Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station

The Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station, situated north of the West Kowloon Cultural District in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, stands as the terminus of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and serves as a pivotal comprehensive transportation hub within Hong Kong.

Functioning primarily as the operational epicenter of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the West Kowloon Station offers a myriad of long-haul routes connecting Hong Kong with major cities across China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, and Guangzhou. Daily, a plethora of high-speed trains depart to destinations far and wide, enmeshing a vast web of provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions within its service ambit.

Beyond its role as a high-speed rail provider, West Kowloon Station excels as an integrative transportation nexus within Hong Kong. Facilitating seamless intermodal connectivity, the station interlinks not only high-speed rail services but also integrates with the MTR Tung Chung Line, the MTR Tuen Ma Line, the Airport Express Line, buses, and taxis, enabling passengers to transition effortlessly between modes of transport.

West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong is one of the largest aunderground railway stations in the world, offering direct access to the vibrant West Kowloon entertainment district and the heart of Hong Kong city. With its role in handling inbound and outbound passengers between mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as customs functions, the station resembles more of an international airport than just a conventional train station. Its significance extends deeply into the future development of the economic and social aspects between these two regions.

• Chinese: 香港西九龙火车站
• Address: Situated between the MTR Kowloon Station and Austin Station, to the north of the West Kowloon Cultural District in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Popular Train Routes from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station

The primary route operated from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station is the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, offering direct connections to numerous cities on the Chinese mainland. Specific routes and related details include:

• Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou: Trains such as G6566, G6552, G6503, G6510... depart from Hong Kong West Kowloon and terminate at Guangzhou South Railway Station.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon to Shenzhen: Trains like G5624, G5610, and G5636 reach Shenzhen North Railway Station, additionally, services such as G5820 and G5814 stop at Futian Railway Station in Shenzhen.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon to Chaoshan and Shantou: Passengers can board trains like G6524, G6574, and G6392 to reach Chaoshan Station, or opt for services like G6524 and G6392 bound for Shantou Station.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon to Wuhan: Commencing January 5, 2025, the inaugural journeys of G872 from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Wuhan and G885 from Wuhan to Hong Kong West Kowloon were introduced, expanding direct high-speed rail connections between the two cities to 4 pairs.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon to Xi'an: Starting January 5, 2025, the high-speed train service G826/G828, originating from Xi'an North and extending to Shenzhen North, now extends its reach to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon to Hangzhou: Commencing January 5, 2025, high-speed services G100/G99 between Hangzhou West Station and Hong Kong West Kowloon were inaugurated.

*The above information is for reference only. For real-time schedules and ticket purchases, please click here.

Moreover, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station facilitates access to additional mainland cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin, Chengdu, Changsha, Kunming, Fuzhou, Nanning, Zhangjiajie, and Xiamen through seamless extensions or transfers at Shenzhen North and Guangzhou South Stations.

How to Buy Train Tickets

To procure tickets at the West Kowloon Station, travelers have a variety of avenues to explore, including offline methods involving a visit to the station's ticket counters or automated ticket vending machines. Here are several means through which tickets can be obtained:

• Station Ticket Counters: Directly engage with the ticket counter at West Kowloon Station, furnishing details such as your destination and travel schedule to finalize your ticket purchase in dialogue with the ticketing personnel.
• Automated Ticket Vending Machines: Within West Kowloon Station, numerous self-serving ticket machines guide passengers through a seamless ticket acquisition process as per on-screen prompts.
• Online Reservation: Travelers can opt to secure tickets online through platforms like trainspread.com, the official China Railway Customer Service Center (12306 website or its mobile application), as well as the MTR High-Speed Rail official website.

It is advisable to meticulously plan your itinerary in advance and secure tickets promptly, particularly during peak travel seasons or holiday periods when ticket availability may be constrained. For those opting for offline ticket purchase, for time-efficiency, it's best to schedule visits during off-peak hours to streamline the process.

Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station Transportation

The West Kowloon Station serves as a pivotal transportation hub in Hong Kong, providing a multitude of public transit options for convenient passenger transfers. Here are some details concerning taking the MTR, taxis, and buses:

Subway

Within Hong Kong's territory, the MTR lines that pass through West Kowloon Station include the Tuen Ma Line, Airport Express, and Tung Chung Line. To the east and west respectively, there are the Austin and Kowloon stations, with Kowloon Station serving as an interchange for the Airport Express and Tung Chung Line. Multiple pedestrian pathways on both the underground second level and above-ground first level of West Kowloon Station link Austin and Kowloon stations.

West Kowloon Station connects to Austin Station of the Tuen Ma Line and Kowloon Station of the Tung Chung Line, facilitating transfers to other MTR lines for travel to various districts of Hong Kong.

Buses

The West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus, located to the north of Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, is operational and services 11 bus routes.

• KMB Route 36B: Serving the Lai Muk Shue Estate public transport interchange, this route facilitates transportation between the New Territories' Tsuen Wan area and West Kowloon Station. Passing through various residential districts in Tsuen Wan, with stops in Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, it conveniently connects passengers to bustling areas like Tsim Sha Tsui.
• KMB Route 36X: Originating from the Lai Muk Shue Estate public transport interchange, this express route heads towards West Kowloon Station from Tsuen Wan, offering residents a swift transit option. Along the way, it may stop at key transportation nodes or commercial districts.
• MB Route 42A: Traveling to Ching Yan Estate in Tsing Yi, this route eases the commute for Tsing Yi residents to and from West Kowloon Station. It picks up passengers in Tsing Yi's residential areas bound for West Kowloon Station, potentially passing through local commercial hubs or transport hubs.
• KMB Route 46: Connecting the Leung I Shing Estate in Kwai Chung to West Kowloon Station, this route enhances accessibility between the Kwai Chung area and the station. Passing through residential and commercial zones within Kwai Chung, it offers convenient travel options to passengers heading to West Kowloon Station and areas like Tsim Sha Tsui.
• KMB Route 60X: Operating between Tuen Mun town center and West Kowloon Station, this route facilitates Tuen Mun residents' journey to the station. Traveling along major roads like Tuen Mun Road, it stops at key points in Tuen Mun, allowing passengers to transfer to other modes of transportation.
• KMB Route 63X: Serving Hung Fuk Estate, this route caters to residents in the Hung Fuk area providing a transport link to West Kowloon Station. Passing through residential districts in Hung Fuk and surrounding commercial areas, it facilitates ease of access for residents and visitors.
• KMB Route 69X: Operating between Tin Shui Wai (Tin Yuet Estate), this route offers Tin Shui Wai residents a direct route to West Kowloon Station. Passing through multiple residential areas and business centers in Tin Shui Wai, it caters to residents’ travel and shopping needs.
• KMB Route 81: Traveling between Wo Che Estate in Sha Tin, this route provides a transportation link for Sha Tin residents to West Kowloon Station. Passing through residential and commercial areas in Sha Tin, it offers passengers access to West Kowloon Station and areas like Tsim Sha Tsui.
• KMB Route 95: Connecting Tsui Lam Estate in Tseung Kwan O to West Kowloon Station, this route passes through residential areas and commercial centers in Tseung Kwan O, facilitating residents' access to West Kowloon Station and connections to high-speed rail services.
• KMB Route 268X: Providing a transport connection between Hung Fuk Estate and West Kowloon Station, this route enables residents to travel to the station for high-speed rail services or visit shopping and entertainment spots in Tsim Sha Tsui.
• KMB Route 271: Operating between Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po, the terminal station has been relocated to the West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus. With a stop on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, it facilitates Tai Po residents' journey to West Kowloon Station and enables passengers to shop and explore in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Taxi

A taxi drop-off and pick-up point is situated southeast of Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, with the ground floor designated for drop-offs and the basement level for pick-ups.

Taxis in Hong Kong operate 24/7, though there may be waiting times during peak hours. It is advisable to utilize services from licensed taxi companies and ensure that drivers adhere to metered fares.

By Long-distance Coach Station

Situated to the southeast of Shenzhen Station, near Exit A of Luohu Station on Shenzhen Metro Line 1, the long-distance coach station allows travelers to transfer via walking or other modes of transportation. This facilitates passengers in journeying to various regions within Guangdong Province and neighboring provinces and cities.

How to Get to Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station

From Hong Kong International Airport to West Kowloon Station

Take the Airport Express train, which also connects to the Kowloon Station of the Airport Express line. The journey only takes 22 minutes, providing convenience for travelers commuting to and from Hong Kong International Airport.

From Hong Kong City to West Kowloon Station

It is convenient to take a taxi from the city area to West Kowloon Station. The drop-off area is closer to the gate compared to other modes of transportation, making it the most convenient disembarkation point near the gate. For passengers carrying bulky luggage, it is advisable to take a taxi to West Kowloon Station.

