Hong Kong International Airport has introduced a new initiative giving transit passengers the chance to discover the city during their layovers. The complimentary tours, developed in partnership with Trip.com, aim to capture the interest of the many millions of travelers each year who spend more than seven hours in transit at Hong Kong’s main airport.
Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, CEO of the Airport Authority, explained that the program highlights both culture and lifestyle while reinforcing the airport’s role as a leading international hub. She noted that this was just the beginning, adding that more experiences covering shopping, wellness, dining, and cultural activities were already in the works.
The daily tours are capped at 20 participants and last about four hours. Two itineraries are currently available: the Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk, which explores Wong Tai Sin Temple and the vibrant markets of Sham Shui Po, and the Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey, offering views of Hong Kong’s iconic harbor. Starting in December, a third option, Serenity & Stories: A Harmony Journey, will take visitors into the green landscapes of Lantau.
Trip.com, which has successfully run similar transit programmes in Beijing and Shanghai, is covering all operating costs. The tours include complimentary round-trip transport, English-speaking guides, and seamless coordination with flight schedules—without any hidden costs or mandatory shopping stops.
Eligible travelers must meet Hong Kong’s entry requirements and can secure a place either online in advance or at the E1 transfer desks on the arrivals level in Terminal 1. Bookings are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
With this project, Hong Kong hopes to transform long layovers into memorable city experiences and further cement its reputation as a dynamic gateway to Asia.
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