The Mid-Levels escalators run between Des Voeux Road in Central with Conduit Road in the district known as the Mid-levels and are the longest series of outdoor covered escalators in the world, running for 800 meters. It was opened in October 1994 in order to cut down excessive traffic that was building up due to the steepness and narrow streets in the area. There are a total of 20 separate escalators with streets that bi-sect the system running all over the district of Soho, which is a very fashionable district with many bars, cafe and restaurants. The escalators are free of charge and run downhill between 6am and 10am and uphill from 10:30am to midnight and, of course, are great fun!
Written Oct 7, 2008
At about 800 meters long, they are the longest escalator system in the world.
The midlevels are a great way to get up the hillside in Hong Kong without expending much effort, if any. From 10am or so, the escalator runs upwards. If you want to take it back down to the harbour, you can walk on the steps or just go down to the streets.
It's free, well lit, well marked and easy to use.
The only problem my brother and I had during our trip with the midlevels was finding it. We had walked underneath sections of it for three days before we finally noticed the entrance steps.
Updated Sep 15, 2008
AT 800M THE MID-LEVEL ESCALATOR IS THE WORLDS LONGEST COVERED OUTDOOR ESCALATOR....IT WAS BUILT IN 1993 AT A COST OF $30 MILLION DOLLORS.
THE WHOLE THING CONSISTS OF 20 ESCALATORS AND 3 MOVING PAVEMENTS.
LETS GET ONE THING OUT OF THE WAY, THIS IS NOT ONE LONG SINGLE ESCALATOR, BUT A SYSTEM OF ESCALATORS..THIS TAKES NOTHING AWAY FROM THE FACT THAT IT IS A COOL WAY TO GET FROM CENTRAL TO THE MID-LEVELS WITHOUT TO MUCH EFFORT.
35,000 PEOPLE USE IT DAILY, IT RUNS DOWNHILL FROM 6AM UNTIL 10AM FOR COMMUTERS GOING TO WORK..AND UPHILL UNTIL MIDNIGHT... AND IS FREE TO USE..IT TAKES ABOUT 20MINS TO RIDE THE WHOLE SYSTEM.
WE FOUND IT A GREAT WAY TO PEOPLE WATCH PLUS CHECK OUT THE RESTAURANTS AND BARS ON SHELLEY ST..ALL THE WHILE RESTING OUR SORE FEET AS WE GLIDE BY.
THEN WHEN YOU SPOT A BAR OR RESTAURANT YOU LIKE THE LOOK OF, ITS JUST A MATTER OF GETTING OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT.. (THERE ARE 29 ON THE WHOLE SYSTEM).. ITS THAT SIMPLE !!
OTHER PLACES ALONG THE ROUTE ARE SOHO, GREAT FOR MEXICAN AND ITALIAN RESTAURANTS..OR IF YOU LIKE A LITTLE SHOPPING TRY HOLLYWOOD ROAD FOR SOME FINE ANTIQUES..
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, THE MID-LEVEL ESCALATOR IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO GET UPHILL WITHOUT GETTING INTO A SWEAT.
AND THATS RIGHT UP MY STREET !!
Updated Jun 6, 2008
The mid-level escalator is truly long as described by many VTers.
Upon reaching the top, many tourist chose to either take a taxi (HK$16 to Central MTR Station) or mini bus downhill as the mid-level escalator is only for the uphill direction.
Getting There:
From Exit C of Central MTR Station, turn left and walk straight a couple of lanes until Queen Victoria Street, turn left and walk to the start of the mid-level escalator.
Updated Jun 1, 2008
This escalator, the world’s longest covered escalator is 800-metres long. It links Des Voeux Road Central to Conduit Road in the Mid- Levels. This escalator really is a convenient way to see the bustling city hillside which contains great restaurants and shops and daily Hong Kong life. Traveling the entire length takes about 20 minutes. The escalator runs one-way downhill from 6am to 10am, and then uphill from 10:20am to midnight. The escalator really is a link for residents of the Mid-Levels.
Updated Nov 18, 2006
It's very useful to know about these free public escalators (the longest in the world), especially if you're traveling uphill.
They only travel down from 6:00 am to 10:00 am but go up from 10:20 am to midnight. They can take you from Connaught and Queen's Road , Central, up to Hollywood (for shopping and Man Mo temple) and further up to Conduit Rd, from which you can walk to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Written Aug 17, 2006
HK Island is not flat by any means and to go up to the mountain you have to climb up some steep roads and/or steps. The midlevel escalator system is a series of escalators and moving walkways. It links the business district of Central to the Midlevels residential area.
The escalator goes in the downward direction in the morning (until 10:20) to bring residents to their jobs. For the rest of the day, it moves in the upward direction. You can get on and off at the many different stops and explore the many different shops, restaurants, antiques/boutique stores, etc. It is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world and worth a look and a ride.
Updated Mar 27, 2006
A great way to explore Hong Kong is by the escalator (or travellator) that links the Midlevels residential area to the centre of the business district in Central.
The escalator goes in the downward direction in the morning to bring residents to their workplaces and markets. For the rest of the day, it switches over to the upward direction.
Take it, and stop at each level to explore the nooks and corners. Lots of cafes, crafts shops, tiny mom and pop stores, antiques, boutiques. The streets 2 or 3 levels up from the bottom is also called the SOHO district. Many trendy and hip restaurants there.
Get off at Wellington Street to taste the best wonton noodles in HK.
Mak-Un Kee
77 Wellington rd, Central
2854-3810
Updated Sep 30, 2003
Mid-level escalators. Down until 10.20 AM and after that up. Hop of when you want and wander and check out different antic, fashion shops.
From Queen's Street to Conduit Street. (Central MTR exit D2 and follow signs).
Written Mar 5, 2003
Written Jan 3, 2005
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Midlevel Escalator tips and photos posted by real travelers and Hong Kong locals.

Mid-level escalators. Down until 10.20 AM and after that up. Hop of when you want and wander and check out different antic, fashion shops.From Queen's Street to...
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