If you’re planning to fly to or from Hong Kong, you might want to know about the in-town check-in service that is available at Hong Kong Station.
This service allows you to check-in and drop off your baggage in central Hong Kong up to 24 hours prior to your departure (depending on your airline), saving you time and inconvenience at the airport.
In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Hong Kong’s in-town check-in service, including:
- How to use the service.
- Which airlines are eligible?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks?
- How much does it cost?
Key Points of Hong Kong In Town Check In
- Service resumed on July 5, 2023, after being suspended in April 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The service is included at no extra cost with the purchase of an Airport Express ticket.
- Currently, Cathay Pacific is the only airline offering this service.
- In-town check-in is available only at Hong Kong Station from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm.
What is In Town Check In?
Hong Kong’s in-town check-in is a convenient service that lets you check-in and drop off your baggage at Hong Kong Station.
This is the terminal station of the Airport Express train line that connects Hong Kong International Airport with the city center.
Important: Hong Kong International Airport’s website has outdated information about the city’s in-town check-in service. It’s currently only available at Hong Kong Station.
The service was suspended in April 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as of July 5, 2023, the service has resumed at Hong Kong Station for Cathay Pacific Airways passengers, with plans to expand to other airlines and stations in the future.
How Does In Town Check In Work?
Hong Kong’s in-town check-in service is very easy and convenient to use. All you need is a valid Airport Express ticket or Octopus Card (a smart card that you can use for public transport and other payments in Hong Kong).
You can buy a single-use ticket at the station or online or use your existing Octopus Card (make sure it has enough balance). The fare for a single journey from Hong Kong Station to the airport is HK$110 (US$14) per adult and HK$55 (US$7) per child or senior citizen.
Once you have your ticket or card, you can access the check-in area at Hong Kong Station. Currently, only Cathay Pacific has reopened its check-in desks at Hong Kong Station, but more airlines are expected to join soon.
You can check-in and collect your boarding pass between 90 minutes and one full day ahead of your scheduled flight departure time. You can also drop off your luggage at the same time, and it will be transported to the airport for you.
After that, you’re free to explore Hong Kong until it’s time to board the Airport Express train to the airport. The train ride takes only 24 minutes from Hong Kong Station and runs every 10 minutes from 5:50 am to 0:48 am daily. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi on board the train.
Benefits of Using In Town Check In
Hong Kong’s in-town check-in service offers many benefits for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Hong Kong.
Here are some of them:
- You can save time and avoid queues at the airport by checking in early at the station.
- You can travel light and enjoy your last day in Hong Kong without carrying your luggage around.
- You can arrive at the airport later and go straight to security and immigration.
- You can take advantage of free shuttle buses from major hotels to Hong Kong Station.
- You can save money by using the Airport Express train instead of a taxi or other transport options.
Limitations of In Town Check In
In-town check-in service is not available for all passengers or flights. Some of the limitations are:
- Cathay Pacific is the only airline currently offering this service. This is expected to change but no specific timeframes have been released.
- The service is currently only available at Hong Kong Station. There has been no word on if or when Kowloon Station will resume the service.
- Although the service is technically free, it’s only available upon purchase of an Airport Express train ticket. A ticket costs HK$110 ($14) per adult for a one-way trip from Hong Kong Station to the airport.
- The in-town check-in counters are open from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm only.
- You need to check in at least 90 minutes before your flight departure time. You can’t use the in-town check-in if you are late or miss the cut-off time.
- To access Hong Kong Station’s in-town check-in counters, you have to use an Octopus card or an Airport Express ticket.
- For your luggage to be accepted at the in-town check-in counters, the total size of all your checked luggage can be no more than 57 x 39 x 33 inches (145 x 100 x 85 centimeters). Also, the total weight of your baggage can be no heavier than 154 pounds (70 kilograms).
Where Can I Find In Town Check In?
The in-town check-in service is currently available at Hong Kong Station only.
Hong Kong Station
Hong Kong Station is on Hong Kong Island, near Central and Admiralty. It is connected to the Central MTR station and the Hong Kong MTR station, as well as several bus routes. It is also close to many attractions, such as Victoria Peak, Lan Kwai Fong, and Soho.
How to Get to Hong Kong Station?
There are several ways to get to Hong Kong Station from different parts of the city. Here are some of the most common options:
By MTR
You can take the MTR metro to Hong Kong Station by using the Island Line or the Tung Chung Line.
The station is also connected to Central Station by underground tunnels and automated walkways; there you can catch the Tsuen Wan Line or change to other lines.
You can use an Octopus card or buy a single-journey ticket at any MTR station.
By Bus
You can take a bus to Hong Kong Station by looking for routes that stop at Pedder Street or Connaught Road Central near the station.
You can use an Octopus card or pay with cash on board.
You can find bus routes and timetables on the Citybus website.
By Ferry
You can take a ferry to Hong Kong Station by using the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai.
The ferry will stop at the pier in front of IFC 2 near the station.
You can use an Octopus card or buy a token at the pier. You can find ferry schedules on the Star Ferry website.
By Taxi
You can take a taxi to Hong Kong Station by telling the driver to go to IFC Mall or Airport Express Hong Kong Station.
The taxi fare will vary depending on the traffic and route.
You can pay with cash or by using an Octopus or credit card.
By Car
You can drive your own car to Hong Kong Station by following the signs to IFC Mall or Airport Express Hong Kong Station. You can park your car at the IFC Mall car park.
The parking fee is HK$22 ($2.8) per hour from Monday to Friday and HK$25 ($3.2) per hour on weekends and public holidays.
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong’s in-town check-in service is a great way to make your travel experience more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
It allows you to check-in for your flight and drop off your luggage at Hong Kong Station in the city, and then travel to the airport on the fast and reliable Airport Express train.
You can save time and money by using this service and make the most of your last day in Hong Kong. If you are flying out of HKIA, don’t miss this opportunity to try this service.
