Hong Kong’s taxi system is one of the easiest ways to get around if you need door-to-door transport, are travelling with children, have luggage, or need to avoid crowded public transport.
Taxis are widely available across the city, operate 24/7, and are colour-coded depending on where they are licensed to work. If you are travelling with mobility needs, autism, sensory needs, hidden disabilities, or extra luggage like wheelchairs and medical equipment, knowing which taxi to use can make a big difference.
This guide covers the different taxi types in Hong Kong, how they work, accessibility options, and what disabled travellers should know before travelling. If you are visiting Hong Kong and wanted to use more than just accessible taxis, my guide to accessible transport in Hong Kong is a good place to start.
Quick wins for using taxis in Hong Kong
- Use red taxis for most tourist areas including Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
- Use blue taxis only for Lantau Island (including Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Disneyland)
- Use green taxis for the New Territories
- Most standard taxis are not wheelchair accessible
- For wheelchair users, pre-book Rehabus, Diamond Cab, SynCab, or other accessible transport
- Octopus cards are not accepted in standard taxis – payment is usually cash or card depending on the taxi
- Ask your hotel to help pre-book accessible taxis if needed
- Keep your destination written in Chinese if possible
- Use the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard or Talos Foundation badge if helpful during airport transfers
The 3 Main Taxi Colours in Hong Kong
Hong Kong taxis are colour-coded by operating area.
Red Taxis – Urban Taxis
These are the most common taxis visitors use.
They cover:
- Hong Kong Island
- Kowloon
- Most of the New Territories
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Hong Kong cruise terminals
- Tourist areas such as Victoria Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Mong Kok
These are usually the best option for most travellers. If you are planning to stay on Hong Kong Island, my guide to Hong Kong Island with kids should help you plan.
Green Taxis – New Territories Taxis
These only operate in the New Territories, including places like:
- Sha Tin
- Sai Kung
- Yuen Long
They cannot usually take passengers into central urban areas like Hong Kong Island.
Blue Taxis – Lantau Taxis
These are only for Lantau Island.
This includes:
- Hong Kong International Airport
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Ngong Ping 360
- Tung Chung
If you are staying around the airport area or Disney, blue taxis are common. I have an guide dedicated to visiting Lantau Island with autistic children which will save you searching to find all of the information you need.
Are Hong Kong Taxis Wheelchair Accessible?
This is where planning matters.
Most regular Hong Kong taxis are not wheelchair accessible.
They are standard saloon cars with limited boot space and no ramp access. Folding wheelchairs may fit depending on size, but powered wheelchairs and larger mobility devices usually require specialist transport.
This can be frustrating for disabled travellers because standard street-hailed taxis are rarely suitable for full wheelchair access.
Accessible Taxi Options in Hong Kong
Diamond Cab
Diamond Cab is one of the best-known wheelchair accessible taxi providers in Hong Kong.
They offer:
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- Ramp access
- Secure wheelchair positioning
- Airport transfers
- Family transport
- Hospital and medical appointments
Advance booking is strongly recommended.
SynCab
SynCab offers accessible taxis designed for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility.
This is often used for:
- Airport transport
- Hotel transfers
- Cruise terminal transport
- Medical appointments
- Day trips
Rehabus
Rehabus is a specialist service often used by local disabled residents.
It is excellent for accessibility, but availability for tourists can be more limited and often requires advance planning.
Hotel-arranged accessible transport
Many higher-end hotels can arrange accessible vans or specialist taxi providers.
This is often the easiest option if arriving at the airport with a wheelchair user.
Accessibility for Autistic tTravellers and Hidden Disabilities
For autistic travellers, the challenge is often less about physical access and more about predictability, noise, crowds, and communication.
Taxis can help massively by avoiding:
- Crowded MTR stations
- Long escalators
- Busy station changes
- Overwhelming sensory environments
- Unexpected route changes
For many families, paying more for taxis is worth the reduced stress.
Helpful tips include:
- saving hotel addresses in Chinese
- using visual maps/screenshots
- showing destinations rather than explaining verbally
- pre-booking airport transfers
- avoiding peak traffic times where possible
- using familiar drivers through hotels or concierge services
- using a Talos Foundation badge or lanyard
Taxi Fares in Hong Kong
Taxis use a metered fare system.
Extra charges may apply for:
- cross-harbour tunnels
- large luggage
- airport tolls
- certain bridges and restricted roads
Late-night pricing is usually not dramatically different because taxis operate around the clock.
Always check the meter is running.
Can You Use Uber in Hong Kong?
Yes – Uber operates in Hong Kong.
Some travellers prefer Uber because:
- the route is visible
- payment is automatic
- there is less language barrier
- pickup is easier from hotels and airports
However, standard Uber vehicles are usually not wheelchair accessible unless specifically booked through specialist services. It is also worth noting that car seat laws in Hong Kong prevent drivers for transporting a child without a car seat and so they will often refuse to take families with children.
Airport Taxi Access
At Hong Kong International Airport, taxi ranks are clearly marked and well organised.
Airport staff can also help direct passengers needing accessible transport.
If travelling with:
- a wheelchair
- medical equipment
- autism support needs
- an assistance dog
- multiple children
- large sensory equipment
…it is usually better to pre-book rather than rely on the rank.
