How to Enjoy the Hong Kong Tram Experience Like a Local

Author's Profile Picture
Hong Kong Tram Poster

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🌆

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

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.

Hong Kong Tram Operating Hours⏰

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

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

🌏 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting multiple cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, pick a nationwide eSIM plan. It saves you from losing signal between regions and avoids extra roaming fees.

Hong Kong Tram Schedule🕐 

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

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🚋 

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

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.

💳 Pro Tip: You can pay with your Octopus Card or drop coins into the fare box. Remember, no change is given so keep the exact amount.

Best Hotels in Hong Kong

5 star

8.6/106427 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from downtown
The hotel's location is unbeatable. Harbour City is right upstairs, Lane Crawford is in the hotel lobby, and the main entrance is directly opposite 1881 Heritage. The Star Ferry, which is essentially our daily bus, is just a stone's throw away. Anyone who visits frequently knows how convenient it is. I've read some reviews saying the rooms are a bit dated, so I only booked one night to check it out first.
From€ 126
9/10Good3492 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from downtown
The room was clean and had a bathtub, plus a universal adapter. The smart home system for lights and curtains made for a very convenient stay. Housekeeping was prompt and the service was attentive. The front desk staff gave great recommendations for food and attractions, and every single staff member I encountered was friendly and enthusiastic. The location is also excellent, with plenty of good food nearby. K11, the Art Museum, and the Science Museum are just a few minutes' walk away. I was rushing for an early flight when checking out and forgot to properly check out. I called the front desk, and they kept reassuring me, saying it was fine as long as I hadn't left anything behind. All in all, it was a fantastic stay, and I'll definitely choose this hotel again when I come back to Hong Kong.
From€ 128
9.2/10Very Good5593 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from downtown
The room was pretty good, and the hotel breakfast was excellent. I appreciated the thoughtful touches like the multi-adapter and the toothbrush and slippers provided. The biggest draw for us was the convenient location – there's a mall downstairs with plenty of dining and shopping options, and it's super close to Mong Kok Station. Minor hiccup: After checking out and leaving Hong Kong, I realized I'd left my headphones in the room. I called the hotel, and they did find them. However, customer service said they couldn't mail them to me, even if I offered to pay for shipping upon delivery. Since I don't have any friends going to Hong Kong soon to pick them up, I unfortunately had to give up on them.
From€ 149
9.3/10Very Good8362 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from downtown
The room was very comfortable and spacious, with a view of Victoria Harbour from the window. The cleanliness was excellent; the staff always asked if we wanted our room cleaned daily. Although the facilities are a bit old, they feel sturdy and reliable, making for a reassuring stay. The breakfast variety didn't change much, but there were plenty of options, including Indian, Japanese, and Halal dishes. There was even a dedicated breakfast area for kids, and their pancakes were absolutely delicious! The juice was freshly squeezed, and the fruit station consistently offered pineapple, watermelon, apples, bananas, and cantaloupe. The lobby staff were amazing. We arrived at the hotel at 8 AM, and luckily, a room was ready, so they immediately checked us in. As a family traveling with seniors and children, we were incredibly grateful for this. The lobby staff also proactively gave out little gifts to the children—a small Shangri-La themed bag containing crayons, stickers, and a fan for coloring. They even gave us two toy cars. We really appreciate it! On the downside, I did get some bites, possibly from dust mites or fleas, leaving red bumps all over my legs. I understand that the seaside location can be humid, and with the windows closed, ventilation is limited. Even the disinfectant spray I brought didn't help. I just had to apply more anti-inflammatory cream.
From€ 255
9.3/10Very Good8567 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from downtown
My go-to hotel for my many trips to Hong Kong, this 5-star standard in the heart of Mong Kok is simply unbeatable. The transportation is second to none, with seamless access to MOKO mall directly from Mong Kok East Station on the East Rail Line. Dining, entertainment, and shopping are all just downstairs, making getting around incredibly efficient. The rooms are significantly larger than the average Hong Kong hotel, with warm, elegant decor. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer fantastic city views, and all in-room facilities are well-maintained, with meticulous housekeeping. The recreational facilities are comprehensive; the high-altitude pool allows you to swim while enjoying panoramic city street views, perfect for unwinding after a long journey. The front desk service is personalized, and they go above and beyond to accommodate any requests, showing great attention to detail. It's rare to find such tranquility within a bustling commercial district, balancing convenience and comfort perfectly. The overall value for money is exceptional; for accommodation in Hong Kong, look no further than Royal Plaza Hotel.
From€ 149
8.3/105318 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.81km from downtown
An older five-star hotel with a good location. The front desk was quite good, and check-in was quick. The room felt a bit dated with a lot of mirrors, which I personally found a bit uncomfortable for a guest (bad feng shui, perhaps). It's conveniently located for getting around, the service was decent, and it was clean.
From€ 95

