Star Ferry

Green-and-white ferries crossing Victoria Harbour since 1888, a classic way to see the skyline.

The company was founded in 1888 as the Kowloon Ferry Company and took its present name in 1898. Today it has twelve ferries on two routes across the harbour. Together they carry more than 70,000 passengers a day, about 26 million each year. Even though railway and road tunnels now cross the harbour, many people still choose the ferry.

How does the ride work?

The ferries work like a bus on the water: they sail back and forth on set routes between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. With twelve boats and two routes, they carry more than 70,000 passengers every day. From the water you see the harbour and the city skyline from a different angle than from the streets. That is why the ride is popular as a tourist attraction as well as everyday transport.

A very old service

The service started in the 19th century, when Hong Kong was a young port city. Since 1888 the boats have kept crossing the busy harbour through changes in the city, from sailing days to modern skyscrapers. The company carries on using ferries as part of daily life even after tunnels were built under the water. The sources describe it as a tourist attraction as well as a transport operator.

On the globe

The model shows a green-and-white ferry crossing the harbour. Look for the little boat moving on the water.