HONG KONG

GMT +8

Hong Kong (Chek Lap Kok) Intl Airport (HKG), 16 mi (25 km) W of Hong Kong Is. (off the north coast of Lantau Is.)

Airport Information: (852) 2181-0000 (English), 2181-8888 (Chinese), or HKTB Visitor Info Center (852) 2508-1234; www.hkta.org or www.hkairport.com

This beautiful $8 billion airport (opened in 1998) boasts a ground-transportation infrastructure that includes some 7.5 mi (12.5 km) of new expressway, two suspension bridges (including one of the world's longest for road and rail), a third cross-harbor tunnel linking Hong Kong and Kowloon, and a fast, new 23-minute rail service. Whether you choose train, comfortable modern Airbus motorcoach, taxi, or private limousine, proceed to the Ground Transportation Centre -- connected to the main terminal building -- following the signs for the different modes of transit.

Taxis are color-coded: Urban, red; New Territories, green; Lantau, blue. Hong Kong Island Central, HKD350 ($45.50), 30-45 min; Causeway Bay, HKD350 ($45.50); Aberdeen, HKD375 ($49); Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui (Star Ferry), HKD270 ($35). New Territories Tsuen Wan, HKD250 ($32.50); Sha Tin, HKD300 ($39). Lantau Is HKD30-180 ($4-23). Above estimated fares include tunnel and/or bridge tolls -- amount shown on meter plus HKD20 ($2.60) for Cross Harbour Tunnel, HKD30 ($4) for Eastern Harbour Tunnel, and HKD50 ($6.50) for Western Harbour Tunnel and, for trip back to airport, driver's return toll of HKD10 ($1.30) for Cross Harbour, HKD30 ($4) for Lantau Link, and HKD15 ($2) for other tunnels. HKD5 (65[ct])/bag for Harbour and Lantau taxis, HKD4 (50[ct] for N.T. taxis. Tip: Round up to next HKD. Note: While the airport is only some 16 mi (25 km) from Hong Kong Central by direct rail service, a taxi ride is about 23 mi (37 km) and takes 45 min to 1 hr.

Limousine Services Farrington American Express Travel, DCH Limo, Intl Hire Cars/Trans-Island Limousine, Swire Travel.

High-speed Airport Express (AEL) rail every 10 min 6 am-1 am to Hong Kong Station in Central business district, with 2 stops en route, in only 23 min, HKD100 ($13) OW, HKD180 ($23.40) RT. 1st stop, Tsing Yi Station, 12 min, HKD60 ($7.80) OW, HKD110 ($14.30) RT; 2nd stop, Kowloon Station, 20 min, HKD90 ($11.70) OW, HKD160 ($20.80) RT. Note Free Airport Express Shuttle (AES) buses take rail passengers from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations to major hotels every 20 min on 4 routes, making transit by train a fast, efficient choice, and, for the return trip, free in-town check-in is available at airline counters at both stations up to one day before take-off for psgrs of Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Singapore, South African, Swissair, United, and Vietnam Airlines. Info: 2881 8888.

See Limousine Service, above.

ST HKD90-110 ($11.70-14.30)/day, LT minimum 2 days HKD80-100 ($10.40-13)/day. (Where 2 prices are given, 1st is open lot, 2nd is garage. Distant lot open subject to demand.)