Hung Hom station
| Company type | Public transport facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transport |
| Founded | November 24, 1975 in Kowloon, Hong Kong |
| Headquarters | Kowloon , Hong Kong |
| Products | Passenger railway services |
Hung Hom () is a passenger railway station situated in Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It functions as a key interchange connecting the and domestic lines within the MTR system. In the early hours before the first northbound train departs from Admiralty, Hung Hom serves as the southern terminus of the East Rail Line. Positioned next to the northern entrance of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, it also operates as a central node for various cross-harbour bus services.
The station originally opened on 24 November 1975, acting as the southern endpoint of the Kowloon–Canton Railway (KCR). During the 1990s, it underwent major enlargement and was renamed accordingly. The British Section of KCR was rebranded as KCR East Rail to differentiate it from the newly introduced KCR West Rail, which commenced operations on 20 December 2003 and was extended to Hung Hom on 16 August 2009.
As part of the Sha Tin to Central Link initiative, the East Rail line was lengthened beneath Victoria Harbour, reaching Admiralty through a newly constructed immersed tube tunnel south of Hung Hom. Simultaneously, the West Rail line extended eastward through Kowloon to merge with the former , creating the unified "" line.
Hung Hom also functioned as the southern terminus for cross-border through-train services to mainland China. These services were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and officially terminated in 2024.
Original Hung Hom station
A prior station named Hung Hom operated from 1 October 1910 until 15 September 1921 along Chatham Road South, near what was then the shoreline of Hung Hom Bay and close to the Gun Club Hill Barracks. This temporary wooden facility was subsequently demolished and replaced by the current station, which opened on 30 November 1975.
Relocation of Kowloon station
The initial located in Tsim Sha Tsui began service on 28 March 1916. Due to Hong Kong's rapid economic expansion, this waterfront terminal became insufficient and lacked room for growth. On 5 May 1975, Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the inauguration of a new terminal. The new Kowloon station (now known as Hung Hom) was officially opened by Chief Secretary Denys Roberts on 24 November 1975, serving as the southern terminus of the East Rail line. The old Tsim Sha Tsui terminal ceased operations on 29 November, with the inaugural train departing from Hung Hom early the following day.
Constructed at a cost of HK$150 million, this modern facility included spacious waiting areas, dining options such as a restaurant and bar, a bookstore, banking services, escalators, and CCTV surveillance. It was built alongside a bus terminus and a multi-storey parking structure. The former station was controversially demolished starting on 7 June 1978; its site was redeveloped into a concert hall and museums, while the clock tower was preserved as a Declared Monument. Cross-border through-train operations to mainland China commenced from Hung Hom on 4 April 1979.
Renaming and enlargement
Around early 1996, the station adopted its current name, Hung Hom. That same year, the KCR East Rail line was renamed KCR East Rail and later integrated into the network following the MTR-KCR merger in December 2007. China Railway referred to this station as Jiulong (the Mandarin term for Kowloon) until April 2019.
A major expansion project costing HK$1.3 billion began on 16 March 1995, featuring a new concourse designed by Foster and Partners, which was completed in 1998. This enhanced terminal now includes ticket counters, waiting lounges, retail outlets, and dining establishments.
Work on extending the East Rail line to reach East Tsim Sha Tsui station started on 20 April 2001. Tracks numbered 2 and 3 were lengthened southwards; meanwhile, the southern concourse was demolished and replaced with an intermediate-level concourse. Structural adaptations were made to support nearby infrastructure such as the Hong Kong Coliseum. Throughout construction, at least three out of four East Rail platforms remained operational. This extension opened on 24 October 2004, changing Hung Hom’s status to an intermediate stop.
On 16 August 2009, with the launch of the Kowloon Southern Link, East Tsim Sha Tsui became part of the West Rail line. Consequently, Hung Hom became the southbound terminus for both East Rail and West Rail lines, with platform assignments adjusted accordingly.
Within the framework of the Sha Tin to Central Link project, two additional island platforms were constructed beneath the eastern section of Hung Hom’s existing podium. The West Rail line transitioned to these new platforms on 20 June 2021 ahead of launching the full Tuen Ma line. Temporary pedestrian pathways connected East Rail platforms across disused tracks. Subsequently, on 27 June 2021, West Rail merged into what is now known as the Tuen Ma line.
The East Rail line moved onto newly built underground platforms located beneath those serving the Tuen Ma line on 15 May 2022 when its extension to Admiralty opened. At this point, all original platforms for East Rail, West Rail lines, and through trains were permanently closed. Presently, Hung Hom functions as an intermediate stop for both lines.
On 25 October 2023, Hong Kong’s government invited MTR Corporation to conduct a preliminary study and propose redevelopment plans for an area roughly spanning ten hectares centered around Hung Hom station by 2024.
In celebration of MTR’s 45th anniversary in 2024, “Station Rail Voyage,” an exhibition featuring retired trains displayed at their original platforms within Hung Hom station, commenced operations. Initially scheduled through late-2024 but later extended until late-2025, this showcase includes:
- An unrestored Metro Cammell E44 unit (144-244-444)
- An example of an MLR train (E112-E71)
- The EMD G16 locomotive no. 56 “I. B. Trevor”
- The KTT train (added in January 2025)
Cross-boundary services
China Railway operated cross-border trains using Platforms 5 and 6, serving routes such as the Beijing–Kowloon line, Shanghai–Kowloon line, and Guangzhou–Kowloon line with stops including Foshan. These cross-border train services were halted amid the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately ceased operations permanently in June 2024. This change was driven by a shift in passenger preference towards high-speed rail services terminating at West Kowloon station via the Hong Kong Express Rail Link.
