Star Ferry fares rise on 25 January 2027 in Hong Kong

Star Ferry in Hong Kong is set for a fare increase on 25 January 2027 after the Executive Council approved the measure on 21 October 2026. The change concerns the two franchised cross-harbour routes linking Central and Wan Chai with Tsim Sha Tsui.

For travellers from Western Europe, crossings during the current October and November 2026 visit window remain before the approved change takes effect. The announcement gives the historic ferry service a current transport story while keeping its familiar harbour routes at the centre of the news.

Star Ferry fare increase takes effect on 25 January 2027

The Hong Kong Government approved the application by The Star Ferry Company, Limited for higher fares on its Central - Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai - Tsim Sha Tsui services. The decision was approved by the Chief Executive in Council on 13 October 2026 and announced publicly on 21 October 2026.

The government said the adjustment was intended to balance passenger affordability with the operator's financial viability. It cited slow patronage growth, limited scope for further cost reductions, rising operational expenses and high debt interest. The operator recorded marginal profits in 2024 and 2025, but the government expects losses to return from 2026.

The approved amendment will be tabled at the Legislative Council on 28 October 2026 for negative vetting. The fare increase approved on 21 October is therefore both a current policy announcement and a change that visitors will encounter after 25 January 2027.

Victoria Harbour crossing links Hong Kong Island and Kowloon

The ferry operates across Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Its Central and Wan Chai piers connect with Tsim Sha Tsui, making the service part of the city's commuter network as well as a way to view the harbour from the water.

The operator describes the crossing as an important part of the public transport system and also presents it as a visitor attraction. Its own information confirms that the service has operated in Victoria Harbour since 1888. That long operating history explains why a fare decision affecting two routes also matters to sightseeing plans built around the harbour crossing.

The government has linked the approved change to the company's financial position and service obligations, while the operator's website records recent electronic payment upgrades. The two franchised routes remain the specific services covered by the decision.

What the January change means for harbour visitors

The measure does not take effect during the late-October and November 2026 period. Visitors planning a crossing before 25 January 2027 should distinguish the current service from the later fare adjustment, which applies to both named routes rather than to a separate sightseeing attraction.

The ferry's role is unusually clear at this landmark because the place is the transport service itself. A journey from Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui is therefore both a practical harbour connection and a visit to one of Hong Kong's long-running public institutions.

Visiting Star Ferry: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The approved fare increase takes effect on 25 January 2027 on the Central - Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai - Tsim Sha Tsui routes.
• During the visit period from 24 October to 23 November 2026, the January change has not yet taken effect; the announcement concerns a future adjustment rather than a closure.
• The relevant piers are in Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, on opposite sides of Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
• The crossing is on water and forms part of Hong Kong's public transport network as well as its harbour sightseeing experience.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

Searching for Star Ferry on social platforms

These links open searches for Star Ferry on each platform.

Frequently asked questions about Star Ferry

When does the Star Ferry fare increase take effect?

The approved fare increase takes effect on 25 January 2027 and covers the Central - Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai - Tsim Sha Tsui routes.

Where is Star Ferry and how do you get there?

The service connects piers in Central and Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island with Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon across Victoria Harbour.

What is Star Ferry?

Star Ferry is a Hong Kong public transport service that has served Victoria Harbour since 1888 and also carries visitors across the harbour.