Arriving at Hong Kong Airport for the First Time: Step-by-Step Guide

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Planning your first trip to Hong Kong?

Let’s talk about the Hong Kong Airport arrival procedure. While Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) isn’t difficult to navigate, it does have a few quirks that can throw you off if you’re not expecting them. Like a train you might need to catch inside the terminal. Or how long it actually takes to get from gate to city.

I’ve made this trip more times than I can count, since the days when Kai Tak was still the main airport. And I still find it helpful to mentally map out what happens between touchdown and taxi.

That’s why I’ve laid out everything you need to know about the Hong Kong Airport arrival procedure. I’ll tell you what to expect, where to go, and what to do the moment you land.

The good news is that Hong Kong Airport is one of the easiest airports in Asia to navigate. Everything is clearly signposted in English and Chinese, and if you simply follow the signs for Immigration and Arrivals you are very unlikely to get lost.

Hong Kong Airport Arrival in Brief

First of all, don’t worry: everything is clearly sign posted and well organised.

After landing, follow signs to Immigration. Depending on your gate, you may need to take the free internal airport train. Clear immigration, collect bags, pass through customs, then enter the Arrivals Hall for Airport Express, taxis, buses, Octopus pickup, SIM/eSIM help, ATMs and hotel transfers.

Most first-time visitors should allow around 45–90 minutes from landing to leaving the airport.

👉 If you’ve already decided how you’re getting into the city, I recommend booking your Airport Express tickets or airport transfer before arrival. It saves time after a long flight.

Here’s your Step-by-Step Guide To Arriving In Hong Kong

1. Landing and Taxiing: You’re Here

Hong Kong’s airport is built on its own island, so don’t be surprised if it takes 5–10 minutes for your plane to taxi to the correct gate after landing. This will depend on whether you are arriving from a long haul, or a shorter flight from Asia or mainland China.

2. Disembark and Head Toward Hong Kong Immigration

Once you leave the plane, you’ll be funnelled through a series of walkways and travelators. Just follow the signs for Arrivals and Immigration.

If you’ve arrived on a long-haul international flight, there’s a good chance you’ll land at one of the gates further from the main terminal. That’s usually been my experience when flying into Hong Kong from New Zealand.

On a recent trip from Shanghai, however, our gate was much closer and we were able to walk straight to immigration without using the airport’s internal train.

If your gate is further away, you’ll eventually reach an escalator leading down to the platform for the airport’s free internal train.

Take the Hong Kong Airport Train (Step-by-Step)

This free train takes you to the main part of the airport where immigration, customs, and the baggage area are located. No need to buy a ticket, just hop on.

• Take the Escalator: After a few minutes of walking (or using the travelators), you’ll reach an escalator that takes you down to the train platform.
• Board the Train: The train runs constantly, so you won’t have to wait long. Get on and enjoy the short ride to the main terminal.
• Follow the Signs: When the train stops, get off and take the escalator up. Follow the signs (and the crowd) to the immigration area.

3. Hong Kong Immigration Process

There are lines for foreign visitors on both the left and right sides. Lines can be quite long, so expect a wait of 20-30 minutes.

🚻 Tip: There are toilets just before you reach Immigration. Use them now, before you get in the queue.

You should be able to access the free airport Wifi now. Waiting in the queue is a good place to turn on your e-Sim.

The Hong Kong immigration process is pretty straightforward. If everything is in order, you’ll pass through to the Baggage Claim and Customs area.

4. Baggage Claim & Customs

Once stamped in, you’ll be directed to the baggage claim hall. Hong Kong ground staff are quick. Often your luggage is already on the carousel by the time you arrive.

Check the screens above each carousel for your flight number. Once you’ve retrieved your luggage, head to the Customs area (which is clearly signposted).

You’ll see a red line (for declarations) and a green line (for nothing to declare).

If you’re not carrying anything problematic (Hong Kong is quite liberal about what you can bring in, even fruits, vegetables, and fully-cooked meat), go straight through the green line.

5. Arrival Hall: Leaving the Airport

You’ve made it through immigration, picked up your bags, cleared customs, and stepped into the arrivals hall. Now what?

Here’s your game plan:

• Booked a private airport transfer? Your driver will be just outside customs holding a sign with your name. Walk out, find them, and you’re on your way. No lines, no guessing.
• Taking the Airport Express? Stay inside the terminal and follow the signs. Trains run every 10 minutes and will get you into Central or Kowloon fast. You can buy tickets at the station. But I recommend booking Airport Express tickets online before you arrive. You’ll skip the ticket machine queue and, it’s faster (and cheaper).
• Need local currency? There are ATMs and money exchange counters just outside customs. Grab what you need before you leave the building.

Which Airport Transfer Option is Best?

If you want…	Best option
Cheapest and fastest	Airport Express
Door-to-door convenience	Private airport transfer
Late night arrival (the Airport Express operates between 05:50 to 00:48)	Private airport transfer
Family with lots of luggage	Private airport transfer
Staying in Central	Airport Express

👉 Still not sure which transport option is right for you? Read this next: How to Get From Hong Kong Airport to the City (Expert Picks). I break down the best choices based on your comfort level, budget, and time of arrival.

Next Steps

Hong Kong Airport might be one of the easiest major airports in Asia to navigate, but that doesn’t stop it feeling a little intimidating the first time you arrive.

The good news is that once you know what to expect—the internal train, the immigration queues, baggage claim and customs—the whole process is surprisingly straightforward. Everything is well signposted, staff are helpful, and before long you’ll be on your way into one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Now that you know how to get through the airport, the next step is deciding how to get into the city itself.

👉 Read How to Get From Hong Kong Airport to the City if you’re still deciding between the Airport Express, taxis and private transfers.

👉 Planning to take the train? Check out how to use the Hong Kong Airport Express (for the fastest route into the city) for step-by-step instructions.

👉 Once you’re in town, read Getting Around Hong Kong (for MTR, buses, trams and ferries) to understand all the different types of transportation and which ones are best for first time visitors.

👉 Still planning your trip? You can also check Hong Kong Visa entry requirements quickly and easily here.