Published on
December 20, 2025
In anticipation of the Christmas and New Year travel rush, MTR Corporation has announced an extensive upgrade to train services across multiple lines, ensuring passengers can enjoy smoother, more convenient journeys during the peak holiday season. The service enhancements will be in effect from 19 December 2025 through 4 January 2026, covering local railway lines, the Disneyland Resort Line, the Airport Express, and the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section).
Increased Train Frequency on Key Lines
To accommodate growing passenger demand, the East Rail Line will operate with higher frequency during morning and evening peak periods on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays starting tomorrow. Both southbound and northbound services will see additional trips to ease congestion and shorten waiting times. Similarly, the Island Line will increase service during evening hours on select dates to meet passenger needs.
For visitors heading to Hong Kong Disneyland, the Disneyland Resort Line will boost train frequency in the evenings, particularly as crowds depart the park, ensuring timely connections and minimal waiting. Meanwhile, the Airport Express will provide earlier departures from Hong Kong Station between 22 and 24 December to assist travelers catching early flights. Extended service hours on 24, 28, and 31 December as well as 1 January will allow the last trains from AsiaWorld-Expo Station to depart later, catering to event-goers and holiday travelers.
Enhanced Cross-Boundary Travel on High Speed Rail
Following coordination with Chinese Mainland railway authorities, the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) will operate additional trips between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Futian Station on weekends, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and other select public holidays from 20 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. Some days will see up to 13 extra pairs of trains, ensuring smooth cross-boundary travel for both leisure and business passengers.
Overnight Operations on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
To support late-night holiday activities, most local railway lines (excluding the Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line) and seven Light Rail routes will run overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Service frequencies will be increased from 3pm on both days, operating at peak-hour levels to manage the surge of passengers heading to shopping districts, restaurants, and festive events.
For Disneyland visitors, the Resort Line will extend operations until 2am on New Year’s Eve to accommodate celebrations at the theme park. Complementing the rail network, MTR bus routes 506, K51, and K54A will also run longer schedules on both nights.
Extended Cross-Boundary East Rail Line Service on New Year’s Eve
The Hong Kong SAR Government, in consultation with the Shenzhen Municipal Government, has arranged for extended hours at boundary control points on New Year’s Eve, pending national port authority approval. As a result, MTR will extend cross-boundary services to and from Lo Wu Station on the East Rail Line to accommodate travelers using this checkpoint. Service to and from Lok Ma Chau Station will follow the standard timetable.
Passengers attending the New Year’s Eve countdown concert at Kai Tak Sports Park can expect enhanced Tuen Ma Line operations after midnight to facilitate return journeys. MTR encourages attendees and cross-boundary travelers to plan ahead, monitor service announcements, and allow extra travel time due to the expected surge in passenger flow.
Passenger Advisory and Safety Measures
With anticipated heavy traffic at major stations and after large-scale events, MTR advises passengers to follow on-site instructions, pay attention to station signage, and exercise patience. Staff will be present to assist travelers, and the Corporation will continuously monitor all lines, adjusting services as necessary to maintain safe and efficient operations.
MTR Corporation extends its best wishes to all passengers for a safe, enjoyable, and festive holiday season, reaffirming its commitment to providing reliable and convenient rail travel throughout Hong Kong during this peak travel period.
