Archiving our adventures.

Star Ferry (Day)

Photographer
Abbie Schenk
Travelled
26.11.2024
Published
21.09.2025

The Star Ferry transports thousands of passengers every day between two piers on Hong Kong island and Kowloon on the mainland. The company was founded in 1888, the same year the Peak Tram began operation, the Canadian Northwest Territories held their first general election, the company name Kodak was trademarked, and Brazil became the final country in the Western world to abolish slavery.

The main route between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui has become an iconic symbol of Hong Kong. This plus the low fare have kept it in operation despite the island’s connection to the mainland via subway and road tunnel.

We usually ended up taking it in the evening as a last, relaxing ride back to Kowloon from Central before we ended the day.

The Star Ferry approaches the Wan Chai terminal, visible through a rose bush from the Wan Chai observation deck.
The Star Ferry approaches the Wan Chai terminal on Hong Kong island.
Two people look out from inside the Star Ferry at a ship docked at the Hong Kong convention centre.
Two people look out at a ship docked at the Hong Kong convention centre.
The Kowloon skyline and the approaching Star Ferry through the branches of a rose bush.
The Kowloon skyline and approaching Star Ferry.
The trees and shrubs on the Wan Chai observation deck.
The Wan Chai terminal has an observation deck that is rarely busy.
Part of the Hong Kong skyline from the Wan Chai observation deck.
Part of the Hong Kong skyline.
Another part of the Hong Kong skyline visible from the Wan Chai observation deck.
Another part of the Hong Kong skyline from the observation deck.
The sun shines into the lower deck and onto life preservers of the Star Ferry as it goes towards Hong Kong while a person is texting on their phone.
The sun shines on some life preservers on the ferry's lower deck.
The Hong Kong skyline over people's heads on the ferry.
The Hong Kong skyline.
A billow of black smoke rises from the Star Ferry as it docks at the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal.
A billow of black smoke rises from the Star Ferry as it docks at the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal.
Light shines through a blue and white striped tarp that covers a section of the wall at the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal.
A tarp covers a section of the TST terminal.
The TST terminal, with many fans, and star-shaped metal railings to prevent people from leaving the pier.
Star-shaped railings prevent people from leaving the pier.
A photo through the window of the Star Ferry arriving at the TST terminal.
The Star Ferry arrives at TST.
The interior of the Star Ferry terminal, with white and green walls and the stairs to the lower deck visible through bars.
The interior of the Star Ferry terminal. The lower decks have a lower fare.
The TST bus terminals just outside of the ferry terminal.
The TST bus terminals just outside of the ferry terminal.
The Hong Kong harbour and skyline with part of the skyline blocked by a sign meant for incoming and docking boats.
Hong Kong