Hong Kong Taxi Guide: Colors, Meters, and Surcharges
Hong Kong's taxis (的士) are everywhere, metered, and cheap compared to most world cities — but the three colors, tunnel surcharges, and the occasional refusing driver confuse visitors. Here's how the system works.
The three colors (and where each can go)
- Red (市區的士) — urban taxis; can go anywhere in Hong Kong except the south of Lantau.
- Green (新界的士) — New Territories taxis; restricted to designated NT areas.
- Blue (大嶼山的士) — Lantau taxis; Lantau only (plus the airport, Disneyland, and Tung Chung area).
In the city you'll almost always ride red. The color is also on the fleet ID plate — it's the official marker, not just paint.
The meter (咪錶): current fares
Fares follow the Transport Department's schedule (2024-07-14 rates, confirmed in the TD's 2026-05-10 fare table):
| Flagfall (first 2 km) | Then per 200 m / per min waiting | After threshold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red (urban) | HK$29 | HK$2.1 (until HK$102.5) | HK$1.4 |
| Green (NT) | HK$25.5 | HK$1.9 (until HK$82.5) | HK$1.4 |
| Blue (Lantau) | HK$24 | HK$1.9 (until HK$195) | HK$1.6 |
Waiting time counts when the taxi is stationary or crawling — rush-hour jams raise the fare.
Surcharges that surprise visitors
- Luggage: HK$6 per piece (in the trunk).
- Phone booking: HK$5.
- Tunnels (paid by the passenger): cross-harbour tunnels (Hung Hom / Eastern / Western) HK$25 plus a HK$25 return fee; Tai Lam Tunnel HK$28; Tate's Cairn HK$20; Lion Rock, Aberdeen, Shing Mun, and Tsing Sha tunnels HK$8 each.
- The HK$25 return fee is waived if you hail at a cross-harbour taxi stand or your destination isn't across the harbour — this is the most common fare dispute, so know the rule.
Refusals and bargaining (拒載 / 議價)
It is illegal for a driver to refuse a hire or to bargain a fixed price instead of using the meter. Hotspots for trouble: short trips, cross-harbour trips at peak hours, and late-night Lan Kwai Fong. If it happens, note the license plate and taxi number and complain to the Transport Department or police. Using a taxi app (Uber, or local hailing apps) sidesteps the problem entirely.
Uber vs street taxis
Uber operates in Hong Kong and is often the path of least resistance when red taxis refuse short hops. Prices fluctuate with demand; at quiet times a metered taxi is usually cheaper.
Practical tips
- Have your destination in Chinese characters ready — many drivers read little English. Hotel cards and Google Maps in Chinese work.
- Cash is king; some taxis now take Octopus or cards, but assume cash unless you see the sticker.
- Airport trips: the meter runs the whole way plus tunnel fees. For 2+ people with luggage, compare against the Airport Express group ticket before deciding.
Hailing tips: where to catch one
- Taxi stands at MTR exits, hotels, and ferry piers have orderly queues — use them instead of flagging in traffic.
- Cross-harbour stands (e.g. outside major MTR stations) are designated for over-the-harbour trips; drivers there expect cross-harbour fares and the return-fee rules are clearest.
- Rainy days and 18:00 shift change: the two hardest times to get a taxi. The driver shift change around 18:00 means many cabs go off-duty — use an app or wait it out.
- Say the destination in Cantonese if you can: even a rough 「中環」 (Central) or 「尖沙咀」 (Tsim Sha Tsui) gets a warmer response than English alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can red taxis take me to the airport?
Yes — red taxis serve the airport. You'll pay the meter plus the relevant tunnel/bridge tolls.
What if the driver doesn't start the meter?
Insist politely, or get out and take another. An unmetered ride has no legal fare basis.
Are taxis safe late at night?
Generally yes. Sit in the back, follow the route on your phone, and keep the receipt (ask the driver to print it).
Sources
- https://www.td.gov.hk/tc/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/taxi_fare_of_hong_kong/index.html
- https://www.td.gov.hk/tc/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/index.html