MTR Expands Train Services for National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations Across Hong Kong: You Need to Know
To ensure smooth and convenient travel during Hong Kong’s festive season, the MTR Corporation has announced an extensive service enhancement from 26 September to 8 October 2025. The move aims to accommodate the surge in passenger demand as residents and tourists celebrate National Day on 1 October and the Mid-Autumn Festival on 6 October.
Over the 13-day period, the MTR will introduce more than 570 additional train trips across multiple lines, extend operating hours, and provide overnight services on select routes, enabling passengers to move seamlessly between celebration venues, transport hubs, and key attractions across the city.
Increased Train Frequency for National Day Festivities
National Day celebrations, including the iconic Victoria Harbour fireworks display, are expected to draw massive crowds across Hong Kong. To facilitate travel for revellers, the MTR will increase train frequency on seven major railway lines — Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line, and Tuen Ma Line — particularly during the afternoon and evening on 1 October.
The Corporation anticipates higher cross-boundary travel during the National Day Golden Week, as both mainland visitors and local residents journey between Hong Kong and mainland China. To manage this influx, the East Rail Line will run additional northbound and southbound services throughout the week.
The High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) will also see a significant boost, operating 13 extra pairs of short-haul trains daily between 1 and 8 October 2025. On 4 October, a record 120 train pairs will run between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and mainland destinations — marking the highest number of trips since the line began operations.
Additionally, sleeper train services connecting Hong Kong with Beijing and Shanghai will be strengthened across selected days to provide greater flexibility for long-distance travellers.
Enhanced Station Operations to Manage Passenger Flow
With passenger volumes expected to soar, the MTR Corporation has rolled out enhanced station management plans to ensure efficient crowd movement and passenger support.
At Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations, upgraded signage and clear payment channel guidance will help divert travellers using different ticketing options. To further assist passengers, additional staff will be deployed, including teams stationed at “caring service points” to help elderly passengers, families, and those with mobility needs. Special “courtesy channels” will be set up during peak periods to improve accessibility.
To support growing connectivity needs, the MTR has collaborated with mobile network operators to expand mobile coverage at major border stations. The Corporation has also upgraded free Wi-Fi capacity at key stations such as Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Sheung Shui, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay, ensuring travellers can stay online even during peak demand.
Overnight Services and Early Peak Hours for Mid-Autumn Festival
On 6 October 2025, the MTR will introduce overnight train services and early evening peak operations to support passengers celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
From 3 PM onward, local railway lines will run increased train frequencies to accommodate early departures from work as families gather to celebrate the festival.
Overnight operations will be provided on most lines except the Airport Express, Disneyland Resort Line, and cross-boundary East Rail services to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau. Additionally, seven Light Rail routes will remain open throughout the night, while MTR Bus routes 506, K51, and K54A will extend their service hours to provide last-mile connections for moon-viewing gatherings and festivities.
Safety and Travel Reminders for Festive Travellers
With heightened passenger activity expected across the city, the MTR Corporation advises travellers to allow extra journey time, follow station signage, and listen to public announcements. Passengers are encouraged to remain patient during busy periods, especially after large-scale events like the fireworks display.
For safety reasons, the Corporation reminds the public to avoid flying sky lanterns near open rail sections and to refrain from bringing metallic balloons onto MTR premises, as these objects may interfere with railway operations.
A Festive Season of Smooth Journeys
The MTR’s extensive service upgrades reflect its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transport for both local passengers and international visitors. With more trains, improved station facilities, and dedicated customer support, the Corporation aims to ensure a seamless and joyful travel experience during Hong Kong’s most festive period of the year.
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