For more information on Hong Kong International Airport, I have a guide to the special assistance available there and what to expect. I also have a guide that details what disabled facilities are at Hong Kong International Airport.
Useful Phrases for Taxi Travel
Showing written addresses helps a lot.
Useful phrases include:
- “I need wheelchair accessible transport”
- “Please take me to this hotel”
- “I need extra time”
- “My child is autistic”
- “Please avoid tunnels if possible”
- “I have medical equipment”
Having these written in Chinese can make the journey much easier. My guide to learning key disability phrases before you travel includes a link to a free eBook with accessible travel translations.
Taxis in Hong Kong FAQ
Is public transportation or taxi cheaper in Hong Kong?
Public transport is significantly cheaper. The MTR, buses and trams are all low-cost and very efficient, especially if you are using an Octopus card. A typical MTR journey might cost just a few pounds, while a taxi for the same distance could be several times more.
That said, taxis can be worth the extra cost if you are travelling with children, managing sensory needs, carrying luggage or avoiding busy stations. For many autism families, taxis aren’t about cost—they’re about reducing stress.
What are the ride hailing and payment options in Hong Kong?
Ride-hailing is available through apps like Uber, which works well in most urban areas and takes payment online via the app. For standard taxis: Some accept contactless cards or mobile payments, but not all. Cash is still widely used and often expected. Octopus cards are generally not accepted in taxis.
Uber can feel easier for visitors because: Payment is automatic. Routes are visible. You don’t need to explain destinations verbally.
For accessible transport, services like Diamond Cab and SynCab usually require advance booking and may have their own payment systems.
What should tourists visiting Hong Kong be aware of when it comes to taxis and transportation?
Taxi colours matter, as red, green and blue taxis operate in different areas, and not all will take you everywhere. Many drivers speak limited English, so having your destination written in Chinese can make things much easier.
You should also expect extra charges for tunnels, luggage and airport routes, and be aware that not all taxis accept card payments. If you need wheelchair access, taxis must be pre-booked, and if you are travelling with sensory needs, planning ahead can help avoid busy times and reduce stress.
What is the cost of a taxi ride from Hong Kong International Airport to the city?
A taxi from Hong Kong International Airport to central areas like Central or Tsim Sha Tsui usually costs around HKD 250–350 (roughly £25–£35).
The final fare depends on traffic, tunnel charges, luggage fees and time of day, but pricing is metered and regulated, so you should not need to negotiate or worry about being overcharged.
Can anyone recommend a taxi company that will meet us at the airport?
If you want reliability or need accessibility, pre-booking is the best option. Services like Diamond Cab and SynCab are well known for accessible transport and can meet you at the airport with advance notice.
You can also use Uber for standard pickups, or ask your hotel to arrange a transfer, which is often the easiest option if you are arriving with children, luggage or additional support needs.
Do you need taxi to move around in Hong Kong or everything is walking distance?
You do not need taxis to get around Hong Kong, as the public transport system is excellent and connects most major areas. Many attractions in places like Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are within walking distance of MTR stations.
However, distances can be longer than they appear, and the city includes hills, large stations and busy environments that can be tiring or overwhelming. Many families use a mix of transport—public transport for convenience and taxis when they need to simplify the day or avoid stress.
Hong Kong taxis are excellent for reducing travel stress, especially for families managing autism, hidden disabilities, mobility needs, or heavy travel logistics.
For standard sightseeing, red taxis are usually the answer.
For airport, Lantau Island and Disney trips, blue taxis matter.
For wheelchair users, specialist providers like Diamond Cab and SynCab are far more reliable than hoping a street taxi will work.
The key is simple: plan ahead. In Hong Kong, the right taxi can turn a stressful travel day into a much smoother one.
To help plan your family trip to Hong Kong, my guide to visiting Hong Kong with autistic children is the best starting point.
Continue Planning Your Trip To Hong Kong With Kids
- For everything Hong Kong, start with my Hong Kong guide for practical travel tips, family-friendly attractions and sensory considerations across the city
- Staying in the heart of the city? Discover what it is like to explore Hong Kong Island with autistic children, including transport, shopping areas and quieter places to take breaks
- Want waterfront views, shopping and easy transport links? Read my Tsim Sha Tsui guide for family-friendly attractions, promenades and sensory considerations in one of Hong Kong’s busiest areas
- Planning a slower-paced day away from the skyscrapers? Learn more about Lantau Island with kids for beaches, cable cars, hiking, Ngong Ping and family-friendly attractions
- Worried about getting around? My guide to Hong Kong accessible transport explains MTR accessibility, ferries, buses, taxis and the support available for disabled travellers
- Travelling with a hidden disability? Read about the Talos Foundation hidden disability lanyard and how it can help make travelling through Hong Kong easier and less stressful
Continue Planning Your Asia Itinerary With Kids
- Start with planning your overall Asia family trip, including flights, pacing, transport and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Travelling with medication? Learn what to include on your doctors travel letter for medication
- Looking for easier first-time Asia destinations? Consider visiting Japan with kids for clean transport, family facilities and predictable routines
- Prefer beaches and slower travel? Find out more about Thailand with children for resort stays, nature and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Bangkok with autistic children
- Hoping to Island hop? Learn more about visiting the Philippines with autistic kids
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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