How to Enjoy the Hong Kong Tram Experience Like a Local
If there’s one experience that truly captures the heart of Hong Kong, it’s the tram ride. Known lovingly as the “Ding Ding” because of its cheerful bell sound, this double-decker tram has been running since 1904 and is still one of the best ways to explore the city.
Slow, scenic, and full of local life, it’s a ride that lets you see Hong Kong from a different view from up close and personal.
A Glimpse of the Hong Kong Tram🌆
The Hong Kong Tram glides along the northern part of Hong Kong Island, linking Kennedy Town in the west and Shau Kei Wan in the east. The route stretches across vibrant districts like Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay, showing both modern skyscrapers and old colonial streets in one go.
Locals use it daily for work, while travelers enjoy it for sightseeing. You’ll see office workers checking their phones, elderly residents gazing out the window, and visitors snapping photos of the colorful city streets. It costs less than a cup of milk tea and feels like a time machine that takes you through old and new Hong Kong in one ride.
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Hong Kong Tram Operating Hours⏰
You can ride the tram almost any time of day. It starts early and ends late, making it convenient whether you want to catch the sunrise or enjoy the glittering skyline at night. Most routes start service before dawn and end just before midnight. The intervals between trams are short, so you won’t have to wait long at the stop.
Day | Operating Hours |
Monday – Sunday | Around 5:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight |
Hong Kong Tram Schedule🕐
Trams come frequently and run throughout the day, though timings can vary slightly depending on traffic. The trams are labeled by destination at the front. You’ll see signs like Kennedy Town, Happy Valley, or Shau Kei Wan. Just check the direction before hopping on.
Time of Day | Frequency |
Morning Peak (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM) | Every 1–2 minutes |
Midday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) | Every 2–4 minutes |
Evening Peak (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) | Every 1–3 minutes |
Late Night (9:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight) | Every 5–10 minutes |
How to Use the Hong Kong Tram🚋
Riding the Hong Kong Tram, or “Ding Ding” as locals call it, is one of the most charming ways to explore the city. The trams have been running since 1904 and still glide along Hong Kong Island’s busiest streets, offering a nostalgic yet practical travel experience.
Enter from the Back Door
All passengers board from the back. Simply wait at any tram stop, and once the tram arrives, step on board calmly. There’s no need for a ticket before entering.
Find a Seat, Preferably Upstairs
Head upstairs if there’s space, the upper deck gives you a beautiful view of Hong Kong’s bustling streets, neon lights, and a mix of old and new buildings. It’s quiet, breezy, and perfect for photos.
Enjoy the Ride and Take in the Scenery
The tram moves at a gentle pace, passing through lively areas like Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. It’s a perfect way to soak in the city’s atmosphere without rushing.
Exit Through the Front Door and Pay Before Leaving
When your stop arrives, move to the front of the tram. Fares are paid as you exit just tap your Octopus card or drop exact change into the fare box. It’s quick, easy, and part of the fun of the ride.
Best Hotels in Hong Kong
5 star
6421 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from downtown
Service: Check-in was orderly and quick. It was so hot that the water ran out fast, so I called housekeeping to ask for an extra bottle, and they thoughtfully provided an extra one the next day.
Facilities: Since the hotel has been open for a while, the facilities are a bit old, but everything works fine. The elevator was interesting – usually, you just tap your card, but here you actually have to insert it to activate the buttons. It was novel, and everyone I rode with seemed to have the same amused confusion, haha! The air conditioning was a bit noisy, but I just treated it as white noise. After all the walking each day, I'd shower and crash as soon as I got back to the hotel, so it really wasn't an issue.
