bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sponsorType

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Andrew Sun

An open-top bus ride is a popular way of quickly getting to know a new city for tourists, but locals can discover new things about their hometown by doing the same – albeit with a roof over their heads.
Hong Kong has its fair share of dramatic routes. Most passengers rely on these lines for daily commutes, but on the weekend they offer a comfortable way to see parts of Hong Kong you may never have experienced before.
Here are nine scenic long rides to consider. All are serviced by double-decker buses, so grab one of the front seats on the top deck and enjoy the trip.




KMB 673
Central (Hong Kong Station) to Sheung Shui (Landmark North)
Fare: HK$24.30
Distance: 46km (29 miles)
Duration: Around 91 minutes / 29 stops
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
One of the city’s longest routes, the 673 starts underneath the IFC in Central and follows the Island Eastern Corridor to the Eastern Harbour Tunnel. Then, it’s a straight shot up the Kwun Tong Bypass, flanked by the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Kwun Tong’s shiny new office buildings. From there it goes through the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel, the city’s longest, to the New Territories.
The ride from Tate’s Cairn Highway across the Shing Mun River to the Tolo Highway is a delight. At Tai Po, the route takes the Fanling Highway, offering sprawling views of the Lam Tsuen and Pat Sin Leng country parks before criss-crossing Fanling and Sheung Shui.
Area tip: Atop the Sheung Shui terminus is Landmark North, a standard shopping mall with plenty of local food choices. The adventurous might wander out to San Hong Street, the town’s main drag. Close by is Sheung Shui Wai, an old walled area that contained the village homes of the Liu clan.
Citybus 973
Tsim Sha Tsui East to Stanley Market
Fare: HK$14.50
Distance: 28km
Duration: Around 88 minutes / 56 stops
Frequency: 18 minutes
From Tsim Sha Tsui East, this route winds through western and southern Hong Kong. Through the Western Harbour Crossing, it connects to Pok Fu Lam Road via Connaught Road West for a beautiful ride to Aberdeen. Turning at Wong Chuk Hang Road, the route continues along the winding Island and Repulse Bay roads, showing the south side of Hong Kong Island off in all its glory.
The journey ends in Stanley Village, near the market. The reverse trip is just as scenic; when the bus exits Pok Fu Lam Road, the tight turns near Water Street are especially dramatic.
Area tip: Have you seen as much of Stanley Market as you ever wish to see? Perhaps you could visit the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum (45 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley). Prison cell selfie, anyone?

Citybus 962
Causeway Bay (Moreton Terrace) to Tuen Mun (Lung Mun Oasis)
Fare: HK$20
Distance: 41km
Duration: Around 87 minutes / 36 stops
Frequency: 10 to 15 minutes
This is the prettiest route to the city’s northwestern coast. Departing from Causeway Bay and passing through the Western Harbour Crossing, the 962 takes the Tsing Kwai Highway to Castle Peak Road, past the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. It crosses the Cheung Tsing Bridge and the Ting Kau Bridge before turning onto Castle Peak Road, from which the view of Ma Wan island, the Tsing Ma Bridge and the open water is particularly calming.
Developments thin out and there is more nature and trees between here and Tuen Mun.
Area tip: Sister routes 962A, 962B, 962C and 962X all have a similar Gold Coast and Tuen Mun itinerary, but with different origin and end points. Consider disembarking at the Gold Coast for a bite at the Cafeteria Beach complex or the Gold Coast Hotel. If on the 962B, you could also hop off at Sham Tseng Village to visit its famous roast goose restaurants.

KMB 299X
Sha Tin Central to Sai Kung
Fare: HK$9.90
Distance: 18km
Duration: Around 50 minutes / 23 stops
Frequency: 15 to 20 minutes
This route affords not only views of the Shing Mun River at Sha Tin but also the Ma On Shan hills. Travelling on Sha Tin’s eastern side, it follows Tai Chung Kiu Road and A Kung Kok Street. Industrial factories and buildings give way to greenery as you reach Sai Sha Road.
Following the peninsula’s bend, it curves back south after Wu Kai Sha towards Sai Kung. Get through a stretch of intensive development and the winding single lane passes quaint villages and patches of mature woods.
Area tip: Beyond its well-known seafood restaurants, Sai Kung is also home to popular bakery Ali Oli (11 Sha Tsui Path), popular for its home-made pastries and jams. Route 289R from Sha Tin heads into Sai Kung East Country Park, ending at Wong Shek Pier.

