Hong Kong Approves Star Ferry Fare Rise From January 2027 on Two Harbour Routes

Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry will raise fares on its two franchised cross-harbour routes from January 25, 2027, after the Chief Executive in Council approved a moderated fare increase. Weekday single-trip fares will rise by HK$0.6 to HK$1.0 per journey, while weekend fares will increase by HK$1.0 to HK$1.8, capping adult tickets at HK$6.0 on weekdays and HK$8.3 on weekends, according to Dimsum Daily. The increases apply to the Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui routes. For adults, weekday upper-deck fares will go from HK$5 to HK$6, while lower-deck fares will rise from HK$4 to HK$4.80. On weekends and public holidays, upper-deck fares will increase from HK$6.50 to HK$8.30 and lower-deck fares from HK$5.60 to HK$7.20, Newsdesk.hk reports. The monthly ticket will remain unchanged at HK$190 to limit the impact on frequent commuters. The decision follows a comprehensive review of Star Ferry's finances, projected costs and revenues, service performance and public acceptability. Star Ferry had sought larger increases of HK$0.8 to HK$2.0 per trip, but the government moderated the adjustment to balance the operator's viability with passengers' needs. A government spokesperson noted that Star Ferry, a Hong Kong icon since 1898, recorded accumulated losses exceeding HK$100 million between 2018 and 2023 amid the COVID-19 downturn and relied on debt financing to sustain services. While the operator returned to marginal profitability in 2024 and 2025, it is expected to face renewed pressure from 2026 due to slow patronage recovery, limited scope to cut costs, and rising operating and interest expenses. Even after the revision, Star Ferry remains the city's most affordable cross-harbour public transport option, with fares estimated to be about 30 to 50 percent lower than those on the MTR or franchised buses. The legislative amendment detailing the new maximum fare caps will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 28 for negative vetting.

Photo: Tore Sætre, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons