Chek Lap Kok International Airport, which is the official name for Hong Kong airport, has been and can still be considered one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2019, the airport served more than 71 million passengers, placing itself as the 13th busiest airport in the world. During the pandemic, however, airport traffic decreased significantly due to various restrictions applied by the Hong Kong authority. In 2022, the airport only served only around 5.7 million passengers. As travel made come back in 2023, passenger traffic at Hong Kong airport has been increasing steadily. The traffic can be expected to be nearing the pre-pandemic level some time in 2024.
What is unique with Hong Kong airport is its role as an international passenger and cargo hub. Hong Kong airport serves flights to over 220 destinations worldwide through more than 1,100 daily flights by over 120 airlines. Since it serves flights to hundreds of destinations worldwide, Hong Kong airport naturally also plays a role as a transit airport that connects flights between various origins and destinations. Airlines with flight routes from Southeast Asia to East Asia, Southeast Asia to Europe, South Asia to North America, and so forth, often choose Hong Kong as the transit hub. As a result, the airport has also been designed and operated to cater to passengers in transit besides the traditional departure and arrival activities.
If you take a long-haul flight with connecting flight at Hong Kong airport, you may be wondering how you will spend the time during the layover. What nice things are there at Hong Kong airport that one can experience while on layover? Here we give you some ideas on things to do during a layover at Hong Kong airport based on our experience exploring the airport while waiting for the next connecting flight.
Hong Kong Airport Floor Plan for Transit
Hong Kong airport terminal building is a ten story gigantic structure with floor area of approximately 752,000 square meters. Once you arrived at the airport, knowing how to navigate the terminal building is a vantage point for someone looking for optimizing the breadth of experience in an airport layover.
There are four levels (floors) of Hong Kong airport used for transit activities or flight transfers. Level 5 (L5) is the floor for passenger arrival gates. Passengers arriving at Hong Kong airport can choose to exit the airport through immigration gates or transfer for their next flight. For passengers transferring at the airport, they will need to go through security check on level 5. Waiting areas, shops, and cafes/restaurants are mostly located on level 6 (L6) and level 7 (L7). Meanwhile, departure gates are located on level 4 (L4) and level 6. Level 4 provides access to departure gates number 511-530, while level 6 are for departure gates number 1-230.
If you only stay at the airport during your layover, first ensure that you already have the onward boarding pass. To transfer, you should enter the transfer area on L5 and go through security check and x-ray scan. Once the check is complete, you will exit the area and go one level up to the airside on level 6 (L6). If you decide to leave the airport, you will need to prepare your arrival card and submit the completed form along with your passport to the officer in order to clear the immigration on L5.
Things to Do on a Layover at Hong Kong Airport
Options for things you can do on a layover vary depending on the length of your layover time. Let’s say that your layover time is considerably short: 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 8 hours (especially at night). With this short layover time, big chance is you decide to stay at the airport during the layover. Here is a list of things that you can do without leaving the airport.
Taking Some Rest
Resting may be the first choice if you arrive at Hong Kong airport at night and have connecting flight in the morning. Hong Kong airport provides public sleeping chairs as one of resting facilities for transit passengers. Sleeping chairs are located in the waiting halls near departure gates numbered 1, 5, 6, 7, 24, 26, 33, 44, 45, 47,48, 64, 65, 66, 69, 205, 207, 213, 215 on level 6 of Hong Kong airport.
In addition to sleeping chairs, less ideal options include taking some nap in the waiting chairs in each departure hall area or couches in the waiting area near to immigration clearance section on level 5.
In the past, there was a transit resting lounge operated by Aerotel with entrance located near to gate 35 on level 6. However, since the facility has been closed, there is currently no hotel / private resting lounge in the airside area of Hong Kong airport. So, if you want to rest at a transit hotel, you need to clear the immigration and go to a transit hotel outside of the airport. The closest hotel from the airport is Regal Airport Hotel that is located next to the airport and connected to Terminal 1 through a pedestrian bridge.
