FERRY SERVICES - OUTLYING ISLANDS
Cheung Chau, Lantau (Mui Wo and Discovery Bay), Lamma (Yung Sheu Wan and Sok Kwu Wan), Peng Chau, Ma Wan (Park Island) and Inter-Island Ferry (for other ferry services see OTHER FERRIES)
First Ferry's triple-deck Ordinary Ferry "Xin Guo" turns into Cheung Chau Harbour with Chi Ma Wan peninsula of Lantau Island in the background. Journey time from Central Pier 5 on Hong Kong Island to Cheung Chau is 55-minutes by Ordinary Ferry or 30 minutes by Fast Ferry (catamaran)
Scheduled ferry services to outlying islands Cheung Chau, Lamma, Lantau, Peng Chau and Ma Wan operate from Central Ferry Piers on Hong Kong Island. Additionally, an inter-island ferry service connects Cheung Chau, Lantau and Peng Chau. Ferry services from Aberdeen also serve Lamma Island and Ma Wan (Park Island) is also served by ferries from Tsuen Wan. About 41,000 islanders in addition to tourists are dependent on these ferry services.
A re-tendering process by the government resulted in new operating licences being awarded to operate the outlying islands ferry services to Cheung Chau, Lantau (Mui Wo), Lamma and Peng Chau for a period of three years from 1st July 2008. The new licences resulted in new operating companies for the Central - Peng Chau route and Central to Lamma (Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan) routes. Services to Peng Chau, previously operated by New World First Ferry (NWFF) are now operated by HKKF, whilst services to Lamma are operated by Islands Ferry Company Limited (Yung Shue Wan route) and Winnertex Limited (Sok Kwu Wan route), both these companies being subsidiaries of Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Holdings (HKKF). Services to Cheung Chau, Lantau (Mui Wo) and the Inter-Island ferry service continue to be operated by NWFF. In March 2011, following submission of tenders, the Transport Department confirmed three-year licences were awarded to the existing operators of the routes Central - Mui Wo (from 1 April 2011), Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Peng Chau, Central - Yung Shue Wan, Central - Sok Kwu Wan and the Inter-Island service (from 1st July 2011). The government will also provide up to HK$120 million of public funds during the licence period to reduce the level of fare increases to the public and assist ferry operators with the cost in maintaining a viable service to these islands.
The government has also announced its intention to carry out a full review of the outlying ferry services with a view to enhancing the long term financial viability of these services and maintaining fare stability. Currently only the Central - Cheung Chau route is profitable and the government has proposed assistance to operators by waiving pier rentals and some other expenses and building an additional tier to each of Central Ferry Piers to enable operators to generate additional income from renting out shops, restaurants and space for exhibitions.
Average daily passenger numbers (from last published figures for year ended 2009) were;
Central - Cheung Chau 20,458
Central - Yung Shue Wan 7,815
Central - Mui Wo 5,828
Central - Peng Chau 5,290
Central - Sok Kwu Wan 997
Inter-Island 985
Fare payment can be made in cash at the ticket kiosks at each pier or by Octopus Card which can be purchased from the ticket kiosk at the ferry pier. Ferry services are punctual and reliable and the departure time shown in timetables is the time the pier gate closes.
