Airport Hotels Hong Kong
(Hong Kong International Airport)
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG; ICAO: VHHH)
which is also known as Chek Lap Kok 赤鱲角 (named after the small
island it was built over), is the main port for visitors to
Hong Kong by air. Designed by architect Sir Norman Foster,
this modern and efficient building opened in July 1998 and
has since been named "World's Best Airport" by Skytrax
in annual ratings five times.
There are many direct flights to Hong Kong from every continent
in the world. Most major cities in Oceania, Europe and North
America are all served with at least one daily flight, and
flights between Hong Kong and other major Asian cities are
also frequent. Cathay Pacific operates one of the longest
air routes in the world, linking Hong Kong and New York (JFK).
For destinations within China, it is often cheaper to fly
from Shenzhen than from Hong Kong, as flights between the
mainland and Hong Kong are considered to be international
flights and priced accordingly. There are also flights between
Hong Kong and several mid-Pacific islands and nations.
Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary airline Dragonair
are Hong Kong's main carriers, with Hong Kong Airlines
and Hong Kong Express providing some welcome competition.
There are two terminals, creatively called T1 and T2. Signs
on approach to the airport by car/taxi list the terminals
and check-in zones. The station is located between the two
terminals, so follow the signs when you exit the station.
Once checked-in, you can clear security at either terminal
with an underground shuttle bus outside the security area.
There are probably more shopping opportunities before security
at T2, but its shops close earlier. There are lots of shopping
opportunities after security as well. Travellers will find
an efficient post office in the airport, providing boxes,
wrapping material, scissors and tape. It might be more economical
to send your excess luggage via surface mail than paying fees
to the airline. Terminal 2 is a check-in only facility, all
flights depart from Terminal 1.
There is a manned left luggage facility in the arrival hall,
perfect for securely storing your luggage at the airport,
for around $55-$80 per day (depending on duration): it opens
from 6:00AM to 1:00AM.
Overall, services at Chek Lap Kok are generally far better,
or at least on par, with those at other major international
airports.
[edit] Airport Express
The Airport Express is a fast and environmentally friendly
form of passenger transport to and from the airport to Tsing
Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The clean, comfortable and
efficient train departs every 12 minutes and takes approximately
24 minutes to reach Hong Kong station. All stations have staff
to help you get heavy bags on and off of the train; there
is no need to tip them. Each way costs $60-$100, or a round
trip for $110-$180, depending on the distance travelled. If
you buy your ticket from a machine you will have to pay the
standard fare, however, if you travel with other people you
can get a discount from the staff at the counter. If in doubt,
ask the staff for advice before you hand over your money.
After reaching your station, free shuttle buses connect to
major hotels in Kowloon and Hong Kong island, or you can continue
onward by MTR or taxi. Around half of the trip will be underground
and some of the "above-ground" travel is through
"covered" tracks.
Airport Hotels Hong Kong
|