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What to do in Hong Kong Airport with a three-hour layover

Relax, refresh & indulge: Your 180-minute transit itinerary

Experience the best the airport has to offer while waiting for your connecting flight with our guide to dining, unwinding and high-end shopping. Here’s what to do in Hong Kong International Airport on a three-hour layover.

1. Location, location, location

  Allow 10 minutes

 

Ready to start three hours of indulgence and relaxation? You need to get to the main departures concourse area by the low-numbered gates. This is where you’ll find the food and shopping.

 

Make the most of your layover by signing up to HKIA’s new loyalty programme, HKairport RewardsOpen a new window, which allows passengers to earn points and rewards for their spending at the airport. 

2. Go gourmet

Allow 40 minutes

 

It’s time to rethink your idea of airport food: Hong Kong International Airport boasts an incredible array of fine cuisine, including outposts of Michelin-starred restaurants. 

 

Take Sushi & Sake Bar Taka. This sister brand of Tokyo’s three-Michelin starred Sushi Saito serves signature Edomae sushi, sashimi and tempura dishes, made with the best quality ingredients flown in daily from Tokyo. 

 

Stop by the airport’s outpost of Michelin-starred restaurant Duddell’s to satiate your cravings for dim sum. They serve favourites such as prawn dumplings, barbequed pork buns and roast goose.  

 

If you’re looking to grab something indulgent to go, then swing by Fortnum and Mason where you’ll find a variety of their exquisite teas and biscuits.

3. Retail therapy

Allow 30 minutes

 

The shopping at the airport puts many a luxe shopping strip to shame – so how do you split your time? Global fashion is on show, from brands such as Gucci and Prada. For signature Hong Kong luxury, check out Shanghai Tang’s elegant clothing and accessories. 

 

Big names in watches and jewellery are here, too, including Cartier and Tiffany.  In November 2022, the airport welcomed new duplex flagship stores for Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, creating a new temple for lovers of French luxury.

 

And of course, there’s duty-free. You’ll find it across Level 6, with an extensive range of liquor at Duty Zero and fragrances at The Shilla Duty Free’s Beauty&You, including exclusive products you can only find at the airport.

 

If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your seat, you can browse and buy online at HKairportShop.comOpen a new window using HKIA’s free Wi-Fi – then have your purchases delivered to your boarding gate within just 90 minutes.

 

The airport’s online store features a wide range of must-haves across food and drink, fashion, beauty and travel. So don’t panic if you didn’t pack your favourite swimsuit or forgot to pick up a gift for the family: there’s still plenty of time to treat yourself and your loved ones before you board. 

4. Unwind and recharge in our lounges

Allow 60 minutes

 

Cathay members who are Silver and above can access our award-winning The Pier lounge. Here you can rest in our comfortable facilities, freshen up in the shower facilities, get a massage, practise yoga or grab a glass of premium champagne. There are plenty of grab-and-go and a la carte dining options, too – including the rightly famed dan dan noodles, which you can take your time to enjoy.

5. Get ready to fly

  Allow 40 minutes

 

Now that you’re refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s time to get to your connecting flight. We recommend getting to your gate 30 minutes before departure, so allow plenty of time. If you’re near Gates 40-80 and your flight departs from Gates 1-9, use the automated people mover to help you on your way.