Difference between Light Rail, MTR and Airport express

[US2HongKong]

I am moving to HK for the first time in August and trying to understand the transportation system. So is MTR different from Light Rail? Also there is a seprate Airport express? Are these 3 interconnected if they indeed are different?

[Raccon]

Yes, yes and yes.

The long version: the light rail is a (modern) tram system that serves mainly Tuen Muen and Yuen Long. Not to be confused with the tram on HK island.
The MTR is a mass transporation system, kinda like a subway (aka urban rail) and local rail system (East and West Rail lines). The Airport Express (AEL) is a speedier MTR.
Except the tram on HK island all are operated by the MTR corporation and they are all interconnected.

More info here:
Route Map (shows the Light Rail, MTR and AEL)

MTR > Train Services > Introduction

[ECLF]

technically there is KCR too.. but the name was recently changed a few years back..

[jaykay]

technically there is KCR too.. but the name was recently changed a few years back..

That is the East and West Rail.........

[bdw]

Unless you live out in NT west, you will never see the light rail or even know it exists. I've lived here over 2 years and only saw it for the first time a couple of weeks ago.

[carang]

got ya beat! i've been here 15 and only have only seen it once or twice.

[Load Toad]

MTR

Don't worry your pretty little head about it - children and old people manage to use the system with few if any difficulties. Even western tourists with poor education soon work it out.

technically there is KCR too

This is an example of someone who doesn't know WTF they are on about but is just posting because they have nothing else to do. Beware.

[gaspard]

airport express is the most expensive out of the entire lot.

[hullexile]

airport express is the most expensive out of the entire lot.

yes the MTR and light rail are much cheaper but you will tend to miss your plane if you get those instead.