Baidu Launches Free Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Hong Kong
Chinese tech giant Baidu has initiated a trial program for its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong, offering free rides to selected participants.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, Chinese technology firm Baidu has introduced its Apollo Go autonomous vehicle service to the streets of Hong Kong. The trial, which is currently underway, allows over 1,000 pre-selected participants to experience driverless transportation at no cost. The testing phase is taking place in the Tung Chung district and is scheduled to run from October 21 to November 3, 2026.
For residents and travelers in the region, this initiative represents a significant step in the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility within a dense urban environment. While the service is currently limited to a specific group of testers in a designated area, it highlights the ongoing expansion of Baidu's AI-driven transport solutions outside of mainland China.
At this stage, several details remain to be confirmed, including the company's long-term plans for commercial deployment in Hong Kong and whether the service will eventually be opened to the general public or expanded to other districts. Interested parties should monitor official announcements from Baidu regarding the future availability of these autonomous transport services. As this is a trial program, participants and observers should note that the technology is still undergoing evaluation in real-world traffic conditions.
