Depending on what you are going to do on Lamma Island and where you want to start, there are a few options for taking a ferry to Lamma Island in Hong Kong.
Essentially, there are five ways to get to Lamma island. Most people take the two most common ferries operating from Central Ferry Pier. But there are other options including two ferries Aberdeen Pier and a private ferry for Lamma Rainbow Restaurant customers.
In this post, I included everything you need to know before hopping on one of the ferries to Lamma Island, including all five Lamma ferry schedule and timetable. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to make the most of all the ferry options to Lamma Island.
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What you need to know before taking a Lamma Island Ferry
Before going to Lamma Island, take a look at my solo travel guide to Hong Kong and get an overview of the city.
Here are a few additional tips for spending the day on Lamma Island:
- The best time to visit Lamma Island is during weekends and holidays because many stores and restaurants are closed on different days during the week. Although it can be busy, there are more food options.
- Get an Octopus Card, a rechargeable smart card for taking public transportation to and from Lamma Island.
- Wear light hiking shoes if you want to hike to Lamma Island Family Walk and Ling Kok Shan. Bring beach gear if you are going to Yung Shue Ha Beach, Hung Shing Yeh Beach, or other smaller beaches around the island.
- Bring water if you are going on a hot day and visiting two lesser-known piers. There aren’t any convenience stores nearby.
Lamma Island Geography: 4 Ferry Piers
All Lamma ferries dock at one of the four ferry piers on Lamma Island (as indicated by the red dots on the map). These are the piers:
- Sok Kwu Wan Pier – located in an inlet on the southeast part of Lamma Island (most popular pier)
- Yung Shue Wan Pier – located on northwestern part of the island (most popular pier)
- Mo Tat Wan Pier – east of Sok Kwu Wan Pier (lesser known pier)
- Pak Kok Tsuen Pier – north of Yung Shue Wan Pier (lesser known pier)
5 Options for Taking Ferry to Lamma Island
Once you understand where the four piers are located, then choose one of the five ways to get to Lamma Island from Hong Kong Island. There are pros and cons to take each Lamma ferry and I listed the reasons in the summary in the table below.
And when you go through the info in each section, I included detailed info about the specific Lamma ferry, schedule and cost.
| Lamma Ferry Options | Why You Should Take This Lamma Ferry |
|---|---|
| 1. HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier | *Easier to get to Central *Eating at one of the seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu Wan *Starting the Lamma Island Family Trail from Sok Kwu Wan |
| 2. HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan Pier | *Easier to get to Central *Only spending time in Yung Shue Wan *Hiking the Lamma Island Family Trail from Yung Shue Wan *Taking a last-minute day trip to Lamma Island (more ferries going to Yung Shue Wan and shortest trip) |
| 3. Chuen Kee Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Mo Tat Wan Pier or Sok Kwu Wan Pier | *Easier to get to Aberdeen *Exploring the small village called Mo Tat *Going straight for Yung Shue Ha Beach or Sham Wan Beach *Hiking up to Ling Kok Shan |
| 4. Tsui Wah Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier or Yung Shue Wan Pier | *Easier to get to Aberdeen *Exploring small villages like Pak Kok Kau Tsuen, Tai Peng and Tai Peng New Village *Exploring places in northern Lamma Island |
| 5. Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant Guests Exclusive Ferry: from Central, TST, Cyberport (Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau) to Sok Kwu Wan Pier | *Only if you made reservation for the seafood restaurant |
1. HKKF Ferry: from Central to Sok Kwu Wan
One of the most popular routes to Lamma Island is the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Holdings Limited (HKKF) ferry from Central to Lamma Island. The ferry route starts at Central Ferry Pier No. 4 and goes to Sok Kwu Wan Pier. This route will take you to the eastern part of Lamma Island.
When you are at Central Ferry Pier No. 4, walk through the entrance on the left side for Sok Kwu Wan (the left side is for Yung Shue Wan). You can pay your fare with the Octopus card at the turnstile gate.
When the ferry is ready for boarding, go straight to the upper deck and find a comfortable seat. You can sit inside the ferry, where you can enjoy some air conditioning, or on one of the seats on the open deck, where you can enjoy the sea breeze.
On the way back to Hong Kong, you can board the ferry at the same pier in Sok Kwu Wan.
