Hong Kong High Speed Rail Link to China starts 23rd September

On the 23rd September 2018, a new link will commence operations, connecting Hong Kong and China by a High Speed Rail Line.

Hong Kong Kowloon West Terminal – Image, MTR

Trains will operate from Hong Kong Kowloon West, through to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, which in turn will connect Hong Kong to China’s high-speed rail network.

MTR will operate the route for a concession period of 10 year. They will use a variant of the CHR380 Train – the “Vibrant Express”

MTR “Vibrant Express” / MTR CRH380A Train – Image, MTR

These trains will offer Standard Class and First Class seating.  Plans call 114 short-haul return services daily during peak periods of travel, with 70 journeys during weekdays, 82 journeys during weekends. 13 Long distance return services will operate daily too.

In terms of getting tickets – you’ll need to get them at the train station or a travel agent as the Chinese Railway’s systems currently requires a Chinese Mainland telephone number to use

On the award of the operating concession, Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of MTR Corporation stated:

“High Speed Rail will open a new page in rail travel in Hong Kong and will impact positively on the city’s economic development by enhancing Hong Kong’s connectivity with the Mainland. With the confirmation from the Government of the HSR being safe and sound for passenger service, we are fully geared up for the commissioning of this new line on 23 September. Although there will inevitably be challenges in launching a new railway service, we are confident of providing a safe and efficient HSR service and managing any teething issues that may arise“

Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan

“The XRL will commence operation on September 23. The commissioning of the XRL is a historic moment for Hong Kong. It will bring not only a brand new, faster and more convenient means of cross-boundary transport to and from the Mainland for people in Hong Kong, but also strengthen links between Hong Kong and the Mainland by connecting the city to the 25,000-kilometre national high-speed rail network. It will foster commercial and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Mainland cities and enhance Hong Kong’s status as a transport hub. It will also enable Hong Kong to tap into the synergy and opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With more and more Hong Kong people working, conducting business, studying and retiring in the Mainland, the commissioning of the XRL can enhance the long-term development opportunities for promoting sustainable growth in trades including tourism, commerce and professional services.”

For those who are looking to travel at the moment, current connectivity includes options such as:

• Taking MTR Rail services to Lo Wu and Lok Mau Chau (For Futian Immigration Control Point)
• Taking the convention China Railways service from Hung Hom
• Connecting from Hong Kong International Airport via Ferry
• Taking a ferry from one of the three ports to China
• Taking one of the land crossings between Hong Kong and China either by bus, car or other transportation method.

High Speed Rail is an interesting proposition, and in situations where travel time is under three hours or so, can represent a serious threat to air travel (as Thalys, Eurostar and the SNCF TGV Network have proved).

The South China Morning Post has an interesting look at the challenges and costs involved for those considering taking the train.

For those looking to go beyond Hong Kong (and have a Chinese Visa which allows you to, or the appropriate paperwork to access China), this could open up some very interesting travel options.

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