Navigating the Ding Ding

Hong Kong’s double-decker tram system, affectionately known by locals as the “Ding Ding” (due to the sound of its warning bell), has been operating on Hong Kong Island since 1904. It is not just a cheap way to commute; it is a moving historical monument and arguably the best sightseeing tour in the city. Here is how to ride it like a pro.

1. The Octopus Card is Mandatory

While you can technically pay with exact coin change, fumbling for coins while a line of angry commuters waits behind you is a rookie mistake. As soon as you arrive in Hong Kong, purchase an Octopus Card (a rechargeable smart card) from any MTR station or 7-Eleven. You tap this card to pay for almost everything in the city, including the Ding Ding.

2. Enter at the Back, Pay at the Front

The boarding system on the tram is the opposite of most modern buses.

• You board the tram through the turnstile at the back doors. You do not tap your Octopus card or pay when you enter.
• You exit the tram through the front doors next to the driver. This is when you tap your Octopus card on the reader to pay the flat fare (which is incredibly cheap, currently around 3 HKD regardless of distance).

3. Snagging the Best Seat

If you are riding for leisure rather than commuting, you want the best view. As soon as you board at the back, head straight up the narrow, winding staircase to the upper deck. The most coveted seats are the two right at the very front of the upper deck. From here, you can sit with the windows open, feeling the breeze, and watch the neon signs and bustling street life of Central and Causeway Bay pass right below you.

4. Beware the Lack of AC

This is crucial: The historic Ding Dings do not have air conditioning. During a sweltering August afternoon, sitting on the upper deck in stopped traffic can feel like sitting in an oven. The windows open, but that only helps when the tram is moving. If you are riding in the middle of summer, dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, and consider taking the air-conditioned MTR (subway) instead if you need to travel a long distance quickly.