To improve the experience for long-haul travellers transiting through Asia and following the success of its Shanghai Express and Beijing Express free layover tours, Trip.com, has announced the launch of its brand-new “Free Layover Tour Service” in Hong Kong, including transport and tour guides. This service is designed for international long-haul travellers transiting through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with layovers of seven hours or more.
The Free Layover Tour Service offers six curated routes all with transport and an English-speaking guide, three of which are free, perfect for travellers looking to explore more of Asia without breaking the bank. Travellers do not need to have booked any element of their holiday with Trip.com in order to partake. The layover tours can be booked for free via the Trip.com mobile app or official website or register on-site at the airport to embark on a short journey into the heart of Hong Kong’s vibrant culture.
Andy Washington, General Manager for Europe says: “Travelling with a layover is a fantastic way to fit even more culture and discovery into your trip. Trip.com is dedicated to opening up travel without breaking the bank, and the Hong Kong Free Layover Tour Service is the perfect way for Brits to discover more of Asia and soak up the city’s unique charm with total ease and peace of mind that they won’t miss their next flight.”
Six Curated Routes, Three Free Tours Now Open for Registration
The free layover tour features three curated routes, showcasing Hong Kong’s nostalgic cityscapes, natural beauty, and vibrant nocturnal arts scene. To further enhance the traveller experience, Trip.com has introduced three premium paid itineraries, offering deeper exploration of Lantau Island and the traditional fishing village of Tai O — revealing the city’s rich cultural diversity. All routes are selected from Trip.com’s Trip.Best rankings, powered by AI analysis of real user reviews, ratings, and booking data to highlight the city’s most iconic attractions.
Each tour is scheduled to align with peak transit hours, allowing transit passengers to make the most of their time in Hong Kong. Travellers can enjoy hassle-free transport, expert English-speaking guides, and all the essentials taken care of — all arranged and fully funded by Trip.com. Best of all, the entire experience is completely free for passengers, with no planning stress, no hidden costs. Simply travel light, hop on board, and take in the vibrant sights of Hong Kong.
Three Free Itineraries
| Tour Name | Time | Dates & Frequency | Highlights |
| Serenity & Stories: A Harmony Journey | 09:00 – 13:00 | December: Daily departures | Ideal for families - Visit Inspiration Lake near Disneyland and Ma Wan Village for a peaceful blend of nature and history. |
| Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk | 12:00 – 16:00 | From 5 Sep: Daily departures | Explore the Pei Ho Street Market in Sham Shui Po and visits the iconic Wong Tai Sin Temple. |
| Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey | 17:30 – 21:30 | From 5 Sep: Daily departures | Tour the West Kowloon Cultural District and Avenue of Stars, enjoying the fusion of cinematic heritage and harbour night views. |
Three Premium Itineraries (advance booking required by 12:00 noon the day before; minimum 6 participants):
| Tour Name | Time | Dates | Highlights |
| Lantau Island Half-Day Tour | 10:00 – 15:00 | From 5 Sep: Daily departures | Ride the award-winning Ngong Ping 360 cable car, visit the Big Buddha, Ngong Ping Village, and Wisdom Path. |
| The Peak Half-Day Tour | 14:00 – 20:00 | From 5 Sep: Daily departures | Explore colonial architecture at Stanley Police Station and Murray House, then ascend Victoria Peak via the Peak Tram. |
| Tai O Water Village Tour | 10:00 – 15:00 | From 5 Sep: Daily departures | Discover century-old stilt houses and the charm of Hong Kong’s traditional fishing village. |
Top transit routes from the UK with layovers in Hong Kong
Trip.com data shows that UK travellers are turning to Asia-Pacific in record numbers this year.
The three most booked routes from the UK to the region are London–Bangkok, London–Hong Kong and London–Manila, reflecting both popularity and rapid year-on-year growth (+37%, +46% and +60% respectively).
Beyond the top three, Japan and China are also driving demand, with London–Tokyo (+53%), London–Shanghai (+52%) and London–Beijing (+66%) all ranking among the most popular routes. With Thailand already in the lead, this confirms that China, Japan and Thailand remain cornerstone destinations for UK travellers.
Hong Kong stands out with a dual role — ranking as the second most booked Asian destination after Bangkok, while also acting as a key gateway hub.
Stopover data highlights the impact: UK–Thailand bookings routed via Hong Kong are up 96% year on year.
To better understand which air routes will best benefit from the Hong Kong Free Layover Tours, Trip.com has collated a list of its top ten most booked transit routes from the UK with layovers in Hong Kong in 2025:
- London-Manila
- London-Tokyo
- London-Bangkok
- London-Taipei
- London-Sydney
- London-Osaka
- London-Cebu
- London-Hanoi
- London-Bali
- Manchester-Bangkok
How to register:
Traveller can choose a suitable itinerary based on their arrival and layover time. Booking is available now via the Trip.com mobile app, official website, or in person at HKIA’s transit counters E134 and E135 and Trip.com Travel Services Counter (A03 and A04) in Arrival Hall A.
After clearing immigration, participants will meet their guide at Trip.com Commercial Services Counter. Each tour accommodates up to 20 guests, lasts approximately four hours, and includes thoughtful airport transfer arrangements. Upon completion, participants will receive a fast-track pass to re-enter the restricted area and seamlessly connect to their onward flight.
