Hong Kong has one of the most efficient and diverse public transport systems in any world city, incorporating underground railway, light urban railways, buses, minibuses, boats, ferries and trams. Most journeys are charged individually, with no blanket pass to cover multiple journeys.

MTR
Hong Kong's main rail systems include the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) East Rail, and the Light Rail (LR).It is more expensive than the ferry, but quicker, particularly for those travelling further into Kowloon than Tsimshatsui. Fares tend to run about HK$5-HK$20, none of which are more than $5 US. Best choice for those who don't know their way around, as all stops are clearly marked.

Bus
The bus system is extensive and bewildering but you will need it to explore the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Maxicabs, however, operate on fixed routes without fixed stops. Minibuses can pick up passengers and stop on request (stand up and yell), except at regular bus stops and other restricted areas. Payment is in cash, and the kamikaze dash through busy traffic favoured by most drivers is a totally Hong Kong experience. Fares for the bus are also zone based, and tend to be fairly cheap-Usually less than $2 US.

Trams
Double-decker trams are only available on Hong Kong Island. Peak Tram on the Island is a cable tramway to the upper terminus on Victoria Peak, 400m (1300ft) high. While slow and unairconditioned, it's very cheap HK$2 for adults, and a cheap and fantastically fun way to see almost all of Hong Kong island while sitting down and rolling along 2 stories above the street. Avoid during rushhour as there will be nowhere to sit.

Ferries
Hong Kong's ferries are usually faster and cheaper than buses and trams. They are also fun, and the harbour views are stunning when the weather cooperates. Hoverferries are about twice as fast as conventional boats. The Star Ferry ride across Hong Kong harbour is a tourist staple, as well as the cheapest way to make the crossing (HK$1.70). Star Ferry terminals are in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. Between Hong Kong and Kowloon are the Star Ferry (which is HK$2.20 on the upper deck, and $1.20 on the commuter's deck), and a few Hoverferry services which are faster, and cost about HK$4. Ferry services to the islands and Macau can be found in Kowloon and Hong Kong.

Taixs
Taxis are widely available in Hong Kong and Kowloon, and extremely cheap, most journeys cost less than HK$20.The flagfall starts at HK$15 in central Hong Kong, less in the New Territories.Red taxis with silver tops serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green ones white tops the New Territories, and blue ones Lantau Island. They're inexpensive compared to other big-city cabs, but the MTR can often be better value and quicker. They don't pick up or put down at bus stops.

Be warned though, most taxi drivers speak almost no English so carry a map or have your destination written in Chinese characters. It is also wise to ask if the taxi is a Hong Kong or Kowloon taxi when boarding, especially late at night; drivers are happiest sticking to their own side of the water.

Rickshaws
These are gradually disappearing and are now purely a tourist attraction, usually found at the Star Ferry terminal in Central. It is advisable to know the fare in advance.

Car Hire
Car rental is available but don't even contemplate driving in Hong Kong. The complex highway system, clogged roads and devilish parking will make it an experience more stressful than it's worth. So it is wisest not to be in charge of a rented vehicle in Hong Kong's tortuous streets, as the average HK$5000 refundable deposit on hire cars testifies. A valid driving licence from the country of residence or an International Driving Permit is required, as well as minimum third-party insurance. Hire rates for a standard saloon car start from about HK$1000 per day. Major operators include Ace (tel: 28 93 05 41) and Avis (tel: 28 90 69 88).If you're determined to navigate under your own steam, hire a car with a driver.

Bicycle/Scooter Hire
It may be consoling to know that if you cycle in central Hong Kong, the traffic will kill you long before the appalling air quality does.
But in quiet areas of the islands or the New Territories a bike can be quite a nice way of getting around in a recreational way. Most bike hire kiosks run out of bikes early on the weekend if the weather is nice.There are places to enjoy cycling, out on the islands or in the New Territories.

Escalator
No visitor to Hong Kong should miss the longest escalator in the world, the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System. It consists of three moving walkways and 20 elevated walkways that can be reversed; they run down in the morning and up the rest of the day and evening to handle commuter traffic flow.