Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
3.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersScenic Walking Areas
About
This place is temporarily closed. Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is the cross-boundary gateway for High Speed Rail in Hong Kong. The giant curtain wall of the station comprises over 4,000 irregular glass panels, and the spectacular structure is supported by 9 sets of massive columns of different heights. The curved ceiling of the station was built with over 8,000 tons of steel, which is almost the weight of the Eiffel Tower!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Austin
How to get there
- Austin • 3 min walk
- Kowloon • 6 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
53 reviews
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6
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China21,615 contributions
Apr 2023
This is Hong Kong's main railway station to China. A vast complex near Tsim Sha Tsui, West Kowloon Station is a pleasant place to wander even for non-travelers. The view of Kowloon from the garden is particularly nice. The station itself is spacious and accessible.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snowball's adventure
Barnet, UK7,160 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We went to the West Kowloon Station to pick up a friend who took the High-Speed China/HK Express.
West Kowloon Station opened daily at 6 am and closed at 12 am. The station is within walkable distance from "The Element", Kowloon MTR station and the Austin MTR station. It wasn't very convenient for us to get here due to we came from the east side of Kowloon. i.e. we had to interchange twice at Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations and then got off and walked from the Austin MTR station. It was also a long 10 mins walk at the interchange between Tsim Sha Tsui station and East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations.
The station was quite spacious, plenty of rooms at the arrival and departure areas. There were about 9 restaurants/ fast food stores at the station (before immigration) and some convenient stores selling snacks, medicines, and souvenirs. However, the best shop for me was "The TripAdvisor Store" which sold a bit of everything for light travelers. It's the first time I saw a TripAdvisor shop!
On the day we visited, the station was only 2 months old & it was quite obvious that it wasn't fully in function yet. For example, I could see some lightings and cables still hanging out from the ceilings and there weren't enough taxis at the taxi stand. We had to wait for 50mins for a taxi and the queue wasn't that long. Taxis arrived very infrequently (around every 5 minutes). However, there were plenty of staffs and tickets machines at the departure which was a good sign.
As a new train station, its overall quality was average. The building wasn't magnificent but not ugly. There were quite a few restaurants/ fast food stores but didn't provide a variety of choices. There were plenty of rooms for improvement in every aspect.
West Kowloon Station opened daily at 6 am and closed at 12 am. The station is within walkable distance from "The Element", Kowloon MTR station and the Austin MTR station. It wasn't very convenient for us to get here due to we came from the east side of Kowloon. i.e. we had to interchange twice at Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations and then got off and walked from the Austin MTR station. It was also a long 10 mins walk at the interchange between Tsim Sha Tsui station and East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations.
The station was quite spacious, plenty of rooms at the arrival and departure areas. There were about 9 restaurants/ fast food stores at the station (before immigration) and some convenient stores selling snacks, medicines, and souvenirs. However, the best shop for me was "The TripAdvisor Store" which sold a bit of everything for light travelers. It's the first time I saw a TripAdvisor shop!
On the day we visited, the station was only 2 months old & it was quite obvious that it wasn't fully in function yet. For example, I could see some lightings and cables still hanging out from the ceilings and there weren't enough taxis at the taxi stand. We had to wait for 50mins for a taxi and the queue wasn't that long. Taxis arrived very infrequently (around every 5 minutes). However, there were plenty of staffs and tickets machines at the departure which was a good sign.
As a new train station, its overall quality was average. The building wasn't magnificent but not ugly. There were quite a few restaurants/ fast food stores but didn't provide a variety of choices. There were plenty of rooms for improvement in every aspect.
Written January 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edlileung
Hong Kong, China814 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
We went to Element and walked through to reach the West Kowloon Hi Speed Train Station today with a view to take the train ticket to be used two days later. We went there for purpose since it was a complete new stuff in HK where you had to get aquainted before you go. It took ten minutes from Element to the train station which was a gaint structure with multi story/level for different purpose. The ticket hall was huge and the departure hall was even greater. We found our ticket redeem counter very easy since there were many customers services staff around the station. Redemption took two minutes with your traveling document available. We all satisfied with the service. I saw many travelers made use of the entrance to reach the departure hall and traveler awaiting on the hall below. It is a masterpiece of architectural complex and we were proud of it in comparison to other cross country train station in the world such as the Euro Star. A hi speed train to reach the heart of Hong Kong from many part of mainland China and reverse making a world smaller and convenient.
Written November 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scullyman
London, UK61 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Had already a ticket but as I arrived at the station two hours early, I thought I would try and change it at the change ticket counter for an earlier train. That was a mistake. Firstly I was told I could not change the ticket because it was issued in China (though they changed their minds when pressed). Then that I did not have enough time to be processed for a train that was not due to leave for a further 50 minutes.
As frequent user of this service it has never taken me 50 minutes to go through security, customs and immigration. For the record, on this occasion, it took me 15 minutes to clear the entire security, immigration and customs process.