DETAILS OF SERVICES;
CHEUNG CHAU
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 5) TO CHEUNG CHAU
First Ferry Triple-Deck Ordinary Ferry used on the Cheung Chau service. The upper deck has a "de-luxe" class cabin and rear sun deck
The service is operated by “First Ferry” (New World First Ferry Services Limited). There are both “Fast Ferry” and “Ordinary Ferry” services. Catamarans used for the Fast Ferry service have a capacity of up to 400, depending on type of boat. “Fast Ferries” are catamarans which reduce the journey time by 20 minutes. These have sealed windows with poor visibility. The Ordinary Ferry service uses mainly triple-deck ferries with a capacity of about 1500 although double-deck boats with a smaller capacity (about 600) may be used on some services. The Ordinary Ferry service provides much more of a cruise experience. Passengers are free to move around the ship and all “ordinary” ferries have a “de-luxe class” deck with air conditioning, more spacious seating, tables, TV screens and an open outdoor sundeck. Ordinary ferries also have vending machines (operated by Octopus Card only) offering a range of drinks and snacks. Smoking is not allowed on any of the services (including on open decks). On many boats used on the Cheung Chau service the middle deck (ordinary class) of these triple-deck ferries has a back row of stern-facing seats sheltered by a canopy which on days of strong sunshine can be more comfortable then the exposed sun deck in de-luxe class. There are separate Octopus entry turnstiles for Ordinary Class and De-luxe class on entry to the pier or passengers can upgrade to De-Luxe Class using Octopus Card once on board. This is a busy service, used by commuters as well as visitors and at peak times (about 5pm to 9pm) on weekdays the Fast Ferry service can become full. Standing on the Fast Ferry is not allowed and visitors are advised to arrive at the pier turnstiles at least ten minutes before departure time if intending to take the Fast Ferry during peak times. Once full, the Fast Ferry departs (without waiting for scheduled departure time). Ferries operate at approximately 30 minute intervals during the daytime alternating between Fast Ferry and Ordinary Ferry until about midnight with additional peak time services. There are three Fast Ferry departures from Central and two from Cheung Chau between midnight and 6am.
First Ferry "Fast Ferry" catamaran, Cheung Chau Harbour
JOURNEY TIME – Fast Ferry 30 minutes, Ordinary Ferry 55 minutes
FARES (from 1st July 2011);
FAST FERRY – Monday to Saturday ADULT - HK$24.6, Sundays and public holidays HK$35.3. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registeration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$12.3, Sundays and public holidays HK$17.7
ORDINARY FERRY – ORDINARY CLASS Monday to Saturday ADULT - HK$12.6, Sundays and public holidays HK$18.4. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$6.3, Sundays and public holidays HK$9.2. DE-LUXE CLASS Monday to Saturday ADULT HK$19.7, Sundays and public holidays HK$28.7. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$9.9, Sundays and public holidays HK$14.4.
TIMETABLE;
http://www.nwff.com.hk/eng/fare_table/central-cheung_chau/
LANTAU ISLAND
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 6) TO MUI WO (LANTAU)
First Ferry "Fast Ferry" catamaran at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) Ferry Pier
The service is operated by “First Ferry” (New World First Ferry Services Limited). The Fast Ferry service is operated by catamarans with a capacity of between 230 and 400 passengers and the Ordinary Ferry service utilises double-deck boats with a capacity of between 500 and 600 and occasionally triple-deck ferries with a capacity of about 1500. Some Ordinary Ferry services have two accommodation classes, Ordinary Class and De-Luxe Class. De-Luxe Class has an air-conditioned cabin, depending on boat, sometimes an outside sun deck. Passengers can choose between Ordinary Class and De-Luxe Class (when available) at the pier entrance or can upgrade to De-Luxe Class using Octopus Card once on board. The pier at Mui Wo, also known as Silvermine Bay Ferry Pier, is located adjacent to Mui Wo Bus Terminus where passengers can connect to bus services for Ngong Ping, Tai O and Tung Chung. Ferries operate at approximately 40-minute frequency until 11-30pm mostly alternating between Fast Ferry and Ordinary Ferry but with additional sailings at peak times. Between midnight and 6am there are Fast Ferry services from Central at 00-30 and 3am and from Mui Wo at 3-40am.
