As in the previous answers....25 minutes is only 1 way. You'll need at least 2 hrs to 3 hrs to do this trip - to get in the queue to buy the tickets, get in the queue to get on the gondola, to walk thru the village, walk up the steps to see the big Budda (there's LOTS), to see the small village at the base then go back down. We did minimal touring through the village and it took us probably around 2 hrs total. BUT it's worth it!!

The train journey from Kowloon itself is 30 - 40 mins. We joined a queue for about 45 mins to purchase a ticket. The cable ride was about 40 mins. I would suggest a good two hours to see the big Buddha as well as the temple. 40 mins back to the railway station and then the train journey. Hope this helps.

Allow a half day for this, even with pre booked tickets.

The Cable Car ride is 25 minutes each way...

Our trip was cut short because we have a flight to catch too.

  We didn't get up to the Buddha we just walked around the village because there was queue of about 15 mins to catch the cable car back. Enjoy your trip

I’d say David’s analysis is pretty spot on. I think the cable ride is closer to your 25 minutes each way though, once you get on. I got there right when they opened, so the queue was very short. I also purchased on Klook, so I saved a few bucks and got to use their priority line. My biggest tip is to arrive early though. I arrived over CNY, but I’m sure it’s always pretty busy up there.