Hong Kong is the main gateway to China and much of East Asia. Therefore, the international air service is excellent and competition keeps the fares relatively low compared to neighbouring countries.

Hong Kong International Airport, also known as Chek Lap Kok, is a highly modern institution set on reclaimed land off Lantau Island. The passenger terminal consists of nine levels, 120 shops and 288 check-in counters. In addition to normal airport passenger facilities, the Plaza Lounge offers in-transit passengers a place to rest and refresh before their next flight. Showers, nap rooms, beauty salons and massage services are on-hand to perk up any weary traveller. There is also a Children’s Play Area and Children’s Television Lounge to keep the little ones happy.

The four-star Regal Airport Hotel is directly connected to the passenger terminal by a covered walkway, and provides superb accommodation along with well-equipped business and recreation facilities.

The airport is connected to the mainland by one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. The 2.2 kilometre-long Tsing Ma Bridge links the airport to the islands of Tsing Yi and Ma Wan and mainland Kowloon. There are also high-speed ferries that ply the waters between the airport and various destinations, including Macau Island.

The current rate of the airport departure tax is HK$120 per passenger (12 years of age or above) departing by air from Hong Kong International Airport, or by helicopter from the Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal.

Air passengers have to pay departure tax when they buy air tickets from airlines or travel agents or helicopter companies. Airlines normally do not collect departure tax at the check-in counter unless it has not been collected with the issue of air tickets.

Passengers under 12 years of age are exempt from the tax. Passengers who arrive and depart from Hong Kong within the same day are also exempted from tax.

Hong Kong International Airport is served by a highly efficient and comprehensive transportation network. Connected to the passenger terminal, the four-level Ground Transportation Centre houses the station for the Airport Express trains and an extensive public transport interchange with facilities for taxis, franchised buses, tour coaches, hotel limousines and private cars. Baggage trolleys can be found at all passenger drop-off points and porter service is available at the passenger terminal departures curb side.

Airport Express Train is an efficient railway providing fast and reliable service between the airport and Central Hong Kong in approximately 24 minutes. The Airport Express also stops in West Kowloon and Tsing Yi. Trains provide comfortable seating with individual television sets (nine channels, four languages), relaying flight information, world news and entertainment programmes. There is an in-town check-in service in Kowloon and Central, where you can check in your baggage, leaving you free to go shopping.

AirBus connects the airport with Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. While "A" buses provide speedy transport to different parts of Hong Kong, "E" buses serve daily commuters. “N” buses offer all-night services to various districts. The most useful for international travellers are the A11, A12 and the A21, which go to most major hotels and tourist areas. The buses are air conditioned and have plenty of luggage space. English and Chinese announcements notify passengers at each stop. No change is given on the buses, although change is available at the AirBus service centre. Buses run at 10-15 minute intervals and every 20 minutes during late night/early morning hours.

Limousine Service counters are found at the Arrivals Hall and the Limousine Lounge. Travellers can wait at the comfortably decorated limousine lounge for hotel limousines. Service providers are: Intercontinental Hire Car Ltd., Arrivals Hall Counters A01, B01. Tel: 2261-2155 / 2261-2188. Fax: 2261-2020. Parklane Limousine Service Ltd., Arrivals Hall Counters A16, B16. Tel: 2261-0303 / 2261-0728. Fax: 2261-0298

Helicopter service is available from Heliservices, offering airport transfers as well as sightseeing tours for up to five passengers. For more information, visit their website at: www.heliservices.com.hk/

Taxi stands are located on the north side of the Ground Transportation Centre (the left-hand ramp if you are leaving from the Arrivals Hall). Separate aisles are designated for different taxis:

Urban taxis (red) serve all destinations throughout Hong Kong including the airport except Tung Chung Road and roads in south Lantau.

New Territories taxis (green) serve only the New Territories and specified roads on Lantau and the airport for access to/from the Ground Transportation Centre.

Lantau taxis (blue) serve all destinations in Lantau and the airport. Taxi passengers using the Lantau Link are required to pay an additional toll fare of HK$30 irrespective of the direction of travel, and additional fares are also charged for using toll tunnels. Taxi access to Discovery Bay is not allowed.