One of First Ferry's double-deck "Ordinary Ferries" used on the Central - Mui Wo service
JOURNEY TIME – Fast Ferry 30 minutes, Ordinary Ferry 50 minutes
FARES (effective from 1st April 2011);
FAST FERRY – Monday to Saturday ADULT - HK$28.4, Sundays and public holidays HK40.8. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registeration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$14.2, Sundays and public holidays HK$20.4
ORDINARY FERRY – ORDINARY CLASS Monday to Saturday ADULT - HK$14.5, Sundays and public holidays HK$21.4. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$7.3, Sundays and public holidays HK$10.7. DE-LUXE CLASS Monday to Saturday ADULT HK$24.1, Sundays and public holidays HK$35.3. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK12.1, Sundays and public holidays HK$17.7.
TIMETABLE;
http://www.nwff.com.hk/eng/fare_table/central-mui_wo/
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 3) TO DISCOVERY BAY (LANTAU)
Discovery Bay ferry in Victoria Harbour on its journey from Central Pier3
This is a 24-hour service operated by Discovery Bay Transporation Services Ltd which has a monopoly on transport to and from Discovery Bay which is a private development. Fast air-conditioned catamarans operate a frequent service at approx 15-30 minute intervals from 6-30am until 00-30 then at 30-90 minute intervals until 6am. A night surcharge applies to fares for journeys after midnight and before 6am. Discovery Bay is a modern western-style private residential development, popular with commuters to Hong Kong’s financial district in Central. It has an artificial beach and visitors can explore scenic trails in the area including a popular trail to Mui Wo via the Trappist Monastery. From Discovery Bay there are frequent bus connections to the airport, Tung Chung and Sunny Bay MTR Station and from Nim Shue Wan pier, about 10 minutes walk from Discovery Bay Ferry Pier in the next bay there are kaido services to Peng Chau, Trappist Monastery and Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay).
JOURNEY TIME – 25 minutes
FARES (effective from 12th May 2013)
PAYMENT BY OCTOPUS CARD - ADULT - HK$37*, CONCESSIONS - Child (1-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons HK$18.5*
* Night sailings (at or after midnight until 6am) HK$52.7 (adult), HK$33.8 (concessions) per passenger applies for all night sailings after midnight and before 6am.
PAYMENT BY TOKEN - ADULT - HK$37**, CONCESSIONS - Child (1-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons HK$18.5**
** surcharge of HK$16 applies for all night sailings (at or after midnight until 6am).
TIMETABLE (details are under "remarks" at bottom of page at the link below);
http://www.dbay.hk/icms2/template?series=328
PENG CHAU
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 6) TO PENG CHAU
HKKF's double-deck "Ordinary Ferry" heading for Central Pier 6 from Peng Chau
The service is operated by HKKF. Both catamarans (with a capacity of about 200 passengers) and monohull boats (with a capacity of between 180 and about 300 passengers) are used for the Fast Ferry service and monohull only boats with a capacity of about 300 are used for the Ordinary Ferry service. All monohull boats are double-deck and some have a sun deck. Ferries operate at approximately 60/90 minute frequency from 6-10am until 11-30pm and there are night sailings at 00-30 and 3am from Central and 3-40am from Peng Chau.
JOURNEY TIME – Fast Ferry 25 minutes, Ordinary Ferry 40 minutes
FARES (from 1st July 2011);
FAST FERRY – ADULT – HK$26.8, Monday to Saturday, HK$39.4 Sundays and public holidays. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$13.4, Sundays and public holidays HK$19.7.
ORDINARY FERRY – ADULT – HK$14.4 Monday to Saturday, HK$20.7 Sundays and public holidays. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$7.2, Sundays and public holidays HK$10.4.
TIMETABLE;
http://www.hkkf.com.hk/index.php?op=timetable&page=pengchau&view=screen&style=en
INTER-ISLAND FERRY (Cheung Chau – Chi Ma Wan – Mui Wo – Peng Chau)
First Ferry's Inter-Island Ferry "Ming River" approaching Cheung Chau Ferry Pier
First Ferry operate the Inter-Island ferry service which links Cheung Chau, Chi Ma Wan and Mui Wo on Lantau and Peng Chau. The service operates from 6am until midnight and utilises a double-deck boat with a capacity of about 350 passengers. There is no service to Chi Ma Wan after 8-30pm and not all daytime services call at Chi Ma Wan.