My lesson learnt. I should have just bought a new ticket!
As frequent user of this service it has never taken me 50 minutes to go through security, customs and immigration. For the record, on this occasion, it took me 15 minutes to clear the entire security, immigration and customs process.
My lesson learnt. I should have just bought a new ticket!
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommydeee
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand261 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
All the adverts and reviews say you can visit Shenzhen without a visa. The station, Desk 26 confirmed no visa. Bought tickets from Desk 14 No visa required for a 60 hour visit.
Arrived at boarding, went through customs, arrived in “China@ in West Kowloon station. We were removed and put in a detention area then kicked out of China with no apology, no attempt to help or change the situation. HK immigration and security were equally poor. 3 hours incarcerated in the Howell’s of a concrete station with no explanation or apology.
The Chinese immigration officers, no’s 043780 and 045481 told us to “sue”. It cost a fortune, we lost hotel costs, wasted over 3 hours and were humiliated by a disgraceful service. Shame on MTR and Shame on Chinese and HK immigration. That would not happen to you in NZ you are a disgrace to your countries.
Arrived at boarding, went through customs, arrived in “China@ in West Kowloon station. We were removed and put in a detention area then kicked out of China with no apology, no attempt to help or change the situation. HK immigration and security were equally poor. 3 hours incarcerated in the Howell’s of a concrete station with no explanation or apology.
The Chinese immigration officers, no’s 043780 and 045481 told us to “sue”. It cost a fortune, we lost hotel costs, wasted over 3 hours and were humiliated by a disgraceful service. Shame on MTR and Shame on Chinese and HK immigration. That would not happen to you in NZ you are a disgrace to your countries.
Written October 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hong Kong survivor
2 contributions
Dec 2018 • Business
1. Ticket collection - bored staff charge extra money for (paper) ticket purchased online
2. Long queues at China immigration - no English and no instructions for "Foreigners"
3. Delayed by 5 minutes for train - rude staff ignore white folks and then want to charge another fare for a new ticket
4. Complaints fall on deaf ears because we are in China and the rules are different here.
5. Cannot even buy a replacement ticket less than 15 minutes before train departure.
6. No refreshments in waiting area - not even bottled water.
7. Incessant noise from loudspeakers filling entire hall like a cacophony (bring ear plugs)
8. Train journey quick but see nothing in tunnel and don't use it if you don't like tunnels.
9. Arrive about 1 hour from centre of GZ in cavernous noisy disorganised terminal at GZ SOUTH with no English at all
10. Return journey worse. Arrive GZ SOUTH early to find long disorderly queues to collect ANOTHER paper ticket. Pushy customers more noise heat bad air. Rather like a bad EU station from the post war period.
11. Foreigner must line up separately and show ticket and passport for obligatory stamp.
12. Queue for train 20 persons wide and one hundred persons long.
13. Ticket barrier not working so emergency gate opened persons pour in like madmen.
14. Fast journey back to West Kowloon arrive at platform to find Chinese staff barking at us to take escalator which is actually going the wrong way. Sneak past barking staff to an elevator which shows arrival on 3rd floor. Actually, stopped on second floor more barking sent back to platform to take the correct elevator. Don't ask any questions you're white.
15. More queues at China emigration. Viewed with derision and suspicion in my own city.
16. Hong Kong immigration delay entry because permanent HK residents can only enter if they can be verified by staff using multiple photos. Staff average age is about 18 years.
Recommend only use if you have a Chinese ID card, can speak Mandarin and can stand to sit and wait without refreshments for two hours while paying three times for a journey.
2. Long queues at China immigration - no English and no instructions for "Foreigners"
3. Delayed by 5 minutes for train - rude staff ignore white folks and then want to charge another fare for a new ticket
4. Complaints fall on deaf ears because we are in China and the rules are different here.
5. Cannot even buy a replacement ticket less than 15 minutes before train departure.
6. No refreshments in waiting area - not even bottled water.
7. Incessant noise from loudspeakers filling entire hall like a cacophony (bring ear plugs)
8. Train journey quick but see nothing in tunnel and don't use it if you don't like tunnels.
9. Arrive about 1 hour from centre of GZ in cavernous noisy disorganised terminal at GZ SOUTH with no English at all
10. Return journey worse. Arrive GZ SOUTH early to find long disorderly queues to collect ANOTHER paper ticket. Pushy customers more noise heat bad air. Rather like a bad EU station from the post war period.
11. Foreigner must line up separately and show ticket and passport for obligatory stamp.
12. Queue for train 20 persons wide and one hundred persons long.
13. Ticket barrier not working so emergency gate opened persons pour in like madmen.
14. Fast journey back to West Kowloon arrive at platform to find Chinese staff barking at us to take escalator which is actually going the wrong way. Sneak past barking staff to an elevator which shows arrival on 3rd floor. Actually, stopped on second floor more barking sent back to platform to take the correct elevator. Don't ask any questions you're white.
