Star Ferry
Hong Kong
The Star Ferry is a historic passenger ferry service operating across Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, connecting Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, as well as Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Founded in 1888 as the Kowloon Ferry Company by Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, it adopted the name Star Ferry in 1898. The ferry fleet, consisting of double-deck vessels mostly built between 1958 and 1965, carries over 70,000 passengers daily, offering a scenic and affordable alternative to tunnels and bridges. The service is renowned for its nostalgic charm, featuring traditional rope mooring methods and vessel names inspired by stars, reflecting the founder's poetic inspiration. Despite competition from road and rail tunnels, the Star Ferry remains a beloved cultural icon and a preferred choice for tourists to enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong's skyline and harbor. The company also operates sightseeing cruises, including day and night harbor tours. The Star Ferry has been recognized internationally, including being named the top ferry ride by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009. It has survived historical challenges such as World War II disruptions and urban redevelopment, continuing to serve as a vital and picturesque transport link and tourist attraction in Hong Kong.
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Astuce: For the best experience, take the Star Ferry during daylight to enjoy stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline. Purchasing multi-day or tourist passes can offer unlimited rides and savings. Avoid peak rush hours for a more leisurely trip. Advance ticket purchase is generally not required, but check official sources for special event cruises or sightseeing tours. Accessibility options are available for disabled passengers. Consult the official website for current schedules and any service updates.
Faits intéressants
- •The Star Ferry carries over 70,000 passengers daily, totaling around 26 million annually.
- •It was rated the top ferry ride worldwide by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009.
- •The ferry names all include the word 'Star,' inspired by Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem 'Crossing the Bar.'
- •The original mooring method involves tossing a rope to pier staff, a tradition still practiced today.
- •The ferry fleet includes a diesel-electric hybrid vessel, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, introduced in 2020.
Histoire
The Star Ferry was founded in 1888 by Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala as the Kowloon Ferry Company, renamed Star Ferry Company in 1898.
Initially operating steam ferries, it expanded its fleet rapidly in the early 20th century.
The service was interrupted during World War II when vessels were commandeered or sunk, but resumed post-war with new terminals completed in 1957.
The ferry was the main cross-harbour transport until the 1972 opening of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel.
It has undergone fleet modernization and route adjustments, including the addition and suspension of certain routes in response to urban development and competition.
The Star Ferry celebrated its centenary in 1998 and continues to operate under a government franchise renewed in 2018.
Guide du lieu
Central Pier Terminal1957
The main boarding point on Hong Kong Island, featuring twin piers built in 1957 designed to handle millions of passengers annually. It includes traditional waiting areas and ticketing facilities.
Tsim Sha Tsui Pier Terminal1906 (original), rebuilt multiple times
The Kowloon side terminal, rebuilt multiple times due to typhoon damage and urban redevelopment, serves as the main gateway for passengers crossing to Hong Kong Island.
Star Ferry Fleet1958-1965, ongoing upgrades
Consists mainly of double-deck diesel-powered vessels built between 1958 and 1965, along with newer hybrid ferries. The fleet is known for its distinctive green and white livery and double-ended design for efficient docking.
Contact
Téléphone: 2367 7065