JOURNEY TIME;
Cheung Chau* > Chi Ma Wan 20 mins, Chi Ma Wan > Mui Wo* 20 mins, Mui Wo > Peng Chau 25 mins, Peng Chau > Mui Wo 25 mins, Mui Wo* > Chi Ma Wan 20 mins, Chi Ma Wan > Cheung Chau* 20 mins.
* On services which do not call at Chi Ma Wan, the journey time between Cheung Chau and Mui Wo is reduced to 25 mins.
FARES (from 1st July 2011);
ADULT – HK$12.2, CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons HK$6.1
TIMETABLE;
http://www.nwff.com.hk/eng/fare_table/island_hopping/
LAMMA ISLAND
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 4) TO YUNG SHUE WAN (LAMMA)
Double-deck catamaran of Islands Ferry Company, a subsidiary of HKKF, seen here on the Central - Yung Shue Wan service
The service is operated by Islands Ferry Company Limited, a subsidiary of HKKF. On Mondays to Fridays sailings operate from 6-30am until 00-30 at approx 45-90 minute intervals but with additional peak hour journeys. On Sundays and public holidays the frequency increases to half-hourly. The service uses both catamarans (mainly on peak hour sailings) with a capacity of about 200 passengers and monohull vessels with a capacity of 170 to 480. On some monohull vessels there is a sun deck. Yung Shue Wan is the main village on Lamma. It is also served by ferries from Aberdeen (see details below). The island has another ferry pier at Sok Kwu Wan and visitors can land at Yung Shue Wan and follow the popular trail to Sok Kwu Wan then return to Central from Sok Kwu Wan.
JOURNEY TIME – 25-30 minutes (depending on type of craft).
FARES (from 1st July 2011);
ADULT – Monday to Saturday HK$16.1, Sundays and public holidays HK$22.3. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$8.1, Sundays and public holidays HK$11.2.
TIMETABLE;
http://www.hkkf.com.hk/index.php?op=timetable&page=yungshuewan&view=screen&style=en
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 4) TO SOK KWU WAN (LAMMA)
Double-deck ferry operated by Winnertex, a subsidiary of HKKF, on the Central - Sok Kwu Wan service
The service is operated by Winnertex Ltd, a subsidiary of HKKF. Services operate at approx 90-minute to two-hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays until 11-30pm. On Sundays and public holidays there are five additional sailings which are optional, according to demand. The service mainly uses monohull vessels with a capacity of up to about 200. Sok Kwu Wan is also served by a kaito ferry service from Aberdeen via Mo Tat on Lamma (see details below).
JOURNEY TIME – 30-40 minutes (depending on craft)
FARES (from 1st July 2011);
ADULT – Monday to Saturday HK$19.8, Sundays and public holidays HK$28. CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday HK$9.9, Sundays and public holidays HK$14.
TIMETABLE;
http://www.hkkf.com.hk/index.php?op=timetable&page=sokkwuwan&view=screen&style=en
ABERDEEN (ABERDEEN PROMENADE PONTOON) TO YUNG SHUE WAN VIA PAK KOK TSUEN (LAMMA)
The Tsui Wah Ferry Service from Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island leaves from Aberdeen Promenade and also calls at Pak Kok Tsuen on Lamma
The service is operated by Tsui Wah Ferry Service (HK) Limited. There are 10 daily return sailings (11 on Sundays and public holidays) from Aberdeen, each calling at Pak Kok Tsuen “en route” to Yung Shue Wan. The service uses a small monohull double-deck craft with a capacity of about 200.
JOURNEY TIME – 40 minutes (approx 25 minutes Aberdeen-Pak Kok Tsuen, 15 minutes Pak Kok Tsuen-Yung Shue Wan)
FARES;
ADULT – HK$17.50*. CONCESSIONS - Child (1-12), Senior (65+) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons HK$8.80*.
