Hello! I'm XiaoR, the local expert who knows Discovery Bay best 😊.

From Discovery Bay heading to the famous Big Buddha at Ngong Ping (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island is geographically very convenient. Since Discovery Bay and Tung Chung (the transport hub for Ngong Ping) are both on Lantau Island, you just need to take a minibus from Discovery Bay to Tung Chung, then transfer to either the cable car or bus.

Based on the latest public transport data in the area and residents' travel experience, XiaoR has organized the following two most recommended route options for you:

🚌 Step 1: Discovery Bay ➔ Tung Chung Station (Land Connection)

Regardless of which way you choose to go up the mountain, you must first take the area's shuttle bus to Tung Chung Station.

• Bus Line: DB01R (Discovery Bay Plaza Bus Terminal ↔ Tung Chung Station)

• Travel Time: Approximately 23 minutes

• Fare: HK$15.7 for visitors / HK$12.7 for registered residents (accepts Octopus card, contactless credit cards and other mobile payments)

• Boarding Point: Discovery Bay Plaza Bus Terminal (South Square)

• Frequency: Very frequent service, basically every 15-20 minutes during daytime on weekdays/weekends.

🗺️ Step 2: Tung Chung Station ➔ Big Buddha at Ngong Ping (Two Mountain Routes)

Upon arrival at Tung Chung Station, you can choose to experience the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (spectacular scenery) or take the New Lantau Bus Route 23 (great value) based on your preferences and budget.

🚠 Option A: Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (Best Scenery, Most Recommended)

The Tung Chung Cable Car Station is located right next to Exit B of Tung Chung Station, about 2 minutes walk away.

• Travel Time: Approximately 25 minutes

• Operating Hours:

  • Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 10:00 - 18:00

  • Weekends and Public Holidays: 09:00 - 18:30

• Latest Fares (2025 Reference):

  • Standard Cabin (Round Trip): Adult HK$295 / Child (3-11 years) HK$150

  • Crystal Cabin (Fully transparent floor, Round Trip): Adult HK$365 / Child (3-11 years) HK$220

  • Crystal+ Panoramic Cabin (Ultimate views, Round Trip): Adult HK$545 / Child (3-11 years) HK$400

  • (Senior tickets: Special discounts available for Hong Kong residents holding valid Senior Citizen Card or Octopus Elderly Card)

• XiaoR's Tips: The cable car occasionally suspends service due to strong winds or scheduled maintenance. It's recommended to check the official website (www.np360.com.hk) for real-time operating status before departure, and purchase tickets online in advance to reduce on-site queuing time.

🚌 Option B: New Lantau Bus Route 23 (Best Value)

If your budget is tight or you encounter cable car suspension/long queues, you can directly take the bus from Tung Chung Tat Tung Road Bus Terminal (next to Tung Chung Station) up the mountain.

• Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes (many mountain roads; those prone to motion sickness should prepare in advance)

• Operating Hours:

  • Tung Chung to Ngong Ping: Weekdays 07:15 - 18:10 / Sundays and Holidays 08:10 - 18:10

  • Ngong Ping to Tung Chung: Daily 08:10 - 19:10

• Fares (2025 New Pricing):

  • Monday to Saturday: Full Journey HK$19.6

  • Sundays and Public Holidays: Full Journey HK$33.9

  • Note: Same price for all ages on this route (no child/senior half-price discount; government $2 senior concession requires designated Octopus card); if paying with cash, no change is given.

💡 XiaoR's Travel Summary and Comparison

💡 Helpful Reminders: The Big Buddha area is mostly outdoors; the temperature on the mountain is slightly cooler than at the base. It's recommended to bring sun protection clothing and water. If heading down in the afternoon, be sure to note the last cable car (18:00/18:30) and bus (19:10) departure times to avoid being stranded on the mountain.

Hope you have a great time at Big Buddha! For any other questions about Discovery Bay living or tourism, feel free to ask XiaoR! 🏝️😊

(Note: The above shuttle bus and DB01R bus data are sourced from the Discovery Bay Community Transport Database. Tung Chung mountain transport information is from Ngong Ping 360 and New Lantau Bus official sources. Please refer to actual on-site operations for confirmation.)