Hong Kong Tramways
Iconic double-decker trams offering a charming, affordable, and historic journey through Hong Kong Island's vibrant streets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the city in full swing
Hong Kong Tramways
Best Time
See the city in full swing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic double-decker trams offering a charming, affordable, and historic journey through Hong Kong Island's vibrant streets.
"Super cheap, old, squeaky and incredibly fun to ride. Loved every second of it!"
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Front and back of the upper deck
Capture stunning cityscapes and candid moments with the best seats for street photography enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'Ding Ding' Charm
Best Seats for Views & Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
💰 Super Affordable Fares
Enjoy incredibly cheap fares, making it the most budget-friendly way to explore Hong Kong Island.
📸 Capture the Advertisements
Many trams feature vibrant advertisements, adding color and character to your ride and photos.
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!
💺 Top Deck is King
Always aim for the upper deck, especially the front or back seats, for the best views and photo ops.
💰 Super Affordable Fares
Enjoy incredibly cheap fares, making it the most budget-friendly way to explore Hong Kong Island.
📸 Capture the Advertisements
Many trams feature vibrant advertisements, adding color and character to your ride and photos.
🔔 Listen for the 'Ding Ding'
The iconic 'ding ding' sound is a signature of these trams, a charming auditory experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Tram stops are generally well-marked and frequent along the main roads of Hong Kong Island. Look for the distinctive tram tracks and shelters.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
No, you don't need to buy tickets in advance. You can pay your fare directly on the tram when you alight.
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.
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.
Trams generally operate from early morning until late at night, with services running frequently throughout the day. Specific timings can vary slightly by route.
📸 📸 Photography & Sightseeing
The front and back of the upper deck offer the most unobstructed views for street photography and capturing the cityscape.
Yes, absolutely! The trams are a fantastic way to capture the essence of Hong Kong. The upper deck provides excellent vantage points.
Yes, Hong Kong Tramways operates antique and sightseeing trams that offer a unique historical and scenic experience.
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.
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.
🎫 🚶 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.
Unfortunately, the historic double-decker trams are not easily accessible for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility challenges due to the stairs.
The nickname 'Ding Ding' comes from the distinctive bell sound the trams make as they announce their arrival and departure.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Hong Kong's History
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. The sheer scale of the operation, with the world's largest double-deck tram fleet still in operation, is impressive.
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.
The Art of Tram Photography
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. 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.
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.
Navigating Hong Kong Island by Tram
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. 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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit