How to Take the Discovery Bay Ferry from Central Pier 3.

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You probably won’t find Discovery Bay on most Hong Kong must-see lists, and that’s fair. It’s a quiet, residential part of Lantau island with a nice beach and a tidy plaza, but not really a destination in itself.

I went back to check it out on my last trip to Hong Kong, just to see if it might be worth recommending here as a place to visit. And honestly, I don’t think it’s worth your time if you’re on a short trip.

That said, you might still need to take the Discovery Bay ferry. Maybe you’ve got friends living there, or you’re spending enough time in Hong Kong to explore all the outlying islands for yourself.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get to Discovery Bay by ferry: which pier, what to catch, how to pay, and what to expect when you arrive.

✨ Quick answer: How to take the Discovery Bay ferry
1. To take the Discovery Bay ferry, go to Central Pier 3 on Hong Kong Island and take the ferry to Discovery Bay.
2. The ride takes about 25 minutes and you can pay by Octopus card or buy a ticket at the pier.
3. This is a comfortable and easy ferry route, but I would not put it at the top of the list for a first-time Hong Kong visit. Discovery Bay is more of a residential / commuter destination than a classic outlying island day trip.
4. If you only have time for one island ferry, I would usually choose Cheung Chau or Lamma Island instead.

👉 If this is your first time using Hong Kong ferries, my Hong Kong day trip ferries guide explains how Lamma, Cheung Chau and Lantau compare.

1. Where to find the Discovery Bay Ferry Pier

Blue sign at Central Ferry Piers in Hong Kong showing directions to outlying island ferries, including Pier 5 for Cheung Chau.

The ferry to Discovery Bay leaves from outlying ferry Pier 3 on the Hong Kong Island side.

If you’re coming from Central MTR or the IFC Mall, follow the signs for the Central Ferry Piers. You’ll head up through the mall and out onto the elevated walkway that leads straight to the waterfront. Look out for the blue signs pointing to “Outlying Islands.” The walk from the MTR takes about 10 minutes and is easy to follow.

From Kowloon, you’ve got two simple options:

Take the Star Ferry across from Tsim Sha Tsui. (the Star Ferry is a short, scenic, ride that drops you right near the piers).
Or take the MTR to Hong Kong Station, then walk through IFC and across the footbridge to the ferry piers.

👉 For more information about transportation options in Hong Kong take a look at the How to get around Hong Kong guide.

Man runs along the Central ferry promenade. There are red flags along the shelter walkway and a sign that directs people to the Hong Kong day trip piers.

Once you’re at the waterfront, go down the stairs on the left and walk along the promenade. You’ll pass a row of numbered day trip ferry piers, each serving different islands.

The different piers are:

Pier 6: Lantau Island (Mui Wo)
Pier 5: Cheung Chau
Pier 4: Lamma (Yung Shue Wan & Sok Kwu Wan – these are different ends of the Lamma Island)
Pier 3: Lantau Island (Discovery Bay)

Discovery Bay Ferry Pier 3

Entrance to the Discovery Bay ferry terminal at Central Pier 3 in Hong Kong, featuring a beige vertical-panel wall with illuminated signage in English and Chinese. A kiosk with informational brochures and a nearby food shop are visible beside the entrance.

From the Central Star Ferry Pier, turn left and walk along the waterfront for about 10–12 minutes, past the other piers, until you reach Pier 3.

The last time I went, I was surprised by how far it is from the other ferry piers. The Discovery Bay ferry pier is quite separate from the usual day-trip piers, and is located way down at the far end of the promenade.

At first, it might feel like you’ve missed it. You haven’t. Just keep walking. You really can’t miss it once you get there.

2. Discovery Bay Ferry Schedule

Interior of the Discovery Bay ferry terminal at Central Pier 3, showing a modern coffee bar on the left with a chalkboard promoting Monday–Tuesday happy hour. On the right are boarding gates with green-lit turnstiles and a digital screen displaying a scenic landscape

Ferries between Central Pier 3 and Discovery Bay run regularly throughout the day and into the evening.

They are generally much more frequent than the smaller island routes, because this is also a commuter service for Discovery Bay residents.

Check the Official Discovery Bay Ferry Timetable before you travel, especially if you are going early, late, or on a public holiday.

