Star Ferry and Hongkong's harbour crossings
Published on 08/09/2026 at 15:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Star Ferry is the harbour ferry service that links Hongkong Island with Kowloon across Victoria Harbour. Its green-and-white vessels, introduced in the late nineteenth century under Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, remain one of the city’s clearest waterfront sights.
Victoria Harbour seen from the deck
The crossing is short, but the setting is wide open: towers on both shores, working piers, and the traffic of a busy port. The ferry keeps its focus on the waterline, with decks open to the harbour and the skyline at eye level.
That direct contact with the harbour gives the service its character. Ferries move between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and the route also serves Wan Chai and other terminals on either side of the water.
A service shaped by the city
Star Ferry began in 1888, when Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala launched it under the Kowloon Ferry Company. The name later became part of Hongkong’s everyday vocabulary, and the boats carried commuters long before road tunnels and rail links took much of the cross-harbour load.
The vessels themselves are practical, compact and easy to read from the quay. Their profile, painted hulls and enclosed lower decks give the service a look that remains consistent even as the city around it changes.
Why the crossing remains recognisable
Star Ferry is neither a museum piece nor a sightseeing boat in the usual sense. It is a public harbour crossing that still works as transport, while also offering a clear view of Hongkong’s port landscape.
The experience is defined by motion across open water, brief docking manoeuvres and the constant presence of the skyline. The service’s appeal lies in that combination of utility and familiar form, with the harbour itself doing most of the visual work.
Visiting Star Ferry: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The service runs on Victoria Harbour between Hongkong Island and Kowloon, with terminals in Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui.
- Admission arrangements and opening hours are set by the site's operator and change with the season; the official website is the only binding source.
- For the most atmospheric crossing, late afternoon and evening bring the harbour lights into view.
- The terminals are reached on foot, by tram, by MTR and by other city transport; boarding involves steps, gangways and a short walk on the pier.
- On board, payment is simple and the setting is informal; local signs and announcements may appear in Chinese and English.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality. UK travellers should check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice; Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie; EU and EEA citizens their own national foreign ministry.
Searching for Star Ferry on social platforms
These links open searches for Star Ferry on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about Star Ferry
Where is Star Ferry?
Star Ferry operates across Victoria Harbour in Hongkong, linking terminals on Hongkong Island and Kowloon. Its most familiar crossings connect Central with Tsim Sha Tsui.
What should I expect on a visit?
Expect a short harbour crossing on a working ferry, with open views of the water and the skyline. The terminals are busy urban spaces rather than dedicated attractions.
What makes Star Ferry distinctive?
Its recognisable boats, harbour route and long association with Hongkong’s waterfront give it a clear identity. The service combines transport and city view in a single crossing.