Show more

Business travel

8.4/105541 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.14km from downtown
For its price, the hotel's location, service, and facilities are all excellent. I stayed in a newly renovated twin room on the 16th floor this time, which had one double bed and one single bed. The location is incredibly convenient, just a few minutes' walk from the MTR station. The room size is definitely decent for Hong Kong; don't compare it to mainland hotel standards or luxury hotels in Hong Kong. Compared to other hotels in the same price range, it's absolutely great. I arrived around 11 PM. Due to the hotel's eco-friendly policy, toiletries aren't provided for free, but you can purchase them at the front desk. A small reusable pouch containing a two-person set costs HKD 20, which I found both cost-effective and convenient. The biggest highlight, which I must recommend and is perfect for tourists, is that my room with two beds had three bedside tables. Each table had power sockets and USB ports, and one even had wireless charging – incredibly convenient! The quality of the slippers provided in the room was also good. The large window offered a bright street view, and the desk, over a meter long, was great for placing belongings. I'm very grateful to the lovely lady at the front desk who upgraded me to this newly renovated room when she saw I arrived late at 11 PM. The cleaning lady, Chang Dandan, was also fantastic; she promptly helped me with any requests. Both were very warm and had excellent attitudes. Overall, this was a great stay. I actually read some negative reviews about cleanliness and drainage issues, but I didn't encounter any. The water pressure and drainage were both excellent, and the room was clean and hygienic. They provided two alcohol wipes for disinfection, the bedding and towels were dry, and the air conditioning worked perfectly with no noise even on low fan speed. As a very light sleeper, I slept really well. I won't upload photos of my room since I messed it up, but the public areas were clean and bright, as you can see from a couple of photos I took. Also, I recommend Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on the first floor of the Miramar Shopping Centre opposite the hotel – it's delicious!
From€ 89
8.5/107608 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.64km from downtown
The location is convenient, with the hotel directly connected to the subway station. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, and a 7-Eleven and money exchange are always close by. The hotel staff are friendly and proactive. The self check-in machines are quite good, and there's always someone there to assist. The room is cleaned daily, and the cleaning staff are very polite; they only come in to clean when it's convenient for you. Be aware that the hotel does not provide complimentary toiletries, so you'll need to bring your own. Next time, I might try the breakfast. I'm looking forward to my next stay!
From€ 104
8.7/108013 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|1.85km from downtown
Excellent service! The room had a fantastic makeup mirror, which was a great touch. The front desk staff spoke very good Mandarin and even upgraded our room for free. The night view was amazing, and the hotel's location is super convenient, with lots of authentic Hong Kong restaurants nearby! It's also very close to two metro stations and the high-speed rail station.
From€ 99
9.1/10Good3903 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.27km from downtown
✨ Park Hotel Hong Kong — My Favorite Stay in the City ✨ During my trip to Hong Kong, I stayed at Park Hotel Hong Kong, and it turned out to be the most satisfying hotel experience I’ve had in the city 😍. 📍 Location & Convenience The hotel is perfectly situated in Tsim Sha Tsui, making it easy to reach and simple to find. Within 5 minutes you can walk to East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, and in about 8 minutes you’ll reach Tsim Sha Tsui Station. For airport transfers, the A21 bus across the street takes you directly to Hong Kong International Airport in around 40 minutes. 🍴 Food & Shopping The neighborhood is full of delicious options. Right downstairs is the famous Yung Kee Roast Goose, and across the street you’ll find a 7-Eleven for quick snacks. A short 10-minute walk brings you to K11 MUSEA, a stylish shopping mall blending retail with art and culture. 🛏️ Room Experience The room was impressively spacious — we could fully open two 28-inch suitcases and still move around comfortably. Cleanliness was up to standard, the water pressure was strong, and the air conditioning kept the room perfectly cool. The bed was a little too soft for my liking, and while my friend booked the same room type and got a bathtub with a great view, mine was a simpler economy room. 💡 Overall Impression Despite those small differences, the combination of location, comfort, and nearby food made this stay truly memorable. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hong Kong that balances convenience with space, Park Hotel is a fantastic choice.
From€ 124
7/103614 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.23km from downtown
Comfortable Stay in a Great Location We had a wonderful stay at Best Western Plus Hotel Kowloon in Tsim Sha Tsui. One of the things we appreciated most was its convenient location—everything we needed was within easy reach, from restaurants and convenience stores to MTR stations and popular attractions. Our room was clean and comfortable, providing a nice place to rest after long days of exploring Hong Kong. The staff were friendly and helpful, and check-in and check-out were smooth and hassle-free. What stood out to us was how easy it was to get around the city from the hotel. Whether we were heading to Disneyland, Victoria Harbour, or simply looking for good food nearby, the location made our trip much more enjoyable. Overall, Best Western Plus TST offered great value for money and served as the perfect home base for our Hong Kong adventure. We would definitely stay here again on our next visit!
From€ 61
8.5/106829 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from downtown
I was really worried about Hong Kong hotel rooms being too small, but it turned out to be unexpectedly good. And it wasn't humid either. After the rain cleared up in the morning, a swim and steam at the outdoor pool made me feel fantastic. Traveling with kids, it's convenient to go anywhere nearby – close to the MTR, close to various shopping spots, and K11 is just across the street. The front desk service was excellent; there was no special treatment for Mandarin speakers. There were many foreigners, and the staff's attitude was truly exemplary.
From€ 115

