How We Commuted From Hong Kong International Airport to Best Western Hotel

Guess what country happened to be the world's largest highest rate of daily journeys made on public transport (more than 90%) and that's where our first international trip is!

I call our group - "El Tres Viajeras" (mom, me and Chesca). Being a mom traveling with my 8-year old and 59 yo mom would be exciting. Thus, I prepared some things to remember but it wasn't enough. As you know you'll learn what you're missing till you get there. So, I don't want you to feel lost when you happen to visit Hong Kong.

As a budget-traveler, either you travel here or abroad, no matter how much you drive at home, it's best to become a Commuter.

Here's a motherly course when you come from Hong Kong International Airport going to Best Western Hotel located at Des Voeux Road West. Took us 40 minutes and paid $28.

Smart Points to Consider

1. Take the Citiflyer bus.

Buses are the cheapest way to get to major areas in Hong Kong. The bus stop (Ground Transportation Centre) on specified routes is situated outside the Arrival Hall on the right side. Just follow the signs. You will also see the bus routes and timetables.

A. ROUTES.

There are six Citiflyer routes - A10, A11, A12, A21, A22, A29. The first 3 serves Hong Kong islands. The following three serve Kowloon. Routes A11 and A21 are the most popular for tourists.

These buses have:

a). Double-decked with air-conditioning.

b). The buses have announcement system.

c). Larger racks allow you to store your luggages.

d). Free wi-fi internet access on buses.

B. PAYMENT METHODS

a). By an octopus card.

It's a rechargeable card at convenience stalls, fast food stalls and supermarkets that can be used on all modes of public transportation except taxi. Regular rate is HK$150 (HK$100 of credit and HK450 refundable deposit). Children and seniors rate is HK$70 ($9 refundable deposit).

This is 4% - 8% less on fares compared to regular fares on the MTR.

b). Cash.

The citiflyer bus accepts cash too but it wouldn't give change. My brother didn't have his card yet so he paid HK$50. The driver said no change. He just said, keep it!

Be ready with exact cash in case.

OUR ROUTE

1. We took Citiflyer A12 at bus stop #5. Mom, Chesca and I used our octopus card for HK$28.

2. We dropped-off at Kaon Street.

3. Taxi to hotel.The driver's seat is on the right side. Taxi color is yellow. Drivers were all dressed-up and smelling good. Also speaks very good English.

For the first 2 kilometers or any part thereof is HK$22.

For every subsequent 200 meters or part thereof or every period of 1 minute waiting time.

- Until the chargeable amount reaches HK$78 - HK$1.60

- After the chargeable amount has reached HK$78 - HK$1.

- Every baggage - HK$5

- Every animal or bird - HK$5

- Wheelchair and crutches - FREE

- Every hiring thru booking or telephone - HK$5

What I love about it is the openness to receive feedback or complaints from passengers. Such a customer-service oriented kind of transportation.

"Since we were tired, my brother decided we took a taxi. Andrei told the driver to wait a bit because he had to fasten his seat belt. It took us just 5 minutes. We realized that the taxi just detoured. Maybe one-way for taxis. My brother and I were just laughing. What a first-day experience.

Although, we could have really just walked since it was only 2 minutes from where we dropped-off."

#famousdestination