
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of Asia’s most efficient and traveller-friendly transit hubs. For Malaysians, transiting through Hong Kong is especially convenient thanks to visa-free entry, excellent airport facilities, and fast city connections.
Whether you are on a short layover or planning to step into the city, this guide covers everything you need to plan your transit smoothly.
✈️ Understanding Transit vs Entry into Hong Kong

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When transiting through Hong Kong, there are two main scenarios, and knowing the difference is important.
1️⃣ Air-side Transit (Staying Inside the Airport)
This applies when:
- You do not pass immigration
- You stay within the international transit area
- Your luggage is checked through to your final destination
Key points:
- No Hong Kong visa required
- Suitable for short layovers
- Ideal if flights are on the same ticket
⏱ Recommended minimum connection time:
- 1.5–2 hours (single ticket, through-checked baggage)
- 3–4 hours (separate tickets or different airlines)
2️⃣ Landside Transit (Entering Hong Kong)
This applies when:
- You pass immigration and officially enter Hong Kong
- You plan to explore the city, stay overnight, or collect luggage
🇲🇾 Good news for Malaysians
Malaysian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Hong Kong for up to 90 days, making it easy to leave the airport during long layovers.
⏱ Recommended layover time:
- Minimum 6 hours – quick city visit
- 8–12 hours – comfortable sightseeing
- 12–18 hours – near full-day experience
✅ Step-by-Step Transit Process at Hong Kong Airport
If You Already Have a Boarding Pass
- Arrive at HKG
- Follow “Transfer” signs
- Go through security screening
- Proceed to your departure gate
If You Do NOT Have a Boarding Pass
- Arrive at HKG
- Follow signs to the Transfer Counter
- Collect your boarding pass
- Clear security screening
- Proceed to your gate
💡 Hong Kong Airport has clear signage and staff assistance, making transfers easy even for first-time travellers.
⏳ How Much Time Do You Really Need?

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Staying Inside the Airport
Hong Kong Airport is extremely efficient.
- 1.5–2 hours: Safe for same-ticket connections
- 3–4 hours: Safer for separate tickets or airline changes
Leaving the Airport to Explore
If you plan to enter the city, always buffer extra time.
Time breakdown:
Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
Immigration & exit | 15–45 min |
Airport Express to Central | ~24 min |
Sightseeing / meals | 2–6 hours |
Return to airport | ~24 min |
Security & exit immigration | 30–60 min |
👉 Always aim to return to the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before your next flight.
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🚆 Getting from Airport to City Centre
The Airport Express is the fastest and most reliable option.
- Airport → Central: ~24 minutes
- Frequent departures
- Spacious for luggage
- Easy payment via Octopus Card or QR tickets
🛂 Do Malaysians Need a Visa for Hong Kong Transit?
- Air-side transit only: ❌ No visa needed
- Entering Hong Kong: ✅ Visa-free for Malaysians
- Collecting luggage: Requires entering Hong Kong
⚠️ If your luggage is not checked through, you must clear immigration to retrieve it.
🧳 What If Your Luggage Is Not Checked Through?
This often happens with separate tickets or different airlines.
What to do:
- Clear immigration
- Proceed to baggage claim
- Collect luggage
- Re-check baggage at departure counter
- Pass security and immigration again
⏱ Allow 45–90 minutes extra for this process.
💡 Hong Kong Airport also offers luggage storage, useful if you want to explore briefly without carrying bags.






🛋️ Rest, Recharge & Work During Transit
silhouette of person walking on hallway Via Unsplash (by B C)
Hong Kong Airport is well-equipped for transit comfort:
- Thousands of charging points
- Comfortable seating areas
- Free airport Wi-Fi
- Shower facilities
Airport Lounges
- Multiple premium lounges available
- Shower, meals, quiet workspaces
- Paid access available even without business-class tickets
🏨 Transit Hotels Near Hong Kong Airport
For overnight layovers, airport hotels are highly convenient:
- Walking distance or short shuttle ride
- Ideal for early flights or late arrivals
- Suitable for families and business travellers
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🏨 Hotels Close to Hong Kong Airport
• Regal Airport Hotel — One of the most convenient options, directly connected to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway, perfect for short stopovers.
• Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel — Spacious 5★ hotel next to AsiaWorld-Expo with fitness, pool, meeting facilities, and easy access to transport.
• Regala Skycity Hotel — Comfortable hotel in the SkyCity complex, connected to the airport and close to dining/shopping at 11 Skies.
🏨 Other Nearby Transit-Friendly Hotels
• Novotel Hong Kong Citygate — Popular 4★ hotel with shuttle service to airport and direct MTR access.
• Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel — Well-rated option near Citygate Outlets with easy transport links.
• Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong, Tung Chung — Good balance of comfort and value, with airport shuttle and metro access.
🌆 Suggested 8–12 Hour Hong Kong Transit Itinerary
Perfect for Malaysians on long layovers:
- Victoria Peak (city skyline views)
- Central & Mid-Levels Escalator
- Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
- Victoria Harbour night views
This route is efficient and well-connected by public transport.
📌 Important Tips for Malaysian Travellers
✔ Passport validity at least 6 months
✔ Confirm baggage is checked through
✔ Buffer extra time for immigration queues
✔ Use eSIM or airport Wi-Fi
✔ Avoid cutting it close for return flights
✨ Final Thoughts: Is Hong Kong a Good Transit Hub?
aerial photography of city buildings Via Unsplash (by Simon Zhu)
Absolutely.
Hong Kong International Airport consistently ranks among the world’s best for transit efficiency.
For Malaysians, the combination of visa-free entry, fast transport, modern facilities, and flexible transit options makes it one of the most convenient airports to transit through.
With proper planning, your Hong Kong layover can easily become a mini city break rather than just waiting time at the airport.
Hong Kong Hotel Recommendations
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Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!
🔥New User Coupon: Save More with an Extra 5% Off
Use our promo code to enjoy an extra 5% off (up to S$4) on your attraction tickets, eSIMs, and tours! ⏳Redeem within 3 days of claiming












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