Working
Some travelers may not easily switch off even during a flight transfer. Perhaps you have a deck to prepare for a customer pitch next day or need to check your inbox for important emails so that having a good space to work during your layover becomes inevitable. Hong Kong airport provides working desks for you to stay productive even during your journey.
At each working table, there are USB ports and power sockets for charging electronic devices. But don’t be surprised if you find different socket shapes to fit the electric plugs of your devices. Hong Kong uses type G socket, which is a triangular socket for use with three-square-pins type G plug. This socket can be different from the types of sockets used in your country. The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC at 50Hz. If the voltage or plug for your devices is different with that of Hong Kong, you need to bring a travel adapter and use it when connecting the plug to power sockets in Hong Kong.
You can buy travel adapters using the keywords “universal travel adapter” or “Hong Kong travel adapter”.
If your work requires access to internet, there is no need to worry about internet connectivity. The airport provides free WiFi using two hotspot names: “#HKAirport Free WiFi” and “#HKAirport Free WiFi (legacy)“. You can choose either one to connect your device to the internet.
Charging Your Gadgets
Able to charge your gadgets and devices while on transit can be a means to a happy end. We highlight this activity to emphasize how important it is to not run out of battery in modern-day travel. If your laptop happens to have different plug that is incompatible with the electric socket used at Hong Kong airport, you can still charge your other devices and gadgets that come with USB ports for charging.
Hong Kong airport has been installed with more than six thousand charging points that also come up with USB charging outlets. Each USB outlet commonly consists of a USB A port and a USB C port. The USB outlets are usually attached to the side of the chairs in the waiting area or mounted on the desks. You can plug your USB connector cable to the compatible port and start charging your devices.
Do note that not all USB ports will function properly once connected for charging. You may need to try USB ports in several USB charging points before finally finding the USB port that can deliver power to charge your electronics.
Using the Rest Room
This is a thing that is often taken for granted but it is worth a special mention in this article. As an airport that won the award for the best airport in the world in the past, the trace of the Hong Kong airport past accolades is still reflected in the comfort and cleanliness of its rest rooms. Modern interior design, vibrant in-room LED display, individual wash bowl with automatic hand dryer, hand soap, and toilet paper set elevate the mundane rest room experience into something remarkable. The rest rooms are also cleaned regularly several times a day to maintain the pleasant rest room experience, a clear sign that the airport operates to the highest standards.
Using the Nursing Room
When you are traveling as a family with an infant, breaks to the nursing room can be inevitable over the course of your journey. If you transfer at Hong Kong airport, you can spot the nursing rooms while navigating the hallway. There are more than 30 nursing rooms installed in the airside and landside area of the airport. Majority of the nursing rooms are placed next to female rest rooms, so it is not difficult to locate them.
Each nursing room is equipped with diaper changing pad, sink, water heater, and lactation room for breastfeeding. In some rooms, waiting chairs are also installed for other accompanying family member to sit and relax while the little one is being taken care of.
Taking a Shower
Having a shower after a long-haul flight can be a routine for some travelers. It is never a bad idea to take a shower to freshen up your body and boost your mood and confidence with the good smell after a shower. If you have a few hours of layover at Hong Kong airport, you may be pondering on the shower options you have. Good news is besides paid shower room, the airport also provides free complimentary shower rooms that can be used by passengers in transit.
Complimentary Shower Rooms for Transit Passengers
The complimentary shower rooms are located near arrival gates number 12 and 43 on level 5. if you want to use one of the complimentary shower rooms, you should not enter the transfer area after you disembark from the plane. Identify your arrival gate number and walk through the alleys towards the nearer shower room. If you enter the transfer area and proceed to complete the security check, you will exit on level 6 and cannot go back to level 5. Once you’re on level 6, you can only use the paid shower rooms.
There is a vending machine in the shower room where you can purchase towel and toiletries such as liquid soap, shampoo, shaving kit, toothpaste, toothbrush, among others. Payment with credit card is supported so you don’t necessarily have to insert cash into the machine for payment.
Despite the size, the shower booth is satisfactory enough to accommodate essential shower. The shower head is mounted on the wall along with the water knob underneath that you can rotate to turn on the shower. After you finish your shower, you can use the hairdryer that is provided in each private shower room.