Location: Very convenient. It's close to the MTR and the Star Ferry, and connected to Harbour City. If it rains, you can just head downstairs to shop, which is super handy.FromNZD 211
Good3459 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from downtown
This time, I didn't plan ahead. My return trip was suddenly delayed, and I needed to switch hotels last minute, so I just booked one nearby. I was genuinely amazed by this place! For around 1100, the room was incredibly spacious, completely unlike the 'every inch of land is precious' small rooms I always hear about. It had two bathrooms, a huge bed, two TVs, and a large bathtub with a separate shower. The amenities were also super comprehensive, including a universal adapter and complimentary bottled water in the room. I truly recommend room 1042! They also have all the disposable items for children, which you can ask for at the front desk. Highly recommended! It's also quite close to the MTR station. Just across the road is Kowloon Park, which is definitely worth a visit. Miramar Place is diagonally opposite, as well as Muji, and there's a Don Quijote import supermarket downstairs. Highly, highly recommend!FromNZD 231
Very Good5545 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from downtown
The Cordis Hong Kong is a fantastic hotel with modern facilities and exceptionally clean, dry rooms. Given Hong Kong's notoriously high land prices, the room size was surprisingly generous and incredibly comfortable. The staff were all very warm, attentive, and patient when answering questions. I also loved the unique and atmospheric art installations in the lobby. The hotel is conveniently located right next to Langham Place, with an underground tunnel providing direct access to the bustling Mong Kok shopping district and Mong Kok MTR station, making it super easy to get around and shop.FromNZD 244
Very Good8362 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from downtown
Facilities: The hotel is an older five-star property, so the facilities are a bit dated, but they are very well-maintained.
Cleanliness: The hygiene is absolutely spotless.
Environment: Facing Victoria Harbour, the view is incredible. There's a direct walkway from the second floor right to the waterfront, which is super convenient.
Service: Shangri-La's service is absolutely reliable. The executive lounge staff, in particular, remembered guests' surnames and greeted them proactively.
Horizon Club Privileges: The burgers at afternoon tea were amazing, and the customized steak for breakfast was a thoughtful touch.FromNZD 399
Very Good8476 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from downtown
I stayed here during the Dragon Boat Festival. I had asked Trip.com customer service to arrange a quiet, high-floor room near the elevator if possible. Upon check-in, the hotel front desk upgraded me to an executive floor room based on the Trip.com note, and it was indeed very quiet. For Hong Kong, this hotel is quite spacious; there's enough room to open two suitcases simultaneously. They also provide bed rails, which is perfect if you're traveling with kids. The hotel lobby connects directly to a plaza, making dining very convenient. The only downside is if you're traveling with kids and have a lot of stuff on a stroller, it's better to take a taxi. We took bus A21 from the airport (the bus was pretty fast), but after getting off, we had to drag our luggage quite a long way, which was really exhausting.FromNZD 219
5285 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.81km from downtown
Absolutely loved the Regal Hong Kong Hotel! The staff were all so warm and welcoming, and the rooms were incredibly well-maintained – it honestly didn't feel like an older hotel at all. The width of the corridors and the spaciousness of the rooms are definitely among the best you'll find in Hong Kong. When it was pouring rain, the staff even helped us with our travel arrangements, and there's a shuttle bus to the airport, which is a huge plus. Definitely my top pick in Causeway Bay!FromNZD 176
Business travel
5495 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.14km from downtown
This hotel is located near Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Kowloon's busiest areas, surrounded by numerous shops and supermarkets. The rooms are quite spacious for this locality, and the beds are a comfortable 105cm wide. It's just a few minutes' walk to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station and nearby bus stops. There's a direct A21 bus service to the airport, and Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars are within a kilometer's walk, making the location incredibly convenient.FromNZD 127
7610 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.64km from downtown
Location is very strategist.
Cleanliness was okay. At first i got a room which smells, either mouldy or smokes. After i complained about it and moved rooms, the 2nd rooms was way better. not smelly anymore.
TV was still the tiny old TV. not that I watched it tho.
A bit shocking is that they dont provide water bottles in the room at all due to the government regulation. not sure if all hotel is doing that, but the least they can do is provide water dispenser in communal area, or provide it in a sustainable solution like glass bottle.
For a 4 stars hotel in a premium location and quite high priced, this is a bit of a let down. The location is great, but the quality is not there.FromNZD 160
7945 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|1.85km from downtown
This hotel is always my first choice because of its excellent location, making it incredibly convenient to get to West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and Elements Cinema. However, with fewer tourists recently, the room rates fluctuate significantly. I wouldn't recommend booking too far in advance. I booked two months ahead, and when I contacted Trip.com and the hotel about canceling due to price changes, the hotel refused. Trip.com, however, compensated me for the price difference. I’d recommend bringing your own toiletries and slippers – the hotel's slippers are as flimsy as paper and practically unusable. I've spoken to the cleaning staff multiple times about it, and they say there's nothing they can do. Despite that, it's still a great hotel for tourists, and the staff are very polite and enthusiastic. Both times I've stayed recently, I've been able to check in early, probably due to the low occupancy. A big thank you to Trip.com! And the lobby service desk, which offers luggage storage, has always been friendly over the years.
