Harbor views, island hikes and Portuguese lanes
This is leg 1 of 2, the opening leg.
Travel leg · Hong Kong, Lantau & Macau
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to Lantau Island
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and Lantau Island sit about 23 km (14 mi) apart in a straight line, with Lantau Island to the west. It is leg 1 of 2 on our Hong Kong, Lantau & Macau itinerary, a 6-day trip. Here is how long it takes by bus, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 23 km · 14 mi
- Est. road distance
- 27–32 km
- Est. drive time
- 20–40 min
- Direction
- Heading west
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By bus or car
Our Hong Kong, Lantau & Macau guide points to buses for getting around, and a car works too: an estimated 27–32 km of road and 20–40 min of driving.
Hong Kong's MTR, trams and ferries are fast and cheap with an Octopus card. Lantau is reached by MTR to Tung Chung, and Macau by TurboJET ferry from Sheung Wan or the bridge bus. In Macau, free casino shuttles and public buses link the peninsula and Taipa.
Open Hong Kong Island and Kowloon → Lantau Island directions in Google Maps ↗
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Lantau Island
Hong Kong's largest island, with mountain trails, a giant Buddha and a fishing village. Stay 1 day.
Ngong Ping 360
Cable car from Tung Chung over the bay and hills to Ngong Ping plateau.
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Bronze Buddha 34 meters tall, reached by 268 steps.
Nei Lak Shan Country Trail
Easy loop trail on the slopes above Ngong Ping with views over the Big Buddha, the airport and the South China Sea.
Po Lin Vegetarian Kitchen
Monastery dining hall serving set Buddhist vegetarian meals.
China Bear
Long-running pub on the Mui Wo waterfront with outdoor tables facing the bay and the ferry pier.
Po Lin Monastery
Active monastery with colorful halls opposite the Big Buddha.
Before you leave Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Skyscrapers, harbor ferries, dim sum and trails above the city. Stay 3 days.
On this curated route
Where Hong Kong Island and Kowloon → Lantau Island sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Lantau Island to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is the same 23 km in a straight line, heading east. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to Lantau Island: questions travelers ask
How far is Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from Lantau Island?
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is about 23 km (14 mi) from Lantau Island in a straight line, with Lantau Island to the west. By road, we estimate 27–32 km (17–20 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to Lantau Island?
An estimated 20–40 min, assuming 27–32 km of road at average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day.
Which itineraries include the trip from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to Lantau Island?
Our Hong Kong, Lantau & Macau itinerary includes this leg. Hong Kong, Lantau & Macau runs about 6 days across 3 stops, best in Oct – Dec.
Onward from Lantau Island
- Lantau Island to Macau 41 km
Guides for both ends
- Hong Kong Island and Kowloon travel guide
- Hong Kong Island and Kowloon weather best time to visit
- Lantau Island travel guide
- Lantau Island weather best time to visit
Lantau Island by month
Plan Hong Kong Island and Kowloon → Lantau Island with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.