Lamma Ferry Timetable: Central to/from Sok Kwu Wan
The Lamma ferry timetable for Central to/from Sok Kwu Wan is in front of Central Pier No. 4. I included a photographed version of the schedule (see below). You can check the HKKF website for more information on Lamma ferry times.
HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan:
- Time: 45 minutes (almost one ferry each hour from 7:20am-11:30pm)
- Cost: $27.5HKD (Monday to Saturday) $38.7HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
2. HKKF Ferry: from Central to Yung Shue Wan
The other popular route from Central to Lamma Island is to take the HKKF ferry from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan Pier. This route takes you to the northwestern part of Lamma Island.
When you are at Central Ferry Pier No. 4, walk through the entrance on the right side for Yung Shue Wan. You can pay your fare with the Octopus card at the turnstile gate.
On the way back to Hong Kong you can take the HKKF ferry at the same pier at Yung Shue Wan.
Lamma Ferry Schedule: Central to/from Yung Shue Wan
The Lamma Island ferry schedule for Central to/from Yung Shue Wan is in front of Central Pier No. 4. But you can see a photographed version here (see below). You can check the HKKF website for more information on Lamma ferry times.
HKKF Ferry: from Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan
- Time: 20-30 minutes (2 ferries each hour from 6:30 am to 12:30 am)
- Cost: $22.1HKD (Monday to Saturday) $30.8HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
3. Chuen Kee Ferry: from Aberdeen to Mo Tat Wan or Sok Kwu Wan
Besides the Lamma ferries in Central, there are two Aberdeen to Lamma ferry options.
Chuen Kee Ferry runs ferry services between Aberdeen Pier, Mo Tat Wan Pier and Sok Kwu Wan Pier, which are both on the east side of Lamma Island.
At the west end of the Aberdeen Promenade, you will find the entrance for taking the Chuen Kee ferry to Lamma Island.
What is unusual and exciting is the Chuen Kee ferry boats! Perhaps they were once fishing boats, as Aberdeen is home to many fishermen. But they have been converted into a ferry, and people are shuttled daily from Aberdeen to Lamma Island. A boat ride on one of these nostalgic fishing boats is a treat.
Bring your Octopus card so you can pay as you board the boat.
Option: Mo Tat Wan Pier or Sok Kwu Wan Pier
When you take the Chuen Kee ferry, you have the option to disembark at Mo Tat Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. First, the ferry stops at Mo Tat Wan Pier to drop off passengers and pick up new ones. Then, the ferry continues to Sok Kwu Wan Pier.
If you want to take the same ferry back to Aberdeen, go to the pier between a row of restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan to catch the Chuen Kee ferry. It is not the same pier for the HKKF ferries.
Lamma Ferry Timetable: Aberdeen to/from Mo Tat Wan and Sok Kwu Wan
The Lamma Island ferry timetable for Aberdeen to/from Mo Tat Wan and Sok Kwu Wan is located at the entrance of Chuen Kee Ferry. There aren’t as many ferries as HKKF, so make sure to check the schedule before taking the Chuen Kee ferry (see below). Or check the Chuen Kee Ferry website for more information.
Chuen Kee Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Mo Tat Wan Pier and Sok Kwu Wan Pier
- Time: 23 minutes to Mo Tat Wan or 30 minutes to Sok Kwu Wan (almost one ferry each hour from 6am-10:20pm)
- Cost: $12.5HKD (Monday to Saturday) $18.7HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
4. Tsui Wah Ferry: from Aberdeen to Pak Kok Tsuen and Yung Shue Wan
Another Aberdeen to Lamma ferry is the fishing boat option run by Tsui Wah Ferry Services, which takes passengers from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and Yung Shue Wan Pier.
The entrance is in the middle of the Aberdeen Promenade, a few minutes walk east of Chuen Kee Ferry. This is the same ferry terminal for boats going to Po Toi Island.
When I took the Tsui Wah ferry, I walked past the counter (no one was there) and went directly to the upper deck without paying. The crew will come around with the Octopus payment terminal as soon as the ferry starts. You can either pay with your Octopus card or by cash.
Option: Pak Kok Tseun Pier or Yung Shue Wan Pier
For the Tsui Wah ferry, you can disembark at one of the two piers: Pak Kok Tsuen Pier or Yung Shue Wan Pier. First, the ferry will stop at Pak Kok Tsuen Pier to drop off passengers and pick up new ones. Then, the ferry continues to Yung Shue Wan Pier.