Facilities: Good👍 This time I stayed in a room near the stairs and it was great👍 The hallway was spacious and the elevator was large～FromNZD 179
Good3892 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.27km from downtown
Great location and amazing value for money! The room was finally a decent size, not the tiny 10-15 sq m I've encountered before. The staff were friendly and helpful, I was very satisfied. Getting around was a breeze, with subway and bus stops conveniently close by. A taxi to the airport wasn't expensive either, around 160 RMB. Plenty of local eateries and dessert shops nearby to satisfy any foodie. My trip to Hong Kong for the concert was perfect. I also visited Ocean Park; getting there was very easy. Even though it rained, I managed to do everything I wanted. If I ever get the chance to visit again, I'll definitely book this hotel.FromNZD 171
3588 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.23km from downtown
Hygiene: The bed sheets and duvet covers didn't seem to have been changed, as there were a few strands of hair on the pillow, and more hair was found when I pulled back the duvet at the foot of the bed. After the sheets were changed, my skin felt itchy when I slept at night.
Service: The service was alright. They were cooperative when I asked for new sheets, trash removal, and extra tissues.
Environment: The hotel's location is quite central, making it convenient to get around.
Facilities: The facilities are a bit old, but that's understandable for Hong Kong. I just hope the hygiene conditions can be improved.FromNZD 95
6801 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from downtown
It was a really fantastic stay, nice food, quiet and moderate room size, also had a sofa cum bed along with bed,
Location was Right in a heart of tst,
7 11 was right in front of the hotel gate,
Tst metro was right opposite of hotel gate
Make sure you don’t eat anything in concierge they have strict policy I saw them asking guests not to eat their waiting area,FromNZD 230
Breakfast
Good3954 Reviews
Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong|1.27km from downtown
The hotel's location is quite good, near the Jordan area, and just a few minutes' walk from the MTR station, making getting around very convenient. There's a convenience store right opposite the hotel, and plenty of restaurants downstairs and in the surrounding area.
When we arrived early, the front desk staff proactively asked if we wanted to check in. As our room wasn't ready yet, they helped us store our luggage, which was a simple process and allowed us to go out and explore right away.
The room size is typical for Hong Kong standards – not spacious, but not as cramped as I'd imagined. There was still some space to move around after placing the two single beds, and enough room to open our suitcases. The overall decor is modern and minimalist, with soft lighting. The hygiene was acceptable, and the bedding was clean.
It's worth noting that the hotel doesn't provide disposable toiletries like toothbrushes. Hong Kong has been promoting environmental policies in recent years, with many hotels reducing plastic use. However, there's a vending machine near the front desk where you can buy them if needed, which is quite convenient.
The housekeeping service during our stay left a good impression. After cleaning each day, our slippers and personal items were tidied and arranged neatly. The attention to detail was appreciated, and the room was kept very clean overall.
Check-out was also very convenient; no queues or complicated procedures, just hand back the key card. After collecting our stored luggage, we were free to leave, which is great for those catching a train or flight.
Overall, the biggest advantages of this hotel are its convenient location and excellent transportation links, along with the comprehensive amenities nearby. While the rooms aren't large, they are on par with typical Hong Kong hotels, and both hygiene and service are good. If you're visiting Hong Kong and don't require an exceptionally spacious room, the overall value for money is quite impressive.FromNZD 191
3816 Reviews
Prince Edward and Tai Kok Tsui Hong Kong|0.78km from downtown
The environment is great, very friendly towards mainland visitors. The service attitude is excellent, I personally think it's fantastic. The location is also pretty good, moderate, about a ten-minute walk from the subway station. Plus, booking includes a coupon for a set meal at Wah Sing Cafe, a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant: also excellent, the food tastes delicious!FromNZD 149
Good2387 Reviews
Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong|1.32km from downtown
The hotel is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Jordan MTR Station (Exit B1), making it easy to get around Hong Kong. The Airport Bus A21 stop from the airport is less than a minute’s walk from the hotel, which is very convenient for arrivals. For the return trip to the airport, the bus stop is across the road and takes about 3 minutes to reach, including waiting at the traffic lights.
