Stanley Hong Kong Bus for First-time Visitors (with instructions)

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Stanley Village is famous for its tourist market, quiet beaches, and laid-back vibe, but getting there is half the fun.

That’s because catching the public double-decker bus to Stanley is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to see Hong Kong’s southern coastline. The views are crazy good. Jungle hills, pockets of beach, winding cliffside roads.

As the bus snakes past Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, you’ll roll through the greenery of Tai Tam Country Park and catch a glimpse of Ocean Park’s cliff-hugging roller coaster (I did it once and nearly lost my socks).

By the time you arrive in Stanley, you’ll be feeling far from the city chaos and ready to wander the market, stroll the waterfront, and grab a bite to eat.

Stanley Bus (No. 6, 6A, 6X or 260)

There are a few different buses that go to Stanley, but here’s the deal: the No. 6 offers the most scenic route, winding through the mountains with killer views.

That said, don’t waste time waiting around for it at the terminal.

If the No. 6 or 6A aren’t there, just hop on the 6X or 260. They’re express buses that cut through the Aberdeen Tunnel, so you’ll miss a bit of the coastal road, but you’ll still get plenty of good views.

Your time in Hong Kong is better spent than standing around at a bus stop.

The other scenic double-decker I recommend for first-time visitors is the bus to The Peak, an easy, low-cost way to reach Hong Kong’s most famous lookout without the crowds or queues.

Where to Catch the Stanley Bus from Central

The first thing to note is that the Stanley Bus is not at the waterfront bus terminus like the Peak bus.

Instead the best place to board is at the Central bus terminus, near Exchange Square/IFC Mall. I recommend boarding here so you get a good seat, as the bus can fill up along the way.

The double decker bus terminus can be a bit tricky to find. It’s located underneath the IFC building and is easily confused with the mini-bus terminus.

Whether you’re coming from Kowloon or Hong Kong side, the easiest way to get there is to head to the IFC mall then Exchange Square.

Look out for signage to the bus terminal as you walk across the over-bridge toward the Two International Finance Centre.

Once you get to street level you will see the basement-like place with double-decker buses. Look at the bus signs and you will see the ones for Stanley.

🔍I’ve put together a detailed guide on getting around in Hong Kong if you want to dig deeper into the different forms of public transportation in Hong Kong.

Timetable for the Stanley Bus

The journey takes about 30 – 45 minutes, depending on traffic and which bus you take.

Given you’ve got multiple bus options to get to Stanley, you shouldn’t have to wait long. These buses run every 20-30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 8.45 p.m.

Like the The Peak Bus, the buses to Stanley can get very busy on the weekends, so be sure to get on at the first stop if you want a good seat up the top.

How to Pay for the Stanley Bus

The adult fare is currently around HK$12 each way, depending on the route. Fares can change, so check the Citybus app or route information before travelling. You can pay using your Tourist Octopus card or with exact change.

Tourist Octopus Card or Regular Octopus Card: Useful for frequent travellers and can be used as payment across various types of Hong Kong transport. Just tap as you enter the bus.

Cash: You must have the exact fare. You can pay more if you don’t have the exact amount, but you won’t get change.

Contactless Credit or Mobile Wallets: Depending on the operator, you may be able to use Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Look for the electronic-payment logos on the reader when you board

Where to Get Off & Back On for Your Return Journey

All of the Stanley buses go to the bus terminal at Stanley Village, but may continue on to other parts of Stanley (like Stanley Prison).

Inside the bus there’s an electronic sign, keep an eye on it, and it will display Stanley Village when the stop gets closer.

There’s also an announcement in English and Chinese.

Outside you will see lots of buses. Get off here, and follow the signs down the steps into Stanley Village.

You can also catch your bus here for your return journey back into the city.

There’s no need to catch the same bus on the return journey (unless you really want to go back to the Two IFC Bus terminal).

There are many buses that will get you back into Hong Kong city: Central, Causeway Bay etc. Just catch one of those, depending on where you want to head to next.

👉 Prefer an easier sightseeing day? The Big Bus tour includes Stanley and can be a better option if you want transport and several attractions organised for you.