Citybus 63
North Point Ferry Pier to Stanley Market
Fare: HK$9.40
Distance: 17km
Duration: Around 54 minutes / 19 stops
Frequency: 30 minutes
A ride to the Peak on New World First Bus 15 is a tourist no-brainer, but this alternative offers similar scenery and extra sightseeing, and you don’t have to find another bus to get down from the Peak.
Check out some East Island hustle on King’s Road before the bus climbs Tai Hang Road, with its thrilling view of Happy Valley. The route crests at Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, before turning onto Repulse Bay Road. The descent is equally spectacular, with much water scenery and views of stunningly expensive Repulse Bay homes before you reach Stanley.
Area tip: If you travel in reverse then you’ll end up in North Point, where a boisterous meal in wet market restaurant Tung Po (2/F, Java Road Municipal Services Building) is a possibility.
KMB 968
Causeway Bay (Tin Hau) to Yuen Long (West)
Fare: HK$23.40
Distance: 37km
Duration: Around 70 minutes / 19 stops
Frequency: 10 minutes
Here’s a nice ride for anyone who doesn’t like stops. In fact, there are none between the Western Harbour Crossing and the Tai Lam Tunnel in Kam Tin. From the Tsing Kwai Highway to the Tsing Long Highway, it feels like an express bus with great views from the Ting Kau Bridge.
After the Tai Lam Tunnel, the spaciousness of Yuen Long can be appreciated until you reach the two YoHo Mall stops, where you’re reintroduced to Hong Kong traffic.
Area tip: How often do you get out to Yuen Long? While there, you might as well check out the twin snazzy YoHo shopping centres. The stop immediately after YoHo Mall 2 is Kuk Ting Street, which is very close to the lively market of Yau San Street.
KMB 91
Diamond Hill Station to Clear Water Bay
Fare: HK$7.40
Distance: 17km
Duration: Around 82 minutes / 34 stops
Frequency: 25 minutes
OK, so first you have to get yourself out to the Diamond Hill MTR station, but the following journey is so worth it.
After a quick tour of inner Kowloon on Hammer Hill Road and several flyovers, the setting changes as you ascend New Clear Water Bay Road. Everything is suddenly greener, while you also get a view of Pik Uk Prison. After the stop at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the ride continues east along tree-lined Clear Water Bay Road. Soon, the sea is visible. The terminus is close to the Clear Water Bay second beach, which is excuse enough for this ride.
Area tip: A short taxi ride away from Clear Water Bay is Po Toi O, a village with several seafood restaurants at reasonable prices by the water, which is not a bad way to wrap up a day’s sightseeing.

Citybus 103
Mid-Levels (Pokfield Road) to Wong Tai Sin (Chuk Yuen Estate)
Fare: HK$10.40
Distance: 19km
Duration: Around 75 minutes / 34 stops
Frequency: 12 minutes
A rare cross-harbour route that passes through Mid-Levels, this ride offers a glimpse of Hong Kong and Kowloon neighbourhood life. From just west of the University of Hong Kong, the trek hits Bonham Road, Caine Road then scenic Garden Road on the way to Admiralty. The ride continues across Hennessy Road before looping around Victoria Park to the Cross Harbour Tunnel.
In Kowloon, it goes up Wylie Road and Princess Margaret Road before connecting to Waterloo Road. After the Boundary Street flyover, a view of the Lion Rock opens up majestically near Kowloon Tong. The ride continues past Lok Fu, ending at Wong Tai Sin.
Area tip: The Wong Tai Sin Temple is just south of the terminus and worth a look if you’ve never lit joss sticks for Buddha. The 104, 106 and 113 (all New World First Bus routes) are also interesting cross-harbour tours.

New World First Bus 2
Central (Macau Ferry) to Sai Wan Ho (Grand Promenade)
Fare: HK$4.30
Distance: 13km
Duration: Around 75 minutes / 34 stops
Frequency: 12 to 14 minutes
Think of this route as an air-conditioned, more comfortable tram ride. It’s slow but cheap, stopping frequently all the way across Hong Kong Island. Take it only if you’re up for a leisurely observation of life in the city.
Starting at the terminal next to the Macau Ferry, the trip eschews bypasses and highways for the busiest of boulevards. After Exchange Square, it joins busy Connaught, Gloucester, King’s and Shau Kei Wan roads. It reaches all the way to Shau Kei Wan before looping back to Sai Wan Ho’s Grand Promenade terminal.
Area tip: The waterfront area at the Grand Promenade was previously called “East Lan Kwai Fong” and there’s a good choice of cuisines to choose from here for a meal by the sea. Or disembark at Shau Kei Wan to walk around this old district and have a bowl of fish ball noodles at On Lee Noodle (22 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East).