Paid Shower Room
If you have a lounge membership or are subscribed to a loyalty program with lounge access, you can check if the lounge for the brand or its network is available at Hong Kong airport. Upon finding, you can access the lounge and use the shower room facility in the lounge. If you don’t have a lounge membership, you can still buy a lounge pass, for example Plaza Premium Lounge pass, and use the shower room provided by the lounge.
Refreshhh by Aerotel is another paid shower room option. The facility is located on level 7 West Hall with main access through the escalator near exit 60 or exit 40 on level 6. Plaza Premium Lounge and other airline/membership lounges are located nearby, which increases your flexibility in deciding the shower room that fits you.
Treating Yourself Spa or Massage
If conventional shower does not satisfy your desire for relaxation, you can indulge yourself in spa or massage treatment.
Previously we mentioned Refreshh by Aerotel as an option for paid shower room. The facility also provides massage service so this is an option you can consider for having a good shower and relaxing massage in the same place.
If your layover time is somewhat longer, at least 6 hours, instead of immediately entering the transfer area after your arrival, you can clear the immigration and enjoy the spa and massage service at Regal Airport Hotel. The hotel is located next to Hong Kong airport and connected to the airport through a pedestrian bridge. Walking time to the hotel is around 5-10 minutes.
Relaxing in a Lounge
The public space can sometimes be too crowded and overwhelming so that you need a more private space that offers you better comfort and chance for relaxation. You can of course stay at a hotel but when the layover time is not long enough, using the airport lounge can be a better choice. An airport lounge usually comes with cozy seats and couches, power outlets and free WiFi, free food and drinks, open bar for beer and other liquor, shower room, and sometimes play area for kids.
An airport lounge can be run by an airline or a private company. As a hub for Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong airport hosts expansive lounge for business class and first class Cathay passengers. The Cathay lounge entrance is located near to gate 63 (first-class lounge) and gate 65 (business-class lounge) on level 6.
Other lounges are mostly located on level 7 of the West Hall with entrance near to gate 40 or gate 60 on level 6. Emirates Lounge and United Club (temporarily closed) are lounges in this area that are run by airlines. For membership lounges that require annual membership fee or certain membership level for lounge access, you can find Sapphire Lounge by The Club and Centurion Lounge by American Express. There is also Plaza Premium Lounge, a pay-per-use lounge whereas you can pay for a single pass to access to the lounge for a specific duration ranging from three to six hours.
Gazing Out at Sky Garden
Sky Garden is an outdoor space in the airside area of Hong Kong airport. It is located on level 7 of East Hall across the Chanel outlet. You can take the escalator near gate 10 on level 6 to go up to level 7 and find the facility on your left. Despite having “garden” attached to its name, the facility is basically a terrace with some blocks of grass and green plants separated by concrete pathways. The outer wall is also covered with plants while some metallic ornaments are installed at some strategic spots to produce visually appealing artistic ambience of the space.
Such simple beauty and temporary retreat from the crowd can be underwhelming since the space is also used for cigarette breaks. But when there’re just a few people in the space without much surrounding noise, gazing at the greenery or staring into the sky can be a moment of solace that brings you some travel inspiration.
Playing Games
Playing games is another option to kill the time while enjoying the moment of waiting. Even though your game-laden phone or tablet can keep your eyes locked on the screen while the clock is ticking, you can also venture on the in-airport entertainment presented by the airport.
There are several game stations you can try at Hong Kong airport. You can try virtual interactive gaming experiences around departure gate number 34 or at the Buzz Zones near departure gates number 31, 41, and 62 on level 6.
Near to departure gate 35, there is a chess board with kid-sized chess pieces. You can practice your chess skill with your traveling partner or challenge other fellow traveler to play this kind of literally-physical chess with you. It’s double exercise for your brain and muscles.
If you travel with your kids, navigate to the East Hall. Near to exit 11 on level 6, there is a giant eggshell structure named “Wonder Eggshell” with slide, net tunnels, climber, and space to hide. You can let your kids play, scream, and roam around the structure. While they are having fun and releasing their energy, you can take the moment for some me-time break.
