View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
Passing through HKIA is always exciting thanks to the diverse array of pop-ups and interactive kid-friendly activities. But travelling with kids always comes with a few challenges! Whether you’re departing or touching down, it helps to know exactly where the family-friendly facilities are — and HKIA has more than you might think.
Travelling with little ones can feel like an Olympic sport. Between packing bags, prepping activities, worrying about jet lag and gearing up for a long flight, navigating the airport might not even cross your mind. But the good news is that HKIA is one of the smoothest, most family-friendly airports around. From stroller-friendly routes to comfy nursing rooms and spacious play areas, the airport is thoughtfully designed to keep parents sane and kids happy. Keep reading to discover all the insider tips at HKIA that make the journey just that little bit easier!
Read More: Travel Tips — How To Help Babies And Toddlers Overcome Jetlag
Jump to:
Transport to Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong Airport Departures: Checking in
Security And Immigration At HKIA
Family Facilities At Hong Kong Airport
Transiting Through Hong Kong
Baggage Claim And Airport Arrival
Transport To Hong Kong International Airport: Airport Express, Uber and the airport bus
Pre-kids, it was all so easy! A checked suitcase and a carry-on and off we went. Fast forward to travelling with children, and suddenly you’re juggling mini suitcases, snack bags, toy bags, emergency toy bags, plus the stroller, maybe a car seat and possibly even a travel cot. And that’s before you factor in your own essentials.
With all that extra gear, it’s totally understandable if hopping into a taxi or Uber straight to the terminal feels like the path of least resistance. Door-to-door convenience hits different when you’re managing tiny humans and their mountain of stuff, but note that they may charge for extra bulky items!
However, don’t rule out the Airport Express! It’s still one of the best ways to get to Hong Kong International Airport when travelling with kids, as it’s fast, smooth, stroller-friendly and comfortable. Plus, with in-town check-ins open at Kowloon Station, you can drop off your excess baggage and travel the Airport Express with even more convenience and ease!
Alternatively, if you’re travelling light, multiple airport buses will take you directly to the Hong Kong International Airport, but be warned, you’ll have to make several stops before getting on the highway and luggage space isn’t always guaranteed!
Sassy Mama Tip: There are baby care and breastfeeding rooms in the paid area of the MTR (after you have scanned your ticket) at many Hong Kong stations. They can be hard to spot, so don’t be afraid to ask staff to direct you!
Read More: Shenzhen Family Travel Guide — How To Get There & Must-Visit Attractions
Hong Kong Airport Departures: Checking In
Take advantage of the in-town check-in. The lines are often very manageable, and you can be rid of your bulky items quickly so that you are just travelling on the train and through the airport with your necessities for the flight. The service is available for most major airlines and opens 24 hours before departure (and closes 90 minutes before).
If you are arriving by car or bus, you’ll need to make your way to the departure area. Check the HKIA website to see which aisle your airline is checking in from. Many airlines also offer self-check-in kiosks.
Most airlines will allow you to gate-check your stroller so that you can have it with you until you reach your gate.
Read More: Easy Family Holiday Destinations For Stressed-Out HK Mums
Security And Immigration At Hong Kong International Airport
The security staff make travelling with family, especially babies and young kids, a breeze. Before you go through, look for the priority line (it’s also where the flight crew enter, so follow the uniforms). You still need to empty your pockets and take out your laptops, but there’s no problem having extra liquids for the baby, including expressed breast milk, baby food and water. Infants can even stay in the stroller (just be sure to empty the basket and any pockets), and the staff will do a quick visual check.
At immigration, you’ll need to go through the counter with staff when travelling with children under 12. Make sure to bring your HKID for you and the little ones, for easy immigration!
Read More: Sun, Smiles And Sea Breezes – Why Families Love Phu Quoc
What To Do At Hong Kong International Airport: Buzz Zones, play areas, Sky Bridge and Sky Deck
HKIA Buzz Zones and Indoor Playgrounds
The airport’s colourful Buzz Zones are located throughout Terminal 1 Departures, offering space to jump, play and burn off that pre-flight energy. The kids’ play area certainly comes as a welcome surprise for families travelling through HKIA, which is easy to find near Gate 11. It offers exciting adventures for kids aged 6 to 12 years. Alternatively, check out Chill Kids Club, just outside the airport at K11 ATELIER SKIES (AsiaWorld-Expo area), a huge indoor playground that features theme zones including ball pits, slides, trampolines and more!
If you’ve got little gamers in tow, make a beeline for the interactive play zones near gates 31, 41 and 62, which help to make the perfect distraction for tech-loving kids while you wait to board. For something calmer, the fenced TV lounges sprinkled around the concourse are ideal for younger travellers. These cosy corners play cartoons, giving toddlers a safe place to relax inside HKIA, and offer more manageable wait times in case of delay.
Read More: The Best Indoor Playrooms And Playgrounds In Hong Kong
HKIA Sky Bridge and Sky Deck
If you’re looking for prime photo opportunities, HKIA’s Sky Bridge is now the world’s longest airside bridge, spanning 200 metres, with glass flooring that lets you watch aircraft taxi directly beneath your feet. It makes for an entertaining watch for little ones fascinated by travel!
Plus, at the far end of the Sky Bridge, you’ll find the Sky Deck, a plane-spotter’s paradise that’s honestly pretty impressive. With floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of seating, binoculars and detailed signage about the airport’s history and surrounding landmarks, it’s an unbeatable perch for aviation-obsessed kiddos (and grown-ups!). Plus, scattered throughout the airport, you’ll spot adorable miniature figurines of kids’ favourite characters, from Labubus to seasonal pop-ups that will keep little eyes wide with delight.
Read More: Kids Activities — Things To Do With Kids This Weekend
Where To Eat With Kids At Hong Kong Airport: McDonald’s, The Alchemist Cafe, Chagee, Arabica, Fineprint and more
You can check out the full list of dining options at Hong Kong Airport online before you travel. Whether you want a sit‑down meal, a quick bowl of noodles or simple snacks to tide hungry kids over, HKIA’s dining scene has plenty of family‑friendly options to choose from. There’s everything from fast food like McDonald’s (both before and after security) to grab-and-go options from Fineprint or Chagee for some bubble tea. Here are some of our favourites!
- Beef & Liberty – A sit-down meal that ticks all the boxes. Juicy burgers, fries and shareable dishes that make lunch or dinner a hit with both kids and adults.
- Ramen Bari‑Uma – Slurp‑friendly ramen and hearty bowls — great for hungry little travellers who love noodles.
- Jardin de Jade – Casual sit‑down spot with a varied menu and plenty of choices if you want something a little more relaxed.
- Men Wah Bing Teng – Classic Hong Kong cha chaan teng café fare. Macaroni in broth, toast sets and milk tea that the whole family can enjoy!
- The Alchemist Cafe – Cool café for coffee, cakes and kid‑friendly drinks — good for a relaxed pre‑flight treat.
- Ho Hung Kee Congee & Noodle Shop – Simple congee and noodle options if you want something warm and familiar.
- Arabica — a staple for parents. It also offers ice cream on the go!
- Duddell’s — Popular Hong Kong dim sum spot, with plenty to get your dumpling and bun fix!
- McDonald’s — Reliable, fast-food service that’s a hit with all the family (just note, there are often long lines though!)
Read More: Family Restaurants — Eat With The Kids At These Hong Kong Restaurants
HKIA Nursing And Changing Rooms
Juggling breastfeeding or pumping around flight schedules is the source of much anxiety for many Mamas. Thankfully, there are 35 well-equipped nursing and changing rooms at various locations throughout Hong Kong International Airport (there are also changing tables in most female toilets). In these rooms, you’ll find at least one (but usually two) changing areas, a chair in a private room for feeding or pumping, as well as a bottle warmer.
Read More: Plan Travel Based On What Your Kids Love
Hong Kong Airport Medical Facilities
As much as we hope our families don’t need it, there’s something quite comforting about knowing that Raffles Medical Group provides 24-hour medical services at Hong Kong International Airport. There is a clinic located on Level 6 of the non-restricted area (before check-in, security and immigration) which can provide general practitioners, x-rays, vaccinations and emergency care. There is also a medical post located near Gate 34 in the restricted area (after security and immigration), which is covered by a nurse from 9am to 6pm daily.
Read More: Hong Kong Public And Private Hospitals — Where To Go In An Emergency
Airport Lounges at Hong Kong International Airport: Centurian Lounge, Plaza Premium, Cathay Pacific and more
If you’ve got a bit of time, you might like to think about buying a lounge pass (unless you’re lucky enough to have it included in your ticket!). There are Plaza Premium lounges near Gates 1, 35 and 60, or for a little bit of luxury before you fly, a Plaza Premium First Lounge (the premium Champagne, wines, cocktails and whiskey, as well as a la carte dining, are a lovely pre-flight indulgence) near Gate 1. There is also a Centurian Lounge near Gate 60 for selected American Express cardholders.
We also recommend signing up for a frequent flyer membership. It’s an easy way to rack up points for ticket discounts or cabin upgrades. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, is a top choice, especially since many local banks let you earn mileage points as you spend. Families can unwind in style at their four lounges at HKIA, where each offers spacious seating for parents and kids, along with tasty snacks and drinks!
Read More: The Best Ski Resorts To Visit With Family This Winter
Other Handy Hong Kong Airport Tips
Drinking water is readily available at water fountains and bottle filling stations, so bring an empty bottle so that once you’re through security, you can fill it up. If you’ve decided to leave the stroller at home (or checked it in with your luggage), there are infant strollers you can use free of charge. They may not be the most comfortable mode of transport, but they do provide respite for little legs and some luggage storage for your bags.
Read More: The Best Baby Strollers In Hong Kong And Where To Buy Them
Transiting Through Hong Kong Airport
If Hong Kong isn’t your final destination after you land, it’s worth knowing that there are complimentary showers near Gate 12 and 43. Just make sure you visit before you pass through the transit area (to get to your connecting flight) or immigration. Plus, there is shampoo, body gel and towels if you don’t have any to hand!
Read More: Things To Do In Macau With Kids — Your Family Friendly Guide To Macau
Baggage Claim And Arrival Information
Once you arrive, it’s all pretty straightforward. Proceed through immigration and to baggage claim before exiting into the arrivals hall. Then you either proceed straight ahead to get on the Airport Express, or follow the signs to the taxi rank. If you’re taking an Uber, there are two pick-up locations, one near the Regal Hotel and the other in the car park (on your right as you come out of arrivals).
Happy travels!
Read More: Where To Find Kids’ Luggage And Travel Accessories
