Is google maps best source for understanding commute times?

[sunshines2]

Hi again,
I'm using google maps to understand the length of time from one area of HK to the other as I make housing decisions. It's strange to me how the public transport that I've heard so many positive things about can be a 45 min. commute yet by car is only 15 min. Should I be looking at other sources? I appreciate it.

[pkboy]

I generally use ypMap.com – Yellow Pages Hong Kong Map to calculate routes.

Google maps do miss a few bus routes, and definitely don't have red minibus or shuttle bus routes.

What route were you calculating that gave you that result?

[kimwy66]

Hi again,
I'm using google maps to understand the length of time from one area of HK to the other as I make housing decisions. It's strange to me how the public transport that I've heard so many positive things about can be a 45 min. commute yet by car is only 15 min. Should I be looking at other sources? I appreciate it.

No system is perfect. buses are slow, stopping often, people getting on and off takes time. MTR is quick once you are on the train, but the time is taken up at either end, getting in and out of some stations can take some time walking through long corridors. At peak times you have to wait to get on also.

I can drive to Central in 25 mins, by bus or MTR it takes 50 mins door to door.

Transport department has an excellent site for showing all the public transport options and gives times:HKeTransport - Route Search

[pkboy]

Oops, you were asking about times as well. Then that link won't help too much.

[Proplus]

OP needs to consider Google Maps will add on times for walking to and from the stops/stations, and any time needed for interconnecting routes. As DeletedUser says, I've also found Google Maps to be pretty accurate when it comes to public transport times. As for the 15min by car time, I have not driven in HK, I'd say that would be the quickest time possible, without any traffic lights hold ups, traffic congestion, etc.

[BCD]

DeletedUser pointed out the key factor that may make the times incorrect. If you are after peak morning commute times then you have to make the search at that time of the day.
For a car drive time you have to also consider where you can park and the time in and out of the garage. Often requires looping around the block or several to get to the entrance
Friday driving commute times are also longer it seems, so try then for worst case.

Original Post Deleted