Hong Kong Tramways, Hong Kong Island - Image 1
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Hong Kong Tramways

4.6
·27 reviews·, Hong Kong

Iconic double-decker trams offering a charming, affordable, and historic journey through Hong Kong Island's vibrant streets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

See the city in full swing

CrowdMedium
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Hong Kong Tramways, Hong Kong Island - Image 1

Hong Kong Tramways

Best Time

Daytime

See the city in full swing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic double-decker trams offering a charming, affordable, and historic journey through Hong Kong Island's vibrant streets.

4.6
(27 reviews)

"Super cheap, old, squeaky and incredibly fun to ride. Loved every second of it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Ride the Full Length

For the best value and views, ride from one end of the island to the other. It's the cheapest way to see a lot!

💺 Top Deck is King

Always aim for the upper deck, especially the front or back seats, for the best views and photo ops.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upper Deck Views

Upper Deck Views

Upper deck of any tram

Experience Hong Kong's vibrant street life from a unique, elevated perspective. Perfect for soaking in the city's energy.

Historic Tram Ride

Historic Tram Ride

Various routes across Hong Kong Island

Step back in time on these charming, double-decker trams, a beloved icon of Hong Kong for over a century.

Street Photography Hotspots

Street Photography Hotspots

Front and back of the upper deck

Capture stunning cityscapes and candid moments with the best seats for street photography enthusiasts.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the 'Ding Ding' Charm

The Hong Kong Tramways, affectionately known as 'Ding Ding,' offer a unique and affordable way to experience the city's pulse. Hop on for a journey through bustling streets and historic neighborhoods. It's a must-do for an authentic Hong Kong feel.

Best Seats for Views & Photos

For the best street photography and panoramic views, snag a seat on the front or back of the upper deck. This vantage point lets you soak in the vibrant city life and capture iconic Hong Kong scenes.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
See the city in full swing
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
Magical city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know HK Tramways is turning 120 this year? 🎉🚃 From its early days to now, it's a vital part of the city's charm and heritage. ✨ Hop on the special #120tram , the last post-war tram still in service, and experience HK's sights and sounds authentically! 🌆 Stay tuned for more exciting celebrations with HK Tramways this summer! ☀️🥳 #HelloHongKong #DiscoverHongKong #hktramways #hktram
@discoverhongkong
21.1K likes • 6.9M views

🎯 Ride the Full Length

For the best value and views, ride from one end of the island to the other. It's the cheapest way to see a lot! Reddit

💺 Top Deck is King

Always aim for the upper deck, especially the front or back seats, for the best views and photo ops. Reddit

【Hong Kong Transport 101 】 🔔 Ding ding! 🚃 Did you know that these iconic trams in Hong Kong Island have been running for more than a century? They are also the most affordable way to travel around Hong Kong😲! Check out our “Tram 101” reel and hop on board to experience the city 🇭🇰 at a leisurely pace. Stay tuned for more 101 tutorial reels with tips on the most authentic experiences of Hong Kong!...
discoverhongkong
42.4K likes • 7.9M views
Hong Kong tram, affectionately known by locals as the ‘Ding Ding’, is a unique form of transportation found on the bustling streets of Hong Kong. 🇭🇰 #discoverhongkong #hongkongtram #dingdingding #hongkongexplore #tramways #tramspotting #igreels #visithongkong
jrvn2r
0 likes • 1K views

💰 Super Affordable Fares

Enjoy incredibly cheap fares, making it the most budget-friendly way to explore Hong Kong Island. Instagram

📸 Capture the Advertisements

Many trams feature vibrant advertisements, adding color and character to your ride and photos. Instagram

City Walk : Central • Hong Kong . For more photos about Hong Kong Tramways : #hltam_電車路 #hltam_tramways . #hktramways #dingding #hongkongbuildings #hongkongnight #nightcity #cityview #urbanandstreet #urban_shots_asia #rsa_streetview_ #urbanromantix #discoverhongkong #zolimahongkong #explorehongkong #香港電車 #電車旅 #電車路 #叮叮
hltam
3.8K likes • 83.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ride the Full Length

For the best value and views, ride from one end of the island to the other. It's the cheapest way to see a lot! Reddit

💺 Top Deck is King

Always aim for the upper deck, especially the front or back seats, for the best views and photo ops. Reddit

💰 Super Affordable Fares

Enjoy incredibly cheap fares, making it the most budget-friendly way to explore Hong Kong Island. Instagram

📸 Capture the Advertisements

Many trams feature vibrant advertisements, adding color and character to your ride and photos. Instagram

🔔 Listen for the 'Ding Ding'

The iconic 'ding ding' sound is a signature of these trams, a charming auditory experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(27 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Hong Kong Tramways, calling them incredibly fun, charming, and a must-do for an authentic experience. The affordability and unique double-decker design are major highlights, offering a romantic and pragmatic way to see the city. While not ideal for those with mobility issues, they are celebrated as a top attraction for experiencing local life.

"Super cheap, old, squeaky and incredibly fun to ride. Loved every second of it! Also huge dream since I first saw Jackie Chan movies…"

Maciek Goralski

"Hong Kong is a wonderful, tourist friendly destination. I have enjoyed visiting it every time. One of its unique and most attractive highlights are the trams that ply in parts of it.
Oh how lovely are they! Superbly maintained, running with clockwork precision, yet representing an old world charm, these trams are romantic and pragmatic - they're electric!
I absolutely love them. No trip to HK is complete unless you ride them.
And once you do, you'll never want to get off 😀"

Rajan Narayan

"cheapest transport to enjoy a ride from East to West of Hong Kong Island. Can drop off anywhere you like. The front and back of the upper decks are the best seats for street photography. Many trams, beautiful advertisements on both sides. But not for wheelchair bound passengers. The largest and still running double-decker trams in the world. Top attraction for tourists to see the livihood of people in Hong Kong. There are special trams for tourists or special functions like weddings and parties. Even a tram decorated with two popular Hong Kong cartoon characters called Macdull and Mrs. Mac which are pigs."

Yin Cheung

What People Like

Super cheap transport
Old-world charm
Unique double-decker experience

What People Dislike

Not wheelchair accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trams operate exclusively on Hong Kong Island, running from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east. You can easily access various stops from MTR stations like Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. Instagram

You can hop on at any designated stop along the route. Popular starting points include Kennedy Town, Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Shau Kei Wan. Reddit

Absolutely! The tram network covers many key districts on Hong Kong Island, making it a convenient way to travel between areas like Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. Instagram

Tram stops are generally well-marked and frequent along the main roads of Hong Kong Island. Look for the distinctive tram tracks and shelters. Instagram

You can use online maps or apps that show the tram routes. The trams run on a single line with multiple stops, so it's quite straightforward to follow. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Hong Kong Tramways are incredibly affordable, making them one of the cheapest transport options in the city. Fares are typically a few Hong Kong dollars per ride. Instagram

No, you don't need to buy tickets in advance. You can pay your fare directly on the tram when you alight. Reddit

You can pay with exact cash when you exit the tram. Some trams may also accept Octopus cards, but it's best to have cash ready. Reddit

While there aren't typically different ticket types for single rides, you can simply pay as you go. For extensive travel, consider the affordability of multiple single rides. Instagram

Trams generally operate from early morning until late at night, with services running frequently throughout the day. Specific timings can vary slightly by route. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography & Sightseeing

The front and back of the upper deck offer the most unobstructed views for street photography and capturing the cityscape. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! The trams are a fantastic way to capture the essence of Hong Kong. The upper deck provides excellent vantage points. Instagram

Yes, Hong Kong Tramways operates antique and sightseeing trams that offer a unique historical and scenic experience. Instagram

You'll see a mix of modern skyscrapers, traditional markets, bustling street life, and historic architecture as the tram winds its way through different neighborhoods. Instagram

While not all landmarks are directly on the tram route, it provides a fantastic overview of the city's character and allows you to easily access areas where landmarks are located. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

A full journey from one end of the island to the other can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. You can also hop on and off for shorter trips. Instagram

Unfortunately, the historic double-decker trams are not easily accessible for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility challenges due to the stairs. Reddit

The nickname 'Ding Ding' comes from the distinctive bell sound the trams make as they announce their arrival and departure. Instagram

While there aren't strict rules against it, it's generally polite to avoid eating messy food or drinking strong-smelling beverages on public transport. Instagram

Trams can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Riding on the upper deck, particularly the front or back, can sometimes offer a bit more space. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Riding the Hong Kong Tramways can be a fun and novel experience for families. The novelty of the double-decker 'Ding Ding' trams is often a hit with children, offering a unique way to see the city. The affordability also makes it a budget-friendly activity for families. Instagram

Tips for families: Aim for the upper deck for better views, but be mindful of the stairs for very young children or strollers. Consider shorter rides to keep younger ones engaged. The trams are a great way to break up walking tours and give little legs a rest while still experiencing the city's atmosphere. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Hong Kong Tramways are a dream for budget travelers. They are consistently cited as one of the cheapest ways to get around Hong Kong Island, offering incredible value for money. InstagramReddit

Instead of expensive taxis or multiple MTR rides, you can traverse large sections of the island for just a few dollars. This allows you to allocate more of your budget to experiencing Hong Kong's amazing food scene or other attractions. Simply hop on, enjoy the ride, and pay your fare when you get off. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the trams are a goldmine of visual opportunities. The front and back of the upper deck are prime spots for capturing dynamic street scenes, the unique architecture, and the vibrant advertisements that adorn many trams. InstagramReddit

Consider riding during the 'golden hour' for soft, atmospheric light. The constant movement of the tram provides opportunities for capturing motion blur or sharp, candid shots of city life unfolding outside. Don't miss the chance to photograph the trams themselves against iconic Hong Kong backdrops. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Hong Kong's History

The Hong Kong Tramways are more than just a mode of transport; they are a living piece of the city's heritage. Established in 1904, these iconic double-decker trams have been a constant presence on Hong Kong Island for over a century. They represent a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sustainability, as they are entirely electric. Riding a tram is like taking a step back in time, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Hong Kong's past while navigating its vibrant present. TikTok

Many visitors are drawn to the trams due to their appearance in classic Hong Kong films, particularly those starring Jackie Chan, adding a layer of cinematic romance to the experience. The trams have evolved over the years, with a fleet that now includes modern vehicles alongside a few antique trams, one of which is the last post-war tram still in service, offering a special journey for enthusiasts. TikTok The sheer scale of the operation, with the world's largest double-deck tram fleet still in operation, is impressive. Instagram

Beyond their historical significance, the trams are a testament to Hong Kong's ingenuity and commitment to sustainable urban transport. They provide an affordable and accessible way for locals and tourists alike to traverse the island, witnessing the daily life and evolving landscape of this dynamic metropolis. Instagram

The Art of Tram Photography

For photographers, the Hong Kong Tramways offer a unique canvas. The trams themselves, with their distinctive double-decker design and often colorful advertisements, are photogenic subjects. Capturing them against the backdrop of Hong Kong's dense urban environment, from towering skyscrapers to traditional street scenes, creates compelling imagery. Instagram+1

The best vantage points for tram photography are often from the front and back of the upper deck. This allows you to shoot through the windows with a relatively clear view of the street ahead or behind, capturing the movement and atmosphere of the city. Reddit Be mindful of reflections on the glass and try to find angles that minimize them. Shooting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – can add a magical quality to your photos, with warm light illuminating the streets and trams. Instagram

Don't forget to experiment with different perspectives. While the upper deck offers great views, capturing the trams from street level, perhaps with a busy market or a neon-lit street in the background, can also yield striking results. The constant 'ding ding' sound also adds an auditory dimension that can inspire your visual storytelling. Instagram

Navigating Hong Kong Island by Tram

The Hong Kong Tramways provide an unparalleled way to explore the diverse neighborhoods of Hong Kong Island. The network stretches from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, covering key areas like Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. This makes it an incredibly convenient and cost-effective option for hop-on, hop-off sightseeing. Instagram

When planning your journey, consider riding the tram from one end to the other. This offers a comprehensive experience of the island's changing scenery, from the more modern business districts to older, more traditional areas. It's also the cheapest way to cover significant distances. Reddit Remember that the trams run on a fixed track, so you can easily track your progress and decide where to disembark to explore specific attractions or neighborhoods. Instagram

For the most immersive experience, aim for the upper deck. The front seats offer a driver's-eye view, while the rear seats provide a great perspective of what you're leaving behind. This elevated position allows you to observe the bustling street life, shopfronts, and architectural styles that define Hong Kong Island. Reddit