Up till now there has been limited ways of getting to Kai Tak cruise pier. Passengers usually arrive by taxi or bus. From the airport, taxis are the most convenient but costly. From other parts of Hong Kong, taxis are available too at a cost.
Walking inwards you will reach the ticket gate. Tickets can be purchased using the octopus card or by cash $6hkd into the fare gate. No change will be given.
For those on a budget, buses that serve the pier are normal everyday buses without luggage space. So it might be of a hassle if bringing heavy luggage.
As I was doing homework on alternative budget ways of getting to the pier, I chanced upon the ferry service operated by fortune ferry company. They operate daily, hourly local ferry services between North pier to Kwan tung. On weekdays, only two sailings (one morning and one evening) will serve kai tak pier in both directions. On weekends, all sailings will serve kai tak pier in both directions. The timings can be found online.
Fortunately, my cruise departed on a sunday so this option works out for me. I have yet to come across an online review heading to kai tak pier via this way so I wanted to do a review.
First, take the mtr to North pier station. This is especially near if coming from wan chai or causeway bay. It's only a few stops away. Many passengers will alight at this station but I soon realise only few are heading towards the pier.
One thing to note. Hong kong mtr stations, unlike Singapore, are not exactly well equipped with escalators and lifts. There are many steps involved as well.
Exit the station via A1 exit and walk towards the direction of the sea for about 5 minutes. The walk is on a smooth pavement. The pier is fairly small and the ferry service is located at the end of the pier. Look out for the company name fortune ferry.
Walking inwards you will reach the ticket gate. Tickets can be purchased using the octopus card or by cash $6hkd into the fare gate. No change will be given.
Some nice views of the harbour at the waiting area.
There are sufficient seating at both the landside (before paying) and the 'seaside' (after paying). For my sailing, there are about ~10 passengers.
When the gate is opened, proceed past and walk towards the ferry. It is a double decker ferry with covered outdoor seating and indoor seating. Again plenty of seats. There are toilets and no other amenities. For the short 20 minutes ride, it is alright.
Nice views on the way
Spotted my genting dream cruise ship !
Kai tak pier
That's my ferry. A comfortable, budget 20 minute ride to Kai Tak pier. From the landing point, it is a 10 minute walk to the pier building.
This ferry service is meant for the locals to cross the sea. But it seems the take-up rate is quite low on a sunday. Not sure of the demand on a weekday. Here's to hoping the ferry service continues as it is. A quick, budget, comfortable, local way of getting to kai tak pier.
