9 Hong Kong transportation apps you need to download

Of course, there are plenty of taxi apps out there, but we can confidently say that the HKTaxi app is by far the best. Available in both Chinese and English, simply enter your location, phone number, along with anything you wish to notify the driver, then tap on “get a taxi,” and the app will begin to search for the nearest available taxi. The app also has a real-time tracker so you can see where your driver is and the estimated time of arrival. With the HKTaxi app on your phone, you no longer have to fight off barging old ladies trying to steal your cab! Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

Ever hopped into a taxi only to end up in a game of charades because you and the driver can’t understand each other? Well, the Hong Kong Taxi Cards app can solve that. With more than 9,000 Hong Kong addresses translated into Cantonese, you can search and browse your destination by category, save the address, and request additional addresses to be added in. So you can pretty much get around everywhere, without having to worry about any communication issues ever again. Download for $15 on the App Store or Google Play.

Hong Kong’s MTR system is relatively easy to understand, but did you know that the MTR Mobile app can offer you so much more than just travelling time and train fares? With handy information such as which exit to take, where to shop, what services to find inside each station, traffic news, and so much more, this app has everything you need. Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

PokeGuide is basically your MTR app on steroids. Not only does the app tell you which exit is closest to your destination, which carriage door to board the train for the quickest escape, and which side of the doors will open, it also has panorama maps that enable effortless transit in maze-like stations that you’re not so familiar with. Not only that, but there’s also an AR feature where you can type in where you want to go and arrows will appear on the screen indicating which way you should go to reach your destination. As an added bonus, you can choose different travelling modes such as quickest, no-stairs, and lift-only, making it super handy for those with large luggage, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

If you live in Kowloon, this bus app is one you can’t be without. With just a few taps on your phone, you can find the nearest bus stop, estimated time of arrival for each bus, journey times, and which stop to get off at. There’s also the option to bookmark specific bus routes and locations so you can easily navigate the app. Even if you don’t exactly remember the bus route number (there are so many!), the smart bus route keyboard can automatically predict which bus you’re looking for. Perfect for those who need a little guidance around the Kowloon area. Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

CitybusNWFB provides specific information on Hong Kong Island buses. While the app is not as sophisticated as the KMB app, it does have a few functions that stand out. For example, you can choose to push the “red light” button at a certain bus stop within the app, and a push notification will be sent to you to remind you that it’s time to get off. The app also gives you a street view image of what each bus stop looks like, which can be particularly useful if you don’t remember where you’re supposed to get off. Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

Now, instead of having all these different transportation apps on your phone, having them gathered in one single app sure makes things a lot easier, and that’s exactly what the HKeMobility app does. Providing you with commuting routes on various public transport, journey times and fares, as well as real-time traffic news, the app lets you arrange your travelling route more efficiently and with ease. Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

Often touted as the ultimate transit app, Citymapper is one of the smartest trip planners to get you around the city. All transport modes in Hong Kong are combined to find the fastest route for you, including MTR, bus, tram, ferry, taxi, Uber, and on foot. They even factor in traffic disruptions, making brief announcements within the app itself. Best of all, they show real-time departures for the MTR and buses! It’s also a handy app to have for when you’re travelling, as Citymapper covers not just Hong Kong, but over 30 cities worldwide. We like us an app that pulls double duty. Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

When all else fails, there’s always Uber. Although the ride-hailing behemoth occupies a vague grey area when it comes to its legal existence in Hong Kong, there are already plenty of drivers and cars around town who fly under the Uber flag. What we like about Uber the most are the cashless transactions—no more last-minute detours to the ATM!—and the transparency of your chosen route and ride fare. The downside is that the fare is usually on the pricier side. But hey, no uptick of the taxi metre if you get stuck in a mild traffic jam! Download for free on the App Store or Google Play.