The Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong Taxis in 2026: How Much Do They Cost? Fares, How to Ride, and Top Taxi App Recommendations

If you’re exploring Hong Kong on your own, you’ll find that beyond the city’s excellent public transportation, taxis are everywhere—one of the most popular ways to get around.

In this guide, the Trip.com team breaks down the different types of Hong Kong taxis, how fares are calculated, step-by-step tips for hailing and riding, and our favorite taxi-hailing apps to use in the city. Come plan your Hong Kong adventure with us!

Introduction to Hong Kong Taxis

In Hong Kong, taxis are commonly known as “dik si” and are colour-coded based on the areas they serve. 

Whether you’re flagging one down on the street or booking through an app, you usually won’t need to worry too much about the colours but we’ll explain the differences later in this guide.

Compared to Singapore, taxi fares in Hong Kong are generally still reasonable. 

Short trips typically cost around S$5.00–S$10.00, while longer rides can range from S$15.00–S$30.00, depending on distance, traffic conditions, and additional surcharges.

Keep reading as the Trip.com team shares taxi types, fare breakdowns, practical riding tips, and the best taxi-hailing apps for your Hong Kong trip!

Types of Taxis in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, taxis come in three colors which are red, blue, and green as each serving different areas and using a different fare structure.

📌 However, no matter the taxi color, any of them can take you to and from Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Disneyland!

Hong Kong Taxis | Red

Red taxis are the most common in Hong Kong and operate across almost the entire city (except the southern part of Lantau Island). 

These are the taxis you’ll usually see in busy areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and Central. They also have the highest fares among the three types.

Hong Kong Taxis | Blue

Blue taxis operate only on Lantau Island, including the Chek Lap Kok area near Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Disneyland. 

They offer the lowest fares, but their service area is limited compared to other taxis.

Hong Kong Taxis | Green

Green taxis serve mainly the New Territories and cannot enter urban areas. Their coverage includes districts such as Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Po, North District, Ma On Shan, and most of Sai Kung (excluding Tseung Kwan O New Town).

The primary scope of operations includes:

• Tuen Mun District, Yuen Long District, Tai Po District, North District, Ma On Shan District
• Most of Sai Kung District (excluding Tseung Kwan O New Town)
• It can also pick up and drop off passengers along designated routes to and from the following locations: Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal (Chek Lap Kok), Hong Kong Disneyland, Tsing Yi Airport Express Station, Tsuen Wan MTR Station, Hang Hau MTR Station, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sha Tin Racecourse, and Shun Lee Estate.

Taxi Fares in Hong Kong

As of 14 July 2024, Hong Kong taxis follow an updated official fare structure. For easier reference, we’ve converted the estimated fares into Singapore Dollars, based on approximate exchange rates.

📌 Helpful price references (approx.)

• City centre → Hong Kong Disneyland: ~S$46.75
• City centre → Hong Kong International Airport: ~S$63.75

Actual fares may vary depending on traffic conditions, route taken, tunnel tolls, luggage, and waiting time. Use these figures as a general guide when planning your travel budget in Hong Kong.

Additional Hong Kong Taxi Charges

Besides the standard metered fare, Hong Kong taxis may apply extra charges for luggage, pets, phone bookings, and certain tunnel routes.

Tunnel Charges

If your route passes through certain tunnels, additional toll charges may apply:

📌 Good to know: Cross-harbour tunnel charges may vary depending on whether the driver pays a one-way or return toll. The exact fees are usually displayed inside the taxi, so you can check before your ride.

How to Take a Taxi in Hong Kong

Getting a taxi in Hong Kong is easy and convenient. You can flag one down on the street, book through your hotel, call a taxi hotline, or use a ride-hailing app similar to booking Grab in Singapore.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking a Taxi in Hong Kong

Step 1: Get a taxi
Choose the most convenient option for you: hail one on the street, book through an app, call a taxi hotline, or ask your hotel concierge for assistance. If you book through an app or phone service, your pick-up and drop-off details will usually be confirmed in advance.

Step 2: Confirm your destination
Tell the driver where you’re going or show them the address on your phone. Having the destination in English or Chinese can be helpful for smoother communication.

Step 3: Enjoy your ride
Sit back and relax while heading to your destination. Keep in mind that tunnel tolls, luggage fees, or other surcharges may apply depending on your route.

