
Island Line Hong Kong
Ride Hong Kong's charming vintage MTR trains along the coast, offering unique views and access to iconic spots like the Monster Buildings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Island Line Hong Kong
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Hong Kong's charming vintage MTR trains along the coast, offering unique views and access to iconic spots like the Monster Buildings.
"I highly recommend going on this train line; it's fast, affordable, and a unique experience!"

🎯 Sit at the ends!
For the best views, grab a seat at the very front or back of the train. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Tai Koo
Exit at Tai Koo station to find the famous Monster Buildings for unique photo ops. :camerawithflash:

Quick Facts
Rating
3.5 · 8 reviews
Type
Transit station
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coastal Vistas
Front or back of the train
Enjoy breathtaking sea views and glimpses of iconic landmarks from the MTR carriage.

Monster Buildings
Tai Koo Station
Explore the iconic, densely packed residential blocks that have become a popular photo spot.

Kennedy Town Promenade
Kennedy Town Station
Stroll along the waterfront for fresh air and picturesque views of the harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Journey
Strategic Station Stops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit at the ends!
For the best views, grab a seat at the very front or back of the train. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Tai Koo
Exit at Tai Koo station to find the famous Monster Buildings for unique photo ops. :camerawithflash:
🌊 Kennedy Town Stroll
Enjoy the waterfront promenade near Kennedy Town station for a relaxing walk. 🚶
🚄 Fast & Affordable
The Island Line trains are surprisingly fast for their age and a budget-friendly way to travel. 🎟️
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit at the ends!
For the best views, grab a seat at the very front or back of the train. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Tai Koo
Exit at Tai Koo station to find the famous Monster Buildings for unique photo ops. :camerawithflash:
🌊 Kennedy Town Stroll
Enjoy the waterfront promenade near Kennedy Town station for a relaxing walk. 🚶
🚄 Fast & Affordable
The Island Line trains are surprisingly fast for their age and a budget-friendly way to travel. 🎟️
🚻 Clean Facilities
Restrooms at stations like Ryde Pier Head are noted for their cleanliness. 🚽
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Island Line for its unique vintage trains and scenic coastal views, offering an affordable and charming way to see Hong Kong Island. While some find the stations basic, the cleanliness of facilities and the overall experience are highly rated, making it a recommended journey for its character and value.
"Nice toilets, nice Costa and its nice that you can walk or drive or ride the train to go out of ryde pier head"
Aaron Seers
"Ok.
Does the job and on my last visit was pleased to find the gents loo's very clean unlike many public bogs.
Small coffee shop hsndy for dribks and nosh on the go."
rob girling
"Cleanest toilets on the planet thanks to the hard working staff ! :) not much to do up the pier end thou :("
Jonathan harvey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Island Line is a major part of the MTR network. You can access it from numerous stations across Hong Kong Island, including major interchange stations like Admiralty and Central.
While not the entire line is coastal, sections offer stunning sea views, particularly towards the eastern end. It's a scenic and efficient way to travel along the island's northern coast.
Yes, the Island Line serves key areas. For example, Tai Koo station is the gateway to the Monster Buildings, and Kennedy Town station offers access to its promenade.
The Island Line primarily serves Hong Kong Island, distinguished by its blue color on MTR maps. It connects various districts from Kennedy Town in the west to Chai Wan in the east.
MTR stations in Hong Kong are generally well-signed and easy to navigate, with clear announcements and maps available in multiple languages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fares vary depending on the distance traveled. A one-way ticket can be around £7.00 (approx. HK$70), making it a relatively affordable way to explore.
Tickets can be purchased at any MTR station from ticket vending machines or the customer service center. You can also use an Octopus card for seamless travel.
While there isn't a specific pass just for the Island Line, consider an MTR Tourist Day Pass if you plan on extensive travel across the MTR network within a day.
The MTR generally operates from early morning (around 5:30 AM) to past midnight. Specific timings can vary slightly by station and day.
No advance booking is necessary for regular travel on the Island Line. You can purchase tickets or use your Octopus card upon arrival at the station.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Many travelers highlight the views from the front or back of the train, especially as it travels along the coast, offering glimpses of the sea and distant islands.
The Island Line is known for its older, '40s underground trains' which, despite their age, are capable of speeds up to 50 mph, offering a unique ride experience.
Tai Koo Station is famous for its proximity to the 'Monster Buildings,' a complex of densely packed residential blocks that are a popular spot for photography.
MTR stations are generally equipped with lifts and escalators. It's advisable to check the MTR website for specific station accessibility details.
Stations typically offer restrooms, convenience stores (like Costa Coffee), and information kiosks. Some stations, like Ryde Pier Head, are noted for their clean facilities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
For scenic shots, sit at the front or back of the train to capture the coastal views. Tai Koo station is essential for photographing the Monster Buildings.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light for both train views and urban exploration. Weekday mornings can offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but avoid intrusive filming or photography that might disturb other passengers. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
You can see them from the train, but for the iconic shots, you'll need to alight at Tai Koo station and explore the area on foot.
A wide-angle lens is great for the Monster Buildings, while a standard zoom can capture both the train interiors and the coastal scenery.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit