How I Finally Grabbed the Tram Pass in Hollow Knight's Deepnest

I still remember the first time I dropped into Deepnest without a plan. In 2026, after years of Hollow Knight speedruns, challenge runs, and even the long-awaited Silksong hype, Hallownest can still make me feel like a rookie. The winding tunnels, the skittering sounds, and the endless darkness? No picnic. But if you want fast travel beyond Stagways and the Dream Gate, you eventually have to bite the bullet and hunt down the Tram Pass.

Why the Tram Pass Matters

Hollow Knight gives you a few ways to cross Hallownest quickly. Stag Stations are reliable, and the Dream Gate is a lifesaver once you have enough Essence for the Seer. The Tramways, however, are the third major fast-travel option. They stay locked until you find the Tram Pass. That little glowing ticket opens up two tram lines, and it makes backtracking through Deepnest, the Ancient Basin, Kingdom's Edge, and other gloomy corners far less painful.

I learned that the hard way. I kept telling myself I would grab the Pass later. Later turned into an hour of walking, dying, and muttering, 'Are you kidding me?' at every Dirtcarver ambush.

Finding the Failed Tramway

The Tram Pass sits in the Failed Tramway in northern Deepnest. From the uppermost bench, head left and look for a large opening in the wall. That leads into an unfinished tram system. Lore-wise, it is a leftover from an abandoned project after the Weavers of Deepnest refused to follow the Pale King. In gameplay terms, it is a dark, cramped gauntlet full of creatures that would love nothing more than to turn me into a smear on the wall.

The main troublemakers are Carver Hatchers. These flying enemies do not rush you at first. Instead, they keep their distance and spit out Dirtcarvers. Those little crawlers either scuttle toward you or burrow underground and pop up for an ambush. If a Carver Hatcher spawns five Dirtcarvers, it starts swooping in for bites. My advice? Take out the Hatchers first. If you ignore them, the room turns into a circus, and not the fun kind.

The Route Through the Failed Tramway

Once I entered the Failed Tramway, I moved carefully and treated every shadow like it had teeth. Here is the route that worked for me:

1. 🧗 Use the Mantis Claw to scale the wall upward. This detour can lead you to a Lifeblood Cocoon, which is a nice safety net before the fight ahead.

2. ⬇️ Drop down into the path that leads into one of the old tram carts.

3. 🔧 Inside the tram cart, look to the far right. Hit the lever. This opens a gate on the left.

4. ⬆️ Directly above in the next area, find another lever. Interact with it to open another gate.

5. ⚔️ Continue left. Three Carver Hatchers await. Defeat them before they flood the arena with Dirtcarvers.

6. 🎫 After they are down, enter the tram cart through the roof. The Tram Pass is glowing in the corner. Grab it, and try not to do a happy dance while enemies are still nearby.

That final room felt like a puzzle box. I missed the roof entrance the first time because I was too busy panic-healing. Once I dropped in and saw that soft glow, I knew the worst was over. The Tram Pass was mine.

Using the Tram Pass

With the Tram Pass in hand, you can use either Tramway in Hallownest indefinitely. The closest station after collecting the Pass is in southeast Deepnest, near Nosk's arena. That is the southern tramway. It travels between Deepnest, the Ancient Basin, and Kingdom's Edge. The northern tram line stops at the Forgotten Crossroads and the Resting Grounds.

Tram Line	Stops	Why I Use It
Southern Tramway	Deepnest, Ancient Basin, Kingdom's Edge	Great for late-game exploration and reaching Kingdom's Edge without hiking through every hazard
Northern Tramway	Forgotten Crossroads, Resting Grounds	Handy for early-mid game backtracking and revisiting key areas

At any station, slot the Tram Pass into the door of the tram, rest on the bench inside, and choose your destination. It is simple, clean, and much faster than walking. After the chaos of Deepnest, riding the tram felt like first class.

Final Thoughts From a Veteran Wanderer

In 2026, Hollow Knight still holds up. Silksong may have taken the spotlight, but Hallownest remains a masterpiece of mood and exploration. The Tram Pass is one of those items that feels optional until you need it. Then it becomes the best thing since sliced bread.

If you are heading into Deepnest, do not wait too long. Bring patience, respect the Carver Hatchers, and remember that the Failed Tramway is not a boss arena. It is a test of route awareness. Once you have the Pass, fast travel opens up in a big way. And honestly? Hearing that tram hum to life after a dozen near-death experiences is one of the sweetest sounds in the game.