*Sectional fares Aberdeen – Pak Kok Tsuen and Pak Kok Tsuen – Yung Shue Wan. Adult HK$7.50, Concessions HK$3.80
TIMETABLE;
http://www.traway.com.hk/
ABERDEEN (ABERDEEN PROMENADE) TO SOK KWU WAN (LAMMA) VIA MO TAT
Chuen Kee's kaito ferry service from Aberdeen seen here at Mo Tat pier on Lamma Island before continuing to Sok Kwu Wan
The service is operated by Chuen Kee Ferry Limited and uses two double-deck kaitos with a capacity ranging from about 140 to 150. There are 13 daily sailings from Aberdeen with an additional two sailings on Sundays and public holidays. Passengers can disembark on Lamma at either Mo Tat, north of Sok Kwu Wan where there is a beach and restaurants or at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma’s second largest village which is renowned for its seafood restaurants.
JOURNEY TIME – 30 minutes (23 minutes Aberdeen to Mo Tat, 7 minutes Mo Tat to Sok Kwu Wan)
FARES;
ADULT – Monday to Saturday** HK$9.20 (*HK$3.50), Sundays, public holidays and most sailings after 6pm daily HK$13.80 (*HK$4.60). CONCESSIONS - Child (3-12) and holders of Registration Card for disabled persons Monday to Saturday** HK$4.60 (*HK$1.70). Sundays, public holidays and most evening sailings after 6pm daily HK$6.90 (*HK$2.30). Seniors (65+) Monday to Saturday HK$6.90 (*HK$3.50), Sundays and public holidays HK$13.80 (*HK$4.60).
*Sectional fares between Mo Tat and Sok Kwu Wan
** Fares for most sailings after 6pm daily are charged at the rate for Sundays and public holidays.
TIMETABLE;
http://www.ferry.com.hk/eng/service.htm
MA WAN (PARK ISLAND)
CENTRAL (CENTRAL PIER 2) TO PARK ISLAND (MA WAN)
Park Island double-deck catamaran ferry approaching Central Pier 2
Park Island is a private residential development on the small island of Ma Wan which is located under the western end of the Tsing Ma Bridge and is also the location of Noah’s Ark and Ma Wan Park. The boats are fast air-conditioned double-deck catamarans. Ferries operate at intervals of approx 15 to 30 minutes from 7am until midnight but after midnight until 7am ferry services are replaced by bus services.
JOURNEY TIME – 25 minutes
FARES (fares quoted apply to visitors. Discounted fares apply for residents who have registered Octopus Cards);
ADULT – HK$22, CONCESSIONS - Child (up to 12) and Senior (65+) HK$11
TIMETABLE (note – sailings between midnight and 7am are replaced by bus services. Fares are the same as ferry fares);
http://www.pitcl.com.hk/eng/html/ferry.htm
TSUEN WAN (TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER) TO PARK ISLAND (MA WAN) *
* Note - the Tsuen Wan to Park Island ferry service ceased operating with effect from 14th December 2012
Park Island Ferry
The service is operated by Park Island Transport Company Limited who have a monopoly on transportation services to/from Ma Wan except during the hours of 11pm and 7am when taxis are allowed. Park Island is a private residential development on the small island of Ma Wan which is located under the western end of the Tsing Ma Bridge and is also the location of Noah’s Ark and Ma Wan Park. The boats are fast air-conditioned double-deck catamarans. Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier is located within 2 minutes walk of Tsuen Wan West MTR Station. Services operate at intervals of approx 17 to 40 minutes from 5-57am until 1-02am.
JOURNEY TIME – 15 minutes
FARES (fares quoted apply to visitors. Discounted fares apply for residents who have registered Octopus Cards);
ADULT – HK$10, CONCESSIONS - Child (up to 12) and Senior (65+) HK$5
TIMETABLE;
http://www.pitcl.com.hk/eng/html/ferry.htm