Starting April 2024, the platforms previously dedicated to cross-boundary trains were repurposed to host the "Station Rail Voyage" exhibition. On 17 January 2025, MTR declared the removal of the restricted crossing area at Hung Hom Station for intercity through trains.
Overview
Under the North South Corridor initiative, the East Rail line was extended to reach Hong Kong Island through a newly constructed immersed tube tunnel located south of Hung Hom station. At the same time, the West Rail line was connected with the Ma On Shan line across East Kowloon, creating the new Tuen Ma line.
To accommodate this expansion, additional platforms were built beneath the Exit C concourse of Hung Hom station. The platforms serving the Tuen Ma line are situated directly above those for the East Rail line. Furthermore, new approach tracks were installed on both the northern and southern sides of the station.
Construction integrity controversy
In 2018, a significant construction integrity issue emerged at Hung Hom station. It was reported that contractors had cut off reinforcing bar ends that were supposed to be anchored into couplers within the diaphragm wall before pouring concrete, resulting in inadequate connections. This practice raised serious concerns about the long-term structural safety of the affected slab.
In response, authorities mandated MTR Corporation to provide a comprehensive safety report, which included independent testing by C M Wong & Associates Ltd. Subsequently, on 12 June 2018, Chief Executive Carrie Lam established a commission of inquiry headed by Judge Michael Hartmann to thoroughly investigate these allegations.
Station configuration
<style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2>Island platform with doors opening on right side Platform Template:MTR platform ← East Rail line towards Admiralty (Exhibition Centre)| 5 | Podium | Station Carpark |
| U3 | Loft | Restaurants |
| 3/U2 | Main Station Concourse | Exit C, transport interchange |
| Ticketing office, customer service centre, restrooms | ||
| Retail outlets, vending machines | ||
| ATMs, lockers | ||
| 2/U1 | Passageway | Exits A, B & D, footbridge access, public transport interchange |
| Vending machines | ||
| Footbridges | Connecting to Cross-Harbour Tunnel, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hung Hom area | |
| G Platforms |
MTR East Rail line siding tracks | |
| Island platform currently not in service | ||
| MTR East Rail line siding tracks | ||
| MTR East Rail line siding tracks | ||
| Island platform currently not in use | ||
| MTR East Rail line siding tracks | ||
| Platform 5 | Previously served intercity trains (now hosting a temporary exhibition) | |
| Island platform with restricted entry | ||
| Platform 6 | Former intercity train platform (currently a temporary exhibition) | |
| Track | Inactive track section | |
| Platform Template:MTR platform | → Tuen Ma line towards Wu Kai Sha (Ho Man Tin) → | |
| Island platform with doors opening on right side | ||
| Platform Template:MTR platform | ← Tuen Ma line towards Tuen Mun (East Tsim Sha Tsui) | |
| L1 Platforms |
Platform Template:MTR platform → East Rail line towards Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau (via Mong Kok East) |
|
Previous configuration
Station arrangement from 16 August 2009 until 19 June 2021:
| Loft | - | Dining establishments |
| U3 | Intercity Through Train Concourse/ Exit C Concourse |
Exit C, public transport hub |
| Ticketing counters, Customer Service Centre, restrooms, Hong Kong Immigration Department and Customs and Excise Department checkpoints (for intercity travelers) | ||
| MTRShops, vending machines | ||
| ATMs, storage lockers | ||
| U2 | Exit A & B Concourse |
Exit A, B, footbridge, public transport interchange |
| Customer Service | ||
| Exit D Concourse | Exit D, footbridge, Customer Service | |
| Footbridges | to Cross-Harbour Tunnel, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hung Hom | |
| P Platforms |
Platform 1 | Template:Rcb heading towards Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau (Mong Kok East) → |
| Island platform, doors open on the left side | ||
| Platform 2 | ← Template:Rcb West Rail line bound for Tuen Mun (East Tsim Sha Tsui) | |
| Platform 3 | ← Template:Rcb West Rail line heading to Tuen Mun (East Tsim Sha Tsui) | |
| Island platform, doors open on the right side | ||
| Platform 4 | Template:Rcb bound for Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau (Mong Kok East) → | |
| Platform 5 | Intercity Through Train travelling towards Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing West → | |
| Island platform, access restricted | ||
| Platform 6 | Intercity Through Train heading towards Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing West → | |
| Track | Runaround track used by intercity locomotives | |
Exits
Situated outside the station is a two-tier interchange, with buses operating on the lower level and public light buses alongside taxis on the upper level. The bus terminal at the lower tier is positioned near the Kowloon side entrance of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. Elevated pedestrian bridges provide direct access from the station to several key locations, including the Hong Kong Coliseum, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hung Hom residential district, and popular tourist attractions in eastern Tsim Sha Tsui such as the Science Museum and the Avenue of Stars along the scenic Victoria Harbour.
- A1 – Access to Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- A2 – Bus terminus located on On Wan Road
- A3 – Northeast section of the station
- B1 – Pedestrian bridge leading to Hung Hom, Royal Peninsula, Harbour Place, and Whampoa Garden
- B2 – Connection to Exit C Concourse via walkway
- C1 – Bus terminal and cross-harbour taxi stand
- C2 – Shuttle stop for Airport Express; walkway to Harbour Plaza Metropolis, Fortune Metropolis, Metropolis Residence, and Metropolis Tower
- C3 – Taxi stand on Cheong Wan Road; access to Hong Kong Coliseum
- D1 – Walkway towards Tsim Sha Tsui East and Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- D2, D3, D4 – Entrances serving Hong Kong Coliseum
- D5 – Exit leading to Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
- D6 – Pedestrian route to Exit C Concourse