Step 4: Pay at the end of your trip
Most taxis accept cash, while some also support credit cards, digital payments, or in-app payments. Payment methods vary depending on the taxi.

Hailing a Taxi on the Street

You can usually flag down a taxi from most roadsides in Hong Kong, except areas with restrictions such as roads marked with double yellow lines.

📌 Travelling across Victoria Harbour? Search for a “Cross-Harbour Taxi Stand” on your map app. Some drivers may decline cross-harbour trips, and taking a taxi from the wrong location could result in an extra starting fare.

Taking a Taxi from Hong Kong International Airport

Taking a taxi from the airport to the city is simple—similar to catching a cab from Singapore Changi Airport.

After leaving the arrivals hall, follow signs to the official taxi queue:

• Red taxis: For Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and most urban areas
• Green taxis: For the New Territories
• Blue taxis: For Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok only

If you’re heading to popular tourist areas like Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Mong Kok, join the red taxi queue.

Booking Through Your Hotel or by Phone

Many hotels can help arrange a taxi for guests. You can also book directly through taxi hotlines, but note there’s an additional HK$5 (~S$0.85) booking fee.

Booking a Taxi Through Apps

Using a taxi app is another convenient option, especially for travellers who prefer seeing the pick-up location, route, and estimated fare before confirming a ride. It’s a hassle-free choice if you’re unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s streets or travelling late at night.

Up next, check out the best taxi apps to download for your Hong Kong trip!

Recommended Taxi Apps in Hong Kong

If you prefer booking rides through an app similar to using Grab in Singapore, Hong Kong has several convenient options for travellers. Here are some of the most popular taxi apps to download before your trip.

1. HKTaxi

One of Hong Kong’s most popular local taxi apps, HKTaxi has more than 30,000 registered drivers, making it easy to get a ride quickly. The app supports both English and Chinese, which is helpful for international travellers.

Highlights:

• Save favourite pickup locations for faster bookings
• Book rides for friends or family members
• Drivers can contact your passenger directly through the app

2. DiDi Hong Kong

DiDi Hong Kong offers regular Hong Kong taxi bookings and cross-border private car services to mainland cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai.

Highlights:

• Flat-rate pricing for cross-border trips
• Spacious 7-seater options like Toyota Alphard vehicles
• Luggage assistance and 24/7 customer support

📌 Keep in mind that highway tolls and parking fees may be charged separately for cross-border rides.

3. Easy Taxi

Easy Taxi operates in over 30 countries, making it a convenient option for frequent travellers who prefer using the same app overseas.

Highlights:

• In-app messaging with drivers
• Helpful for travellers worried about language barriers
• Useful if you frequently travel internationally

For regular rides in Hong Kong, simply enter your pickup and drop-off locations and confirm your booking.

4. 85 Taxi

85 Taxi is known for offering occasional ride discounts through local promotions.

Possible deals:

• 10% off rides
• 15% off rides
• 20% off rides

For example, if your taxi fare is S$20.00, a 15% discount could save you around S$3.00. Booking in advance may improve your chances of securing discounted rides.

5. Uber

Uber is also available in Hong Kong, but unlike regular taxis, you’ll typically ride in private vehicles instead of Hong Kong’s red, green, or blue taxis.

Things to note:

• Some private vehicles may not operate under standard taxi licences
• Insurance coverage may vary depending on the vehicle type

Tips for Taking a Taxi in Hong Kong

Before hopping into a taxi in Hong Kong, keep these useful tips in mind to avoid unnecessary delays or extra charges during your trip.

• Avoid taxi shift-change hours (4:00 PM–5:30 PM)
  Many taxi drivers change shifts during this period, so it may be harder to find a ride. Some drivers may also decline longer trips. If possible, consider using the MTR or buses during this time.
• Cross-harbour trips may cost extra
  If you’re travelling between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, tunnel toll charges may apply. It’s a good idea to confirm with the driver before getting in, or head to a designated Cross-Harbour Taxi Stand for a smoother ride.
• Carry smaller cash notes
  While some taxis accept cards or digital payments, cash is still common. Bring smaller bills to avoid issues with change especially if you’re used to cashless payments in Singapore.
• Keep your destination address handy
  Save your hotel or attraction address in English or Chinese to make communication easier with drivers.

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