Some game consoles for kids are also installed in the Buzz Zone. This can be an alternative option for your kids besides the Wonder Eggshell.
Shopping for Gifts and Souvenirs
Hong Kong is known as one of top shopping destinations in Asia. Even in the airside area of Hong Kong airport, you can find a lot of interesting places to shop. Various types of items ranging from souvenirs, snacks, cosmetics, to high-end fashion and other luxury items can be found at Hong Kong airport.
For your luxury shopping appetite, you can find Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes stores on level 6 of the East Hall. Stores for other high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Dior, Balenciaga, Burberry, Bvlgari, Ferragamo, Prada and many others are also located on level 6 around the East Hall.
If you want to shop for duty free items, you can walk around the stalls in Shilla Duty Free, located near to departure gate 1 and gate 5 on level 6, also around the East Hall.
Plan to bring some simple gifts for your friends at home? Grab some Hong Kong confectionery at Good Point near to departure gate 40 on level 6 and level 7 of East Hall, Asia Bites near to departure gate 60 and level 7 of East Hall, or Sweet Dreams by Heinemann near to gate 1, 27, and 60 on level 6. The price range for most items is around HK$100 to HK$500 ($10 to $65).
Eating and Drinking
Hong Kong airport offers tremendous culinary experience that you may not find in other airports. Some of the restaurants are Michelin starred or operated as the airport branch of a Michelin star restaurant and thus giving you sort of guarantee for tasty palate and memorable occasion of an airport dining.
Food stalls and restaurants are mainly located on level 7 of the East Hall and level 6 of the West Hall near to departure gate 40 and 60. In the East Hall, you can find Japanese food served at Bari-Uma and Sushi Taka, Korean food by Sinsa Eat, Thai food by Moon Thai Express, Chinese Singaporean food by Putien and Hong Kong cuisine served by Tasty Congee & Wantun Shop, and Duddell’s, a one-star michelin restaurant. Those craving savory quick bites can try burger menu from Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, which as the name suggests is owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Beef & Liberty also serves burger and often receives rave reviews from travelers. For fine dining or course menu, you can go to Jardin De Jade restaurants that are also located on level 7 of the East Hall.
The food court on level 6 of the West Hall occupies smaller area and hence less dining options. For Hong Kong cuisine, you can opt for casual dining at Chee Kei or Master Hung, or fine dining with roasted duck as the main course at Yung Kee restaurant. Nippon Ramen will be your option for Japanese ramen noodle. Are you in hurry and thinking about something served quickly that you can grab and go? You can proceed to Burger King and order your whopper and fries.
Maybe you are not hungry but a little bit thirsty. You can buy bottled water from the restaurants in the food court or one of the convenient stores. Alternatively, you can get potable water at Water Zones, the free water refill stations that are spread across the transit lounge and halls on level 6 and level 7. Each Water Zone station comes with cool and hot water dispensers. Paper cups are also stocked, usually in the morning. When the paper cups run out and have not been restocked, you need to use your own tumbler or bottle to put the water in.
Cafe Hopping
Looking out at the tarmac while drinking your favorite espresso or matcha tea can be a comforting way of enjoying your layover. You can choose your favorite coffee brand or chain, from the globally omnipresent Starbucks to Hong Kong’s Pacific Coffee. Starbucks stalls can be found near departure gates number 2,6,44, and 206 while Pacific Coffee is located near departure gate 30 on level 6.
For quick takeaway, you can visit Blue Bottle kiosk in the East Hall on the level 7 near to Jardin De Jade restaurant. The pop up kiosk opened in September 2023 and has been serving customers daily from 6AM to midnight.
A somewhat underrated option is having your coffee break at McDonalds located near departure gate 11 on level 6. After going downstairs, you will enter an alley and see the space for the store. On one side of the dining area is transparent glass window with unobstructed view to the tarmac. Sitting at a table near to the glass window and looking at the airport scenery outside the window is just so mesmerizing. A quick win for the inexpensive price of your latte.
