Hong Kong Outlying Islands Ferry Fares Set for Mixed Adjustments from April 2026

The Transport Department has proposed renewing the operating licences for six major outlying islands ferry routes—operated by Sun Ferry and Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry—for another five years, until March 31, 2031. The current licences expire at the end of March 2026.

The department briefed the Islands District Council's Traffic and Transport Committee on March 10, 2026, explaining the service and fare plans for the next period. Due to falling passenger numbers and rising costs, fare adjustments are needed to sustain services, though the government has kept increases moderate after reviewing public affordability, operators' finances, and performance.

Single-journey fares (including freight on affected routes) will rise by about 12.5% on routes to Cheung Chau, Lamma Island (Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan), and the inter-islands service (Peng Chau–Mui Wo–Chi Ma Wan–Cheung Chau). This is lower than the operators' requested 20-30%.

Multi-ride tickets (monthly passes, 10/20-trip tickets, etc.) will increase by 8%, also well below original proposals.

For Central–Mui Wo and Central–Peng Chau, which have switched fully to high-speed ferries with new vessels, fares are unified (no more ordinary vs. fast distinctions), offering faster service and clearer pricing:

- Mui Wo: Weekday adult single drops from HK$34.1 to HK$33.5 (-1.8%); holiday from HK$48.9 to HK$48.5.

- Peng Chau: Weekday adult single drops from HK$36.9 to HK$31.9 (-13.6%); holiday from HK$54.3 to HK$46.6 (-14.2%).

These unified fares are slightly below current high-speed levels, described as a "fast ferry price cut with service upgrade."

New options include 6-trip tickets on some routes, plus extended validity for multi-trip tickets (45 or 90 days). The government will continue special assistance and pier upgrades to help operators boost non-fare revenue.

Changes take effect from April 1, 2026, pending final approval. Some new vessels from a 2021 joint tender are arriving and expected to enter service soon.