Show more

Breakfast

9.1/10Good4018 Reviews
Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong|1.27km from downtown
This was my first time visiting Hong Kong to see relatives, and I encountered a few unexpected issues. I booked this hotel in Jordan and Nathan Road through Trip.com in advance. It's right across from Wing On Department Store, making it very convenient for shopping, exploring, taking the MTR, and dining. The room photos online only showed one angle, and I didn't pay close attention to the bed size. Based on past experiences, I was surprised to find the room quite small upon arrival (I could only fully open one suitcase). Also, the windows were sealed and couldn't be opened for ventilation, which I'm not sure if that's typical for hotels in Hong Kong. Another mix-up was that I selected offline payment when booking, but at the hotel, they only accepted Hong Kong dollars for offline payments. Despite these things, the hotel's room service was excellent – very responsive and attentive. I really appreciate it.
From€ 110
8.6/103853 Reviews
Prince Edward and Tai Kok Tsui Hong Kong|0.78km from downtown
Great! They have universal power adapters, a laundry room, and it's an eco-friendly hotel ♻️. It was very clean. A big thank you to the handsome guy who checked me in on the afternoon of the 15th for the room he arranged for me. I love it! 👍
From€ 97
9/10Good2406 Reviews
Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong|1.32km from downtown
I am extremely disappointed with my stay at this Nathan hotel. The overall experience was far below my expectations. First, the front desk female staff were impolite and unprofessional during the check-in process. Their attitude made me feel unwelcome from the moment I arrived. To make matters even more disappointing, the day of my check-in was my birthday, and I had hoped to enjoy a pleasant stay. Instead, it turned into a very frustrating experience. After entering my room, I noticed that the air conditioning was not working properly. The room remained uncomfortably warm despite adjusting the temperature. I contacted the hotel, and an engineer came to inspect the air conditioner. He turned off the main power and restarted the system, but the problem remained unresolved. Rather than offering to change my room or provide an effective solution, the hotel simply gave us a fan. Providing a fan is not an acceptable solution to a faulty air conditioning system. The room remained hot and uncomfortable throughout the stay, which seriously affected my comfort, sleep quality, and overall experience. Given the poor service, the lack of professionalism, and the unresolved air conditioning issue, I believe the hotel failed to provide the standard of accommodation that guests should reasonably expect. Another male front desk staff member escorted us to Room 1004 on the Executive Floor. However, the room only had one king-size bed, and the hotel informed us that they could only provide a foldaway bed. This was completely different from the room type I had booked. My reservation was clearly for a room with two double beds, so I do not understand why the hotel failed to provide the room type that I had reserved and confirmed. This caused unnecessary inconvenience and added to my disappointment with the overall stay. The next day, the Duty Assistant Manager offered us two alternative rooms. However, neither of them was satisfactory. The first room was on the 10th floor, but it still had only one king-size bed, which did not match my original reservation. The second room was on the 5th floor and contained four twin beds in the form of two bunk beds. This room was clearly not comparable to the Executive Floor room that I had originally booked and was not suitable for our needs. I made my booking based on the expectation that the hotel would provide the room type that was confirmed in my reservation. Unfortunately, the hotel failed to do so, which significantly affected our stay. In addition to the issues mentioned above, the hair dryer in our room was also defective because the power plug had come loose and could not be used safely. I contacted the front desk to request a replacement hair dryer, but I was informed that the Housekeeping team first needed to come to the room to verify the issue before a replacement could be provided. This unnecessary process caused further inconvenience during our stay. I would, however, like to recognize the professionalism and excellent service provided by the Housekeeping staff and the bellboy. They were polite, helpful, and courteous throughout our stay, and they deserve to be commended for their efforts. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the front desk staff. Their attitude was consistently disappointing from check-in to check-out. The male staff member who assisted us during check-out was also unfriendly and unprofessional. I believe the front desk team requires further customer service training to improve their attitude and the way they communicate with guests. Overall, this was one of the most disappointing hotel experiences I have ever had. I will not stay at Nathan Hotel again, nor will I recommend it to others. I sincerely hope that Trip.com and the hotel will take this complaint seriously and provide a fair resolution to this matter.
From€ 103
8.9/104448 Reviews
Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong|1.69km from downtown
Excellent service and a fantastic location. The room size is a real advantage for its price point in Hong Kong. Standard rooms are around 22㎡, while duplex suites are 36㎡, both featuring a sofa, a separate bathtub, and a wet/dry partitioned bathroom. You can fully open your large luggage without feeling cramped, which is a significant plus as most Hong Kong hotels at this price are only 10-14㎡. Bonus: a free mini-bar with complimentary refills of bottled water, Coke, and soda – no extra charges! The hotel is directly connected to a 6-story shopping mall downstairs, offering everything from sneaker stores and beauty shops to sushi and a food court, so you're covered for food and shopping 24/7. Plus, it has direct access to MTR Exit E. Truly great! The room also has plenty of charging outlets, as shown in pictures one and two.
From€ 94
9/10Good9043 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from downtown
I was really satisfied with my stay here in Africa. It's an easy 8-minute walk from Shimen MTR station, which is on the Tuen Ma line. This makes it super convenient for getting to concerts at Kai Tak and Hung Hom. You can also easily transfer to the East Rail Line at Tai Wai for trips across the harbor to Admiralty or even up to Lo Wu in Shenzhen. The hotel and rooms are both brand new and offer great value for money.
From€ 76
9.1/10Good16250 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from downtown
Traveling with family, the transportation here is very convenient. It's just a few minutes' walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby, like Chong Sao just next door. The extra bed was a camp bed, which was pretty good. For three people in space-constrained Hong Kong, it was quite decent. For afternoon tea, my favorite was the curry fish balls, and the chicken wings were also good. Service: The cleaning auntie was very kind. She noticed we had a lot of daily trash and even gave us an extra bin (*^ω^*)
From€ 106

Show more

Show more

What Is an Octopus Card🌟

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:

  1. Buy the card at any MTR station, 7-Eleven, or Circle K store.
  2. Tap the card on the reader when boarding or paying. You’ll hear a “beep” sound to confirm payment.
  3. Check the balance on the screen after tapping.
  4. 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”💡 

Hong Kong Tramways (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.

Why Everyone Loves the Tram🌇 

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

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. 🚋✨

FAQs about Hong Kong Tram

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Daisy

Daisy

Travel Lover

View profile

I’m a travel lover who can never say no to good food, stunning beaches, and the beauty of nature. Sharing my adventures and travel tips, I hope to inspire you to explore, taste, and unwind wherever you go.

266 articles
Travel Enthusiast Foodie Nature Lover
> >
hong kong tram