Sipping Some Cocktail at Sky Bar
Located on level 9 in the Sky Bridge, Intervals Sky Bar is a cocktail bar at Hong Kong airport that was first opened in December 2023. To go to the bar, walk towards the alley located between departure gate 12 and 24 and proceed up the escalators to level 9.
While enjoying the fantastic scenery of the airport outside the window, you can loosen up sipping Signature Flights, a series of cocktail sets with two to six drinks in each set. The price for Signature Flights starts from HK$158. You can expect to finish the drinks in the set from 15 to 45 minutes, excluding the hangover time.
Intervals Sky Bar opens everyday from 7AM to 11PM.
Short Visits outside of Hong Kong Airport
If your layover is more than 12 hours, staying at the airport may be less desirable. Instead, you might be considering leaving the airport to visit interesting places nearby. We will briefly discuss the entry requirements and methods of transport to visit Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China, the three different countries / regions within reach from Hong Kong airport that requires immigration clearance for entry.
Short Visit to Hong Kong
To visit Hong Kong, ensure that your citizenship allows you to visit Hong Kong visa free. Once your plane landed at Hong Kong airport, you will get out of the arrival gate on level 5 and walk towards the immigration lane. To clear the immigration you have to submit your Hong Kong arrival card to the immigration officer. After clearing the immigration, you will search for your baggage in the baggage claim area, pass through the customs control, and go outside to explore Hong Kong.
There are various ways to go to Hong Kong from the airport. The cheaper option will be taking a bus, which will cost you HK$18-HK$50. Alternatively, you can use Octopus Card or buy a one-way ticket with discounted price to travel by Airport Express train from the airport to one of the city stops and continue your journey to the closest MTR station to your destination.
The most convenient yet costly way is by taking a taxi, which will cost you at least HK$200. You need to prepare enough cash if you decide to hop on a taxi from the airport.
Short Visit to Macau
To prevent being denied for entry to Macau, you need to ensure that your country is in the list of visa-free countries for entry to Macau. You can enter Macau directly from Hong Kong airport or clear the immigration and leave the airport to go to Macau from another departure point.
You can take ferry to Macau from Hong Kong airport. The sales counter is located near transfer desk E2 on level 5. The fare for Hong Kong airport Skypier to Macau Taipa ferry terminal is around HK$300 with travel time around 1 hour.
Unfortunately, direct ferry from Hong Kong airport to Macau only runs once a day at around noon. If you arrive in the morning or in the afternoon, the direct ferry won’t be available. Therefore, you need to change the route. You will take a ferry departing from Hong Kong port instead. To do so, you can buy an airport express train ticket going to Hong Kong station. From the station, take the elevated walkway and walk around 3-5 minutes to the ferry terminal. You can then purchase Turbojet ferry ticket on the spot or buy it in advance in order to reserve your seat. The Turbojet ferry from Hong Kong port to Macau runs almost every hour.
You can also go to Macau by bus, which is the cheapest option. Take the A11, A12, A21, or A22 bus outside the airport and get off at HZMB Hong Kong port clearance building. The HZMB bus fare to Macau is around HK$65 and travel time is around 45 minutes.
Short Visit to Mainland (Shenzhen, Guangzhou)
You can be dispatched to a business trip to Shenzhen or Guangzhou while flying another route. Prior to leaving for Mainland, ensure that you can enter Mainland China visa-free for 72/144 hours long transit. Otherwise, you need to first obtain a valid visa to enter China.
If you want go to Shenzhen, you can take the ferry, bus, or train. If you choose to travel by bus, take the A43 bus to Sheung Shui station, then continue by MRT to Lok Ma Chau station. Walk along the footbridge and clear the immigration to cross the border into China. Finally, continue with taking subway 4 to Shenzhen North Railway station.
For a quick trip to Guangzhou, you can take a ferry from Hong Kong airport Sky Pier to Guangzhou. You can also take airport express train to Kowloon station, walk towards Kowloon west station and continue your journey to Shenzhen and finally Guangzhou. If it’s just too much hassle, you can use a coach service to Guangzhou instead.
What is your favorite thing to do on a layover at Hong Kong airport?