Hong Kong Airport, or Chek Lap Kok to give it, its proper name, is an absolute star of an airport and for anybody who has had to deal with clueless check-in staff, leaking toilets and layouts designed to ensure you miss your flight, you’ll find Hong Kong airport a breeze.
As a major international and regional hub, Chek Lap Kok is one of Asia’s busiest airports and deals with 40 million passengers each year, yet despite it’s size, it’s still incredibly well run. Skytrax named Chek Lap Kok the world’s best airport five years running and each year it’s regularly neck and neck with nearby neighbour Singapore Airport.
Essential Facts About Hong Kong Airport
- Daily Flights 750+
- Airlines 85+
- Destinations 150+
Arrivals and Departures
Hong Kong Airport consists of two terminals, with Terminal 1 the second biggest terminal building in the world. In Terminal One departures are on the upper level and arrivals are one the lower. Immigration is polite and brief and you should expect to wait between 5 and 15 minutes to clear entry formalities. Baggage can be found after immigration and is usually on the carousel within 10 to 15 minutes. Terminal 1 has two arrival gates, and if you’ve being collected by someone you should agree to meet at either Gate A or Gate B. Transport between Terminal 1 and 2 is provided by a free Automated People Mover, which travels roughly every two minutes.
Amenities and Facilities
There is free wifi available throughout Terminals One and Two. Left luggage facilities are available in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 and on Level 3 of Terminal 2. There are also three Tourist Information booths in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1, where you can pick up a map and get essential information about the city. There are several ATMS and money exchange counters.Transport to and From the Airport
The best way to reach the city is via the Airport Express, although there are also many bus services and of course taxis. You can find out more in our Hong Kong Airport Transport guide.In-Town Check In
In conjunction with the Airport Express train service, the airport offers check-in at Hong Kong station, up to one day in advance of your flight, including baggage on selected airlines. Check out our In Town Check-In article for information on which airlines provide the service and how to use it.
Travel onto China
It is possible to take bonded ferries to Shenzhen, without ever having to clear Hong Kong immigration. This applies for both departing and arriving passengers. There are also several coach companies offering services to major cities all over China. There are also travel agents at the airport that can assist you with obtaining a Chinese visa, although this cannot be done on the spot.Hotels at Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong Airport has two dedicated hotels, the luxurious Skycity Mariott and the massive Regal Airport Hotel, which both come loaded with amenities and facilities. Only slightly less impressive, but thankfully massively cheaper, the Novotel offers sleeps for those who aren't on expense accounts. Check out Hong Kong Airport Hotels for full reviews of all three.Dining
Airport dining is as good as fine dining at Chek Lap Kok, with several upmarket eateries, as well as a sprinkling of more budget minded options.
- Grappas Bar and Italian Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with Italian cuisine.
Where: Departures Check-in Hall (Level 8)
Hours: 06:30 - 23:00 - Wildfire
Good selection of pizzas at reasonable prices.
Where: Departures East Hall (Level 7) - Restricted Area
Hours: 08:00 - 23:30 - Hereford Beefstouw
Brassiere style, certainly the classiest option, but also the most expensive.
Where: Departures Check- in Hall (level 8)
Hours: 11:00 - 23:00 - Pacific Coffee
Hong Kong's very own imitation Starbucks.
Where Departures Check-in Hall (level 7)
Hours: 07:00 - 23:00There is also Hong Kong's only Popeye Chicken and one of only two Burger Kings in the city to choose from. You can check out a floor plan, where you'll find the location of these restaurants and many others in the airport.
Shopping
The Airport Skymart ranks as one of the best shopping malls in Hong Kong and if you enjoy hitting the shops it might be worth setting aside some dedicated time to explore the mall. The Skymart also has a downtown pricing guarantee, which means stores at the airport cannot inflate their prices.
Airport shops can be found both before and after the security check. Find out what’s where with list of shops below. Most stores operate from 8am until 11pm.
Burberry, Bvlgari, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Ralph Lauren are some of the blockbuster names to be found in the mall.