The staff may appear expressionless, but they are helpful and willing to assist when needed. The hotel provides thoughtful amenities such as two complimentary cans of mineral water daily, bedroom slippers, and bathrobes, adding to the comfort of the stay.
Overall, the hotel offers excellent accessibility and practical amenities, making it a good choice for travellers looking for convenience and slightly quieter area from the busy Mongkok area.FromNZD 164
4419 Reviews
Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong|1.69km from downtown
The room type I booked was pretty good, and the 1.9-meter bed was quite large. I specifically came here for a vacation this time, and I always stay here when I'm on business trips.
Facilities: They're a bit old, and the air conditioning can be noisy.
Cleanliness: Very clean.
Environment: It's okay, considering the hotel is quite old.
Service: The service is pretty good.
It's about a 15 to 20-minute walk from West Kowloon, so transportation is quite convenient. There are also many tea restaurants around with good food. I've stayed here many times, and it offers good value for money on weekdays.FromNZD 175
Good9277 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from downtown
The room was nice and clean, and the location was good too, right near Shimen subway station. It's a relatively new hotel, and it was a bit better than I expected. The breakfast didn't have much variety, but everything else was fine.FromNZD 133
Good15871 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from downtown
The room was a bit small, we booked a triple and it felt a bit like being back in a university dorm, haha. The hotel staff were all very friendly and polite, and communicating in Mandarin was almost seamless. It's super convenient, about 500m from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. Due to plastic restrictions, they don't provide drinking water, but there's a supermarket right next door which is very handy!FromNZD 149
What Is an Octopus Card🌟
The Octopus Card is a rechargeable smart card that stores electronic money. You simply tap it on the reader to pay for rides, food, or shopping. It’s fast, simple, and widely accepted across the city. You’ll see locals using it everywhere from MTR stations to bubble tea shops.
How to Use the Octopus Card🚋
Using the Octopus Card is easy:
- Buy the card at any MTR station, 7-Eleven, or Circle K store.
- Tap the card on the reader when boarding or paying. You’ll hear a “beep” sound to confirm payment.
- Check the balance on the screen after tapping.
- Reload the card at MTR stations, convenience stores, or add-value machines whenever needed.
Octopus Card Price💰
Type | Initial Cost | Includes Refundable Deposit | Initial Stored Value |
Adult Card | HK$150 | HK$50 | HK$100 |
Child Card (Aged 3–11) | HK$70 | HK$50 | HK$20 |
Elder Card (65 and above) | HK$70 | HK$50 | HK$20 |
If you no longer need the card, you can return it at any Octopus Service Centre to get a refund of your deposit and remaining balance (a small handling fee may apply if returned within 90 days).
Benefits of Using the Octopus Card🎁
- Convenience – No need to carry coins or buy tickets for every ride.
- Speed – Just tap and go, perfect for busy travelers.
- Discounts – Some transport modes and stores offer small fare discounts when using Octopus.
- Multi-purpose – Works not only for transport but also in restaurants, supermarkets, and vending machines.
- Reload Anywhere – Easily top up at MTR stations, 7-Eleven, and many shops across the city.
Smart Tips for Riding the “Ding Ding”💡
- Sit upstairs in the front row. You’ll get the best view of the narrow streets and trams passing by.
- Avoid rush hours if you want a peaceful ride. Try mid-morning or early afternoon.
- Bring small coins if you don’t have an Octopus Card.
- Ride during sunset. Watching the city glow while the tram rolls through Causeway Bay is pure magic.
- Take the full route from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan if you want to see all sides of the island in one trip.
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336564 booked
Why Everyone Loves the Tram🌇
The “Ding Ding” is more than just a tram. It’s a symbol of old Hong Kong still alive in today’s busy city. The sound of the bell, the wooden seats, and the gentle rumble of the tracks remind everyone that some traditions never fade. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a local experience or a local wanting a quiet moment to watch the world go by, the Hong Kong Tram offers a simple joy that never gets old.
So next time you’re in Hong Kong, skip the taxi, skip the subway, and take the “Ding Ding.” Sit back, relax, and let the tram show you the true heartbeat of the city. 🚋✨
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FAQs about Hong Kong Tram
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Where can I board the Hong Kong Tram?
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