PEAK TRAM
Peak Tram approaching Barker Road Station
The Peak Tram, operated by Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, is a 1.4 kilometre funicular railway connecting the Central district of Hong Kong with the Peak Tower approx 150 metres below the summit of Victoria Peak. The journey is steep and spectacular with panoramic views over the northern coast of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. The tram which first opened in 1888 was the first mechanical public transport in Hong Kong and is the world's steepest funicular railway. When it opened it was the only form of transportation to the The Peak other than sedan chair and the trams were originally steam-driven until an electric cable haulage system was introduced in 1926. Until the 1960's had two classes of tickets, one for the rich and one for servants. The current modernised enclosed two-car trams were introduced in 1989, each with a capacity of 120 passengers (95 seated and 25 standing) although in quiet periods only one tram may be in operation. Trams operate at about 10/15 minute frequency and the journey from terminus to terminus takes about 7 minutes.
Inside the Peak Tram
The lower terminus is situated underneath St Johns Building on Garden Road (near Hong Kong Park, the Citibank Tower and distinctive Bank Of China Tower) and the upper terminus is located in the refurbished Peak Tower. There are intermediate stations at Kennedy Road, Macdonnell Road, May Road and Barker Road although at busy times it may not be possible to board at intermediate stations as the train may be full to capacity.
Peak Tram at Upper Terminus platform, Peak Tower
Peak Tram entry barriers to Peak Tram platform and Peak Tram Historical Gallery, Lower Peak Tram Terminus, Garden Road
Peak Tram approaching the Upper Peak Tram Terminus in the Peak Tower
SEE ALSO - THE PEAK
PEAK TRAM HISTORICAL GALLERY
Located at the Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road, in the concourse inside the platform entry barriers, the Peak Tram Historical Gallery features fifteen window displays with memorabilia illustrating the history of the Peak Tram during the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibits include a replicas of a first generation Peak Tram carriage, the 1926 Haulage Room, ticket office and various uniforms. Admission is free for all passengers using the Lower Peak Tram Terminus.
Passengers using the Lower Peak Tram Terminus can view the Peak Tram Historical Gallery
PEAK TRAM FARES (effective from 1st April 2011) are;
Adult HK$28 single, HK$40 return
Child HK11 single, HK$18 return
Senior (65 and over) HK$11 single, HK$18 return
SKY PASS
"Sky Pass" (combined Peak
Tram/Sky Terrace 428 ticket) is also available which
includes reduced admission charge to Sky Terrace 428. Prices, effective from 1st April 2011, are;
Adult HK$53 single, HK$65 return
Child HK$24 single, HK$31 return
Senior (65 and over) HK$24 single, HK$31 return
At the lower terminus Octopus Card holders need not join the queue for the ticket counter but can proceed directly to the platform barriers although at peak times particularly weekends there are often queues for access to the platform.
Peak Tram website;
http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/5_5_1.asp
See VICTORIA PEAK (The Peak) for more information about the Peak.
PEAK TRAM OPERATING HOURS
7am until midnight daily. Trams operate at about 10/15 minute frequency
GETTING THERE
The Lower Peak Tram Terminus is located on Garden Road and is served by BUS NUMBER 15C (either open-top double-deck or single-deck bus) from outside Central Pier 8 on Hong Kong Island (Star Ferry Pier for services to Hung Hom) and which also stops outside City Hall on Connaught Road Central. The bus service operates daily at about 15 minute intervals from 10am until 11-40pm and the journey takes about 10 minutes. The adult fare is HK$4.2.
15C bus at its starting point outside Central Pier 8 (adjacent to Star Ferry Pier - Central Pier 7). The service is operated by both open-top and single deck bus (see picture below).
Single-deck bus 15C outside Central Pier 8
The Lower Peak Tram Terminus can also be reached ON FOOT FROM CENTRAL OR ADMIRALTY MTR STATIONS within about 15 minutes walk. Garden Road where the Lower Peak Tram Terminus is situated is easily located by heading for the prominent Bank of China Tower (the very distinctive geometrically shaped glass sided tower with "forks" shooting up from the roof). Adjacent to the Bank of China Tower is the tall box-like structure of the Cheung Kong Centre and Garden Road runs uphill between these two buildings. The terminus is located near Citybank Tower at the first set of traffic lights. FROM CENTRAL MTR STATION take Exit J2 or Exit K. Exit J2 leads to Chater Garden from where Bank of China Tower is clearly visible. Exit K leads to Statue Square opposite the HSBC Building and the Bank of China Tower is visible to the left. From Bank of China Tower follow Garden Road uphill to the terminus. FROM ADMIRALTY MTR STATION take exit C1 and cross the bridge over Queensway to Pacific Place. In Pacific Place take the escalators on right which run up alongside the shopping mall. Go to the very top and cross the road to Hong Kong Park and follow the signs through Hong Kong Park to the Lower Peak Tram Terminus.