15. More queues at China emigration. Viewed with derision and suspicion in my own city.
16. Hong Kong immigration delay entry because permanent HK residents can only enter if they can be verified by staff using multiple photos. Staff average age is about 18 years.
Recommend only use if you have a Chinese ID card, can speak Mandarin and can stand to sit and wait without refreshments for two hours while paying three times for a journey.
Written December 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LouTassie
Devonport, Australia717 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Our first return travel on the high-speed China/HK express. It was quick, comfortable and as smooth as it should be. The journey through the border control was so easy. First, the China exit; remember the yellow departure paper. Then, remove your hat for temperature check entering HK. Grab duty free if desired, then move to the HK inbound route. Complete the inbound paperwork at the counters provided.
Exiting HK Kowloon West station, follow the walking path to Austin subway station, a very short walk. Now, the HK city sub-standard subway is at your availability.
Returning to mainland China, the HK passport control is super quick with a modern chip enabled passport. It's a rapid electronic process. Collect desired duty free once more and proceed to the Chinese boarder control with your completed arrival card in hand.
The high tech and adorable CHR train awaits for the Chinese journey. Short haul & long haul journeys await.
The terminal in China is new, big and rather spectacular.
Exiting HK Kowloon West station, follow the walking path to Austin subway station, a very short walk. Now, the HK city sub-standard subway is at your availability.
Returning to mainland China, the HK passport control is super quick with a modern chip enabled passport. It's a rapid electronic process. Collect desired duty free once more and proceed to the Chinese boarder control with your completed arrival card in hand.
The high tech and adorable CHR train awaits for the Chinese journey. Short haul & long haul journeys await.
The terminal in China is new, big and rather spectacular.
Written December 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J.R.
Duluth, MN60 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
Had a great stay in a great room. I was sick on arrival food poisoning in Narita Airport in Tokyo then 5:40 to Hong Kong where it all went bad. But I survived had a good stay no time for the taylors
Written November 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MonWalkabout
Shenzhen, China72 contributions
Sep 2019
This is a great station to catch a train to SZ or other areas of the mainland if you're on a diet, as there are zero places to eat once you are past security. I don't even remember there being any water vending machines. So make sure you're full before you get to the station, although if you get hungry easily, the suggested 45 minutes might make you want to eat your fingers.
Written October 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P T
Hawaii258 contributions
Dec 2019
Direct high speed train from here to most major cities in China, the station is connected to MTR rail line, with covered bus and taxi stations just outside. Restaurants and fast food services are conveniently located on most levels. The China/Hongkong ferry terminal is about 10 minutes walk towards Tsim Sha Tsui. This is a good place to visit even if you are not taking a train, the building are very photogenic inside out.
Written December 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi.
I would like to know how long it will take if you can kindly estimate, the immigration process at the airport and the one at the Railways station.
l am due to fly in next year but l am worried the window could be very tight with two immigration services to contend with so if you can explain how long it took you from arrival to getting to the lounge that would be most useful. l am looking at 2 hour window.
l am guessing maybe 40 minutes at the airport, 10 minutes to subway, 20 minutes on the subway and another 10 to immigration and possibly 40 minutes through immigration. If it works out this way l could just about make the train...
Written August 7, 2019
It really depends on your arrival time at HKIA. Prime time will take you about 30 minutes (11:00 to 5:00) while early and late flights can probably breeze through on 10-15 minutes. Should take about 30 minutes to reach Kowloon Airport Express station.
Take exit C-1 up stairs to access to bridge over to Train station.
About 15 minute walk. HK and China immigration is a breeze at the Train Station. Windows for Train ticket purchase are Domestic,Short Haul and Long haul. You probably need short haul line. Lots of staff present to answer any questions.
Hope that helps. Take some pictures of the station. AMAZING!!!
Written August 12, 2019
Hi, could we get some advice regarding purchasing train tickets and ticket collection at the HK West Kowloon Railway Station? This is much appreciated.
1. Are the ticket purchasing and collection counters open 24 hours? We will be arriving at HK International airport at 11pm and plan to take the Airport express to the station. Will we be able to get the tickets at 11:30 in the evening? (We will be getting 2 tickets Kowloon to Guangzhou south and Guangzhou south to Yangshuo) Also, we are planning to catch the 8:00 am train to Guangzhou south if this is a good idea, and from Guangzhou south have a 1 hour to transfer to the train to Yangshuo, or is that too short?)
2. Is the waiting area and lounge open 24 hours?
Thanks!
Written May 6, 2019
Hi there, the airport express trains to Kowloon cease at midnight so you might be able to catch it if you clear customs in quick time. When you get to KL West, you will be able to purchase tickets to GZ Nan (if you don't have them already) but not until the following day as ticket offices will be shut...no trains. It is a necessity in China to purchase long distant train tickets at a minimum 2 hours beforehand. I don't believe the mall/KL station will stay open after midnight. You may need to check on that one...but I don't think it will be open.
Written May 14, 2019
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