Queuing for hours in the heat isn’t our idea of fun. Photo by James Antrobus
As one of the city’s most iconic experiences with the best views over the skyscrapers and across Victoria Harbour, it’s no wonder the Peak Tram is a popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong and one that you should definitely not miss. Unfortunately this comes with consequences: it’s common to see long lines to get onto the Peak Tram and up to Peak which snake out of the building, up and around the corner and even across to the other side of the street. But fear not courageous travelers, there are ways to avoid the Peak Tram queue by shortening your waiting time or even skipping the line altogether.
Check out our video here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF6ceSRsBKM&index=3-dQry7-r0bI6PS8SqG3MFG_FPujh1EA
1. Queue jump with a combo package
The only way to truly skip the Peak Tram line is to purchase a combo ticket (which, incidentally, also gives you up to 39% off!). Not only does this grant you VIP access so you’ll be marched straight to the front, it also gives you great discounts too. Four options are available:
- Peak Tram Return Ticket + Sky Terrace 428
- Peak Tram Return Ticket + Sky Terrace 428 + Trick Eye Museum 3-in-1 Combo
- Peak Tram Return Ticket + Sky Terrace 428 + Madame Tussauds 3-in-1 Combo
- Peak Tram Return Ticket + Sky Terrace 428 + Madame Tussauds + Trick Eye Museum 4-in-1 Combo
How it works: You’ll be met by a guide at Central MTR Station Exit K who will walk you to the Peak Tram Terminus, get your tickets and take you to the front of the line, bypassing the queue altogether. Once at the top, you’ll be left to enjoy the Sky Terrace and/or Madame Tussauds/Trick Eye Museum at your leisure. Return Peak Tram tickets are included, however there is no queue jump for the return journey (the line is usually much shorter on the way down however.)
Discounts available for child and senior tickets
2. Choose wisely when you decide to visit
Of course, weekends and public holidays are going to be the busiest times to visit. If you can schedule your itinerary to go on a weekday, the lines will be much shorter. That being said, the queues pick up from 5pm with tourists heading up to see the daily 8pm light show and again from 8:30pm for the way back down.
Early morning, before 9am, tends to be the quietest time.
Photo: Jorge Lascár via Flickr
3. Consider alternative transport
Taxis and buses also make the route to the top. Taxis will set you back HK$40-50 and buses are very cheap. However, the steep 120 year old funicular is part of the charm and history of the Peak and really shouldn’t be missed. The road route is also very windy and not nearly so direct. Getting a taxi or bus in one direction might be a good compromise, especially for the return journey when the Peak Tram reverses so passengers end up traveling backwards! For the utmost comfort and convenience, you might consider a direct van transfer from your hotel to the top of the peak. It accommodates up to 6 people so more cost effective if you’re traveling in a large group or with kids.
4. Pay by Octopus Card
Octopus Cards (the swipe cash card for Hong Kong transport) are accepted for the Peak Tram and avoid the ticketing queue. However at busy times, it’s the line for the tram itself that is long so paying by Octopus won’t actually be much of an advantage.
Photo via Wikicommons
Peak Tram Information
Opening hours: 7am – midnight
Price (single/return): HK$68/80 (adults), HK$34/42 (children & seniors) or purchase a combo ticket as above for a better discount and queue jump
Duration: less than 10 mins
Nearest MTR: Admiralty (Exit C1) or Central (Exit J or K)
Sky Terrace 428 Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm on weekends and Public holidays, 10am – 11pm on weekdays
* Insider tips: when you get on the tram, choose a seat on the right hand side for unobstructed views of the city
