Hong Kong and Macau - Peak Tram tickets - advance purchase

Wife and I are going to be in HK for 18 hours in a 2 weeks. When we were there last year we went to the peak tram station and saw the 75 minute wait and left (I have a bad back and can't stand in long queues). We'd like to try to go on this visit. When I go to the peak tram site (http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/5_5_6.asp) it says you can buy tickets from "appointed travel agents" but it does not list any. I am wondering if there is a way to get tickets in advance so we don't have to wait in the queue (we'll be there on Sunday afternoon, 20 May 2012 and I read Sunday is a busy day). We have some friends that live in HK but not sure if they can go buy "advance" tickets for us so we don't have to wait in queue. Does anyone know? Can tickets be bought on Friday for Sunday tram? Would having the ticket mean I don't have to wait in the long ticket queue? Is there another queue after purchasing tickets?

I'm also thinking that just taking the 15c bus might be fun and then take the tram down. Any idea how long the bus ride is from Star Ferry to Victoria Peak? Hopefully the tram ticket queue on the way down isn't as long.

Thanks for your help!

The peak tram accepts octopus cards should save you some time. The bus however is a good option. The wait for the peak tram seems to be even longer at the top. Last time we visited we took the tram to the top and the bus back down. Next time we are thinking of just taking the bus

I don't have answers for you about the Peak Tram, but the bus to the Peak is 15, not 15C. The latter only goes to the lower Peak Tram terminus. 15 to the peak takes about 35 minutes.

Last time I took the tram up, there was no line, but coming down the line was huge!!

I think it depends on the time of day, in the mornings going up will be busy, but at night (after dinner) going down will be busy so you can time it more or less to that schedule.

I personally think it's more interesting to ascend than descent, so I'd try to go after dinner on a clear night. (When most of the tour groups have gone home.)

depending on the time of the day, on a clear sunny day, expect a long line especially during sunset OR right before the 8pm light show. Using Octopus is a great idea and take a taxi down is the easiest and fastest way (about 80HKD). also, the best seats on the tram is ALWAYS on the right hand side window seat as you are going up.

Thanks everyone for your help. I think we'll play it by ear and see what the weather is like to determine if we take bus 15 or the tram up. The idea about a taxi on the way down is good so will keep that in mind!

Rob

If there's a way to get tickets in advance, I remember the tram making a few other stops enroute to the top. One seemed not too far from the beginning (within 1-2 min), and the driver made sure those people got on, but I think they had to stand. I'd go for this option if you can. From the terminus, it was a major CF buying the tickets, then waiting to get on trams. Pretty much just one long continuous line for both (I probably waited an hour, this was on a Saturday last Nov).

I took the tram up, but ended up just walking down. I thought it was a fairly relaxing/low-key walk. I saw several people walking and even running up. Most people were very friendly, and I struck up conversation with quite a few while on the way down (walked from the top back to the Conrad).

Walking down is easy, but the OP says he has a bad back. There's also the #1 green minibus, which gets you down to Central (IFC) quicker than the 15 bus, and cheaper than taxi.

Buy the Octopus Card for tourists.

It has the same price structure as other Octopus Card, and you get to keep the card.

Buy the Octopus Card for tourists.

It has the same price structure as other Octopus Card, and you get to keep the card.

Are you talking about the "sold tourist Octopus" that have only $80 of stored value (vs $100) and cannot be refunded? If so, how is that a good idea unless the OP wants a souvenir that costs $70?

Unless you have a penchant for pushy mainland tourists, just take the bus.

Unless you have a penchant for pushy mainland tourists, just take the bus.

Problem is that the Peak Tram is actually an interesting ride. And technically, I still haven't rode another funicular anywhere in the world that is not a straight path with more-or-less fixed angle. The Peak Tram is neither.

Are you talking about the "sold tourist Octopus" that have only $80 of stored value (vs $100) and cannot be refunded? If so, how is that a good idea unless the OP wants a souvenir that costs $70?

You are not a tourist. You won't understand.

Still now - I still have my "smartcard" from Singapore and South Korea. UK's Oyster is too expensive to keep.

Beside - it has some coupons within the package.

You are not a tourist. You won't understand.

Still now - I still have my "smartcard" from Singapore and South Korea. UK's Oyster is too expensive to keep.

Beside - it has some coupons within the package.

Weird. I didn't realize tourists = stored value card collectors.

What you should have said is:

"BTW, besides the regular Octopus that costs $150 to start with $100 spending money and $43 refundable deposit, there is also a tourist version with special graphics and come with bunch of tourist-oriented coupons. However, instead of $100 of spendable money, it only comes with $80, and the card is not refundable."

The cost is clearly not the same as the regular one. And no one ever forces a tourist to refund a card; he/she can always keep a regular Octopus as a souvenir.

Weird. I didn't realize tourists = stored value card collectors.

Well, you know - my home is full of mugs and cups from various places. My mom actually told me stopping buying mugs as souvenirs. I guess smartcards are better.

Too bad for me that Oyster is too expensive (and I have the travelcard at that time) and I lost my WMATA card :D:D:D

FWIW - I still have my travelcard with me...:D

The cost is clearly not the same as the regular one. And no one ever forces a tourist to refund a card; he/she can always keep a regular Octopus as a souvenir.

Tourist Octopus Card is specially designed so they do have the value being a souvenir. Beside, they include discount coupons. So the high cost may be able to justify.

FWIW - I don't what are those coupons for.

Quick update - the weather was not great with terrible visibility and rain so we didn't even bother going up to Victoria Peak :(

At least next time I'll have all info on the various options. Thanks again for the help!