Hong Kong is the major gateway to China and much of East Asia. International air service is excellent and fares are relatively inexpensive. Visitors should reconfirm onward or return tickets well before departure or seats may be lost. Note that there is a departure tax of HK$50.

Hong Kong's new international airport, Chek Lap Kok, is on Lantau Island. There is also an international train link between Hong Kong and Guangzhou (Canton) and a new six-lane highway between the two cities. An express train trip to Beijing takes about 30 hours. Several transport companies in Hong Kong offer bus services to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and several other destinations in Guangdong Province. There are also boats that take you to destinations in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.

Cathay Pacific (CX) is the flagship carrier of Hong Kong. As for United States carriers, United Airlines (UA) flies one stop from Chicago via San Francisco to Hong Kong; it also flies nonstop from Los Angeles. Northwest Airlines (NW) flies from New York to Hong Kong with a stopover in Tokyo; Northwest also flies from Detroit to Hong Kong with a change of planes in Tokyo. American Airlines (AA) flyers can take Cathay Pacific from Los Angeles and gain AAdvantage (tm) points with at least full coach fare.

Canadian Airlines International (CP) provides a daily nonstop service from Vancouver to Hong Kong. The smoke-free flight originates in Toronto. Air Canada also provides service to Hong Kong four times a week.

Hong Kong is small and crowded, which makes public transport the only practical way to get around. Public transport is inexpensive, fast, widely used, and generally efficient. The bus system is extensive and bewildering, but you will need it in order to explore the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. The north side of Hong Kong Island and most of Kowloon are well served by Hong Kong's ultra-modern Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Three tunnels link Hong Kong with Kowloon.

The Canton-Kowloon Railway (KCR) runs from Kowloon to the Chinese border at Lo Wu. Light Rail Transit (fast, modern, air-conditioned trams) run in the New Territories, connecting the city of Tuen Mun with Yuen Long. Double-decker trams trundle along the northern side of Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong's ferries are usually faster and cheaper than buses and trams. They are also fun, and the harbor views are stunning when the weather cooperates. Hovercraft are about twice as fast as conventional boats.

Metered taxis are red with silver tops (but green with white tops in the New Territories). They will not pick up or put down at bus stops. Car rental is available, but do not even consider the possibility. Bicycling in Kowloon or Central would be suicidal. However, in quiet areas of the islands or the New Territories, a bike can be an adequate and appropriate way to get around.