The Only 3 Hong Kong Double-Decker Bus Rides Worth Taking

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There’s nothing quite like riding shotgun on the top deck of a Hong Kong double-decker bus. Neon signs zip past, high-rises elbow each other for space, and—bam—suddenly you’re looking out over peaks and valleys and jungle-covered hills. It’s prime people-watching and city-gazing all rolled into one.

But here’s the deal: if it’s your first time in Hong Kong, double-decker buses aren’t the easiest way to get around. They’re scenic, cheap, and fun, but also a little chaotic if you don’t know the routes. That’s why I only really recommend them for three rides: Stanley, The Peak, and the Big Bus Tour.

Now, if you’ve got a bit more time, or you’re back in Hong Kong for round two, try the classic Hong Kong joyride. Hop on any bus that looks interesting, sit up top, and just see where it takes you. I did this once on a rainy day from Causeway Bay, camera in hand, and ended up in Aberdeen after three glorious hours of getting totally lost.

Just keep your Octopus card handy, buckle up (seriously, accidents do happen), and skip the snacks. Eating isn’t allowed onboard. Oh, and board at the terminus if you can, so you snag that golden front-row seat.

👉 For everyday journeys, my guides to getting around Hong Kong which compares buses with the MTR, trams, ferries and taxis, and how to pay for public transport in Hong Kong.

The Stanley Bus from Central

If you only take one public double-decker bus ride in Hong Kong, let it be the journey to Stanley. The route starts at the Central Bus Terminus under IFC, near Exchange Square, not the waterfront by the Star Ferry Pier (many first-timers get confused because the Peak bus actually leaves from the terminus on the waterfront).

I always aim to board right at that first stop to grab a coveted window seat on the top deck. The Central Bus Terminus is tucked under the IFC building and easy to miss, but once you find it, you’re golden.

Once the bus pulls away, you’ll get a front-row seat to Hong Kong’s shifting scenery, from the glass towers of Central to the tree-covered hills to tracing Hong Kong’s southern coastline. You’ll spot Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, and the rollercoaster at the fun park Ocean Park, clinging impossibly to the cliffside. (Did it once. Never again.) The entire bus journey takes about 40–50 minutes.

Then comes the descent into Stanley Village. It’s got that tucked-away feel: a small tourist market with linen shirts and souvenirs, waterfront restaurants, and just enough to explore. There’s Murray House, an old colonial building rebuilt stone-by-stone. And Blake Pier, where you can catch the sea breeze and snap a few photos. It’s low-key, a little nostalgic, and totally worth the trip.

Catching the bus back is just as easy. Every route (6, 6A, 6X, 260) stops at Stanley’s main terminal. Just listen for the English announcement, hop off, and grab one of the dozen buses waiting to take you back. You don’t have to stick to the same number. Whatever comes first and heads your way is fine.

Whether you’re in for a couple hours or the whole afternoon, this bus trip + village visit hits a sweet note between touristy and local. This one’s not just a scenic ride: it’s a mini-escape. A little secret that shows you a completely different side of Hong Kong’s coastal beauty, all for the price of a local bus fare.

👉 If you want the exact boarding point, fare and step-by-step instructions, see my guide to taking the bus from Central to Stanley.

The Peak Bus From Central

This trip by public bus is one of the most exciting ways to experience Hong Kong, and it’s my absolute favorite way to get to The Peak.

The No. 15 Peak Bus will take you through Central and Admiralty then uphill, through leafy roads, past hillside mansions, and with those blink-and-you’ll-miss-’em views over Happy Valley and Victoria Harbour. I’ve taken it more times than I can count, and that climb never gets old.

You’ll want to catch it at the first stop: Central Pier Bus Terminus, just near Star Ferry Pier 5. It’s not hard to find. Come up from Exit A of Central MTR, walk through the IFC Mall and across the footbridge. Follow the signs for “Outlying Ferries” and you’ll spot the bus stand running parallel to the waterfront. If you’re coming from Kowloon, just take the Star Ferry across. Easy.

The ride itself is pure Hong Kong magic. One minute you’re weaving through traffic in Central, the next you’re winding up Magazine Gap Road, eye-level with treetops and tiled rooftops. There’s something exhilarating about sitting up top as the bus tackles those hairpin turns, especially when the view opens up and you catch a full panorama of the city far below.

Once you reach the top, the bus drops you off right at the Peak Galleria. From there, you’ve got lots of things to do at The Peak: grab lunch with a view, take in the skyline at the Lion’s Pavilion, or wander the quieter walking paths that loop around the Peak. And if you’re feeling fancy (or short on time), you can always take the Peak Tram back down to Central. It’s iconic, if a bit overrated. But hey, sometimes you just want to tick the box.

For less than the price of a coffee, you get a mini tour through one of the most scenic parts of the city. It’s local, it’s cheap, and it’s got a view that’ll make you forget you’re riding public transport.

👉 I explain the complete route, boarding point and return journey in my guide to the best way to get to Victoria Peak.

Big Bus Hong Kong Green Route from Central

If you’re short on time, jet-lagged, or just not in the mood to figure out local buses, the Big Bus Hong Kong Stanley Tour Green Route is the low-effort, high-reward way to see a whole chunk of Hong Kong Island, especially the south side.

It is one of several easy options in my guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong for first-time visitors.

The route kicks off from Pier 7 in Central (right next to the Star Ferry), and from there it loops through some of the most scenic areas in Hong Kong including: Wan Chai’s waterfront, the Peak Tram stop, Repulse Bay, Ocean Park, and Stanley. It’s hop-on, hop-off, so you can do the full circuit or jump off at the spots that interest you most.

Routes and stops can change, so check the current map when booking.

You won’t get the same local vibe as riding the No. 6 or 15 buses, but it’s stress-free and surprisingly comprehensive. There’s commentary in multiple languages via headphones, and if you time it right, you can watch the sun dip over the South China Sea from the top deck.

📍 Top Stops Worth Getting Off For:

• The Peak Tram Stop If you want to squeeze in the Peak without a queue, you can detour here and take the tram up (though I prefer the bus).
• Stanley The bus drops you just behind Stanley Plaza, so you’re steps from the market, the promenade, and a solid lunch by the sea.
• Repulse Bay Stop here if you want to stretch your legs on the sand and maybe dip a toe in the water.
• Ocean Park Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth seeing that cliff-hugging rollercoaster. Seriously, it looks like it’s about to fly into the sea.
• Aberdeen This one’s optional, but if you’re curious about sampans and floating restaurants, it’s a quick, authentic peek at old-school Hong Kong.

If you’re feeling ambitious, do a full loop first, then go back and hop off at the places that caught your eye. It’s a smart, relaxed way to get a sense of the island especially if it’s your first visit.

👉 You can get your Big Bus Hong Kong Tickets here

Riding Just for the Views: My Joyriding Tip for Longer Stays

If you’ve already ticked off the must-see spots and have a few days to spare, here’s a local-style adventure I always recommend: hop on a random double-decker bus, head to the top deck, and just ride.

You don’t need a plan. That’s the fun of it. You’ll roll past wet markets, tiny temples, flashy skyscrapers, and the kind of street scenes that make Hong Kong, well, Hong Kong. It’s the cheapest city tour you’ll get. Just tap your Octopus card, find a window seat, and enjoy the ride.

One rainy day, I caught a bus near Causeway Bay. Armed with my camera, I climbed to the upper deck and just let it take me wherever it was going. I had no clue where I’d end up, but I spent three hours up there, totally absorbed, watching the city shift from busy shopping streets to quiet suburban corners.

I snapped some of my favourite street shots ever on that ride. Eventually, I ended up in Aberdeen weirdly exhilarated, and kind of proud that I’d let go of the plan and just gone along for the ride.

Just a heads-up: if the bus starts heading somewhere too far-flung or confusing, don’t panic. Hop off, check Google Maps, and either find your way back via MTR, or do what I do and just flag a taxi. Easy.

It’s a super chill, zero-stress way to see the city like a local. And trust me, you’ll come back with better stories (and photos) than if you’d stuck to the guidebook.

Final Thoughts on the Hong Kong Double-Decker Bus

Double-decker buses are not the fastest way to get around, but they just might be the most memorable.

Choose a seat up top, let the city unfold, and for a few dollars, you’ll see Hong Kong in a way no MTR trip can show you.

Riding a Hong Kong double-decker bus is part joyride, part city tour, part window into everyday life. And once you’ve done it, you’ll get why locals still take the bus, even when there’s a faster way.

Hungry Yet? Here’s What to Eat (and Drink) Next

If all that bus joyriding’s got your stomach rumbling, don’t worry, Hong Kong is a dream city for foodies, whether you’re after grab-and-go snacks or a table with a killer view.

You can’t go wrong starting with a few classic Hong Kong street snacks, just be warned, you’ll probably want seconds. If it’s cocktail o’clock, I’ve rounded up a few bars that are perfect for first-timers to Hong Kong, no awkward vibes, just great views and even better drinks.

And if you’re ready to sit down and eat properly, here are my go-to restaurants with a view that totally deliver. Trust me, nothing beats watching the skyline sparkle while you tuck into dinner.

🍜 If you want help navigating a cha chaan teng menu for the first time, a food tour makes things much easier. See my review of the Sham Shui Po food tour I did

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