You’re standing in Central, surrounded by glass towers and the frantic humidity of Hong Kong. Your goal is the Peak. Most people—honestly, almost every tourist—will instinctively head for the Peak Tram. It’s iconic, sure. But it’s also pricey, often packed with a two-hour queue, and you spend half the ride staring at the back of someone's head. If you want the real experience, you go to the Exchange Square bus terminus and find the stand for Hong Kong Citybus Route 15.
It's a double-decker. That's the first win.
For the price of a cheap coffee, you get a front-row seat to one of the most terrifyingly beautiful drives in Asia. This isn't just a commuter link; it’s a gravity-defying crawl up the side of a mountain. Route 15 winds through Wan Chai, climbs up Stubbs Road, and snakes along the ridgeline of Hong Kong Island. You’ll see the cemetery at Happy Valley, the lush greenery of the mid-levels, and eventually, the South China Sea.
The Logistics of Hong Kong Citybus Route 15
Forget the "guided tours" that charge you five times the price. Route 15 is operated by Citybus, and it’s remarkably efficient. The journey takes about 40 to 50 minutes depending on how aggressive the traffic is in Admiralty.
The bus runs from Central (Pier 5) or the Exchange Square terminus. If you’re coming from the Star Ferry, the Pier 5 start is a godsend because you’re almost guaranteed a front seat on the upper deck. That is the golden rule. If you aren't sitting at the very front of the top deck, you’re doing it wrong. The windows are massive. When the bus swings around the hairpins on Stubbs Road, the front of the bus literally overhangs the cliffside for a split second. It’s better than a roller coaster because it’s real.
Most people get confused between the 15 and the 15B. Keep it simple: the 15B only runs on Sundays and public holidays, usually from Tin Hau. If you’re a traveler just trying to see the view on a Tuesday, stick to the standard 15. It runs frequently—usually every 7 to 15 minutes. You don’t need a ticket. Just tap your Octopus card or use a contactless credit card. It’s seamless.
Where to Sit and What to Look For
Right side. Sit on the right side if you’re going up.
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Why? Because as the bus climbs the winding path of Stubbs Road, the city opens up to your right. You’ll catch glimpses of the racing tracks at Happy Valley, then the dense skyline of Causeway Bay, and finally the harbor itself. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mountains of the New Territories.
Then the bus hits the Peak Road. The scenery shifts. Suddenly, you aren't looking at skyscrapers; you’re looking at some of the most expensive real estate on the planet. We’re talking about houses that cost more than small islands. Hidden behind gates and thick tropical foliage, these are the homes of the tycoons. Route 15 gives you a literal high-level view into gardens and balconies that are usually invisible from the street.
Why the Bus Beats the Tram Every Time
The Peak Tram is a funicular. It’s a piece of history. But let’s be real—it’s a tourist trap. The "Sky Terrace 428" at the top is fine, but it’s always crowded.
Hong Kong Citybus Route 15 offers a different kind of perspective. It’s slower, which is actually a benefit. You have time to watch the vegetation change from urban concrete to thick, subtropical jungle. You hear the engine roar as the driver maneuvers a massive vehicle through gaps that look like they were designed for a Mini Cooper. The skill of Hong Kong bus drivers is legendary, and Route 15 is their masterclass.
Also, the bus stops at different points on the mountain. If you want to hike, you can jump off early at Wan Chai Gap. From there, you can walk the Black's Link or the Hong Kong Trail. You can't do that on the Tram. The Tram is point A to point B. The bus is an exploration of the mountain's topography.
Practical Tips for the Savvy Rider
- Avoid the rush: Don't try to go up at 5:00 PM on a Saturday. You’ll be stuck in the Admiralty bottleneck for ages. Go mid-morning or late at night.
- The Night View: Taking the 15 down the mountain after dark is a religious experience. The city lights of Hong Kong are world-famous for a reason, and seeing them descend upon you as the bus winds down is hauntingly beautiful.
- Check the weather: If the Peak is covered in clouds (which happens a lot in spring), the bus is actually better. You might not see the harbor from the top, but you’ll get cool, misty views of the jungle during the climb.
- The Terminus: When you arrive at the Peak Galleria, the bus drops you in an underground terminus. Just walk upstairs and you’re right between the Galleria and the Peak Tower.
Common Misconceptions About the Route
A lot of people think the bus is "the long way." Technically, yes, it takes longer than the actual 8-minute Tram ride. But if you factor in the 45-minute wait at the Tram station, the bus is usually faster.
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Others worry about motion sickness. Honestly, if you’re very sensitive, maybe sit on the lower deck near the middle. The road is curvy. It’s a mountain road. But these aren't old, rickety buses. The Citybus fleet is modern, air-conditioned, and surprisingly stable.
One thing people often miss: the bus is much cheaper. While the Tram prices keep creeping up (now over $80 HKD for a return trip), the bus stays around $10-$12 HKD. It’s the best value-for-money sightseeing tour in the city. No contest.
The Route 15 Experience vs. Private Taxis
You could take a taxi. It’ll cost you about $100-$150 HKD from Central. But you’re sitting low to the ground. You’re staring at the bumper of the car in front of you. In a double-decker bus, you are elevated. You’re looking over the barriers. You’re looking down into the valleys.
The bus also gives you that weirdly specific Hong Kong soundscape: the "ding" of the bell, the automated voice announcing "The Peak," and the sound of the leaves brushing against the top of the bus. It’s authentic. It feels like you’re part of the city, not just a spectator looking through a sterile window.
How to Handle the Peak Once You Arrive
Once the Hong Kong Citybus Route 15 parks at the top, don't just follow the crowd into the Peak Tower. Everyone goes there for the Burger King and the overpriced souvenirs.
Instead, walk out and find Lugard Road. It’s a flat, paved walking path that circles the Peak. It’s free. It’s quiet. And it offers the exact same view as the expensive Sky Terrace. In fact, the view from Lugard Road is better because you can see the framed silhouette of the trees against the skyline. It’s where the professional photographers go to get those "National Geographic" shots of the harbor.
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If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the bus up and walk down. There’s a path called the Old Peak Road that leads you straight back into Central. It’s steep—your knees will feel it the next day—but it takes you through some beautiful forested areas right into the heart of the concrete jungle.
The Return Journey
Taking the 15 back down is just as good, but try to sit on the left side this time. The perspective changes. You feel the speed more on the descent.
If you’re heading back to the harbor, stay on until the final stop at Central Pier 5. From there, you can walk right onto the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui. It’s the perfect Hong Kong transport "triple threat": Double-decker bus, mountain views, and a cross-harbor ferry.
Final Checklist for Your Trip
Before you head to Exchange Square, make sure your Octopus card is topped up with at least $50 HKD. While the fare is low, you don't want to be that person fumbling for exact change at the fare box (they don't give change).
Bring a light jacket, even in summer. The air conditioning on Citybus is legendary—and by legendary, I mean it’s usually set to "Arctic Tundra" levels. Plus, the Peak is always a few degrees cooler than the city.
Next Steps for Your Peak Visit:
- Check the live bus arrival: Use the Citybus "Bravo" app or Google Maps to see exactly when the next Route 15 is leaving.
- Aim for the front row: If the bus is boarding and the top front seats are taken, consider waiting 10 minutes for the next one. It makes that much of a difference.
- Explore beyond the mall: Skip the Peak Tower's paid observation deck and head straight for the Lugard Road circular walk for the best free views in Hong Kong.