If you want to take the same ferry back to Aberdeen, take the left entrance at Yung Shue Wan Pier for the Tsui Wah ferry. Ensure you don’t go through the turnstile gates on the right side because they are only for HKKF ferries.
Lamma Ferry Schedule: Aberdeen to/from Pak Kok Tsuen and Yung Shue Wan
The Lamma Island ferry schedule for Aberdeen to/from Pak Kok Tsuen and Yung Shue Wan is at the Tsui Wah ferry entrance. Take a look at the timetable before you go (see below). Or check the Tsui Wah / Traway Travel website for more info.
Tsui Wah Ferry: from Aberdeen Pier to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and Yung Shue Wan Pier
- Time: 25 minutes to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier and 30 minutes to Yung Shue Wan Pier (almost one ferry each hour from 6am-10:25pm)
- Cost: $19HKD (Monday to Saturday) $21HKD (Sundays and Public Holidays)
5. Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant Guests Exclusive Ferry
And finally, there is one more option, which is free! However, this private ferry is only for Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant customers.
There are daily free shuttles from Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Cyberport and to Sok Kiu Wan. Special ferries operate from Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau on Mondays and Tuesdays, with reservations only. Please make an appointment one day in advance.
There are several signs in Sok Kwu Wan indicating the location of the pier. Follow the signs so you know exactly where to go.
I included this Lamma ferry option because it is very unique. However, I don’t think it’s a good option for solo travellers since it is harder to order seafood for one (most dishes are meant for sharing). But if you are travelling with other people and want to try local specialties, I highly recommend eating seafood on Lamma Island!
Lamma Island ferry schedule: Private ferry for Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant
The Lamma Rainbow Restaurant website has a ferry schedule timetable for the daily boats and special routes. I also included in the post. See below.
Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant Private Ferry: from Central, TST, Cyberport, (Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau) to Sok Kwu Wan
- Time: 45 minutes (almost one ferry each hour from 11:30am-6:30pm)
- Cost: free (make a reservation 1 day in advance)
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
| From Central, Tsim Sha Tsui | From Cyberport | Return |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30am 1pm 3:30pm 5pm 6:30pm | 11:50am 1:20pm 3:50pm 5:20pm 6:50pm | 14:45pm 4:15pm 5:45pm 8pm 9:15pm |
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
| From Central, Tsim Sha Tsui | From Cyberport | Return |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30am 3:30pm 5:30pm 7pm | 11:50am 3:50pm 5:50pm 7:20pm | 14:45pm 4:30pm 6pm 8pm 9:30pm |
Which Lamma ferry are you going to take?
And there you have it, all 5 options for taking a ferry to Lamma Island. I think each of them are excellent options. It all depends what you are going to do on Lamma Island, where you want to start, etc.
And each ferry is different so if you have been to Lamma Island before, try one of the other ferries (especially the ones departing from Aberdeen). The fishing boats are very nostalgic and the fare is cheaper too.
I hope this post can help you with planning a fabulous day trip to Lamma Island. Make sure to check out Lamma Island Family Walk while you are spending the day on Lamma Island. It is one of the most scenic and easiest hikes in HK. And if you have any questions, leave a comment below.
Ready to plan your trip to Hong Kong? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Hong Kong accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours in Hong Kong.
Thank you for reading my Lamma Island ferry guide
For more HK travel inspiration, check out my Hong Kong page for more posts on solo travel in Hong Kong and check out these posts:
Hong Kong posts
- Hong Kong solo travel guide: everything you need to know
- 6 boutique hotels: where to stay in HK for solo travellers
- Best places to watch sunset in Hong Kong
- HK off the beaten path: 11 hidden gems
- How to get to Lamma Island
- Short and easy hikes in Hong Kong
- Macau itinerary: things to do for Solo traveller
- My honest review of HK Express, HK budget airline
Islands District Hikes
- Lamma Island: hike from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan
- Cheung Chau Island: 1-day itinerary around Cheung Chau
- Peng Chau: 1-day itinerary
- Tung O Ancient Trail: hike the coastal trail in Lantau North Country Park
- Lo Yan Shan Hike: hike Chi Ma Wan Country Trail in southern Lantau Island
- Fan Lau Hike: explore the southwest tip of Lantau Island
- Po Toi Island: see Hong Kong’s South Pole
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
