Most visitors assume the open-top routes begin wherever their hotel happens to sit. They begin at a single waterfront block in Central, and this hop on hop off Hong Kong starting point guide sets out exactly where that is, what surrounds it, and why the location shapes the rest of the day. Route sequence, deck choice and onward connections follow below.
Quick answer
Hong Kong's open-top sightseeing routes begin at Central Star Ferry Pier 7, Man Kwong Street, Central, with service running daily from 10:00 to 19:00. Boarding is also possible at any marked stop along the circuit, so Pier 7 is a convenience rather than a requirement. Riders based in Kowloon usually cross by Star Ferry first.
The kerb where Hong Kong's open-top tour buses load is younger than most of the towers above it. Central Pier 7 opened in 2006, when the Star Ferry abandoned Edinburgh Place for reclaimed ground on Man Kwong Street. That relocation fixed the modern hop on hop off Hong Kong starting point on a stretch of waterfront that did not exist a generation ago. Buses idle a short walk from the ferry turnstiles, with Victoria Harbour on one side and the glass towers of Central's banking district on the other. The pier sits beside Pier 8 and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, linked to Central's elevated walkways and the IFC complex. First-time riders tend to locate the stop by following Star Ferry signage rather than hunting for the bus. Three colour-coded circuits radiate from the same waterfront block: an Island loop through Admiralty and Causeway Bay, a Kowloon loop reaching Tsim Sha Tsui and the Avenue of Stars, and a southern run toward Aberdeen and Stanley Market. Because each route is a closed loop, every marked stop technically functions as a boarding point. Pier 7 earns its anchor status for a duller reason. Ground staff work the pier, route maps and headsets are issued there, and the earliest departures leave that kerb before the circuits fill. Riders who join mid-route near the Peak Tram lower terminus or outside Man Mo Temple often find the upper deck already claimed and the audio commentary several landmarks in. Direction of travel matters more than most visitors expect. The open-top upper deck gives clear sightlines across Victoria Harbour on the northern legs, while the southern run trades skyline for hillside and coastline. Locals know the vehicles simply as 開篷觀光巴士, the open-top sightseeing buses. Anyone staying in Kowloon can treat the Star Ferry crossing as the opening act, reaching the pier by boat instead of through the Central subways. A full circuit with two or three stops absorbs most of a day, so the order of hops deserves a glance before boarding rather than after. The planning detail sits in the dedicated sections below: the weekly schedule, fare framing, walking directions from Hong Kong Station, and the Hong Kong landmarks clustered within reach of the hop on hop off Hong Kong starting point.
“Because each route is a closed loop, every marked stop technically functions as a boarding point — Pier 7 simply has the staff, the maps and the first buses of the day.”
The primary starting point for Big Bus Tours is located at Central Star Ferry Pier 7, situated on Man Kwong Street. This location is accessible via major public transit hubs in the Central district.
Island Line or Tsuen Wan Line to Central Station, Exit A
Tsim Sha Tsui to Central Pier 7
Routes terminating at Central (Central Ferry Piers)
Direct drop-off at Man Kwong Street
Follow signs for Central Pier 7 upon exiting the MTR or Star Ferry terminal. The Big Bus stop is clearly marked near the entrance to the pier.
The Hong Kong Big Bus Tours service operates daily at the Central Star Ferry Pier 7 starting point. The schedule remains consistent throughout the week to support passenger departures.
The optimal arrival window for the Central Star Ferry Pier 7 starting point is 10:00–16:00. Arriving within this timeframe ensures sufficient time to complete a full route circuit before the service concludes for the day.
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Lower passenger density allows for easier seating selection on the upper deck.
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Frequency of bus arrivals remains consistent during these hours for convenient boarding.
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This period provides a final window to begin the tour and experience the full route before the evening closure.
Verdict: The best time to visit is between 10:00 and 16:00 on any day of the week to maximize the duration of your tour experience.
The Central Star Ferry Pier 7 starting point provides convenient access to several major landmarks, allowing you to easily integrate local sightseeing with your bus tour. These nearby locations offer a blend of historical and modern attractions within short walking distance.
2 min walk
Located directly adjacent to the pier, this landmark provides panoramic harbor views that complement the bus tour's overhead perspective.
5 min walk
This major commercial complex is a short walk away, offering various dining and shopping options before or after your departure.
10 min walk
This historical public space reflects the colonial heritage of Central and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the district's architectural history.
Everything you need to know about hop on hop off hong kong starting point
The primary hop on hop off hong kong starting point is located at Central Star Ferry Pier 7, Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong. This location serves as the central hub for the sightseeing service.
While the Central Star Ferry Pier 7 is the primary location for the sightseeing loop, you should verify the specific route map for any additional stops. The hop on hop off hong kong starting point provides access to the major circuits operated by the company.
You can reach the departure point by using the efficient public transit network, including the Star Ferry or local MTR lines ending at Central Station. Following signs for the ferry piers will lead you directly to the location of the bus terminal.
The recommended arrival window is between 10:00 and 16:00 to ensure sufficient time for the full route circuit. Arriving during this period allows you to enjoy the city landmarks before the evening service concludes.
While information is available on-site, it is recommended to visit the official site at https://www.bigbustours.com for current details. Ticket prices begin at 55 USD for a single-route 24-hour adult pass.
The pier area features various convenience stores and transit facilities for travelers. It acts as a central node for exploring various Victoria Harbour attractions and Hong Kong districts.