It is one of the most seriously congested routes in Kowloon, especially during peak hours, as it serves as an interchange to the Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel.

From Yau Ma Tei, the road heads north to Tsuen Wan and meets Route 9.

In the Tai Kok Tsui section of Route 5, where the route runs in south-north direction, the northbound and southbound lanes are separated, with the northbound and southbound flyovers running over two parallel roads (Tai Kok Tsui Road and Tong Mi Road respectively).

It passes through Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon Bay, Ma Tau Chung, Hung Hom, Yau Ma Tei, Lai Chi Kok, Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan.

The following roads comprise route 5 (from east to west):