English Why your berth number determines the meeting point
Kai Tak has two berths capable of accommodating cruise ships of up to 360 metres in length, along a quay stretching approximately 850 metres. Passengers disembarking from the furthest berth may have to walk several hundred metres with cruise luggage if their vehicle is waiting near the opposite end.
Providing the cruise line and ship name when booking allows the driver to identify the correct area of the terminal for that day, rather than using a generic meeting point "at Kai Tak", which could be a considerable distance from the actual exit.
Two very different journeys with the same destination
This route is booked for two completely different reasons, and each requires planning in the opposite direction. Travellers flying in to join a cruise work towards the ship's latest boarding time, while passengers leaving the ship work backwards from their flight departure and the congestion at the terminal exit.
Flying in to board your cruise
Airport → Cruise terminal
- Latest boarding time. Boarding closes well before the ship departs, so your transfer should be planned around the boarding deadline rather than the sailing time.
- Collection at Terminal 1. Your driver will be waiting outside Arrivals Halls A or B, with up to 60 minutes of waiting time included.
- Allow for flight delays. If you arrive on the day of embarkation, any delay reduces the time available before boarding.
- Drop-off at the correct berth. Providing the ship's name ensures you are taken to the correct area of the terminal.
Disembarking and flying home
Cruise terminal → Airport
- Actual disembarkation time. This is not the same as the ship's arrival time. Passengers leave the vessel in stages, and the process can take some time.
- Simultaneous departures. A large cruise ship releases thousands of passengers within a few hours, creating a sharp peak in demand for transport.
- Waiting time at the terminal. Outside the airport, 15 minutes of waiting time are included, so it is important to schedule collection according to your actual disembarkation time.
- Flight check-in. Your return journey should be planned backwards from your airline's check-in time rather than your flight departure.
Transport challenges on cruise turnaround days
The terminal is not within walking distance of an MTR station and relies on shuttle buses, ferries and taxis. The terminal itself advises that taxi availability is limited on cruise turnaround days, particularly on weekday mornings, and recommends that independent travellers use the shuttle bus services instead.
No nearby MTR station
There is no station within walking distance. An elevated transport system linking the area is planned for future years, but for now access is only possible by road or ferry.
Shuttle buses to Kwun Tong
Shuttle bus services operate to Kwun Tong Station and other locations, with timetables linked to cruise turnaround days. They require a transfer while carrying all your luggage.
Ferry from Runway Park
The pier at the former runway park offers ferry connections to Kwun Tong and North Point, although it is not the most practical option when travelling with large suitcases.
Parking and coach bays
The terminal provides short-stay parking spaces and dedicated coach bays, allowing private vehicles direct road access to the terminal building.
Cruise luggage is different from city luggage
Passengers starting or finishing a cruise usually travel with large suitcases and often carry an additional bag per person compared with a typical city break. For this reason, luggage volume is often more important than the number of passengers: four cruise travellers may require more boot space than six passengers travelling to a hotel.
When booking, it is important to specify the exact number of bags, including hand luggage, so the appropriate vehicle can be assigned. You can check the available options in the Zonetransfers fleet, and review waiting times and amendment policies in our service terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions for cruise passengers
01How is my collection time arranged if I'm disembarking?
It should be based on your actual disembarkation time, not the ship's arrival time, as passengers leave the vessel in stages. It is advisable to allow some extra time and confirm your allocated disembarkation slot with the cruise line.
02Why do you need the name of my ship?
Because the quay has two berths spread across approximately 850 metres, and your ship's name identifies the correct terminal exit for that day.
03Is there an MTR station serving the terminal?
No. There is no station within walking distance. Access is by road, shuttle bus or ferry from the Kwun Tong and North Point ferry piers.
04Is it easy to find a taxi after leaving the ship?
Taxi availability is often limited on cruise turnaround days, especially on weekday mornings, when thousands of passengers disembark within a short period.
05How much waiting time is included at the terminal?
Fifteen minutes, as this is a standard address rather than an airport collection. For this reason, your collection time should be based on your actual disembarkation time.
06What if my flight arrives on the same day my cruise departs?
Your transfer should be planned around the ship's latest boarding time, which closes before departure. Any flight delay directly reduces the time available.
07Can we bring several large suitcases per passenger?
Yes. Simply specify the exact number of bags when booking so that a vehicle with sufficient luggage capacity can be assigned.
08Does the vehicle collect us directly outside the terminal building?
Yes. The terminal has direct road access, with parking spaces and dedicated coach bays.
Book your transfer to or from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Provide the cruise line, ship name, date, embarkation or disembarkation time, number of passengers and luggage details to receive a fixed quotation with your meeting point confirmed in advance.
Customer support available from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.