers: HK$25.5

    • Each subsequent 200 meters or 1 minute of waiting: HK$1.9

    • After the fare reaches HK$74.5: HK$1.4 per 200 meters or per minute waiting

  • Lantau Taxis (Blue):

    • Flag fall for the first 2 kilometers: HK$24

    • Each subsequent 200 meters or 1 minute of waiting: HK$1.9

    • After the fare reaches HK$175: HK$1.6 per 200 meters or per minute waiting

Additional Charges:

  • Baggage: HK$6 per piece (excluding light personal hand baggage carried inside the passenger compartment)

  • Animals or Birds: HK$5 per animal or bird

  • Telephone Booking: HK$5 per hiring arranged through telephone booking

  • Tunnel Tolls: Passengers are responsible for applicable tunnel tolls. For cross-harbour journeys, an additional return toll of HK$25 may apply if the hiring doesn't begin from a cross-harbour taxi stand or if the final destination is not on the opposite side of the harbour.

Payment Methods:

While cash remains the primary payment method, some taxis have begun accepting electronic payments, including Octopus cards and mobile payment apps. However, it's advisable to carry sufficient cash, preferably in smaller denominations, as not all taxis are equipped for electronic transactions.

Tipping:

Tipping is not customary in Hong Kong taxis. However, passengers often round up the fare as a courtesy.

Receipts:

All taxis are equipped with receipt-printing devices. Passengers can request a machine-printed fare receipt. If the device is malfunctioning, drivers should provide a handwritten receipt.

Operating Areas:

  • Urban Taxis (Red): Available for hire throughout Hong Kong, except for certain restricted roads.

  • New Territories Taxis (Green): Primarily operate in specific areas of the New Territories but are also permitted to carry passengers to certain urban locations and the airport.

  • Lantau Taxis (Blue): Operate on Lantau Island, including the airport and Disneyland.

Important Notes:

  • Meter Usage: All taxis are required to use the meter. If a driver refuses or attempts to negotiate the fare, it's advisable to take another taxi.

  • Change for Large Bills: Taxi drivers may not have sufficient change for HK$500 or HK$1,000 notes. It's recommended to carry smaller denominations to avoid inconvenience.

For more detailed fare calculations and information, you can refer to the Hong Kong Taxi Fare Calculator.

Previous
Previous

Guide to Hong Kong's Minibus System and How to Use It

Next
Next

Guide to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens