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You may be researching for cool party ideas in Hong Kong and stumbled upon this article. Look no further because a tram party might just be the thing you’re looking for! It’s “outdoors”, private and something that most of your guests haven’t experienced.
Booking a tram is also ideal for birthday parties, corporate drinks, a proposal, or even wedding photoshoots. This article is going to tell you the ins and outs of how to book a tram party in 2024.
1 How to book a tram for a party?
You can simply book a tram by visiting the HK Tramways website under the “Charter your Party Tram”. Although the website says to book at least 2 days in advance, I highly recommend booking a tram of your choosing a month or more in advance.
This is because the good days are usually booked out pretty early. Moreover, booking ahead of time ensures you get to pick the tram model and time according to your preferences.
If you book for at least 2 hours, you get a pitstop for a toilet break.
2 How much does booking a party tram cost?
Most trams cost HKD2,000 per hour. You will need to book for a minimum of 1 hour, but the best idea would be to book for 2.5 to 3 hours which will end up costing you HKD5,000 to HKD6,000.
The tram travels along the main tram rails, and the longer journeys do a loop around Happy Valley. Booking the longer journey will allow you and your friends to enjoy the view, chat and eat. Moreover, if you book for at least 2 hours, you get a pitstop for a toilet break. This is a must for party guests especially if it’s a fun drinking party. Lastly, this price does not include any food or drinks so you will need to consider that.
3 Party Tram Options and Comparisons
| Tram Type | Tram No.18 | Red Antique Tram No.128 | Green Antique Tram No.28 | Passenger Tram | TramOramic Tour Tram No.68 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 30 people | 30 people | 30 people | 40 people | 36 people |
| Hiring Period and Timing | 36 people | Daily 08:00 – 24:00 | Daily 08:00 – 24:00 | Mon to Fri 10:00 – 16:00 & 19:00 – 24:00 Sat 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 24:00 Sun / P.H. 08:00 – 24:00 | Daily 19:30 – 24:00 |
| Price (Mon-Thu) | HK$3,500/hr | HK$2,100/hr | HK$2,100/hr | HK$1,400/hr | HK$2,500/hr |
| Price (Fri-Sun, PH, PH Eve) | HK$4,000/hr | HK$2,900/hr | HK$2,900/hr | HK$1,900/hr | HK$2,500/hr |
| Features | – 3 thematic rooms – Built-in refrigerator, washbasin and restroom – Premium fitted furniture and upholstery – Lighting | – Tables – 2 Drinks Coolers (not electric so bring your own ice cubes) – Chafing Dish for hot food | – Tables – 2 Drinks Coolers (not electric so bring your own ice cubes) – Chafing Dish for hot food | – Exactly like a regular tram | – Mini HK tram museum |
| Airconditioning | Yes | Yes (upper deck indoor area only) | No | No | No |
| Sound System | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Upper Deck Features | Fully Covered | Open-top balcony (50/50 indoor-outdoor) | 2 Small balconies towards the front and back | Fully Covered | Open-top balcony (50/50 indoor-outdoor) |
| Side Profile |  |  |  |  |  |
4 How many people can I invite to the tram party?
Most of the party trams hold a capacity of 30 guests. However, if you’d like to invite more guests, go for either the passenger tram or the TramOramic Tour tram which holds 40 and 36 guests respectively.
Personally, I’d think twice before booking a passenger tram as it doesn’t come with any of the amenities that you’d get on the antique trams. Moreover, the antique trams are lit with really cute light bulbs on the external body whereas you’d not find anything out of the ordinary on a passenger tram.
5 Is there food on the tram?
The website says HK Tramways does cater, but I opted to order my own food and drinks. The best type of food to order for a moving tram party would be easy food like pizzas, bento boxes and finger food. During the pitstop, you can even run to 711 to buy some ice cream!
Order easy food like pizza, bento boxes or finger food.
6 What is provided by the tram company?
The tram provides simple amenities like ice boxes on the lower and upper decks. You need to bring your own ice to keep the drinks chilled throughout the party. Though speakers are provided, you need to bring your own mobile device to hook up to Spotify.
It is also a good idea to confirm the availability of the above amenities while making your booking. Lastly, both decks come with tables and chairs so you can chill and explore the city 😉.
Confirm the availability of speakers while making your booking.
7 Is there a difference between the red antique tram and the green antique tram?
The short answer is yes, there is. Let’s start with the red. The red antique tram is the one with an air conditioner on the upper deck. This makes it ideal for the summer. Moreover, its upper deck is divided into 2 parts. The front half is open air, and the back half is airconditioned. The front and back are divided by a wooden door that shuts to keep the AC in. The lower decks of both trams are fairly similar with no air conditioning.
The green antique tram’s upper deck is divided into 3 parts. The front and back are open air while the middle is sheltered. I personally prefer the red tram especially in summer because of the AC and the relatively bigger open area.
The red antique tram is air conditioned on the upper deck.
8 Here’s a fun idea for your tram party!
Now that you’ve booked your tram, ordered food and picked your music, you need some fun things to do at your party! I strongly suggest that you get a Polaroid camera and pass it around. It’s the perfect way to capture some fun memories in an interesting location.
Get a polaroid camera and pass it around!
9 Conclusion
If you’ve been thinking if a tram party is worth the hassle, I say do it. It is completely worth it being a different type of party experience with beautiful views of the city. I loved it and would definitely go again if I get the chance. Booking a tram is also surprisingly affordable compared to a lot of venues and junk boats. So go support one of the oldest modes of transport in Hong Kong while also having a great time!
Enjoyed the article? Let me know in the comments below if you ended up doing a tram party. Thanks!
10 FAQ about Booking a Tram Party
Where is the tram party meeting point?
The tram party meeting point is at the Whitty Street Tram Depot. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time so you don’t miss it.
How much does booking a party tram cost?
Most of the trams cost around HK$1,400 to HK$3,500 per hour. You can book for a minimum of 1 hour.
How long should I book the party tram for?
If you are having a party, 2.5 to 3 hours is a good time span for it. If you are having a photoshoot, you can book the party tram for an hour.
When was HK Tramways established?
The HK tramways was established in 1904 and is operated by RATP Dev Transdev Asia
How many stops does the tramway have?
The tramway has 120 stops spanning almost the entire length of Hong Kong Island.
How long is the Hong Kong tramway?
The main line for the tram runs for 13.3 kilometres along Hong Kong Island. It starts in Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan with a circuit in Happy Valley.
Our Verdict
Tram Party Booking
PROS
- It's an affordable "Venue" depending on the tram you choose.
- Friendly and helpful staff.
- Beautiful views of Hong Kong on a heritage transport.
- Unique party location that's only available in Hong Kong.
CONS
- Limited to the exact timing of the booking.
- You must arrive on time.
- You need to bring your own food.
- No toilets depending on the tram you pick.
Review Breakdown
- Online Booking
- Staff
- Cleanliness
- Pricing
I helped organize my company’s tram party thanks to your guide! Keep up the stellar work.