Hong Kong Airport

The recently constructed Hong Kong Airport, also known as Chep Lap Kok, has won many awards, and while many were sad to see the centrally located Kai Tak airport close, the new airport on Lantau Island is definitely something Hong Kong and its people can be proud of.

Getting to and from Hong Kong Airport could not be simpler with a choice of reasonably priced air-conditioned buses, taxi's, and a very efficient Airport Express train, the choice is yours. If you prefer not to travel into Hong Kong then there is one airport hotel for you to use, see Hotels in Hong Kong Airport for more information.

What first strikes you about Hong Kong Airport is its sheer size, it seems enormous and it is, the airport is capable of handling up to 87 million passengers and nine million tonnes of cargo annually. Nearly 36 million passengers passed through the airport in the 12 months to August 2004. The airport offers countless Duty Free shops offering everything from books, to Harrod's gourmet delicacies, to the latest in fashion, electrical items or sparkling jewellery. Do take note though, that while there are a lot of shops, they are not that cheap, in fact it is cheaper to buy perfume and many of the other items in the heart of Hong Kong than at the airport.

Hong Kong Airport does offer some very enjoyable restaurants offering a whole assortment of foods to please any palate, and now even Free Wi-Fi Internet Access across the entire airport, and a Shoe Shine service.

Immigration and the queues that go with it is all a matter of chance, and depends on how many flights are landing or departing at the time of your arrival or departure. If you travel to Hong Kong more than three times in a twelve month period you should consider applying for the Hong Kong International Airport Frequent Traveller Card, which helps you avoid any long waits.