3. Discovery Bay Ferry Fare

A hand holds an Octopus card above a blue and yellow ferry turnstile at the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, with a green arrow and “Please Enter” displayed on the screen. The digital display shows a fare of $27.5 HKD, indicating the price for the Cheung Chau ferry.

Once you reach Central Pier 3, you’ll see ticket counters where you can buy a one-way or return ticket to Discovery Bay.

But if you’ve got a Tourist Octopus card, skip the line and tap straight through at the turnstiles. It’s faster and easier.

✨ If you haven’t sorted your Octopus card yet, my Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card guide explains what it is, where to get one and when it’s worth using.

For most visitors, the Discovery Bay ferry costs HK$55.80 one way.

Registered Discovery Bay residents can pay less with a registered Octopus card, but ordinary tourist Octopus cards do not get that resident fare.

That makes this one of the more expensive outlying island ferry rides, especially compared with Cheung Chau, Lamma or Mui Wo.

4. Boarding the Discovery Bay Ferry

Passengers wait in line at a boarding gate inside the Discovery Bay ferry terminal, with some seated and others standing near large windows and indoor plants. A colorful Häagen-Dazs cooler bag sits on a black suitcase in the foreground, and an emergency exit sign hangs above the closed gate.

Boarding usually starts around 10 minutes before departure, so turn up a bit early, especially on weekends or during busy times.

Ferries to Discovery Bay are air-conditioned and comfortable, and there’s indoor and outdoor seating on board.

Inside is cool and quiet with the A/C going, but if you want views of Victoria Harbour and the outer islands, grab a seat outside.

The ferry ride to Discovery Bay takes about 25 minutes.

5. Enjoy the Ferry Ride to Discovery Bay

Interior of a Discovery Bay ferry featuring rows of green plastic seats, with a few passengers seated and looking out the windows or at the screen displaying ferry safety information. Life jackets are stored under the seats, and natural light filters through large windows on both sides.

The ferry to Discovery Bay is a peaceful break from the city.

As you head out, you’ll get views of Hong Kong’s skyline, open water, and a few outlying islands along the way. It’s a scenic little trip: calm, open, and surprisingly quiet.

Nice chance to grab a photo or just enjoy the breeze and let your brain switch off for a bit.

👉 For more small practical things that make Hong Kong easier, my first-time Hong Kong travel tips guide covers transport, timing, crowds, weather and local etiquette.

6. Arriving at Discovery Bay

A gently curving beach in Discovery Bay features golden sand, calm shoreline waters, and a festive setup with colorful inflatable attractions and event tents. The view from a landscaped stairway includes nearby residential buildings and green hills under a partly cloudy sky.

The ferry drops you right at the Discovery Bay Pier, which leads straight into the main plaza.

It’s a tidy, well-kept area with a mix of cafés, restaurants, and shops, mostly serving the local community.

From here, you can take a walk along the waterfront, check out Tai Pak beach, or have a wander around before heading back. It’s pleasant, but don’t expect big sights or surprises.

Is the Discovery Bay ferry worth it for tourists?

Honestly, I would not make Discovery Bay a priority on a short first-time Hong Kong trip. It is clean, calm and easy to reach, but it does not have the same village character as Cheung Chau or the same relaxed island feel as Lamma.

I would take the Discovery Bay ferry if you are visiting friends, staying in Discovery Bay, curious about a very different residential side of Hong Kong, or looking for a low-effort ferry ride from Central. But if you only have time for one outlying island, I would choose Cheung Chau or Lamma first.

👉 If you’re trying to work out whether you have enough time for a quieter side trip like this, my guide to how many days you need in Hong Kong will help you prioritise.

Want to explore more Hong Kong outlying islands by ferry?

Discovery Bay is more of a commuter route than a sightseeing destination, but if you’re curious about Hong Kong’s outlying islands, there are plenty of other ferry rides worth your time.

Check out these guides for more island escapes:

✔️ How to Take the Ferry to Lamma Island (Tourist Guide)
✔️How to Take the Ferry to Cheung Chau (Tourist Guide)
✔️ How to Take the Ferry to (Mui Wo) Lantau Island (Tourist Guide)