Hong Kong’s burgeoning West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), already a hub for vibrant festivals and performances, is set to become significantly more accessible with the launch of a new cross-harbour ferry service. Starting Saturday, November 15, the WestK Ferry will connect the newly established WestK Quay directly with Central Pier No. 9, dramatically reducing commuter time across Victoria Harbour. This highly anticipated service is expected to further boost foot traffic and cultural engagement at the waterfront destination.
The introduction of the direct ferry service, operated by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Fortune Ferry Company Limited, signals a major enhancement to the WKCD’s public transit infrastructure. Following four days of trial runs from November 10 to 13, the official maiden voyage will commence on November 15, offering a swift, eight-minute transit between Hong Kong Island and the West Kowloon waterfront. An official inauguration ceremony is scheduled for November 14.
Seamless Commute Across the Harbour
Designed to enhance the visitor experience, the sleek ferry vessels—featuring designs co-created with students from the Hong Kong Design Institute—will run throughout the day, seven days a week.
Operating Schedule:
- Weekdays: Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Weekends and Public Holidays: Service extends from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with departures every 30 minutes.
Travelers can expect comfortable journeys, as all cabins are air-conditioned. Crucially for visitors to the pet-friendly WKCD, both pets and bicycles are welcome aboard, streamlining the passage for those attending outdoor events like the recent Doggo Fest.
Ticket Details and Introductory Offers
To celebrate the launch, the WKCD is offering a giveaway of 3,000 complimentary single-journey adult tickets and 500 complimentary pet tickets. These free passes can be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8 a.m. on November 10 at both WestK Quay and Central Pier No. 9. Individuals may claim up to two tickets, which are valid exclusively for use during the service’s inaugural weekend.
For those who miss the initial promotion, paid tickets are readily available and competitively priced:
- Standard Fare (Adult/Pet): HK$20 per single journey.
- Concessionary Fare: HK$10 for children aged three to 11, seniors aged 65 or above, and persons with disabilities.
- Monthly Pass: Frequent commuters can purchase a monthly pass for HK$560, offering unlimited rides.
Enhancing the West Kowloon Experience
The introduction of the quay and ferry service is concurrent with broader efforts to appeal to a wider audience. The WKCD, first opened in 2015, has consistently developed into a premier destination for leisure and culture, hosting a variety of programming from music cabaret nights to large-scale outdoor events.
As part of the new infrastructure development, WestK Quay will also unveil new waterfront dining facilities. These additions aim to enrich the visitor experience with a diverse culinary selection, featuring local Hong Kong street snacks, traditional boat noodles, and a mix of Western and Eastern cuisine favorites.
The new WestK Ferry service offers a timely and user-friendly solution for accessing one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic cultural districts, solidifying the WKCD’s status as a must-visit waterfront destination. This quicker, more scenic commuting option is poised to redefine how residents and tourists interact with this significant urban development.