Hong Kong’s Route 6 set to fully open in 2026, transport chief Mable Chan says

Could 2026 be the make-or-break year of CK Hutchison’s Panama ports deal?

Hong Kong’s premium taxi roll-out crawls to a third of 3,500 target

Hong Kong working to stay in the fast lane to better connectivity

Transport and logistics

See Hong Kong by bus: nine of the most scenic routes around the territory for HK$24 or less

Some of Hong Kong’s best scenery can be enjoyed from the top of a double-decker bus. Photo: Getty Images

STANLEY, HONG KONG, CHINA - 2016/12/13: Stanley waterfront in Hong Kong. Stanley is a town and a tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is located on a peninsula on Hong Kong Island. It is east of Repulse Bay and west of Shek O, adjacent to Chung Hom Kok. Administratively, it is part of the Southern District. (Photo by Stephen J. Boitano/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Photo taken in Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Traditional, classic Chinese temple roof and modern skyscraper architecture in HongKong

Clear Water Bay first beach panoramic view, a beach in Clear Water Bay Country Park, located in the New Territories of eastern Hong Kong.

Red house next to the sea, countryside, sai kung, hong kong, Asia

Some of the best waterfalls in Hong Kong are easy to reach, and after recent rain, now is a good time to visit them

Ng Tung Chai waterfalls, Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong. Photo: Martin Williams

Silvermine waterfalls after rainstorms, Hong Kong, May 020. [07SEPTEMBER2020 FEATURES TRAVEL]CREDIT: MARTIN WILLIAMS

Steps lead uphill to Ng Tung Chai waterfalls, Hong Kong, August 2020. [07SEPTEMBER2020 FEATURES TRAVEL]CREDIT: MARTIN WILLIAMS

Main falls at Ng Tung Chai waterfalls, Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong, August 2020. [07SEPTEMBER2020 FEATURES TRAVEL]CREDIT: MARTIN WILLIAMS

Cheung Chau's Kwun Yam Wan waterfalls, after rainstorm, Hong Kong, August 2020. [07SEPTEMBER2020 FEATURES TRAVEL]CREDIT: MARTIN WILLIAMS

Waterfall Bay, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, July 2017. [07SEPTEMBER2020 FEATURES TRAVEL]CREDIT: MARTIN WILLIAMS

Cheung Chau rainstorm, perfect for waterfalls, Hong Kong, August 2020. [07SEPTEMBER2020 FEATURES TRAVEL]CREDIT: MARTIN WILLIAMS

A series of waterfalls at Yi On the west coast of Lantau in Hong Kong. Take advantage of our rainy summer by visiting such scenic spots. Photo: Martin Williams

Discover Hong Kong woodland walks: five places to enjoy nature as you hike or stroll far from the concrete jungle

Tai Po Kau morning sun. Photo: Martin Williams

Shing Mun whumping tree reflection in Hong Kong, 2012[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Shadows fall upon a tree in Pak Tam Chung in Hong Kong, 2019.[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Brides Pool fall  in Hong Kong, 2020.[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Shing Mun Tiger butterflies in Hong Kong, 2012.[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Pok Fu Lam Country Park weir cascade  in Hong Kong, 2017.[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Mirror Pool in Hong Kong, 2016.[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Shrine to a tree spirit, Pak Tam Chung  in Hong Kong, 2019.[25AUGUST2020 TRAVEL  FEATURES] CREDIT: MARTIN WILLAMS

Late afternoon reflections at Shing Mun, just one of the beautiful woodland settings to explore in Hong Kong. Photo: Martin Williams

Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure


You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy exploring Hong Kong from the front seat of an air-conditioned, double-decker bus
It’s a comfortable and cheap way to see city life, country parks, mountains and rivers, and try new places and experiences



Cheap, cool and comfortable, Hong Kong’s double-decker buses are a great way to discover the city’s impressive scenery and bustling city life – for tourists and locals alike.


Travel news and advice

Old Hong Kong