The Victoria Peak tram is one of Hong Kong’s oldest transportation systems. Established in May 1888, the tramway has above 130 years of presence in Hong Kong. Originally opened by Sir William Des Voeux, the tram was opened due to the rising demands of people traveling up to the peak to see Hong Kong’s spectacular views. This article will give you all the details of information on how to take the Peak tram, its history, and highlights of the newest 6th generation tram renovations.
Planning your Peak Tram Journey
When thinking about your trip to the peak, you should think about the best time of the day you should do it. For me, I’d go up around 3pm or 4pm. This way, I get to enjoy the beautiful day skies and the new skylight feature of the peak trams. After reaching the peak, I take the walk around the Peak Trail which is a giant circle that is 4km long and takes an hour to complete. Obviously you should takes some breaks in between and enjoy Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline views. Then, after enjoying the peaceful walk and views, I’d take the tram back down when its dark to experience the journey in the relative dark.
Picking seats on the peak tram
You should also note that while the peak tram itself is a great experience, not all seats may be the best for you. For optimum viewing pleasure, try to find a seat on the right side when going up and left side when going down.
Buying peak tram tickets
You can simply buy your tickets on the day of your trip or a day earlier if you think tickets will be sold out. As an avid planner, I like to buy my peak tram tickets in advance. There are a few ticket options available namely the round trip and single tickets and round trip and single tickets with Skypass. If its your first time going to the peak I’d say the tickets with the sky pass is a good deal. Otherwise I’d just buy the round trip tickets and make this day all about the tram. The ticket pricings are as below:
Peak Tram Ticket Type | Adult (Aged 12-64) | Child (Aged 3-11) | Senior (Aged 65+) |
Single Journey | HK$47 | HK$24 | HK$24 |
Round Trip | HK$66 | HK$33 | HK$33 |
Single Journey w/ Skypass | HK$82 | HK$41 | HK$41 |
Round Trip w/ Skypass | HK$99 | HK$50 | HK$50 |
Renovations of the Victoria Peak Tram 2022
The modern peak tram has gone through a total of 6 transformations to keep with the times and keep operating through years of wear and tear.
The newly renovated peak tram opened on August 2022. The newest tramcars feature skylight ceilings and can carry up to 210 passengers! The newly designed tramcars, signaling systems, ropes, and tracks were manufactured by the top-of-the-class Swiss companies. Even the station has had its various upgrades to a modern design. I highly recommend you check it out this year!
The tram works in a funicular loop system which is similar to but not quite like a cable car. It works such that two trams operate together at all times and go in a loop. Technically both start and move at the same time. This type of railway design specializes in moving the tramcars on a steep inclination, unlike traditional train tracks that can only be on a 3-degree inclination at most.
History of Victoria Peak Tram
Peak Tram – First generation (1888 to 1926)
The first generation consisted of varnished wooden carriages and a coal-powered steam engine. This tram could carry 30 passengers per trip, but the most interesting thing is that there was always a special seat with a plaque reading “This seat is reserved for His Excellency, the Governor.” No one could sit on here until there were only 2 minutes left for the tram’s departure in case the Governor shows up. The middle of the carriage was also more expensive and reserved for first-class tickets. Though I would go on the front or rear to enjoy the spectacular views along the journey!
Peak Tram – Second generation (1926 – 1948)
The tramway has always kept itself up to date with current times and technology. In view of this, the tram updated its engine system in 1926 to an electrically powered engine system. This means that now it could expand its passenger capacity to 52 passengers. Almost double since gen 1.
Peak Tram – Third generation (1948 to 1957)
As the local population grew, the peak tram went through more transformations. In 1948, the wooden carriages were replaced by metal tramcar. This version could carry 62 passengers.
Peak Tram – Fourth generation (1957 to 1989)
The fourth generation of the trams was all about making them even more efficient. The carriages were now replaced by the light-weight aluminium and could carry 72 passengers at once. Being part of such a prominent global city like Hong Kong combined with being a most unique mode of transport to travel up to a peak, the tram started featuring in a few Hollywood movies. It quickly became the awe of photographers and international audiences. I believe this is truly the era when Hong Kong became a globally recognized city and in my opinion one of the best cities in the world.
Peak Tram – Fifth generation (1989 to 2021)
As the world started depending more on computers, so did the peak tram during this transformation. The 5th generation peak tram started using a microprocessor-controlled technology and newly upgraded tramcars that could carry 120 passengers. This is the version most of us will remember growing up.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Peak Tram
What are the Operating Hours of the Peak Tram?
The Peak Tram operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday to Sunday and on Public Holidays.
How do I buy the Peak Tram tickets?
You can buy peak tram tickets on their official website. There are options to buy both the single journey or return tickets or with the addition of a Sky Terrace pass.
How much does the Peak Tram ticket cost?
Peak Tram Tickets
A single journey ticket costs HK$47 for adults (Aged 12-64), HK$24 for child (Aged 3-11), and senior (Aged 65+).
A return ticket costs HK$66 for adults (Aged 12-64), HK$33 for child (Aged 3-11), and senior (Aged 65+).
Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Ticket
A single journey ticket with a sky terrace pass costs HK$82 for adults (Aged 12-64), HK$41 for child (Aged 3-11), and senior (Aged 65+).
A return ticket with a sky terrace pass costs HK$99 for adults (Aged 12-64), HK$50 for child (Aged 3-11), and senior (Aged 65+).
How Long does the Peak Tram Journey Take?
The Peak tram track is 1,278 metres long and only takes around 6 minutes to complete!
What’s the best seat to enjoy the views?
To enjoy the Hong Kong skylines, you should sit on the right side of the peak tram when going up and sit on the left side while going down.
What’s new after the Peak Tram renovations in 2022?
Since the renovations, the capacity of the newest trams have increased from 120 to 210. However, you must note that there are only 167 are seats while 43 standing spots.
How steep is the Peak Tram?
The peak tram has different steepness levels depending on which part of the journey you are in. The steepest part of the journey is up to 25.7 degrees when it passes by May Road. This is a very interesting experience as the world around you feels like it’s leaning too far down like Michael Jackson!
What is the last tram to The Peak?
The peak trams operate from 7am to 10pm. So you should arrive at the station before 10:00pm to catch the last ride back down or up.