Hong Kong: By Train

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By Train

The ultra-efficient Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) connects Kowloon to the eastern and western New Territories. Trains run every 5-8 minutes, and connections to the MTR are usually quick. It's a commuter service and, like the MTR, has sparkling clean trains and stations -- smoking and eating are forbidden in both. At this writing the KCR has three main lines, but there are all kinds of ambitious projects underway to extend its service network.

The KCR East Rail line has 13 stops on its journey from Tsim Sha Tsui East through urban Kowloon, Sha Tin, and Tai Po on its way to Lo Wu on the Chinese boundary. KCR East Rail is the fastest way to get to Shenzhen -- it's a 40-minute trip from Tsim Sha Tsui to Lo Wu. The Tsim Sha Tsui terminus connects via a series of underground walkways with Tsim Sha Tsui MTR; you can also transfer to the MTR at Kowloon Tong.

The short Ma On Shan Rail service starts at Tai Wai (also on the East Rail line) and has eight stops in the northeastern New Territories. This line will one day be extended to pass through Tsim Sha Tsui.

KCR West Rail starts at Nam Cheong (also on the MTR) and stretches out through eight stops into Tuen Mun, in the western New Territories. Here West Rail connects with the weblike Light Rail Transit, an above-ground train serving mainly residential and industrial areas in the western New Territories. KCR is currently building the tracks that will extend West Rail into Tsim Sha Tsui. It's also constructing a link to connect boundary-town Lok Ma Chau with both East and West Rail.

Fares range from HK$4.50 to HK$36.50; you can pay by Octopus card or buy tickets from sales counters or ticket machines.

Train Information

Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (2939-3399. www.kcrc.com). HKTB Visitor Hotline (2508-1234). Octopus Cards (2266-2222. www.octopuscards.com).