The Port of West Kowloon Station

Located 26 meters underground by Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, the West Kowloon Station stands as the sole checkpoint in the region implementing the "One Port, Two Checks" model, making it the lowest-altitude port in the nation.

The West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong operates transit procedures under the "One Port, Two Checks" system, handling transit services in different directions on distinct levels.

• Upon arriving in Hong Kong, passengers disembark beneath the platform at B4 level and proceed to B2 level via elevator to complete outbound procedures for mainland China. Exiting the mainland checkpoint, passengers then navigate to the Hong Kong checkpoint on the same level for inbound procedures before departing the station.
• For departures from Hong Kong, passengers purchase tickets and pass through ticket barriers at B1 level, then take an elevator to B3 level for outbound travel from Hong Kong. Subsequently, within the same level, they complete inbound procedures for mainland China at the mainland checkpoint area, proceed to the waiting area, and board the train upon ticket inspection, taking an elevator to the platform at B4 level.

Strategies for Crossing at West Kowloon Station

The Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway) operates from 06:00 to 24:00, serving as a cross-border railway station for processing arrival and departure formalities under the "One Port, Two Checks" mode.

Hong Kong Checkpoint Area at West Kowloon Railway Station

The Hong Kong checkpoint area (West Kowloon Control Point) is situated in the border control restricted zone on levels B2 and B3 of West Kowloon Station, accommodating passenger immigration and customs inspections. Hong Kong Customs, Immigration Department, and Department of Health units are stationed at the checkpoint. The departure level features 30 E-channels and 30 counters for Hong Kong residents and visitors to undertake outbound procedures.

Mainland Checkpoint Area at West Kowloon Station

The mainland checkpoint area (West Kowloon Station Railway Port of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail) is delineated across levels B2 and B3 at West Kowloon Station, the platform area at B4 level, and related connecting passageways. The mainland immigration hall features 30 self-service and 18 manned inspection channels, where enforcement officers from mainland China enforce mainland laws, conducting border clearance inspections.

Crossing Procedures at West Kowloon Station

Implementing a one-port, two-checks border control arrangement, West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station utilizes a co-located dual-inspection model, allowing both departing and arriving passengers to complete immigration procedures on the same floor. Passengers can undergo real-name verification, security screening, customs clearance, and boarding procedures as early as 120 minutes prior to train departure, typically requiring around 30 minutes for the boarding process. Additional time may be necessary for travel during holidays and peak periods, or for passengers using passports or immigration check counters.

• Real-Name Verification and Ticket Entry: Ticketing Hall on B1 level. Passengers complete real-name verification and ticket entry procedures at self-service gates or assisted service counters using travel documentation (cross-border electronic tickets) for entry.
• Security Screening Procedure: Ticketing Hall on B1 level. Follow instructions for baggage and security checks. To expedite the security screening process, passengers are advised to remove personal items (e.g., phones, coins, keys) before passing through security and place them in carry-on bags or luggage.
• Immigration Procedures: Departure Hall on B3 level. Commence with Hong Kong outbound procedures, exit the Hong Kong checkpoint, then proceed to the mainland checkpoint area on the same level for mainland China inbound procedures. After completing all processes, head to the waiting hall before proceeding to the train's ticket gates for boarding using identification documents or boarding codes. *Gates open 15 minutes before departure and close 5 minutes before departure.

Facilities and Services at West Kowloon Railway Station

As a vital transportation hub linking Hong Kong with mainland China, West Kowloon Station offers an array of modern station facilities to meet the diverse needs of travelers. The design and amenities at West Kowloon Station epitomize a humane and convenient approach, aiming to provide passengers with a comfortable, convenient, and efficient travel experience.

The exterior of West Kowloon Station features a streamlined design, encompassing five levels: the ground floor, ticketing hall, arrival hall, departure hall, and platform level. With its innovative structural design, West Kowloon Station incorporates a one-port, two-checks system, where inbound and outbound passenger flows are handled separately. This setup aids in establishing an efficient transportation interchange system, thereby ensuring a highly effective operation.

• -1F: Encompasses two exit gates (east and west), the underground ticketing area and waiting hall for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen intercity trains, an underground parking facility, and the C exit of the subway station.
• 1F: Serves as the platform level, hosting ticket offices and boarding waiting areas for long-distance trains.
• 2F: Waiting areas for long-distance passengers and administrative spaces, featuring 18 ticket inspection gates, 6 standard waiting rooms, and 2 deluxe waiting lounges. Corridors on both the ground and underground levels link to the joint inspection building at Luohu Port.

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