I have a question about the queue at the lower terminus of the Peak Tram. A few years ago, if there was a long line, it was always to purchase tickets at the ticket windows to the right. If you already had means to pass through the turnstiles (whether it be a commuter pass, pre-purchased ticket, or even an Octopus card with stored value), you could just go directly to the turnstile and skip the ticket window line. But when I was there recently, the line was huge (mostly mainland tourists from the look of it), snaked all the way around the front to just across from the US Consulate, AND they told me I had to wait in it even though I had an Octopus card to use. They said only "pre-purchased tickets" can skip the ticket line. The signage for Octopus card users was ambiguous and could be interpreted either way.

Has there been a change of policy, or was perhaps the staff member I dealt with misinformed?

I seem to recall that you had to have a prepaid ticket. But don't go by me.

However, I can say that I went to the Peak before 8 AM on a Saturday (November 15) and there was no line. It was quite glorious. I wish I had gone even earlier.

I do think the bus (the one that stops at Admiralty) is by far the better way to get up to the peak. Top deck seats on the right hand side -> ^

(But am interested to know what the score is here re: the tram...)

I'll say the hike in August is arduous, even after taking the escalators up (tried to pick up the tram mid-stop, but no surprise, it was always full) - ride down was relaxing though.

We took a cab early on a Saturday morning to go up to the Peak, and the Tram to go back. It was perfect, no queue at all.

Did the same, or at least the lower class equivalent: municipal bus up, tram down. Didn't start that early and still had no line at the top.

I guide a hike to the peak every Sunday morning at 9:30 from Wan Chai up Wanchai GAP and past Aberdeen Reservoir.
If someone wants to join and is reasonably fit for a fast ascent, please let me know. Need to sign up to the meetup group and accept the disclaimer.

To answer the OP, we took the tram up the Peak just before Christmas and were told that we had to wait in the long line with Octopus cards. Only prepaid and people buying the Tussauds package could jump the queue.

The queue stretched across to the other side of the road and there was another maze outside the Park entrance.

My string ensemble was escorted through the queue for a performance before Christmas, but I looked at the signs. Another group that can cut the queue are those with the monthly pass. I believe for residents on the Peak or near one of the intermediate stops only.

i second that. the bus goes from Central waterfront, meandering buzzy business districts, then climbing up hills through leafy streets in classy neighbourhoods. a wide worthy of doing by itself.

Sounds more scenic and less strenuous than the walk ^

Where did you originate? How much was the fare up?

Bus 15, Peak to Central/Admiralty is more fun going down upper front row. Especially when Stubbs Rd is not crowded.

HK has a number of memorable bus rides. The one that sticks out most in my mind is the Tsim East to Stanley route - the route, not the destination Stanley - but Victoria's peak has good ones too.

We did the HOHO bus and it included a ticket on the tram. The ticket also jumped the line. You still waited about 45 minutes, but there were tons of people behind us. Must have saved over an hour.