The new Hong Kong International Airport or also named Chek Lap Kok Airport opened in 1998 replacing the aging and congested Kai Tak Airport near the city centre. The Hong Kong International Airport is built on an artificial island made by Dutch engineers.
The construction of the airport, including the land reclamation made it the most expensive airport project ever with a total cost of 20 billion US Dollars. Since the opening it has been named Best Airport in the world by Skytrax five times.
Most flights from Hong Kong International Airport are to Taipei and to Singapore but there are many more flights to other destinations as well, most of them by Cathay Pacific. Every day there are flights to 20 destinations from Hong Kong International Airport. Here are the most popular destinations:
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is the main terminal and the third biggest in the world. Terminal 2 is check-in only and has no gates or arrival facilities. It is aimed at low-cost carriers. Passengers checking in here will be transported underground to a gate at Terminal 1. With over 50 million passengers a year Hong Kong International is one of the busiest in the world and also the second busiest (after London Heathrow) with two runways. A third runway is planned for to increase the possible flight movements as the airport is running near capacity already.
The Hong Kong International Airport is located on reclaimed land to the north of Lantau Island, about 30 km west of central Hong Kong.
The quickest and easiest way of getting into the city or heading to the airport is by the Airport Express train which only takes 24 minutes for the ride Hong Kong Station to the airport and vice versa. A one-way trip would cost around HKD 60 to 100 and a return HKD 110 to 180 depending your destination. If you are on a budget best to by a ticket to the first stop and continue there with the normal underground / subway.
The Airport Shuttle bus is even cheaper but takes longer. You do have a great view also when the bus crosses the bridge. Best to take the A Buses as they go direct to the city at a cost of about HKD 20 to 40.
Free maps of Hong Kong in English are available at the Information desk after customs.
See for tickets and schedule: trains: mtr.com.hk buses: hongkongairport.com .
Airport Taxis at the taxi stand would cost around HKD 250 to 350 to Hong Kong center but it depends highly on traffic conditions and destination.
All prices quoted here were found in July 2017
