Buses and minibuses in Hong Kong

Buses

Hong Kong's bus network is fairly extensive and consists of five companies that cover most of the territory.  Fares are pretty low (similar to MTR, more or less) and are based on distance traveled. Final destination is displayed on the front of the bus.

Naturally, buses are much slower than the MTR and most passengers will use them only when traveling on a route which is not covered by the MTR.  However, for you travelers, buses (especially the double-deckers) have another advantage, as they allow you to see the place.  Believe it or not, some of Hong Kong's bus routes are spectacular (like those that go to Repulse Bay, Stanley or Shek O)

Another advantage of the buses is the overnight service on some of the routes.

All buses accept payment by Octopus card.  If paying cash, exact change is needed.

Details of particular bus routes will be provided in the relevant chapters, across this website.

Minibuses

Also known as Public light buses or, sometimes, as Maxicabs.   Minibuses carry a maximum of 16 seated passengers and run through areas which the standard bus lines cannot or do not reach as frequently, quickly or directly. 

Minibuses typically offer a faster and more efficient transportation solution as passengers can get on and off anywhere along the route.  Once filled, minibuses won't stop until someone asks to get off. 

There are two types of minibus, Green minibus and Red minibus. Both types have a cream coloured body, The difference between them is the colour of the external roof, and the  type of service that the colour denotes:

• Green minibuses provide scheduled service, with fixed routes and fixed fares. Exact payment is required when getting on and octopus cards are accepted.
• Red minibuses operate on routes that are not always fixed and passengers can get on and off anywhere along the route except where special prohibitions apply. You pay as you alight, and the driver can provide change for small notes.                   

To get on a minibus, simply hail (the same way you hail a taxi).  A minibus can generally be hailed down at any point along a route, subject to traffic regulations, although sometimes particular stops are marked out (especially for Green minibuses).  To get off a minibus, you just have to shout to the driver (although some Green minibuses are now equipped with a proper bus stop bell).

Fares for minibuses are generally slightly more expensive than standard buses, usually in the HK$2 to HK$22.50 range.

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Read more about:

Octopus Card and travel-passes for tourists

To and from Hong Kong International Airport

Hop-on, Hop-off buses

MTR - Subway

Taxi

Tramway

Train and Light suburban rail

Ferries