How to Get To Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island’s Highest Point

Getting to Victoria Peak is half the adventure. On my first visit to Hong Kong, I made the rookie mistake of showing up at the Peak Tram station at midday on a weekend. I waited in what felt like an endless queue for about 20 minutes before giving up and exploring other parts of Central instead.

On my second trip, after seeing that dreaded line-up yet again, I ditched the tram (once again) and hiked up instead, accidentally taking the most confusing route possible. Both times, I learned something useful about how to get to this iconic Hong Kong destination.

After two trips and some failed experiments, here’s everything I know about getting to Victoria Peak, from the iconic Peak Tram to buses, minibuses, taxis, and hiking trails most first-time visitors never consider.

Via the Peak Tram

No route up Victoria Peak is more iconic than the Peak Tram. (And, yes, as I discovered on both my trips, it’s got the crowds to prove it.)

The Peak Tram boards from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus (map) on Garden Road. The easiest way to get to the terminus is to take bus 15C from Central Pier 8, close to where you’d arrive on the Star Ferry from Kowloon.

(The bus stop is right beside the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.)

You can also walk to the tram station from Central MTR Station. Take Exit J2 and walk through Chatter Garden and down Garden Road. It only took me about 10 minutes to take this route.

As you’d imagine, the Peak Tram is insanely popular with visitors looking to check out The Peak.

In my experience during my two trips to Hong Kong, the station is often crowded, and line-ups can seem endless. Frustratingly, this still holds even if you buy a Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428 Pass online ahead of time.

Don’t have time (or patience) for waiting in the queue? I’d suggest these alternative transportation options:

On foot

Got extra time and energy? Hike to the top of Victoria Peak instead.

The most direct route to the summit is via Old Peak Road. The road starts just above the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens at the intersection of Albany Road and Robinson Road (map). This moderately challenging hike emerges near the Peak Tower.

On my first visit, I opted for the more confusing Tramway Path. The trail starts just south of the tram station between St. Joseph’s College and Hong Kong Park (map). The staired path ascends alongside the tramway, crossing over at one point.

Where the Tramway Path ends, I continued along the Brewin Path to May Road (map).

From here, swing right and follow May Road to Old Peak Road. Head upwards from the Old Peak Road Pavilion for a windy rip up a few switchbacks on the narrow road.

At the intersection of Old Peak Road and Barker Road, you can either swivel up Old Peak Road or follow Barker Road to the Findlay Path for the final ascent.

I went for the latter. (And, yes, it was accidental.)

Starting your hike from Mid-Levels or Sheung Wan? Take the longer, but more scenic, Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail. The 3.5-kilometre trail connects to Hatton Road, which meets up with the Peak Circle Walk for the final (thankfully) flat 1.1 kilometres.

By bus

Bus No. 15 runs between the Central Pier 5 (map) and The Peak. On Sunday and public holidays, you can also catch the bus at the Central Bus Terminus below One & Two Exchange Square (map). The journey to Peak Galleria will take about 40 minutes.

To get to the top, there’s also a minibus from Hong Kong Station. From the green minibus stop under International Finance Centre 2 (IFC2), take Minibus No. 1.

The minibuses depart every 5 to 15 minutes between 6:20 am and 12:00 am. The journey to the summit of Victoria Peak will take about 30 minutes.

By taxi or ride-share

From anywhere in Hong Kong, you can also catch a taxi or Uber to Victoria Peak. It’s the most expensive option, but, in my experience, it’s also the quickest and most convenient.

Note that if you’re taking a taxi from Kowloon, you’ll need to pay twice for the cross-harbour tunnel toll.